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Supplements That Replenish Dopamine and Serotonin Levels

January 18, 2015

Supplements That Can Rebuild and Replenish Depleted Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Addiction

SupplementsThe benefits of the brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine can never be underestimated. In the previous articles we explored their specific functions and therefore repeating them here will be scratching your ears. However I would like to remind you that the use of opiates has a negative effect on these neurotransmitters and after a person has been using opiates it is important that he find ways to restore the levels of these neurotransmitters failure to which he will suffer undesired consequences related to opiate withdrawal.

Here are some supplements that can be used to restore dopamine and serotonin levels after opiate use

L-Tyrosine– The conditionally essential amino acid tyrosine is a precursor of catecholamine neurotransmitter, dopamine included. L-Tyrosine is available in the foods we eat such as egg, meat and fish. It can also be synthesized in the body. Tyrosine forms DOPA, which is then converted to dopamine, and this, in turn, forms norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter related to mood. By supporting production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, L-tyrosine supplements can enhance mood, sleep, emotional well-being, and mental function, especially under situations involving environmental and emotional stress or when dopamine levels require additional support in most cases after long periods of opiate use resulting in depleted dopamine. As for some people they are born with low levels of dopamine and hence a genetically inherited problem but just like people with depleted dopamine and serotonin from opiates use, they can also eat foods rich L-tyrosine.

Mucuna pruriens– commonly known as velvet bean, murina naturally contains up to 5% L-Dopa often referred to as levodopa. Lovedopa is the same biochemical that is made in humans from the amino acid L-tyrosine and is then synthesized into dopamine. When it is taken as a supplement, the L-DOPA from Mucuna can cross the blood-brain barrier to elevate brain dopamine levels. The Indian traditional medicine champions the use of powdered mucuna seeds in treatment of myriad illnesses including the Parkinson’s disease. Recently, studies utilizing Mucuna supplements have shown promising results not just for Parkinson’s but for other conditions related to dopamine deficiency, including depression and psychological stress. Mucuna extract has been shown to increase not only dopamine concentrations, but also other neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine too. Look for an extract of Mucuna pruriens standardized to contain 15% L-DOPA. Take 300 mg twice a day and you will be amazed at how effective this extract can be.

L-theanine- L-theanine is an amino acid uniquely found in green tea that creates an alert state of relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine is known to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier and increase dopamine levels in the brain. In animal studies it has been shown that L-theanine also increases brain serotonin and GABA. L-theanine has anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. It reduces mental and physical stress, and leads to improvements in learning and memory in humans and animals. Even just a single, small dose of L-theanine (100 mg) significantly improves the ability to pay attention and maintain focus compared to placebo. Take 200 mg of L-theanine 2-3 times daily.

Rhodiola– Rhodiola rosea, also known as golden root is a popular plant in traditional medicine in Eastern Europe and Asia, with good reviews for improving depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue and treating symptoms resulting from intense physical and psychological stress. It exerts its benefits via multiple effects on the central nervous system, including enhancing the stability of dopamine and supporting its reuptake. This leads to notable decreases in depression, anxiety, and fatigue, as well as an increased ability to handle stress. In human studies, rhodiola has been shown to significantly reduce depression, anxiety, and stress-related fatigue compared to placebo. Basing hope in past research findings you are encouraged to find its extract and use it daily to end your troubles with opiate withdrawal effects. For the standardized supplement just use 170mg per day.

Multivitamin- some minerals and B-vitamins are known for their effects on the neurotransmitters. These includes; Zink, folate, Vitamin B6. These are very necessary for dopamine synthesis and neurotransmission. These nutrients are often depleted in individuals due to medications, inadequate diets, excessive stress, and toxic environmental exposures, compromising the ability to properly synthesize neurotransmitters like dopamine. Therefore there is need to supplement these nutrients especially with high-potency, high-quality multivitamin and mineral supplements. This will help in enhancing neurotransmitter function and playing a complementary role in supporting emotional wellness that is required for a recovering addict.

SupplementDespite the benefits of having a high level of dopamine, too much of it is dangerous and needs to be avoided. You therefore need to work with the supplements strictly as instructed to avoid any problem that may arise in case of overdose. It is also advisable that you desist from getting and using these supplements without the help of a doctor specialized in the area. For better outcome you should seek the services of an experienced integrative doctor as they are more versed in this kind of treatment. You should not use different supplements at a time without consulting your integrative doctor as some supplements may react and therefore bear even more grave consequences.

Drug addiction is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. We offer NER Treatment and Amino acid therapy that are the most effective approaches to addiction treatment and recovery. You call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

Supplements That Can Rebuild and Replenish Depleted Dopamine and Serotonin Levels after Opioid Addiction

 

 

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Understanding Hot Flashes And It’s Treatment

December 28, 2014

Understanding Hot Flashes And It’s Treatment

hot-flashesHot flushes sometimes called hot flushes refer to a quick sensation of heat and sometimes a red, flushed face and sweating.  This is a common problem, however the exact cause of hot flashes is not known, but may be related to changes in circulation that take place during menopause. Hot flashes happen when the blood vessels near the skin’s surface dilate to cool. A woman may also sweat to cool down her body. And some women have a rapid heart rate or chills. Hot flashes with sweating can also happen at night. These are called night sweats and may make it harder to sleep. Hot flushes may also be accompanied by a red neck. When affected the period that it takes to ease vary among women who are going through menopause. In some women the hot flashes may disappear after a week while in other women it will affect them for life. Hot flashes become less severe as time goes on.

 Symptoms of Hot Flashes in Women

Women may suffer the following symptoms when hit by hot flashes

The frequency of hot flashes varies; sometimes you may have many hot flushes in a day while in other times you will have few hot flashes that may subside after few minutes. Though they can affect you during the day, they are more common in the night. When a person is affected by a hot flush it may take more than a year but most hot flashes will stop on their own within five years. Though hot flashes can subside on their own it is important to seek medical help if the symptoms become too severe.

Causes of Hot Flashes in Women

The exact cause of hot flashes in women has never been known. Not every decline in hormones results in hot flashes. It is also true that some women can go through menopause without suffering from hot flashes. However here are some factors that have been thought to have a great bearing on the cause of hot flashes.

Medications and Foods

When a drug or a type of food is introduced to the body the body will react to it in a way. There are some drugs and foods that are thought to induce hot flashes. These medications may include raloxifene (Evista) and tamoxifen (Tamoxifen and Nolvadex). There are some drugs that may also produce effects that mimic hot flashes. Spices used in preparing foods like peppers can also induce feelings similar to menopause induce hot flashes.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are some of the emotional causes of hot flashes. In reaction to external stimuli the body may release the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which pump up blood flow and produce a warming sensation throughout the body. External stimuli such as migraine may cause heat that spreads all over your face.

Changes in hormonal balance

A change in hormonal surroundings may cause hot flashes even if it is not related to menopause. It is believed that hypothalamus plays a bigger role in occurrence of hot flashes. This is because it is the part of brain that deals with the body temperatures therefore any conditions that affects the hypothalamus can result in abnormal rise in temperatures such as hot flashes.

hot-flashes-symptoms

Other risks associated with hot flashes include;

  • Women who smoke are more likely to get hot flashes.
  • A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a higher frequency of hot flashes.
  • Physical inactivity. If you don’t exercise, you may be more likely to have hot flashes during menopause.
  • More African-American women report menopausal hot flashes than do women of European descent. Hot flashes are less common in women of Japanese and Chinese descent than in white European women.
  • Alcohol- Alcohol may induce hot flashes in some people. Generally it is thought that using drugs of reaction may escalate the probability of hot flashes occurring.

Treatments for Hot Flashes in Women

There both orthodox as well as natural treatments for hot flashes. The natural treatment for hot flashes may include;

  • Evening primrose oil is a botanical herb that is often used to treat hot flashes, although there is no scientific evidence to support this. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Women taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, should not take evening primrose oil.
  • Although there is no scientific evidence to support using flaxseed, it is thought to decrease the symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes. It’s also known as linseed.
  • Soy products. Plant estrogens, found in soy products, are thought to have weak estrogen-like effects that may reduce hot flashes. Soy foods, not supplements, are recommended.
  • Black cohosh. Some studies suggest that black cohosh may be helpful in the very short term (6 months or less) for treating hot flashes and night sweats. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset.

Hot flashes are just some of the known symptoms that may trouble your life during menopause. Just like any other serious disease, it is necessary that you seek medical help. Contact Dr. Dalal Akoury an expert in natural therapies on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Understanding Hot Flashes And It’s Treatment

 

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Cancer Risk: GMO and Link to Cancer

December 27, 2014

GMO and Link to Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death to a number of people. The disease is linked to lifestyle choices like wrong diet and lack of exercise. Other causes of cancer are infections, inheritance of cancer causing genes and chemicals such as carcinogens. Cancer affects your life and puts a stop to some aspects of it.

Everyday new cases of cancer emerge. Just like any other disease, cancer knows no age limits. People across all ages are at the risk of getting cancer. It ends up messing up the body functioning. Why is this so? Well, cancer affects the body cells. Cells are basically the building blocks of the body.

Cancer begins with a tumor. A tumor refers to a mass of tissue that is formed by an overgrowth of cells. Getting cancer depends on whether the tumor is malignant or not. Malignant tumors are basically cancerous while those that aren’t cancerous are referred to as benign tumors.

If left unchecked, cancer can end up being terminal. The good news is that cancer can be cured if it is detected early. Medical experts advocate for regular medical check-ups to ensure that your body is healthy. This allows the doctors to detect problems like cancer early and deal with it before it becomes severe.

GMO

Understanding cancer

As explained, cancer starts form a tumor. Cells end up dividing uncontrollably and this leads to development of tumors. These tumors affect the functioning of cells. This translates to entire body dysfunctioning.

There are over 100 types of cancers in the world. Over 1.4 million cases of cancer are reported every year. Cells are damaged and they lose their functioning. When this happens, the cells begin to divide uncontrollably forming masses of tissues.

In normal conditions cells grow and die. Old and worn out cells are replaced by new cells which are generated by the body. In the case of cancer, cells neither wear out nor die. Generation of new cells does not however stop. This clumping of cells in excess is what leads to emergent of the tissue masses we are calling tumors.

One fact about cancer that most people don’t comprehend is that cancer can end up affecting multiple body parts. This happens when cancerous tumors move from one part to another in a process called mitosis. For example, cancerous tumor from the stomach can end up spreading to the colon.

When cancer is detected, the patient is put under medication and therapies to prevent the cancer from spreading. Some treatments of cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immune therapy among others.

What are GMO?

The term refers to either animals or plants that have been genetically altered. They are created by inserting genes from one organism to another to alter its genetic composition. The organisms are mostly modified to improve the quality of genes in them. Genetically modified plants become resistant to disease and pesticides. They also become resistant to droughts and are able to survive worse drought conditions they never would have surpassed if not modified.

Genetically Modified Organisms have been linked to cancer. Their contribution to causing cancer cannot be overlooked. Many countries today are banning the use of GMO the latest being Russia. Today basically almost every food is genetically modified.

Genetically modified plants grow faster that organic ones. They are a solution to the starving population for most governments. But is it worth the risk? Are GMO really as safe as we are made to believe? The truth is that GMO are unhealthy compared to organic food.

Most of the foods that find their way into our diets are in one way or another genetically modified. Corn and soy are the known modified crops. Therefore avoid eating anything that is made from soy lecithin or corn syrup.

Most animals like chicken, cows and pigs are fed from these genetically modified crops like corm. Therefore GMO ends up finding its way to you through their meat. Always opt for animals you know are grass fed, like those raised in farms.

Organic foods on the other hand are safe and are made from non GMO seeds. Always read the label of cans when purchasing food. Go for foods which are labeled GMO- free as this means that they are not made from any genetically modified organisms.

GMO

How GMO can cause cancer

The most common cancer linked to GMO is breast cancer. When GMO are made, the genetic composition of the original plant is altered by inserting genes from another plan. This alters the DNA of the original plant.

Studies show that when DNA is altered it increases a person’s risk of getting cancer. This is because the genetic substances in GMO end up altering the DNA of humans. This alters normal body functioning.

When this happens, a person is at risk getting cancerous tumors. The cells are affected by this DNA modification and due to this they end up functioning abnormally and this is what can lead to cancer.

To find out more about GMO and cancer risks join the AwareMed community. Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide more facts about cancer and how you can avoid it. Contact her for more health and awareness tips.

Cancer Risk: GMO and Link to Cancer

 

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Addiction to Energy Drinks

August 17, 2014

Can there be an Energy Drinks Addiction?

What is an energy drink?

This is a kind of beverage containing ingredients are purported to boost the energy levels in the body. These drinks are marketed as providing both mental and physical stimulation due to its paramount ingredient, caffeine. It may sometimes be carbonated and also added sugar or other sweeteners. Herbs extracts and amino acids are also common ingredients to the energy drinks though in very small quantities.

Is energy drink addictive?

Addiction to Energy DrinksLooking at the ingredients that form the energy drink, it is beyond reasonable doubt that energy drinks can be addictive. The main addictive ingredient of the energy drink is the caffeine, though the sugar additives can also be addictive.

Caffeine is a stimulant and it acts by stimulating the central nervous system, which has effect on the brain and hence making you feel wonderfully alert though in the actual sense you are tired. This is so because the caffeine stimulated the nervous system and consequently blocking the message that tells your brain that you are tired. The effect induced by caffeine, is pleasant to many people, but to some it may result to anxiety, depression and other unpleasant side effects.

Energy drinks often contains caffeine or sugar which can affect the neurotransmitter causing temporal energy boost. These are the brain chemicals which regulate the human moods and behaviors, and if they can be stimulated, they can make our bodies have a feel of energy gain. This is the property that the energy drink manufacturers capitalize on. It simply works by blocking the messages which would otherwise trigger energy needs.

What are the side effects of energy drink?

The main cause of side effects in energy drinks is the high amounts of caffeine in them. Though some of the other ingredients can also have some side effects, the main side effects which are attributed to energy drinks are related to caffeine. Thus the side effects that we will look at here may be similar to those of caffeine addiction particularly.

The following are the main side effects of energy drinks:-

  • Risk of cardiac attack – caffeine which is an ingredient of energy drinks is known to cause heart diseases. Taking of energy drinks leaves a person under a very high risk of getting a cardiac arrest. For those with history of heart diseases, this cardiac arrest can occur just after a few energy drinks. Researches done on the effects of energy drugs on the human body have indicated that energy drinks causes forceful heart contractions, which could be very harmful to some with certain heart conditions.
  • Chronic headache – since caffeine is addictive, reduction or too much caffeine can cause severe headache due to the withdrawal symptoms of caffeine. Therefore taking too much energy drinks can lead to severe headaches.
  • May lead to insomnia – since energy drinks stimulate the rain to keep a person awake/alert, its abuse may cause someone to miss sleep. The lack of sleep can be very harmful to your body, since it affects your drive to perform other concentration heavy tasks.
  • Can lead to Type 2 Diabetes – this is a type of diabetes which results from too much sugar in the body. Since these energy drinks many of them have high levels of sugar, their consumption may lead to typpe2 diabetes.

Addiction to Energy Drinks

  • Addiction – another risk or side effect of taking energy drinks is addiction. The ingredients of the energy drinks such as caffeine and sugars are highly addictive. Addiction itself is a danger to your health, but the biggest problem is that the addiction will make you dependent on energy drinks and thus you cannot survive without taking them. This will even put you to a much bigger ganger of the side effects of the individual ingredients of the energy drink.
  • Jittering and nervousness – when caffeine is taken in high levels into the body, it causes some people to shake and be nervous. The energy drinks are high in caffeine and thus when frequently taken, they can lead to this side effect.
  • Interaction with prescription drugs – it has come to the knowledge of scientists that, some of the ingredients of energy drinks can interact with the prescription drugs, especially those meant for depression treatment.

Should energy drinks be made illegal?

The debate on whether energy drinks should be declared illegal has been ongoing in many areas of the world. Some countries are in the process of banning the sale of the drinks, especially to underage. Among the noticeable countries which have come out to show the world that energy drinks should be banned is Lithuania.
The recent reports are that, “Lithuania has banned the sale of energy drinks to anyone under 18 on the basis of health concerns. The ban will take effect in November 2014 after it was approved by parliament in May. Lithuania’s health
ministry said it was setting a precedent within the European Union.” The message from the state read, “According to our survey, a majority of other nations say that they only have recommendations in place, not bans,” ministry official Almantas Kranauskas said. “I think it will serve as an impetus for other countries. Many of them are still hesitating and might be influenced by the lucrative energy drinks industry.”

Can there be an Energy Drinks Addiction?

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Drugs, Sex Trade and the GDP Figures

August 17, 2014

Drug Market Already Adding To GDP Figures

What does GDP mean?

It stands for the Gross Domestic Product. It is an economic measure of any given country, and it is used to gauge the health of an economy of a country. It looks at the total value of all the goods and services produced by a given country for a specified period of time, mostly a period of one year.

Many illegal businesses have not been captured in these estimates in many countries. This is due to the fact that such businesses are considered illegal and are not seen to contribute to the economy of the country in question. Some of such businesses are prostitution and drug trafficking. Though it is still debatable on whether these businesses should or not be considered when estimating the gross domestic product of a given country, some countries have already turned out to include sex business and drugs trafficking in their gross domestic product. Some of the European countries have already boosted their economy by including prostitution and drugs in their GDP.

It is now official that it will be obligatory in September 2014 for all European Union countries to include drugs, prostitution, and other illegal and shadow economy businesses in their gross domestic product
calculations. The 2010 version of the European System of Accounts states that “illegal economic actions shall be considered as transactions when all units involved enter the actions by mutual
agreement. Thus, purchases, sales or barters of illegal drugs or stolen property are transactions, while theft is not.”  The goal is to make European Union countries’ economic data comparable. According to
the Guardian Britain’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) has estimated that illegal drugs and prostitution added £9.7bn to Britain’s economy, equal to 0.7% of gross domestic product, in 2009.

Is USA following the suit soon and include illegal business in the GDP?

Drugs, Sex Trade Every country will always want its GDP to grow by a factor every year, or at least remain at a high level. Any activity or inclusion to the GDP which is considered to boost the GDP will always be welcome as long as it acceptable. Following the acceptance and inclusion of illegal drugs and prostitution in the GDP of many European countries, the United States of America is also believed to be on the verge of following the suit. This idea has though been on a hold as they wait to analyze the result or impact of inclusion of the illegal business from the data from the countries which have already embraced it.

There is likelihood that USA will be including these illegal businesses in their GDP soon, especially looking at the statement given by one of the prominent personnel, who is the chief of public affairs and outreach at the United States Bureau of economic Analysis, Jeannine Aversa. Jeannine Aversa was quoted as saying, “The united states has no plans for now, to start counting illegal sex and drugs. We need to look at the issue closely to see what data are available before any decision could be made.” He also added, “We haven’t done any research yet, so we don’t know how much this would add to the U.S economy as measured by GDP.”

From these statements, there is a probability that U.S will be joining Europe in the inclusion of illegal sex and drugs in the GDP, but this remain to be seen in future. This is in the assumption that there will be a positive impact of the inclusion from the data that will be collected from the forerunners, European countries. This positive impact would be mouthwatering for U.S and hence consider including the illegal businesses in GDP also.

Can sex and drugs inclusion in GDP boost the economy of a country?

This question can be sufficiently answered based on the statistics from the countries which have already done it. A noticeable country which has already included sex and drugs in the GDP is Italy. Italy is one of the countries which were struggling with poor economy for years. Upon inclusion of black market in the GDP, it registered a growth in economy reported to be around 18%. This growth was taking it past UK to make it the fourth richest country in the world. Illegal sex and drug trafficking lie under black market squares and go untaxed. The taxation of these businesses would result to a remarkable boost in the economy by a factor.

It is estimated that in U.S for example, the sale of illegal marijuana business is worth between $10 billion and $100 billion each year. This is a very big figure which evades the government’s taxing and hence a big loss to the state. Just like illegal marijuana, illegal sex among many other illegal or black market businesses go untaxed and governments lose a lot of money which would otherwise contributed to the country’s economy.

Would inclusion of drugs and sex in GDP have benefit to the people involved?

If these businesses succeed to being included in the GDP, it will mean that they will be legalized. This will be a boost to the people involved in these businesses since it is no longer considered illegal by the states and thus transacting in such businesses is not punishable by the state. Likewise to the drugs user, it brings sense of responsibility, as the person can regulate one’s self on when to take the drug and the quantities to take at given times.

Drug Market Already Adding To GDP Figures

 

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