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Sugar and Pain

Beat Pain by Avoiding Sugar

Sugar and painNutritionists know it better, whatever you eat affects your body in a way, and this can either bring you joy or pain. Good health begins with what you put down your stomach so it is very important to carefully choose on what you eat even as you look out for what you should not even think about eating. Sugars are part of most snacks that we interact with, needless to mention most drinks are rich in sugar content. Researchers have shown us some of the bad sides of eating foods that are rich in sugar. First on the list is that they can lead to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia may be described as an excess of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Your endocrine system regulates the amount of sugar that is stored and used for energy. It is important in brain cell function, and energy levels. This will come about as a result of your body having higher sugar levels than what the insulin can handle. When there is too much sugar in your system that can’t be handled by insulin then certain conditions and disorders may cause you to have difficulty processing and storing blood glucose, resulting in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Consuming foods that are high in sugar content will cause such problems as inflammation, aches and pain throughout your body.

The pain that you suffer as a result of consuming foods that are high in sugar content will manifest as joint pains, aching muscles, migraines, and added asthma or Post Menstrual Syndrome symptoms. when his pain becomes chronic you will suffer big time to an extent that you may stop gaging in activities that you once enjoyed for example when eating high sugar content foods you may suffer joint pains which will make you stop doing your normal exercises and activities like playing golf, running with your dogs or even playing your soccer.

Your pain might have originated from excessive sugar consumption and therefore Instead of relying on pain relievers to manage aches and pains the better solution you should think of adopting should be eating real foods. Real foods are rich in nutritional content and are not high in calories like the cakes and muffins that you can lay your hands on in a coffee shop. Research and clinical experience have shown that food choices directly affect levels of pain and inflammation in the body. One of these research findings was reported in the American Journal of Cancer Nutrition in March of 2002 that found that foods high in sugar resulted in inflammation. When researchers measured inflammation with a blood test called C-reactive protein (CRP), they discovered that a high concentration of sugar in foods increased the CRP numbers. This is now a proof that eating foods that are high in sugar content can be a cause for your pain.

The past researchers have been able to link consumption of foods that are high in sugar content to pain and inflammation and therefore you should consider stopping having most of your meals in these coffee shops where you spend more than half of your meal time stuffing your body with unnecessary sugars from cakes, mocha and muffins that will end up doing you more harm than good. As you enjoy your sweetened muffins you should think of what will happen when these sugars will maim you so much that you won’t be able to walk all by yourself to the cafeterias you have been frequenting.

Sugar and PainThe biggest problem is that most people believe that after leaving eating refined sugars then you are good to go, this is a lie as there are very many foods that are very high in sugar levels but we never really think they are. just to mention a few, the yoghurt and ketchup that has since become your favorites are rich in sugars that gradually will have worse effects on you as sugars have been directly linked to pain and inflammation. As known to you inflammation is the immune system‘s healthy response to restore the affected area to normal following an injury, irritation or infection. However, in response to high sugar intake, which includes simple carbohydrates, the body is flooded with insulin and stress hormones. These flood your blood supply triggering the inflammation process which creates stress and pain on your organs and joints. Therefore the lesser the sugar you take lesser the inflammation and the pain you will suffer and the stronger your immune system will be.

Eating real foods to avoid sugar

Now that we have known that sugary foods are not very healthy, it is good to begin avoiding them. Nutritionists advise that the best way to avoid sugars and still leave the body with good nutrients is by eating real foods instead of processed foods. Real foods include; meat, eggs, vegetables, and healthy fats. These foods will help package the body with required nutrients and reduce pain and inflammation. Fats that are healthy include butter, olive oil, avocados, olives and nuts. Eating real foods will help you evade very many diseases like cancer and heart diseases just mention a few.

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to our patients by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of diseases. If you are suffering from pain related illnesses, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Beat Pain by Avoiding Sugar

 

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Herbs For Pain and Addiction Treatment

Use of Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian, Wood Betony, Yellow Jasmine in Pain and Addiction Treatment

Addiction is still one of the major problems that we are still living with today. Though known for its devastating effects, addiction has still remained when of the many menaces that our youths as well as the older generation alike are still glued to. However there is a bitter reality that you need to be aware of, a reality that none of your already addicted friends will let you know of; the journey to addiction treatment and recovery is that which is not easily won. There are serious hurdles that you shall have to meet along the way as you fight on to reach the greener side of life where the chains of addiction are broken. Just like any other disease there are myriads of ways through which the treatment of addiction can be effected. one is through pharmaceutical ways of treatment and the other through natural ways of treatment that may at times be used alongside the orthodox ways of treatment or as an assortment of various herbs and a special choice of diets that helps restore the damage of drugs on the addict and hence making it possible for the addict to be treated of the illness. On the other hand when pharmaceuticals are used for treating drug addiction the doctors will mostly use a substitute of your drug to satisfy your craving for the drug of abuse you are addicted to. Though this may present a short term solution it still doesn’t let you be free from the drug as you will still continue using a substance that is thought to be less addictive and not so dangerous. However the reality is that this kind of treatment does not address the brain imbalances that an addict suffers after a long term use of a certain drug.

Addiction Treatment

As we have seen in previous articles the part of the body that is adversely affected by addiction to drug abuse is the nervous system. The neurotransmitters like the dopamine and the other crucial ones are literally damaged after a prolonged use of drugs. this therefore calls for a treatment option that will not only focus on ending the craving that addicts have for their substance of abuse but to help restore the whole person back to what he or she was before he got into drug use that has since chained him or her. Most pharmaceutical drugs do not consider this but mostly gear towards treating the symptoms of addiction like depression and anxiety that is normally done with sedatives while the underlying problem; the damage to the nervous system, is left unchanged. Through the years there have been different alternatives to addiction that have since come up and have been found to be effective. An example of these alternative therapies that have shown hope to addicts is the use of stem cell therapy that aims at restoring the damage caused by drugs. Despite the effectiveness of some of these alternatives the use of herbs in addiction treatment is yet to be scrapped off, this is solely because of the effectiveness of some herbs in treating addiction. Here are some of the herbs that can be used to help in the addiction treatment and recovery.

Jamaican Dogwood

Jamaican dogwood is mostly used for pain. It has sedative effect, reduces muscle spasm and cools nerve pain. It also reduces inflammations. It has often been the top choice for relieving nerve pain and it has been proved to be powerful in pain management.  It is derived from the bark of the dogwood tree, and can be taken in capsule or tincture forms as well as a tea from the bark’s powder.  Though known for pain management it can contribute in help with addiction as when used it helps to calm down the nerves and relive an addict off the withdrawal effects like depression and anxiety that most of the times can lead to relapse. However beneficial it is it can be potentially dangerous when used for self-medication. It is therefore safe to use it with instructions from an integrative addiction doctor as it is irritant and can cause numbness, tremors, salivation, and sweating.

Wood Betony

Wood Betony

This herb is commonly found in Europe. This plant is rich in medicinal properties. To begin with the fresh, undried leaf of wood betony is a natural pain reliever. This analgesic is good for addiction as it helps in calming the nerves as well as fighting some common symptoms of addiction like depression anxiety and insomnia.

Valeria

Valeria has great sedation properties. As have been revealed by past literature, Valeria has great influence on the cerebro-spinal system. In a recovering addict this herb can be used to promote nerve relaxation and sleep. Insomnia is a common symptom that most addicts battle with, with valerian a recovering addict can be helped evade the grave effects of insomnia and anxiety. It does this by exerting an influence quieting and soothing in its nature upon the brain and nervous system. Other herbs that have been found to be helpful in the journey of addiction treatment and recovery are; Yellow Jasmine, St. Johns worts and chamomile among others

Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Use of Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian, Wood Betony, Yellow Jasmine in Pain and Addiction Treatment

 

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The Need For Addiction Healing Centers

Addiction Healing Centers-Restoration of the Mind, Body and Spirit to Treat Addiction

Addiction isn’t a new term that needs to be defined, however it is great to appreciate the fact addiction is a really broad subject. Though many people only relate addiction to drugs of pleasure, addiction to behaviors like sex, food and gambling are a part of us. Regrettably, most of the addicts we have today are addicted to harmful substances that therefore dictate that they be offered a whole person treatment. As known addiction to a drug isn’t only a problem in the sense of financial and behavioral aspects but rather on the damage that these substances do to our bodies. The most affected system in the body is the nervous system which is very crucial in coordination of messages that are sent from various parts of the system to initiate specific action that our daily lives revolve around. The brain and the rest of the nervous system especially the neurotransmitters are highly damaged after a long term use of certain drugs of pleasure. Due to this it is necessary that any attempt to treat addiction and restore the normal functions of the body should include therapies that aim at restoring the normal functioning of the neurotransmitters and the rest of the nervous system that might have been damaged by long term use of these drugs of abuse.

addiction healing centers

The severity of addiction will however determine the type of treatment that an addict is accorded, there are situations where a patient may suffer from a combination of drugs and behavioral addiction. There are also other co-occurring conditions that may work together to make the life of an individual addict miserable. Think of sex addiction, gambling addiction and alcohol addiction all in one brain! Can you imagine the magnitude of damage that such a person will suffer in the whole of his nervous system? Correcting such defects in the entire system of an addict will require multi-facet approach to ensure that the addict is completely healed and his health is restored. Treating the symptoms of addiction as most doctors do or other used to do may only serve as a momentary relief but will not help the patient to quit the use of drugs.

It is because of the gap that existed in the past, when all treatment options available for addicts only focused on treating the symptoms of addiction like depression that has been for a long time been addressed by giving ant-depressants. The antidepressants will work for a short time but the problem that lies deep in the malfunctioning neurotransmitter like dopamine and serotonin will remain unresolved.  To address these issues, several addiction healing centers have since been established to give the patients what they need most; whole-person healing. whole person healing is achieved through the practice of integrative medicine that may include both orthodox and traditional herbal medicine as well as dietary approaches to help not only quell the severity of the symptoms suffered by these addicts but also to help correct the damage that addiction to substance and other behaviors does to the brain and the entire nervous system. when the functions of the nervous system is restored, it can now be easy to help an addict to escape the bars of addiction as the body will be naturally fit to quell the craving for the substance of abuse.

Most addiction healing centers deal with addiction of forms as serious, chronic and potentially life-threatening disease that requires a full range of comprehensive, evidence-based addiction treatment services to completely manage and overcome once and for all but this requires full commitment and cooperation of the patient.

Restoration of the mind, body and spirit to treat addiction

Addiction Healing CentersThrough advances in the medical industry, there are several addiction healing centers that are now offering holistic approach to treatment of addiction victims. These approaches are geared towards Restoration of the mind, body and spirit because it is by this that addicts can achieve healing once and for all. The harmony of the human being is critical in healing of addiction this is because addiction interferes with the chemical composition of the brain which is the engine that drives the entire body. This leads to organs, cells and tissues being maimed hence can’t perform effectively. To achieve wellness of the mind, body and spirit, most addiction healing centers utilize several strategies such as proper nutrition, body cleansing or detoxification, exercise, yoga, tai chi, herbal medication, orthodox meditation, hobby exploration such as like dancing, hiking and even singing. All these are explored to achieve a balance in the body.

The advantage of seeking help from addiction healing centers is that they offer varied addiction healing approaches that may include; cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), 12-step philosophy, somatic therapies, nutritional counseling, psychiatric support, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, herbal therapies and adventure-based therapies that cater to all manner of addictions, both behavioral and substance related. These centers also have staffs who are vastly experienced in handling addiction cases. They can also customize treatment to suit every patient’s condition belief and preferences all in a bid to restore the mind the body and the spirit.

Finally, Behavioral addiction and drug addiction destroys wellness, therefore restoring health of mind, body, and spirit is essential in recovery. Dr. Dalal Akoury has done extensive work in addiction treatment and recovery. You may contact her to fix an appointment. Better still, you may visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and experience the best practices in holistic addiction healing and recovery.

Addiction Healing Centers-Restoration of the Mind, Body and Spirit to Treat Addiction

 

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Natural Remedies for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

Use of Chamomile, HOPS, Passion Flower, Valerian Roots, Californian Poppy for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

According to National Sleep Foundation, insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, even when a person has the chance to do so. People with insomnia can feel dissatisfied with their sleep and usually experience the symptoms of poor sleep that may deter them from enjoying healthy lifestyles. This disease can affect people of all ages but adults are the major victims.

This foundation further stresses that, sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing. But still there are millions of people who do not get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. NSF conducted survey between 1999-2004 that revealed that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders and 60 percent of adults report having sleep problems a few nights a week or more. Most of those with these problems go undiagnosed and untreated. In addition, more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month – with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more. Furthermore, 69 percent of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.

insomnia

However insomnia can also be caused by addiction. And so far it is one of the serious symptoms of addiction. Drugs of abuse for example alcohol has been shown to interfere with normal sleep patterns since they disrupt particular neurotransmitters in the brain which control or regulate sleep. When these neurotransmitters are disrupted, disturbances can result. Small amounts of alcohol can cause early sedation or sleepiness, and is often used as a sedative. However, the use of alcohol as an effective sedative can be extremely misleading because the side effects that can result are usually even more harmful and detrimental to the natural sleep cycle. For instance, due to the natural elimination of alcohol from the body, arousal and sleep fragmentation can occur and the second half of the sleep period can be drastically interrupted. This is due to the fact that, although alcohol will cause sedation, it will also decrease rapid eye movement sleep in the first half of the night resulting in the rebound of rapid eye movement sleep later in the night.  Here are some of the natural ways through which addiction induced insomnia can be treated.

Passion flower

Passion flower is a good remedy for sleep disorders that had been previously got approved in the U.S as an over the counter sedative and sleep aid. However by this time its safety and effectiveness had not been approved and it was consequentially taken off market. This product can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to help cure insomnia that is induced by drug addiction. Some researchers opined that when passion flower tea is taken an hour before going to bed it may help to improve the quality of sleep. However there is still need for evidence to show it does all these effectively.

California poppy- also known as Eschscholzia californica, California poppy is a good remedy for sleep disorders. It works as a sedative and is known to promote sleep. Currently it can be found in different herbal remedies sold in the U.S for cure of insomnia, as relaxants and therapies for anxiety. Owing to its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children. Clinical and laboratory work on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant’s sedative and anti-anxiety properties.  It has also been shown to improve both sleep latency and quality. You can use it solely or in combination with other herbs to help cure insomnia.

Hops – scientifically its known as Humulus lupulus

insomniaThe use of Hops dates back to early 1900s when Eclectic physicians used it as a sedative specifically for insomnia due to worry or nerve. This herb that is used as a major flavoring component of beer has been used for a long time to cure insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia. Having been used successfully in the past, trying it won’t hurt you.

Chamomile:  is scientifically known as Anthemis nobilis. This herb has been used as sedative for a long time and can be safely used with children as well as adults. In South America, Europe and Mexico chamomile tea is a common beverage that is honored for its effectiveness in curing such conditions as irritability, restlessness and insomnia both in children and adults. What’s more? Its oil can also be used in bathing waters to help soothe nerves. Its oil can also be used for massage. Chamomile is still one of the sought after sedatives with proven effectiveness.

 

Valerian: is scientifically known as Valeriana officinalis.  This is a common herb in the U.S where it is used widely for cure of insomnia restlessness and nervousness. This herb can reduce the time people take before falling asleep and is known to shorten sleep latency. When used it reduces chances of a person waking up in the night. As a herbal sedative, valerian has many benefits yet no known side effects that synthetic sedatives are loathed for. It can be used in combination with Hops, California poppy and chamomile among others.

These herbs are an excellent way to help you fight insomnia naturally. We at AWAREmed health and wellness center are dedicated to finding the best natural solutions to health problems. You can visit us at Myrtle Beach South Carolina where you will be attended to by Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) who has vast experience in integrative medicine for lifestyle diseases.

Use of Chamomile, HOPS, Passion Flower, Valerian Roots, Californian Poppy for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

 

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Motivational Interview So Important In Addiction Treatment

Crucial Stages of Motivational Interview as Part of Addiction Treatment

Addiction is a multifaceted issue that also needs to be given a multifaceted approach in treatment without which treating addiction will be a fallacy. There is required input and cooperation of the patient 100 percent. He has to have the will to quit using the drugs he is using; you can never force an addict to quit using a drug he has become addicted to. It also needs patience of both the doctor and the patient so that the addict will be able to completely recover from all the adverse effects of addiction especially during withdrawal. One of the ways through which an urge to quit using drugs can be imparted into an addict is through motivational interview. Motivational interview is often referred to as motivational therapy and us done by a motivational therapist. The main aim of the motivational therapist is to help the patient see the side effects that he is suffering as a result of the use of the abusive drug and help create a desire to quit using the drug in the addict. He will not try to victimize the addict or to oppose his views but uses the power of empathy to instill the desire to quit the use of the abusive drug into the addict.

Motivational Interview

For any motivational interview to be effective there is need of full cooperation from the addict. There is also need of input of an experienced motivational therapist to place the will to change from the use of drug abuse into the mind of the addict. The addict is the center of focus in motivational interview, he is the one who has to make the decision of whether to quit using the drugs or not. The motivational therapist is just there to help him make this decision by giving him a better option in quitting but he can’t decide for the addict, the addict has to own the decision to quit and that is when he is bound to succeed. In a journalistic point of view it appears that both the addict and the therapists are very crucial parties to this type of treatment because as much as the therapist may be good at his work. He may bear initial fruits in planting the desire to quit using the drugs in the mind of the addict but the addict must make the step of quitting the use of the drug.

Here are some crucial stages that the addict will be taken through by the help of the motivational therapist

  • Pre-contemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance and relapse

For effectiveness these stages should be followed in sequence, however if an addict may fall beck he should be encouraged to continue from where appropriate.

Pre-contemplation

This is the first stage in which the thought of changing has not even got into the mind of the addict. In most instances the drug users are in denial and they do not consider themselves as the right audience to the advice being offered. Here the will to change is not close even to the addict and it requires an input of an expert motivational therapist to let the drug addict see the need to overcome the addiction. During this stage, addicts do not consider change. They may not believe that their behavior is a problem or that it will negatively affect them or they may be resigned to their unhealthy behavior because of previous failed efforts and no longer believe that they have control over addiction. At this stage the therapist must be careful not be seen as opposing the lifestyle of the addict but as an empathizer who has placed his foot right in the moccasins of the addict. Here the therapist’s main goal is harmer the desire to quit using the drugs of abuse in the patient’s mind.

Contemplation Stage

At contemplation stage, patients are unsure about changing. They are weighing the benefits they get from the use of the drug against the benefits they will receive after quitting its use. At this stage the patients tries to look into the reasons why they can’t stop the use of the drug. Giving up an enjoyed behavior causes them to feel a sense of loss despite the perceived gain.  This is the stage where the patient needs the help of the motivational speaker most as he gets in conflict with himself. He is torn between stopping the use of the drug and continuing using it. He must know the advantages and disadvantages of quitting the drug use. The therapist will be of help in letting the addict choose wisely.

Preparation Stage

Motivational InterviewDuring the preparation stage, patients prepare to make a specific change. To test the waters of the new world, the addict may try using the drugs in lower doses and tests his body reaction to the deprivation. The therapist helps the patient to stay true to its course since the outcome of these experiments may make the addict to give up on the goal of quitting the drug use.

Action Stage

The action stage is the stage that needs more of the patient’s contribution to be successful. Many patients may fail once but with the help of the therapist they may get up and continue fighting addiction.  Every effort that the patient puts forward must be appreciated by the therapist as this gives the addict the morale to continue.

Maintenance and Relapse Prevention

Every motivational therapist would want his patient to reach this stage. However the addict may go through the initial stages many times before fully landing on this stage. Change is not always easy to deal with and any discouragement from the therapists over the addicts’ occasional slip may thwart his hopes of ever overcoming addiction and hence he may give up.

Finally, the need to quit using drugs of abuse is crucial in motivational interview; the therapist has to instill this in the addict failure to which the interview will bear no success. All the same addiction is a jail that many are chained but the need for liberation is the very reason for our existence. Here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and dependence on substances. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is always in the mood of helping any patient to be addiction free. Do not hesitate to call on her for help in managing any sort of chronic pain or any type of addiction as well as other diseases.

Crucial Stages of Motivational Interview as Part of Addiction Treatment

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