Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

January 29, 2015

Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a common health problem that affects many Americans today. It often occurs when you undergo some stressful situation that you can’t bounce out of. If you feel tired all the time or don’t feel like your body is functioning as it would, you are probably a victim of adrenal fatigue. When it occurs, it affects the quality of your life to a great extent. All of a sudden you face difficulties when trying to exercise and an attempt to just sit down and relax proves quite hard. There is more. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue you tend to fall ill more often than you are used to and the healing process is a long one.

The condition is not a new one. It has affected people for year. Physician awareness of the disease is on the increase although many doctors are not conversant with it as a syndrome. Patients thereby end up suffering because the symptoms are not well diagnosed and therefore the treatment they are given is wrong.

What is adrenal fatigue?

First of all adrenal glands refer to glands that are located in the kidneys perform the function of secreting a number of hormones. Such hormones include; cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone and estrogen among others. Adrenal fatigue thereby occurs as a result of the adrenal glands not operating normally. This dysfunction is often brought about by pressure, stress or an illness the person may be going through. In the case of adrenal fatigue, the adrenal glands function at a lower level when the patient is under stress, rest or illness.

Adrenal-Fatigue-Patterns

Role of Cortisol in the Body

It is one of the hormones produced by the adrenaline glands. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced when we are under stress of tension in order to cool us down. Some situations are often stressful and no matter how much we try to avoid them, we find that at one point in our lives stress must be a part of us. It may be stress due to loss of property or relative, financial pressures, drugs or any other major event in our lives that takes a toll on us.

This is where the adrenal glands come in. They play a major role in the body and none of us can do without them. The hormones produced by the adrenaline glands are useful to us in one way or another. Adrenaline keeps you relaxed and in control of the situation.

So when do things start going bad? It is common knowledge that too much or too little of something can wreak havoc in our bodies. In as much as adrenal glands are important especially during stress, too much pressure on then may lead to them wearing out. Cortisol as a stress hormone is produced by the adrenal glands. When you are constantly under pressure stress for a long time, the adrenal glands are under pressure to produce more cortisol. When this happens, hey become worn and therefore not able to function efficiently. What happens after that is that the production of the stress hormone reduces. This means that the body is not in the position of handling subsequent stress, pressure or illnesses as they occur. This is the point when you begin to feel tired even after doing so little. Furthermore, you find it difficult to recover after exercises. Al of a sudden, you frequently fall ill and take long to recover.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

People with adrenal fatigue will often experience the following symptoms:

Feeling tired for no particular reason.
Constantly feeling overwhelmed
You find it hard to recover from illnesses or stress
Difficulties waking up in the morning.
You feel more energetic after 6PM
Abnormal sugar and salt craving

Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue

Lifestyle Adjustment: the best way to treat the condition is by adjusting your routine for example encourage happy thoughts to avoid stress. You can also ensure maximum time to rest and relax as well as regular exercise.

Diet: avoid polished carbohydrates instead combine whole grain carbs with a good quantity of proteins and vitamins, fiber and essential oils. Also if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue ensure you eat regularly say at 10 AM and lunch time.

Supplements: supplements like vitamin C, E, B, B-6, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium citrate and minerals like zinc are essential in treatment of adrenal fatigue.

Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide treatment for adrenal fatigue. She has many years of experience in this and other medical conditions. To learn more about this topic visit www.awaremednetwork.com today.

Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

January 28, 2015

Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

There is often a thin line between chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. The two conditions exhibit almost the same symptoms. Many are the times when patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome have been diagnosed and treated for fibromyalgia.

So what is fibromyalgia? It is a health disorder that is often characterized by intense and widespread pain in the muscles. These pains are accompanied by other symptoms like increased fatigue, insomnia, mood swings and impaired memory and concentration levels. Studies show that the intense pains in patients with fibromyalgia is as a result of manipulation of the way pain signals are processed by the brain.

The symptoms of this disorder begin to manifest themselves after an individual has undergone a major stressful situation, physical trauma, infection or surgery. In some other cases the symptoms will continue building up over a period of time.

Contrary to many beliefs that fibromyalgia is a disease of the old folks, the condition can affect anybody from the young to the old. However, women are more at risk of developing the disease as compared to men. This is probably because women are more exposed to psychological stress than men.

Fibromyalgia

Most people who are diagnosed with the disease suffer from conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders, anxiety, irritable bowel movements, headaches as well as depression. While fibromyalgia remains without a cure, the patients are given medications which aim at controlling the symptoms. Also some physiological measures such as relaxation, exercises and reducing the amount of stress you are exposed to also help ease the situation.

NAD Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia are like those of chronic fatigue syndrome. NAD treatment is one that is used on patients suffering from this condition.

Basically we all need energy to survive. Every process in our bodies relies on energy and that is what keeps us healthy from circulation, breathing to even digestion. The mitochondria are responsible for generation of energy used by cells to perform their functions. Without this energy we are prone to diseases and medical conditions like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) refers to a molecule whose function is to react with the oxygen found in the mitochondria. This reaction creates energy that is used by the cells to help you in breathing, movement, food digestion, blood pumping and thinking. In short, this energy is what enables to live your life as it is.

Studies show that lack of this molecule is what causes chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, weakening of the immune system, impaired memory and decline in concentration levels, sleeping problems, muscle aches and weakness and even drug and alcohol addictions. Deficiency in this molecule is a cellular disease epidemic that may go undetected.

How Does NAD Works?

NAD is basically and active form of vitamin B3. NAD is converted into a co-enzyme that binds with hydrogen to become NADH. Hydrogen combines with oxygen in the body to generate energy. Naturally when hydrogen and oxygen react in their liquid forms they generate energy like in the case of hot air balloons. This same reaction takes place in the body.

However due to the explosive power of hydrogen, during NAD treatment it must be carefully inserted into the NAD molecule so that it can generate energy for the body without causing harm to the patient. NAD in this case acts as the hydrogen carrier before it reacts with the oxygen to become NADH.

The process of converting NAD into NADH undergoes through a cycle called Citric Acid Cycle. The fats, carbohydrates and proteins that we eat in our diet provide the necessary chemicals that enter into the cycle. At this point the NAD molecule becomes loaded with the hydrogen which enters into the mitochondria generating a reaction with oxygen that ends up generating energy.

Fibromyalgia

The energy produced by this reaction in the mitochondria is in form of ATP and also a bit of water. The ATP is what is used by the body to assist in blood pumping, contraction of muscles and also the energy that is required by billions of cells in the body.

It is clear how important energy is for normal body function. The energy produced is utilized by body organs like the heart and brain. When there is a deficiency in the energy production the brain is the first organ that is affected. This leads to decline in concentration, memory problems and reduced attention.

If incase this shortage of energy lasts a bit longer, the brain is unable to produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline which are useful in maintain consciousness. We thereby start experiencing depression, anxiety, moods swings and lack of sleep. It is afterwards that the muscles begin to ache and fatigue creeps in because processes like blood pumping have reduced.

At AwareMed we believe in health and wellness and genera body health. Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide more information about this topic and more. Just visit www.awaremednetwork.com today and she will answer any questions you may have about Fibromyalgia and other health conditions.

Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

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Dihydroepiandrosterone Replacement, DHEA -The Mother of All Hormones

January 27, 2015

Dihydroepiandrosterone Replacement, DHEA -The Mother of All Hormones)

Dihydroepiandrosterone or as commonly referred to as DHEA is the most abundant hormone that occurs naturally in the human body. It is referred to as the mother of all hormones because it is responsible for all metabolisms in the body. The hormone is manufactured in the brain and adrenal glands.

The levels of DHEA are highest in the fetus stage and continue to increase until a person is at the age of 30. Afterward, the level begins to drop rapidly as the person continues to age. This decline is the one that enhances the aging process. Studies show that by the time we are 70 the level of DHEA production reduces to around 10% less of what we used to produce when we were younger. The work of this hormone is to support as well as to regulate the functioning of other hormones in the immune system.

Dihydroepiandrosterone Replacement, DHEA

Given that DHEA is very critical for the normal functioning of other cells, if anything goes wrong with the hormone all other hormones are affected. If the level of DHEA declines, it means that its functions cease to balance. In this case, this imbalance brings about an imbalance of all other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and testosterone. Hormonal imbalances lead to medical conditions like depression, low sex drive, and anxiety among others.

Facts about DHEA

DHEA is used by the body to produces sex hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, estrogen and cortisol. In addition to this, the hormone is also responsible in regulating the levels of insulin and cholesterol in the body. If the levels of insulin and cholesterol increase beyond normal, then there is bound to be inevitable damage in the body leading to health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. It also decreases the risk of cancer and diabetes in addition to enhancing the immune system. It also prevents the breast cancer in women in premenopausal stage and in men prostate cancer.

DHEA is probably the most important hormone in the body. It plays a crucial role in metabolism and is the foundation of sex hormones in both women and men. It is basically responsible for the normal functioning of our bodies. It is a precursor hormone which means that it is responsible for the production and normal functioning of other hormones in the body. It is surely the mother of all hormones because without it, the other hormones would be useless or they would not even exist.

DHEA is responsible for maintaining a balance in the metabolism process. It does this by enhancing loss of excess fats, increasing tissue mass, and enhancing formation of new bones as well as inhibiting their degeneration.

DHEA DHEA replacement therapy is performed on patients with low levels of the hormone. When this level declines as we have seen the balance of other hormones is offset. Mostly patients will come in with symptoms of hormonal imbalances. The test is performed by an expert who runs a couple of tests to find out the level of DHEA. When done correctly, the replacement therapy helps restore the hormonal imbalance and reverses symptoms associated with this condition. When combined with the right diet and regular exercises, DHEA is crucial in restoring hormonal balance.

It is also effective in reversing conditions caused by hormonal imbalances such as impaired memory and concentration ability, loss of lean muscles, depression and reduced focus which most people take as conditions associated with old age and therefore inevitable.

Factors that may cause DHEA levels to decline

Diet: First of all our diet plays a major role in our well-being. What you eat translates to the health of your body. Eating a balanced diet works miracles in preventing hormonal imbalances. Lack of exercise will also increase your chances or hormonal imbalance.

Toxics: toxic compounds such as pesticides and herbicides find their way into our body systems either through the food we eat or the water we drink. These compounds are known to offset hormonal imbalances like DHEA.

Stress: this is one of the major factors that may throw your hormones completely off balance. When DHEA is affected by stress that means that the production of cortisol that is supposed to help you deal with the situation is not produced efficiently.

Importance of adequate levels of DHEA

When the hormone DHEA is in adequate levels, it leads to restoration of lean muscles, improved memory, increased stamina, improves the fat ratio, increased testosterone levels, increased concentration and focus among others. All these functions make DHEA the ultimate mother of all hormones because it has direct effect on the production and functions of other hormones.

Find out more about DHEA by visiting www.awaremednetwork.com today. Get your healing through the expert advice of Dr. Akoury who has helped thousands of patients get back on their feet. She has years of experience in the field of medicine. AwareMed provides you with not only information about illnesses but we also help you solve them.

Dihydroepiandrosterone Replacement, DHEA -The Mother of All Hormones)

Progesterone hormone influences addiction in men

January 12, 2015

Progesterone Hormone and Nicotine Addiction in Men

Progesterone hormone Just like any other addiction, nicotine addiction is a grave health problem. It is a problem that has affected the whole world. About 35 million people in the United States alone try to quit smoking each year, but less than 7 percent are successful. Many smokers report a feel of high sensation, followed by a feeling of relaxation. It is because of these positive feelings that nicotine has been associated with plus the normal cravings make nicotine products very hard to be abandoned by those already using them. Past research has suggested that women may experience fewer nicotine cravings and may be less affected by smoking’s positive reinforcement factors when compared to men. This according to researchers is because the women have higher levels of progesterone hormone. Fluctuations in levels of the female hormones estradiol and progesterone during menstruation may play a role in determining how women are affected by nicotine. this also affects men, little known to many, men also have progesterone hormone though in lower quantities but still serving crucial suppose. In men the adrenal glands and testes also make progesterone and they work to counter the activities of hormone estrogen in men. in case of low levels of progesterone in men , they will exhibit the following symptoms; Low libido, Hair loss, Weight gain, Fatigue, Depression, Gynecomastia (“man-boobs“), Erectile dysfunction, Impotence, Bone loss and Muscle loss.

According to a study that was done to examine the effects of a controlled oral dose of progesterone on smoking behavior, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and nicotine-related positive reinforcement factors in nicotine dependent males it was found that Higher progesterone blood levels corresponds both to reduced β2*-nAChR availability in all brain regions except the thalamus and to craving and withdrawal symptoms. These findings suggest that progesterone might promote men’s positive abstinence experiences by inhibiting β2*-nAChR availability. However, the study did not detect any direct link between men’s β2*-nAChR availability and craving or symptoms. In this study that took four days, participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 200 mg of progesterone, 400 mg of progesterone, or placebo. All participants had to abstain from smoking for Days 1 through 3. On Day 4, participants took part in a smoking session, during which their smoking habits, including the number of puffs, duration of puffs, and number of cigarettes smoked, were measured. Outcome measurements also included self-reports of cravings; carbon monoxide monitoring; and standardized questionnaires to assess nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Progesterone modulates the reward system

In other Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that progesterone modulates the reward system and responses to stimulant drugs. The majority of the preclinical work in this area however has been conducted with cocaine with results showing that progesterone, and its active metabolite allopreganolone, attenuates the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. Animal studies have mainly focused on the ratio of estradiol to progesterone as a predictor of sensitivity to drug reward with results generally showing that when levels of estradiol are high and relatively unopposed by progesterone drug reward is heightened. Though this study was done using cocaine and not nicotine it makes sense that the balance between progesterone and estradiol is crucial in mitigating the effects of a drug and minimizing chances of a drug user to be addicted to the drug. It is therefore safe to say that it is important for the levels of progesterone in men to be at safe levels to limit effects of drugs.

Progesterone to fight nicotine Addiction

progesterone hormone Progesterone being a hormone that is mostly dominant in women, most researchers having linked it to nicotine addiction worked mostly with women. However bearing the understanding that men also have estrogen and progesterone as well as other hormones it is evident that progesterone might have similar effects on them. As a man ages the production of hormone progesterone becomes slowed or stops, the main function of hormone progesterone in the body of a man is to check on the activities of the estrogen hormone. Estrogen dominance is a problem that not only women grapple but men also are tied to it. in few research findings that have been published, it has been found that progesterone may help men who are fighting nicotine addiction but this hormone decreases as a man grows and so to help it can be supplemented. Clinical research studies in this area have many challenges including the difficulty of conducting the study during a certain phase of the hormonal transition. In addition, men of reproductive age have multiple commitments and participation in a research study with a demanding schedule is not an easy task. Nevertheless, clinical research in this area is crucial to develop more effective treatments for nicotine addiction that will tailor to the needs of women.

Finally

Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center has dedicated her life to helping patients restore their lives by use of integrative medicine. She also holds many conferences in which she offers training on how integrative medicine can be used to fight addiction among other conditions. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Progesterone Hormone and Nicotine Addiction in Men

Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

January 9, 2015

Gut Inflammation

The digestive system plays a major role in food digestion as well as absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. It is important for the overall functioning of the body. When the digestive system is not working properly it can lead to development of gastrointestinal diseases and illnesses.

The bowel wall can be destroyed by conditions such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel diseases and ulcerative colitis. The conditions lead to poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss, abdominal pains, rectal bleeding among others. To correct the situation a patient is required to undergo surgery in most cases.

Cytokines

They are chemical messenger that act as signals for the immune system and neuromodulators. Cytokines can be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. An imbalance in cytokines cause autoimmune disorders.

Cytokines are in form of proteins as well as glycoproteins that regulate immune functions and inflammation. They enhance the growth of cells as well as their differentiation and death.

Homeostasis in the intestines highly depends on the ability of the immune system of the intestines to withstand micro flora while at the same time providing protection against bacterial invasion. Normally, the dendritic cells of the gut induce T-cells differentiation.

Gut Inflammation

T-cells produce secretions that enhance suppression of cytokines that in turn prevent abnormal immune responses. Pathogens enhance a response that triggers activation of immune cells and this ends up causing inflammation.

Inflammatory cytokines like IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15, IL-21 and TNFa stimulate T-cells that are cytotoxic. These are the ones that attack the gut mucosa. The mucosa is the lining of the small intestines. When cytokines attack the mucosa it can lead to conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease. It can also lead to leaky gut syndrome.

The small intestines are useful not only in food digestion but absorption of nutrients from the digested food into the blood stream. When the small intestines re affected the digestive and nutrition functions are affected too.

Some immune system aspects aid in the suppression of inflammation aspects and thereby inhibiting destruction of tissues that is caused by active T-cells. This is made possible by T regulatory cells that work to counterbalance the active T-cells that attack the mucosa. T regulatory cells reduce the risks of getting immune diseases that end up attacking the tissues of the body like Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural Compounds That Target Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Besides the T-regulatory cells, there are several natural compounds that can also work to suppress the cytokines that cause gut inflammation.

Curcumin: studies have shown that curcumin acts as an agent of anti-inflammation. Curcumin works by targeting a number of cytokines that are responsible for gut inflammation. These cytokines include among others IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-21 and TNFα. Curcumin combines with cyclosporine to bring about this effect.

Fish Oil: it contains properties of anti-inflammation. These properties have been shown to have the ability of suppressing cytokine that cause inflammation like IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα. The Omega-3 property in fish oil is responsible for this.

Studies have shown that Omega-3 suppresses these inflammatory cytokines that lead to gut inflammation. In addition to this, fish oil stimulates the body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines that enhances a decrease of cytotoxic T-cells.

Resveratrol: just like the other natural compounds, resveratrol works by suppressing inflammation causing cytokines. Such cytokine include; IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and TNFa. It works by reducing the ability of the T-cells to reach the gut mucosa. This thereby inhibits gut inflammation.

Trans-Resveratrol: it is used to reduce the activation of T-cells in the body. This is by suppressing cytokines involved in activating inflammation agents.

Tea Polyphenols: both black and green tea contains compounds that have been shown to act as strong agents of anti-inflammation. The compound in the tea inhibits the activations of cytokines such as IL-1β, Il-2, IL-6 and TNFα which cause inflammation of the gut.

inflammation

Quercetin: this natural compound is found in things like onions, citrus fruits, apples and grapes. The compound inhibits the activation of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-15 and TNFα.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 works as an anti-inflammatory compound when it comes to gut inflammation. It has been shown to control inflammatory toxics like IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα which affect the mucosa causing inflammation.

High Proanthocyanidin Grape Seed Extract: grape seed contain a certain compound that is used to reduce the level of Th17 in the body. It also controls immune responses that tend to be aggressive in nature. It controls the differentiation of active T-cells serving as an autoimmune disease and inflammatory agent.

N-Acetyl Cysteine: this compound when combined with vitamin B lowers the levels of homocysteine thus improving the functioning of endothelial. It also works by suppressing the active inflammatory cytokines like TNFα in patients who receive lung transplants. TNFa makes a patient’s body reject transplants but in combination with vitamin B this is no longer a problem.

Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury today, for more information about gut inflammation. For more wellness and awareness tips just visit www.awaremednetwork.com today. AwareMed is the place to be to find any information about health.

Gut Inflammation and Cytokines

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