Intravenous B Vitamins and the Addiction Disease

March 12, 2015

Nutrition plays a major role in keeping us safe from diseases of all kinds and even making our bodies able to fight these diseases when attacked. However addiction to certain drugs depletes some of the most crucial vitamins and other important nutritional components that are supposed to make us healthy and be safe from addictions. B vitamins are some of the most important vitamins in our bodies as they are very essential for the proper functioning of our brain and the entire nervous system. Supplements with natural vitamin B can help with drug addiction, stress, and depression. This is because most drugs are suppressants to the nervous system and in the long term they leave the nervous system incapacitated to work efficiently. Like sated earlier B vitamins are very crucial in our bodies but are often depleted by drug and alcohol use. To show how important B vitamins are let’s look at their roles in our body.

Intravenous B Vitamins

The roles of vitamin B in the body

One of the most important functions of B vitamins in our bodies in relation to addiction is that they can help in fighting addiction. Vitamin B3 or niacin are an effective bunch in treatment of addiction especially addiction to alcohol as they metabolize alcohol out of your body and regulates part of the stress-related hormones of the adrenal glands. Therefore in case of deficiency in these vitamins an IV supplementation of these vitamins will help. Another serious withdrawal symptom is Insomnia, this can be resolved by Vitamin B6 which is essential in production of the chemical serotonin, which helps in restoring calmness in case of anxiety and depression and also helps in regulation of melatonin levels to induce sleep. Brain is a victim of most drug of abuse, Vitamin B9 is crucial in restoring cellular as well as brain health. researchers have found out that when vitamins B3, B6 and B9 are given intravenously in higher doses they help in reducing alcohol cravings and anxious tension, as well as insomnia and mood fluctuations that are common symptoms of withdrawal.

Other important B vitamins include Vitamin B1 also known as thiamin, and vitamin B2, known as riboflavin. these two vitamins helps in maintaining cell health by processing nutrients from foods and converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins to usable energy. Thiamine supplementation is a recommended treatment in alcohol addiction treatment as it helps in reducing fatigue, maintaining mental clarity and decreasing disorientation. Riboflavin helps in reducing the severity of headaches and hand tremors associated with alcohol and other drugs withdrawal. These two vitamins can be intravenously supplemented in addicts to help them through the withdrawal phase of the addiction treatment. Owing to its importance in the body, it’s better to discuss thiamine in detail.

Thiamine in Detail

Thiamine or Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. This vitamin is needed so that our bodies can use carbohydrates as energy. It is a necessity for glucose metabolism. Thiamine also plays an important role in nerve, muscle and heart function.

Thiamine is found in many foods such as yeast, cereal grains, beans, nuts, and meat. It is part of vitamin B vitamins with which it is often used in making vitamin B complex products. Vitamin B complexes generally include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin/niacinamide), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), and folic acid.

There are situations when a person will be required to take Thiamine, thiamine deficiency syndromes such as beriberi and neuritis that may arise during pregnancy require supplementation of thiamine. It is also used to treat digestive problems which may include ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and even poor appetite.

This vitamin has many uses, some of its uses include; it is used in vision problems like cataracts, it is also used by HIV patients as an immune booster, used in treating brain damage and in prevention of cervical cancer. It can still be used to enhance learning abilities and to enhance positive mental attitude. It also increases energy and is also useful in preventing memory loss.

Despite its many uses thiamine is widely used in treating a memory disorder known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy syndrome which is common in those addicted to alcohol. Therefore it has been found to be effective in fighting alcoholism which in itself is an indication of thiamine deficiency.

Intravenous B Vitamins

Generally deficiency of B vitamins has been found to be responsible for much of the fatigue, skin irritation, memory loss and depression experienced by people who are newly recovering from an addiction to alcohol. Therefore recovering addicts can benefit from IV B vitamins supplementation. Vitamin B in general, and particularly vitamins B1 , B3 and B5 have a role in ensuring there is enough energy in the cells as they are primarily responsible for turning sugars into energy. B6 and B12 play important roles in producing blood cells and the health of the nervous system. Naturally the B vitamins can be found in foods we eat particularly in pork, nuts, cereals, salmon, grains (whole grains), liver, egg and milk.

As can be seen above the functions of the B vitamins in fighting addiction are numerous and the effectiveness of having an IV B vitamins regimen cannot be underestimate as it is through the restoration of the normal levels of the regimen that we can heal the nervous system and provide the cells with enough energy throughout the addiction treatment and beyond.

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.

Intravenous B Vitamins and the Addiction Disease

Supplements To Aid You In Recovery From Addiction And Remain Healthy

August 3, 2014

Supplements To Aid You In Recovery From Addiction And Remain Healthy

What are supplements?

addiction supplements Supplements are substances that are considered vital in the body but they are currently insufficient or unavailable hence need to add them to the body. These substances are intended to cure a given disease or condition naturally by providing the body with the ingredients that it requires in fighting the disease or condition. In this article, we will look at some critical supplements which enable the body to fight addiction and heal from the damage cause by the addiction.

DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA): DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA): this is an essential amino acid which our bodies cannot produce and thus they must come from our diets of from DL-supplement. It is a depression fighting mixture made from two forms of amino acid, phenylalanine. One of its components, L-Portion has dopamine and nor-epinephrine which are essential in bolstering of moods. The D-portions of the compound is made in the labs and it appears to block the nervous system enzyme which amplifies the pain signal. This is why this supplement can be useful in the treatment of pain and mild depression. DPLA has been proven to be able to improve the mental awareness.it can also increase endorphin and encephalin levels by inhibiting the enzyme enkephalinase that breaks them down.
L-Tyrosine: This is another important amino acid which is used in the synthesis of structural proteins. Tyrosine is manufactured from another amino acid called phenylalanine. One of the reasons why tyrosine is considered to be among the most important amino acids is because it is used in the production of neurotransmitter. Some scientists have also argued that tyrosine directly affects the brain. This amino acid is also known to be responsible as a pigment imparting agent for the human skin.

Where can we get this amino acid from? Tyrosine is readily available in foods such as dairy products, meat, eggs, fish and oats. Apart from the dietary source the amino acid can be found as a supplement especially for people who cannot get it directly from the foods.

The health advantage of tyrosine is that it has been proven to reduce depression, mood disorders, among other diseases. Tyrosine also is used by the body to create chemical messengers which paly role in the alertness of an individual. Tyrosine also works to increase the production of enkephalins, which are peptides which have potent painkilling effects and also
protects falling dopamine levels.

L-Glycine: this is an amino acid which is not considered essential since the body can naturally manufacture its own L-glycine. Apart from this fact, they can be found in the diets that we take every day. These amino acids are important in a number of ways. They have been confirmed to have anti-inflammatory effects and also they encourage the production of neurotransmitter which is an essential substance in the brain for sending and receiving signals. It has also been successfully used to treat depression and prevention of epileptic seizure.

L-glycine is also known to have soothing effect in the brain and thus it can be used to bring calmness in the brain, and effect that can be harnessed for medicinal value. It also assists in endorphin and enkephalin synthesis.

L-Methionine: this is an amino acid which is used to prevent liver damages in acetaminophen poisoning. Methionine helps the liver to detoxify drugs and is also required for the production of enkephalins. It is found in foods but can also be given as a supplement. It plays many critical functions in the cells to avoid liver damage.

L-Tryptophan: this is an essential amino acid found in the human body. The body cannot manufacture it, and therefore it must be taken with our diets. It is an important amino acid in the development and functioning of many organs in the body. Once it is absorbed into the body from food, L-tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP and then to Serotonin. Serotonin is an important hormone which is the medium of communication in the nerve system. Do not take tryptophan at the same time as SSRI antidepressants.

Vitamins and Minerals: These are nutrients that we should take in our daily meals. Vitamins and minerals are supported in their own right but also essential cofactors for the above amino acid remedies.

Magnesium: this is a nutrient which is very important in our bodies, since it is used in hundreds of biochemical reactions, a factor which makes it crucial for health. Magnesium is calming and nourishing to the nervous system, slightly painkilling, assists regeneration throughout the system and liver detoxification.

B-Complex: These are vitamins (The eight B vitamins). They are important in our bodies, since they keep our bodies run like a well-oiled machine. High doses of B complex are protective and regenerative to the nervous system. These vitamins can be gotten from diets like cerials, green leavy vegetables, eggs, chicken, citrus fruits just to mention a few. In case you cannot get these vitamins from the diet, you can also get them as supplement, by taking B Complex supplements. Deficiency in these vitamins can result to symptoms such as anemia, tiredness, depression among others.

Supplements To Aid You In Recovery From Addiction And Remain Healthy

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DOPAMINE

July 31, 2014

Natural Remedies for Dopamine Include IV Vitamin C, IV selenium, IV coq10, IV DNP

From the definition of dopamine, you will understand that dopamine is responsible for the reward system in the brain. This chemical is responsible for making us feel pleasure, motivated, drive, focus, concentration etc. Dopamine is therefore simply a chemical that is used by the brain to send signals. When dopamine is released by a nerve, it crosses a very small gap known as synapse and then attaches to a dopamine receptor on the next nerve. When the levels of dopamine are low in the brain, the nerve impulses or signals cannot be transmitted well and this can impair the brains functioning. This situation where the level of dopamine is low in the brain is known as dopamine deficiency.

What may affect the level of dopamine?

Dopamine is a chemical which is naturally produced by the human brain. This means that for the level of dopamine produced by the brain to remain optimum the brain must be functioning well. Any alteration in the functioning of the brain therefore can cause imbalance in the levels of dopamine in the brain. Addictive drugs are known to be in the frontline of the causers of this imbalance. The addictive drugs seem to alter the normal functioning of the brain and consequently affect the level of dopamine in our bodies. When the level of dopamine goes down, the person may become depressed. A common effect of low level of dopamine in the brain is depression.

How do I know that I have dopamine deficiency?

The common symptoms of low level in dopamine are the same symptoms associated with the clinical depression. This is because when the person has low level of dopamine; emotions cannot be correctly regulated and has mental impulses which mitigate intense feeling of sadness. The following are therefore the most common symptoms of dopamine deficiency;

Lowness in motivation – the person looks docile and doesn’t look to have any motivation towards activities around.
Lack of interest in life – the person doesn’t see reason to live.
Mood swings – the person looks moody and not willing to freely interact with the people around.
Sleep patterns become altered – if you are a victim of dopamine deficiency, you may exhibit altered sleep patterns.
Poor memory – the person has a very low retention and remembrance capacities. The chances of retaining information for long are very low since the person remains depressed.
The person may be addicted to caffeine or other stimulants
Fatigue may also be evident.
There may be weight loss in the person.
Inability to feel pleasure – since the dopamine is the one responsible for the feeling of pleasure, its deficiency means the person will experience diminish in pleasure feeling capacity.

The levels of dopamine sometimes may be extremely low. In this situation, it causes a permanent and degenerative diminishing motor skills and also muscle rigidity and tremor.

The Natural Remedies For Dopamine Deficiency

Balanced amount of dopamine in the brain is very important. Thus whenever one is diagnosed with its deficiency there should be measures to restore it back to the appropriate levels. The natural remedies have been proven to be much safer ways of increasing serotonin levels. This is particularly because these natural ways are not prone to side effects like the medical ways have.

The natural dopamine remedy doesn’t involve prescription medicine and thus it focuses on the nutrition, exercise and supplements.

The nutritional dopamine increase – this dopamine increasing strategy looks at the level of deficiency and offers plans to increase them appropriately. The book, “The Edge Effect” which is written by Dr. Eric Braverman gives us specific nutritional and supplement plans which can be used to increase the levels of dopamine to certain levels depending on the person’s deficiency.

The principle that is used by the dopamine diet is that it offers the body the required raw materials for a steady supply of tyrosine and phenylalanine which are the two amino acids which are antecedents of dopamine. The source of these amino acids is foods which are rich in proteins. These foods convert their tyrosine to dopamine. Such foods include:-

Meat (Chicken, pork etc.)
Fruits like bananas, apples and watermelon.
Eggs
Black and green tea
Beans and legumes
Honey
Milk
Ricotta
Soybeans
Beets and many more other foods products especially those rich in proteins and IV Vitamin C.

Supplements which can increase dopamine

There are compounds which can be administered to the patient and then they raise the level of dopamine in the patient. Such supplements include Tyrosine and L-Phenylalanine. These are actually amino acids and hence they can make dopamine when administered to the patient. They should though be used for low energy type depression, addictive behavior, including depression (low mood), food craving and overeating phases.

Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in dopamine level increasing. It is highly recommended that you regularly do exercise. Exercise increases the blood calcium which in turn stimulates dopamine production and uptakes in the brain. Doing exercises such as walking, gym, swimming, jogging extra can be very helpful in the dopamine level incrementing. Sleep is also another important ingredient, and thus ensure you get enough sleep.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DOPAMINE

Nutrients and addiction recovery is Vital

March 21, 2014

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

Food Nutrients offers the best natural way for addiction recovery

The life style of the society today is surrounded with different kinds of food which are either beneficial to the body or otherwise. Whereas food is need for the growth of the body some of these are addictive hence the term addiction. It encompasses almost all imbalanced and self-destructive behavior. Substance abuse can create an illusory sense of well-being, but in the end it severely damages physical, psychological, and spiritual health.

There are many degrees of addiction. Some people are mildly addicted to one or two cups of coffee or a few teaspoons of sugar. Others consume two to three quarts of caffeine drinks with more significant amounts of sugar. Then, at the other end of the spectrum, are addicts drinking pints of alcohol daily, shooting heroin, and doing large amounts of other “hard” drugs. This leads us to history.

It has been shown that individuals with substance addictions may very likely be suffering from an assortment of one or more metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemia, hypoadrenia and depression. Serious maladaptive patterns, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypoglycemia, and candida albicans, have always been common among drug addicts and alcoholics.

Because of this continual nutritional support is instrumental in gaining real and lasting recovery from addiction. It is not uncommon for those who remain drug or alcohol-free to simply substitute their chosen substance with excessive use of another addictive substance, such as sugar, caffeine, or nicotine. This behavior is often indicative of some metabolic disorder that the individual is trying to self-correct.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery is a reality, check it out!

It is a good idea when beginning a nutritional program to include a clean diet: lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, plenty of vegetables and fruits, low fat, and little or no refined sugars. Here are some nutrients that address common problems from which many recovering addicts may suffer:

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Detoxifying and strengthening the liver and digestive tract

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered to be one of the primary nutrients useful in the treatment of addiction. It helps to eliminate toxins from the body as well as lessen withdrawal symptoms. In 1977 and 1982 Libby and Stone reported that large doses of ascorbic acid combined with B vitamins and protein allowed heroin addicts to quit with minimal withdrawal symptoms. A dose of 10 grams daily prevented cravings from returning. The preferred form of C is buffered with calcium and magnesium or ester C.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery means stock up on healthy minerals:
Selenium. This important antioxidant plays a role in the body’s utilization of oxygen. Studies have shown that mice live longer without oxygen if they have been previously supplemented with selenium. Alcoholics, as well as patients with candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and ARC, have all shown low levels of selenium. In addition, heart disease and cancer are higher in people with diminished selenium levels. Selenium also has a role in detoxifying poisonous phenols, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, hydrocarbons, and chlorine. Many people with allergic reactions to these substances have found relief through the use of selenium. However, selenium can be toxic in large amounts. A safe therapeutic dose is about 100 mcg daily. Green leafy vegetables and several herbs, such as American and Siberian Ginseng, have bio-available forms of selenium.
Zinc. The mineral zinc plays an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. If one uses excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, drugs, or alcohol it is more than likely that a zinc deficiency will develop. Low zinc levels can cause liver deterioration and diminished functioning of the reproductive organs, immune system, and skin. Zinc picolinate is probably the most bio-available form, with a safe therapeutic dose between 15 – 20 mg, once or twice daily.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

Calcium. Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to eliminate calcium. Caffeine, for example, has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Depressed calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. A recovering addict should consider 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
Magnesium. Magnesium and calcium are partners in keeping the nervous system strong and healthy. Most abused substances contribute to diminished magnesium levels in the blood. A recovering addict should consider taking 500-1000 mg of elemental magnesium daily in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA). DLPA is composed of two amino acids, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine. It is the raw material that the nervous system uses to make PEA (Phenylethylamine) which increases the body’s ability to utilize endorphins.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Nutrients associated with enhancing energy

B Complex. The B vitamins are usually seriously deficient in people who use excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or other drugs. It is not even uncommon for these people to have B complex deficiencies prior to establishing their addiction. As a result, it is believed by some that part of the physiological draw to addictive substances has to do with B vitamin deficiencies. A supplement with 25 to 50 mg of the basic B vitamins is usually sufficient, taken one to three times daily.
Potassium. A low level of potassium is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies found today. Excessive use of salt, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, as well as an unbalanced diet, all tend to lower your level of potassium. Even commonly used pharmaceutical drugs such as cortisone and prednisone can create low levels of this important electrolyte. Decreased potassium levels are associated with depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Perhaps the best source of potassium can be found in fresh fruits such as oranges and bananas, and in vegetables such as leafy greens and potatoes. Numerous herbal extracts, including Nettle and Alfalfa, can provide bio-available forms of potassium.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs that detoxify the liver and digestive tract

Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle has displayed remarkable healing properties for the liver. European research has shown that it is effective in treating cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, and alcohol induced fatty liver. Milk Thistle extract actually has hepato-protective properties; it protects the liver cells from damage by environmental and internal toxins. This herb can be used as a liquid extract, tablet, or capsule in most cases. However, the more serious recovery case should consider the standardized extract. Milk Thistle use is a proof that Food Nutrients and addiction recovery go hand in hand.
Goldenseal. The American herb Goldenseal is a superior liver and blood detoxifier. A natural antibiotic, it is known to help reverse liver damage and effectively treat a variety of infections. It is not a good idea to take this herb by itself in large amounts for an extended period of time.
Dandelion. It’s known throughout Europe as an excellent liver detoxifier and mild diuretic. It increases the flow of bile and encourages both the transformation and transportation of nutrients. It has been used historically to treat liver disorders, arthritis and gout.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Herbs relaxing and strengthening the nervous system

Scullcap. It’s a broad spectrum nervine tonic. This herb has been used successfully in cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Scullcap is considered one of the preferred herbs to help ease withdrawal symptoms during recovery. During the first 72 hours of withdrawal, it may be taken every couple of hours. Scullcap contains large amounts of flavonoids which act as natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Valerian. This is another strong nervine. Extracts of Valerian have been used for centuries in Europe to resolve cases of insomnia, nervous disorders, anxiety, and depression. It is known to be beneficial for individuals who have a history of cocaine and/or alcohol use and also suffer from nervous disorders.
Passion Flower. Passion Flower is another great nervine. Milder than Valerian, it is excellent for relieving tension and for insomnia. Rich in flavonoids, Passion Flower is probably most effective when combined with Valerian and other nervines.

As you can see there are many nutrients and herbs which can assist the recovering addict. It is important to consider carefully which ones are appropriate for any given individual. At AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s you will be given the most you can ever ask for while focusing on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE.

Food Nutrients and addiction recovery-Natural way

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