Tag Archives: Biochemistry

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Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis

June 22, 2017
Biochemistry addictiveness

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis are very instrumental in solving the drug addiction problem

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis: Ending alcohol abuse using alternative treatment

The door to biochemistry addictiveness opens when either the hypothalamus or one of the organs which serve the hypothalamus in accomplishing this job is injured, or if the nutrients required are not available. In any one of these conditions, the entire system will fall off the “point zero” (homeostasis) that the HPA system tries to maintain opening the door for addictive biochemistry. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health Center under the leadership of Doctor Dalal Akoury MD, we can’t change the fact that addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism are associated with overexpression of the sympathetic nervous system; low serotonin, GABA, dopamine, endorphins and enkephalins and it is in the hypothalamus where the delicate job of balancing this network of hormones and neurotransmitters to achieve physical and mental health is supposed to be done whether it be directly from the hypothalamus or via the pituitary and adrenals under the control of the hypothalamus.

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis: Differences between biochemistry and alcoholism

The only difference between addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism is that addictive biochemistry becomes aggravated, meaning that the deficient condition within the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenals is made more profound by the damaging effects of alcohol toxicity and the medicating effects which, while drinking, overexpress serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine which magnifies the negative impact of an already up-regulated brain chemistry. The symptoms the problem drinker experiences intensify in direct relationship to the diminishing health of the neuroendocrine system which further encourages the person to drink more thus causing further damages. This cycle progressively intensifies until intervention which discontinues and heals the damage is required to stop it.

The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus and is directly connected to it via nerve and circulatory pathways. The hypothalamus regulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn controls hormonal secretions of all other glands; however, specific to alcoholism we are concerned with the function of the adrenals and the secretion of cortisol which is under control of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophin) secreted by the pituitary, and epinephrine and norepinephrine which is also released by the adrenals due to a rise in CRH and/or signals from the sympathetic nervous system.  In the case of cortisol release, when the hypothalamus registers low blood sugar it will send CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) to the pituitary which then releases ACTH which will cause cortisol to be secreted from the adrenals.  This chain of events will also cause the release of epinephrine and to a lesser degree norepinephrine.  Prolonged increased levels of epinephrine will block insulin receptors which lead to insulin resistance and lowered serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and GABA levels which impair HPA functions and increases compulsive/addictive behavior.

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys and are directly controlled by the pituitary gland. The adrenals are comprised of two sections; one is the medulla which is the inner core and the second is the adrenal cortex which is the outer layer. The medulla relates to the sympathetic nervous system and produces the catecholamine’s epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones, aldosterone, and what we’re most concerned with cortisol.

Although it is hard to imagine because they are docked on our kidneys, adrenal health is fundamental to our mental health. Proper levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are crucial to our mental well-being so the concentrated focus needs to be applied to their health when healing addictive biochemistry and alcoholism. As you consider breaking way from addictive biochemistry and alcoholism, you can always consult with doctor Dalal Akoury an expert in this discipline for over two decades and has been helping many get their life back globally by emphasizing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Biochemistry addictiveness and HPA axis: Ending alcohol abuse using alternative treatment

 

 

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Glutamate-Homeostasis-Hypothesis-Addiction

Addictive biochemistry and the HPA axis

December 27, 2016
Addictive biochemistry

Addictive biochemistry and the HPA axis that focuses on the real action points

Addictive biochemistry and the HPA axis: Ending alcohol abuse using alternative treatment

The door to addictive biochemistry opens when either the hypothalamus or one of the organs which serve the hypothalamus in accomplishing this job is injured, or if the nutrients required are not available. In any one of these conditions, the entire system will fall off the “point zero” (homeostasis) that the HPA system tries to maintain opening the door for addictive biochemistry. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, we can’t change the fact that addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism are associated with overexpression of the sympathetic nervous system; low serotonin, GABA, dopamine, endorphins and enkephalins and it is in the hypothalamus where the delicate job of balancing this network of hormones and neurotransmitters to achieve physical and mental health is supposed to be done whether it be directly from the hypothalamus or via the pituitary and adrenals under the control of the hypothalamus.

Differences between biochemistry and alcoholism

The only difference between addictive biochemistry and full out alcoholism is that addictive biochemistry becomes aggravated, meaning that the deficient condition within the hypothalamus, pituitary or adrenals is made more profound by the damaging effects of alcohol toxicity and the medicating effects which, while drinking, overexpress serotonin, endorphins and dopamine which magnifies the negative impact of an already up-regulated brain chemistry. The symptoms the problem drinker experiences intensify in direct relationship to the diminishing health of the neuroendocrine system which further encourages the person to drink more thus causing further damages. This cycle progressively intensifies until intervention which discontinues and heals the damage is required to stop it.

The pituitary gland is located below the hypothalamus and is directly connected to it via nerve and circulatory pathways. The hypothalamus regulates the function of the pituitary gland which in turn controls hormonal secretions of all other glands; however, specific to alcoholism we are concerned with the function of the adrenals and the secretion of cortisol which is under control of ACTH (adrenocorticotrophin) secreted by the pituitary, and epinephrine and norepinephrine which is also released by the adrenals due to a rise in CRH and/or signals from the sympathetic nervous system.  In the case of cortisol release, when the hypothalamus registers low blood sugar it will send CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) to the pituitary which then releases ACTH which will cause cortisol to be secreted from the adrenals.  This chain of events will also cause the release of epinephrine and to a lesser degree norepinephrine.  Prolonged increased levels of epinephrine will block insulin receptors which lead to insulin resistance and lowered serotonin, endorphin, enkephalin and GABA levels which impair HPA functions and increases compulsive/addictive behavior.

The adrenals sit on top of the kidneys and are directly controlled by the pituitary gland. The adrenals are comprised of two sections; one is the medulla which is the inner core and the second is the adrenal cortex which is the outer layer. The medulla relates to the sympathetic nervous system and produces the catecholamine’s epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex produces sex hormones, aldosterone, and what we’re most concerned with cortisol.

Although it is hard to imagine because they are docked on our kidneys, adrenal health is fundamental to our mental health. Proper levels of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine are crucial to our mental well-being so the concentrated focus needs to be applied to their health when healing addictive biochemistry and alcoholism. As you consider breaking way from addictive biochemistry and alcoholism, you can always consult with doctor Dalal Akoury an expert in this discipline for over two decades and has been helping many get their life back globally by emphasizing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Addictive biochemistry and the HPA axis: Ending alcohol abuse using alternative treatment

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Estrogen Replacement Therapy

December 25, 2014

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)The estrogen hormone plays crucial roles in the life of a woman. Among other things this hormone is responsible for the maintenance of human skin. They improve collagen content and quality, increase skin thickness and improve blood supply to the skin, maintaining good moods in women. Estrogen has effects on other hormones too as it increases cortisol and Sex hormone binding globulin. Estrogens increase melanin and pheomelanin and reduce eumelanin.

The known basic roles of estrogen hormones in women is that it promotes the growth and health of the female reproductive organs and keeps the vagina moisturized, elastic and well supplied with blood. Moisturized vagina is safe for sex as it will not allow for bruises that may be a source of pain during sex. This hormone also makes the vagina elastic hence making it able to accommodate a good size of penis during intercourse without pain.  When this hormone declines all its functions will become unattended to making sex a rare practice for those in post menopause.

Despites its benefits, after menopause the ovaries of women stops producing certain hormones and this lead to lower levels of these hormones in the body. The hormones; progesterone, estrogen and testosterone plays certain crucial roles in the body of a woman.

The decline in the levels of this hormone leads to low sex drive among other problems. The person loses interest in sex and sexual intercourse becomes a once in a while indulgence as opposed to a regular activity that it was before menopause.

Low Estrogen Symptoms

Low estrogen levels are low moments for every woman. During this time women will suffer varied symptoms that lasts for varied length of time however few women will be able to know that they are suffering the symptoms as a result of decline in the levels of estrogen hormone. It is advisable that every woman should have her levels of estrogen hormone checked frequently to shun the chances of being debilitated by these symptoms. Symptoms of low estrogen hormones include the following

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of libido
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Anxiety
  • Thinning hair
  • Weight gain
  • Arthritis
  • Difficulty concentrating

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) 

During menopause the production of estrogen hormones stops but the need for estrogen hormone still stands therefore the need to supplement this crucial hormone sets in, besides with low levels of this hormone women suffer such symptoms as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis among other conditions. Going for estrogen replacement therapy may help fight against the symptoms of menopause in women.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy has helped many women to win fight against post menopause symptoms. Here are some benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy.

  • Help prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and promoting some increase in bone density.
  • Reduce the risk of dental problems, such as tooth loss and gum disease.
  • Maintain the lining of the vagina, reducing irritation.
  • Reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
  • Improve moodiness and sleep problems related to hormone changes.
  • Increase skin collagen levels, which decline as estrogen levels decline. Collagen is responsible for the stretch in skin and muscle.

Risks associated with ERT

Despite its many benefits there are also risks associated with ERT. These risks may include;

  • Vaginal discharge.
  • Fluid retention.
  • Weight gain.
  • Breast tenderness.
  • Spots on skin may appear
  • In rare cases, an increased growth of preexisting uterine fibroids or a worsening of endometriosis.

Natural Estrogen Replacement

There are some risks associated with ERT, however the good news is that both diet and the right supplements provide some of the safest and most effective hormone balancing remedies. One of the favorite and best-researched foods for menopausal symptoms is flaxseed. Flaxseeds offer a high content of essential fatty acids and large quantities of a natural hormone-balancing substance known as lignins. Lignins are very potent anti-cancer agents for cancers that are hormone sensitive and extensive studies on both colon and breast cancer show that as little as 2 tablespoons per day is highly effective in reducing tumor growth. The best news of all: Lignins possess both anti-estrogen and estrogenic properties. With regard to menopausal symptoms, they are as effective as traditional HRT in lessening hot flashes and sweating. Grind up a couple of tablespoons a day and put it in your smoothie, yogurt, or cereal. You’ve then got one of the best sources for health, healing, and taking charge of your menopausal symptoms naturally.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)

Another nature given remedy for low estrogen symptoms is the evening primrose oil, which is a source of GLA, an essential fatty acid has been found to be mostly helpful for getting rid of cramping, irritability, headaches, and water retention that are so common with PMS. But its benefits don’t just stop with PMS. It can also be used in a natural hormone replacement therapy in menopause. It works to suppress hot flashes and triggers the production of serotonin, the feel good hormone in the brain. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and plain old dry skin are marvelously helped with evening primrose oil and other GLA-containing botanicals. It is one of the most potent inner and outer menopausal and skin care treatments known.

Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed wellness and resource center is an expert in integrative treatment and has helped many women fight menopause symptoms naturally. If you’re struggling with menopause or dealing with low estrogen symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain and depression, estrogen hormone replacement therapy (ERT) may be the answer. Please call (843) 213-1480 to contact her.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

 

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Sex Hormones Depression: Restoring sex Hormones cures it.

September 29, 2014

Sex Hormones Depression; Neurotransmitters: Depression, Anxiety

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex hormones Depression is real. There is a clear relationship between sex hormones and mood disorders in human beings. But before we delve into the topic, it is important to highlight the definition of a few basic terms at this pointSex hormones Depression is real.

What are Hormones?

Basically, a hormone is a special biochemical compound in the body that is secreted by specialized glands and used to perform specific functions. Hormones can be produced either by specialized cells within the brain or by the cells of specialized glands which are located at specific points within the body.

For hormones to work efficiently, they depend on the activity of special cells that are able to respond to their signals. These cells are known as receptors. What happens is that many different organs and tissues of the body have specific types of receptors for specific hormones. Therefore, a particular hormone is able to affect an organ that has receptors that match it.

Therefore, when hormones are produced, they are able to travel throughout the body via the normal body circulatory systems. However, they only affect specific organs in the body, those that have the right receptors. Further, the activity of hormones in the body may be regulated by other hormones. This usually happens in the form of the presence of one hormone either signaling the production or inhibition of another.

What are Neurotransmitters? How do they relate to Sex Hormones Depression?

Neurotransmitters are special biochemical compounds that trigger activity between nerve cells. Seen as messengers, neurotransmitters function by linking activity between two nerve cells: the one that is producing it and a different nerve or brain cell.

Hormones have been known to act in a manner similar to that of neurotransmitters, thus affecting the mood of individuals. Although there are many different types of hormones, those ones that are related to sex have received a lot of attention in the role that they play in influencing moods, particularly when acting as neurotransmitters. There are different types of sex hormones which include the following: testosterone, estrogen, dopamine and progesterone. Of all these, testosterone and estrogen are the ones that have received a lot of attention with regard to the role that, when acting as neurotransmitters, they play in causing anxiety and depression in individuals. So when Sex Hormones Depression occurs by restoring sex hormones imbalances we may alleviate the symptoms of depression.

How sex hormones depression and anxiety occur?

There are several ways in which different types of sex hormones can be used to help patients with anxiety and depression. We shall look at the most important ones briefly.

Testosterone

First, when the level of testosterone in an individual falls, symptoms such as low energy, lack of vitality and low libido appear. Interestingly, the reverse of this process is also true. When a patient receives a testosterone therapy, there is a sudden increase in energy, vitality and libido. Importantly, depression and anxiety are characterized by low libido and lack of energy. Although these observations are influenced by so many other factors, it can be concluded that testosterone has a role to play in helping male patients who are showing signs of depression and anxiety.

Second, studies indicate that there is an association between low level of testosterone and depression. What this means is that some men who have abnormally low levels of testosterone are prone to depression. These observation leads to the conclusion that testosterone can be used to help male patients suffering from depression.

When used to treat depression in men who have low levels of sex hormones, testosterone has produced mixed results. However, the most important thing to note is that in some cases, the hormone has proven effective in treating depression. This means that it can actually be used to treat depression in men, when applied as a single therapy.

Estrogen

The possible use of estrogen in helping women overcome depression and anxiety can best be understood when one considers the normal cycles in women that characterize its production. Basically, changes in estrogen levels take place in three major phases: before menstruation, during the postpartum period and after the menopause period. In all these phases, hormonal changes in the body of a woman cause erratic changes in the mood. It is common for many women to experience depressive symptoms during all these stages. The severity, and extent of the occurrence, however varies a great deal. Since the mood changes that occur during these periods are usually as a result of hormonal changes, with estrogen being the biggest contributor, it then follows that estrogen and other sex hormones are directly linked to depression. Therefore, they can be used to ease depression symptoms in women.

For women who are past their menopause and are experiencing depression, estrogen has been successfully used to overcome the symptoms of depression. Although there are many other factors that may influence the process, the consensus is that hormone therapy has proven to be an effective method of treating depression in different kinds of patients.

Sex Hormones Depression

Sex Hormones Depression

Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, we keep abreast of all recent developments in the use of hormone therapy to treat depression and anxiety in men and women. Our approach remains highly professional and tailored to your individual needs. Regardless of your specific health need, feel free to contact Dr. Dalal Akoury for a consultation session. You may as well visit us in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to experience our range of healthcare services.

Sex hormones Depression, neurotransmitters, depression and anxiety

 

 

 

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