Tag Archives: neurotransmiters

gut-brain-axis (1)

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain

May 30, 2016
Drugs chemical structure

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain negatively and immediate remedial action needs to be taken

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: How does it happen?

Anytime you take drugs, it must always register in your mind that you are taking in chemicals. From an expert point of view, doctor Akoury agrees that drugs are indeed chemicals. Therefore when consume these chemicals into their body, it will not matter the mode of administration whether it is taken through smoking, injection, inhaling, or eating or drinking their solution, the content will quickly tap into your brain’s communication system and interfere with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. This interference cannot be taken lightly and that is why we want to find out how it happens because it has been established that drugs chemicals structure affects the brain badly.

We spoke to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury about this revelation and this is their professional opinion. Due to the diverse difference in drugs and coupled with the fact that drugs chemical structure affects the brain, we wanted to find out how. Doctor Akoury therefore confirms that there are at least two ways by which drugs work in the brain. That is to say; either by imitating the brain’s natural chemical messengers or over stimulating the “reward circuit” of the brain. And whichever way it takes, the effect/impact cannot be a healthy experience. It therefore means that timely treatment precaution needs to be taken to remedy the situation. As an addict to any of the drugs chemical structure or if someone you know is struggling with the same, you can be of help to them. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today for the commencement of their recovery process. This is very important and needs not to wait another moment because the magnitude of drugs chemical structure affects the brain can also cause insanity or dual diagnosis.

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: Varieties of drugs

Like we have also mentioned that some of these substances, like for instance marijuana or heroin, have chemical structures which are able to imitate that of a neurotransmitter which naturally occurs in our bodies. It is therefore possible that, these drugs can actually “fool” our receptors, lock onto them, and activate the nerve cells. However, they don’t work the same way as a natural neurotransmitter, and the neurons wind up sending abnormal messages through the brain, which can cause problems both for our brains as well as our bodies.

Finally many other substances including cocaine and methamphetamine, cause nerve cells to release too much dopamine, which is a natural neurotransmitter, or prevent the normal recycling of dopamine. This leads to exaggerated messages in the brain, causing problems with communication channels. We will as we progress with is discussion in the next articles further explore on the how it happens. Our focus is going to be on the specifics including the high from drugs, the repeat effect and the long term effect. This is healthy and you do not want to miss. We beseech you to keep on the link and be the first to know so that you can also help others take immediate remedial actions with doctor Akoury.

Drugs chemical structure affects the brain: How does it happen?

 

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gut-neurotransmitters

Gut Neurotransmitters Connection and Addiction

February 16, 2016

Gut Neurotransmitters Connection and Addiction

With current and ongoing advancements in genetic testing and scientific knowledge, mankind is discovering more about the inner workings of the human body than ever before. Among the new discoveries and paths of inquiry is the link between gut health and psychological and neurological responses. It has been found that gut flora can have a significant influence on the developing brain chemistry of children, which can have an impact on their behavior as adults.

At the Integrative Addiction Conference 2016, experts on the subjects of addiction and nutrition address the link between gut flora, neurotransmitters, and addiction.

There are over three million bacterial cells inhabiting our bodies, and these bacteria can affect our bodies and minds in ways that we are only just beginning to explore. These bacteria can alter our ability to absorb certain vitamins and other vital nutrients, such as Vitamin B6, which is supposed to promote the health of nerve and muscle cells. Bacteria also affect the body’s immune response, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases and other illnesses.

gut neurotransmitters However, the body requires certain beneficial bacteria to function correctly. Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have been shown to not only control numbers of pathogenic bacteria, but also to favorably interact with the immune system and endocrinal system with long-term benefits.

Bacteria and other microbes have also been proven to affect brain chemistry and neurotransmitter production and reception. Studies in rats and mice have shown that those without the beneficial bacteria in their guts have impaired production of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor or BDNF. This protein is known to be involved in anxiety response in humans, and low levels have been implicated in various psychiatric diseases including depression and chronic anxiety.

The animals which had no beneficial gut flora also displayed changes in the NMDA and 5HT1A neurotransmitter receptors, which are also involved in mood regulation. In schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, it is known that part of the cause is a faulty NMDA receptor. Production of tryptophan, the precursor to the generation of serotonin, is also adversely affected by the lack of beneficial gut flora.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which regulates our moods. It is also known as the “happiness molecule” and a deficit in serotonin levels is linked to depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, eating disorders, and insomnia, among others. In men, low serotonin levels are expressed as ADHD, impulsive behavior, and excessive drinking. Women are more likely to experience mood imbalances and food cravings.

Dopamine production and reception are also affected by the imbalance of gut flora. Dopamine is the “motivation molecule” and this is what gives us the ability to see things through, as well as giving us a sense of accomplishment when we achieve our goals. Dopamine deficiency manifests as apathy and lack of motivation, lack of ability to experience pleasure, and low libido. Very often the response to low dopamine levels is over-indulgence in pleasure-inducing substances such as alcohol and recreational drugs, or other self-destructive behaviors.

To function properly and be content, the levels of serotonin and dopamine should remain balanced. If we have too much serotonin and not enough dopamine, we feel unable to do anything and lack energy and drive. If dopamine is dominant over serotonin, we are unable to feel happiness and can only see problems without solutions.

gut neurotransmitters connectionsIf both dopamine and serotonin levels are low, we will have no motivation and no pleasure or contentment, resulting in depression and cravings.

 

Check out our Integrative Addiction Conference 2016 being held in Austin, Texas

 

A large proportion of these neurochemicals is produced in the gut and affect appetite. It is only recently that research has been made into the possibility that the microbes in the gut produce the substances. As the production of these neurotransmitters and the anatomy of their receptors becomes affected or damaged by the presence of harmful microbes and the lack of beneficial bacteria in the gut, the symptoms associated with their deficiency or imbalance increase. Sufferers rely on ever-increasing quantities of mood-altering substances to balance the shortfall. But the pleasure granted by these devices and substances becomes more and more fleeting, so more and more has to be taken for the same “high”. Thus, addiction is born.

Colonizing the gut with healthy and beneficial bacteria is a process that has to start in childhood to be fully effective in regulating and maintaining brain chemistry. Once the neurotransmitters have been affected, it is much more difficult to rectify the problem and restore the balance. Understanding the problem informs the solution. Adopt a diet that limits gut damage and prevents the release of harmful bacteria into the blood stream. Nutritional supplements and probiotics can restore the beneficial gut flora to healthy levels. There are also supplements that can increase the production and supply of the neurotransmitters. A holistic and integrated approach to a solution will be more effective than treating only the neurochemical imbalance without addressing the cause, which lies in the gut and the gut flora.

The link between the gut, the brain, and addiction will be explored more fully at the Integrative Addiction Conference in August 2016. For more information and to register, visit the website at http://regenerativepotential.com/integrativeaddictionconference/.

 

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Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods

August 25, 2015

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: When it is necessary to feed on good nutrition

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods is very much in order in the management of the prevalence of drug addiction

In the process of seeking for solutions when it comes to defeating drug addiction, people often go for very big things, big rehabilitation institutions and expensive and elaborate addiction professionals. This is very much in order because the most important thing is the reclaiming one’s health and freedom back from the scourge of addiction. However what many may not know or if they do, then they don’t care about is the avenue of nutrition as a tool of fighting and eliminating all sorts of addictions you may be privy about. For quite a while now we have been posting articles touching on the use of healthy nutrition in the fight against substance abuse and we are not about to stop. We want all of us to have the knowledge so that the work of dealing with drug addiction can be made easier and much lighter to both the direct and indirect victims. From the expert’s point of view, correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods is one very important avenue available for containing the problem. Doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) who is a well-respected expert in addiction is of the opinion that psychoactive substances may lead to psychiatric problems because in many cases the substances can have toxic effects on brain chemistry. She adds that before detoxification is done, neurotransmitters are reduced due to poor nutrition which then alters the amino acid absorption and utilization. The implication of this is that the victims (addicts) are left feeling depressed, agitated and unregulated early in recovery. From the various researches done, it is believed that these imbalances will disappear over a couple of weeks however they may also last as long as one year after an addict becomes sober.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: Moods and behavior abnormalities

For some, moods and behavior abnormalities may have been present before the substance abuse. With proper diagnosis of any possible underlying mental health disorders, a healthy diet and education on how nutrition influences mood and brain chemistry, recovery can be enhanced. An understanding of how food affects mood and the risk of substance abuse begins with macronutrients. And with carbohydrates being the body’s main source of energy it therefore means that without this macronutrient, the brain can’t function properly, blood sugar becomes unstable, and neurotransmitters become disrupted. Unstable blood sugar can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and cravings.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: The role played by carbohydrates

Speaking to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, we are able to professionally establish that carbohydrates aids in the production of serotonin which then facilitates a happy and stable mood; aids in sleep; and helps curb food cravings. Besides that low serotonin levels can also result in sleep problems, irritability, and depression. Remember that the release of insulin following the adequate consumption of carbohydrate facilitates the entry of glucose cells, where it’s used for energy that triggers tryptophan’s entry into the brain. Then folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 help the synthesis of tryptophan to serotonin. Ensuring that clients receive adequate carbohydrates and tryptophan-rich foods, such as dairy and meats, helps stabilize these reactions.

Amino acids which are the building blocks of protein, also forms the foundation of neurotransmitters. Doctor Dalal Akoury says that low levels of neurotransmitters, and more so dopamine, can trigger an individual to turn to substances to feel better, a factor which is common with most substances as they impact on the body’s dopamine levels. Remember that dopamine is made from the amino acid tyrosine, while serotonin is made from tryptophan. Therefore whenever an individual lacks either of these amino acids, synthesis of the respective neurotransmitter is disrupted, which then affects mood, aggression, and the desire for drugs or alcohol.

Dietary fat – this also plays a role in maintaining mental health. Because it affects inflammation and cell membrane integrity, limiting dietary fat directly influences mood. Research has shown that increased inflammation or pro-inflammatory cytokines result in more depressive symptoms.

Omega-3 fatty acid – the consumption of omega-3 fatty acid may help with depression by enabling the rejuvenation in the uptake of neurotransmitters and subsiding inflammation. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center having a proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids helps neurotransmitter receptors function, which in turn helps increase the amount of neurotransmitters that can be active in the brain. Besides that many experts have recommended supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to help in the reduction of anxiety in people who are struggling with substance abuse.

Encouraging patients to drink adequate amounts of hydrating fluids also will help them manage mood while ensuring adequate absorption of any medications they take to prevent side effects from withdrawal or underlying psychiatric disorders. The following are some of the most common symptoms of dehydration irritability, trouble concentrating, and disorientation. Dehydration also commonly results from detoxification, so monitoring daily intake and output values will help determine appropriate fluid intake recommendations.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: Reduce Cravings

Doctor Akoury is stating categorically that it is important to appreciate that conditions like anxiety, irritability and low mood or energy levels are commonly triggers for cravings. All of these symptoms can result from low blood sugar, dehydration, high levels of caffeine, and an unbalanced diet. Increased relapse occurs when an individual has poor eating habits, mainly because of the impact on cravings. Encouraging balanced meals and regular eating times helps patients decrease these events. Generally, a diet relatively high in complex carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and low in fat and sugar is recommended to help sustain recovery. It isn’t wise to advise clients to follow a high-protein diet since excess protein will strain the already damaged liver.

Finally in many cases during the early part of recovery, many patients will often struggle with differentiating hunger from cravings for drugs or alcohol and emotions. It is very normal for addicts at this point to commonly forget what normal hunger feels like and may perceive a craving for substances when actually they’re just hungry. Similarly, many addicts will switch to sweets to replace their drug dependency; some of this is as a result of seeking pleasurable foods that trigger a physiological response (such as increasing dopamine), emotional eating, or experiencing irregular blood sugar levels. Monitoring sweets intake may be important with some clients because up to 50% of substance abusers also have co-occurring eating disorders, so monitoring signs of binge behavior may help in properly identifying possible binge-eating disorder or bulimia. In conclusion substance abuse has no respect for anybody and therefore you are not equally safe. If for whatever reason you are struggling with any substance, do wait for too long to seek for help. Call doctor Akoury today and schedule for an appointment with her to get your treatment and recovery journey started immediately today.

Correcting addiction by normalizing neurotransmitters and moods: When it is necessary to feed on good nutrition

 

 

 

 

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