Tag Archives: sleep deprivation

Why Exercises During Addiction Recovery?

July 26, 2015

Roles of Exercises and Addiction Recovery at a Glance

Addictive drug substances influence production of endorphins. Similarly exercises promote release of endorphins. This is one of the body’s feel good chemicals that makes both drug users and those who exercise “feel high”, with the former group developing increased tolerance for drugs. Whereas long-term exposure to alcohol damages parts of the brain’s white matter, several reports indicate exercises causes neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to recover from an injury. A commonly cited research study conducted in Colorado found that regular aerobic exercises like cycling or running helped protect the brain against this damage. Other than these two exercises and addiction recovery have the following commonalities.

Exercises Acts Alternative Source of Happiness

As mentioned earlier exercises promote release of endorphins. These chemical substances bring a sense of joy and happiness in the body. By doing the same they act an alternative source of the same. Patients who exercise are therefore more likely to reduce substance abuse, by extension they may as well abstain. Also it is much easier for them to opt for exercises in places of drugs.

Exercises

Exercises of Reduce Mental Damage

Mental illnesses are often caused by anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. These mental conditions often drive many people to using drugs in the first place. However influence of the same on abating these mental disorders reduces with time, hence driving them into a situation of increased dosage, overdose and perennial drug abuse. Similarly, regular exercise has the ability to reduce these conditions and is more effective even on long-term basis.

Exercise Help Reduce Stress

Drug addicts get caught up with addiction while trying to escape stress. Based on various media reports it is a major cause of addiction. Conversely regular exercising is a proven alternative to dealing with stress. It changes how cortisol, one of the body’s stress hormones is processed in the body thereby increasing tolerance of stress.

Exercises Alters Brain Response to Drugs

The brain is automated to respond to its environment in a process neuroplasticity. Extended exposure to drugs causes the brain to develop neuron pathways around the drug substance, thereby increasing its recognition and tolerance. In a similar process the brain may reject other substances with different chemical compositions. For instance some raw egg-yolk may be given to a person with excess alcohol in their blood stream to induce vomiting. Just like in the case of alcohol addiction, regular exercising increases the brain’s plasticity hence less difficult to quit drugs.

Exercises

Exercising Offers Alternative Leisure

Many addicts take drugs as a pastime activity. On the other hand one of the greatest fears of an addict is the possibility of a boring life after addiction. Regular exercising however fills these gaps perfectly for many hence it becomes easier to quit.

Regular Exercise Good for Sleep

Even though this is more of a secondary cause of addiction, sleep deprivation is an underlying reason for many such predisposing factors. Successive lack of sleep for instance causes stress and anxiety. It is common knowledge sleep has a positive effect on these. And the result on addiction recovery is no less important.

Exercise Enhances Self-Esteem

When a person concludes an exercise regime, s/he gets an immediate reward, accomplishment. Creating novel routes for rewards very well offer alternatives to drug abuse. Similarly, exercises normally lead to improved self-esteem, including a boost to one’s image from and a better shape. Great shape gained through repetitive exercises with time is quickly noticed by friends who will often offer commendation that all together reinforces the need to do exercise and if you may stop addiction.

Regular Exercising Instills Discipline  

Adhering to an exercise schedule is in itself a sense of discipline. Regular exercising also instills a sense of order. It shows one cares about attaining a healthy life. Regular exercising does shape one’s behavior, leading to development of more desirable characteristics. It may also rejuvenate in an addict the desire to live a more healthy life, hence may reconsider addiction recovery.

In a commonly cited study on exercises and addiction recovery some 60 to 90 percent drug addicts who try to quit on their own often relapse within a year, mostly this is due to snags keeping up necessary lifestyle changes. In a guided research program, participants steadily increased levels exercising for a period over 12 weeks. Together they met as a group to receive extra coaching on how to increase their physical fitness, offering peer support. Finally, the participants received $5 each for group and exercise session they attended, giving them the motivation to continue. Result of the 12-week schedule, involved the participants’ average number of drinks per day drop from 13 to two, with effects going for at least three months.

For more information on the above, click http://www.integrativeaddiction2015.com. The link will be your guide to sign up for the conference as well give you more incisive information about exercises and addiction recovery as well as a backgrounder about speakers lined up for the mega integrative addiction conference. You may as well call Dr. Dalal Akoury, founder of the Integrative Addiction Institute and founding member of International Organization of Integrative Addiction physicians. She is also expected to speak about her specialties at the upcoming August integrative Conference.

Roles of Exercises and Addiction Recovery at a Glance

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Natural Remedies for Insomnia Caused By Addiction

March 18, 2015

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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Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects

February 19, 2015

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects: The resulting complications

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects. Never take sleep for granted. the effects of not having adequate sleep can be very dangerous.

There are very many things which we often take for granted in our daily lives yet they impacts seriously on our general health. If you study carefully causes of being overweight or obesity, you will be surprised to note that nearly all those causes can easily be avoided. One of those is sleep deprivation, when a normal human being should be having at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, majority of us hardly sleep for four hours. The result of these in abilities to prevent such causes is now causing us to make obesity and sleep deprivation effects as a topic of discussion. Even though the obesity is affecting people across the globe, some nations are feeling the pinch than others. For instance America has very alarming statistics about the penetration of obesity probably it is the worse hit country globally with about 65% of its citizens being overweight.

This is not something to be proud of and we need to investigate ourselves to find out why are we as a nation getting fatter? In fact collectively our levels of physical activity have dropped, along with our caloric expenditure, yet our caloric intake has not declined. When caloric expenditure declines and caloric intake does not decline, weight gain occurs. Besides that we’re also getting less sleep than we used to. If you were to add all of those features together, you can only make a worthy conclusion that we have a perfect model for obesity. Let us now look at sleep as a factor in this problem of obesity and sleep deprivation effects.

It is true that everyone is bound to experience sleep deprivation at one time or another and it will still be fine. However when this becomes persistence sleep deprivation can lead to serious problems. Sleep deprivation causes excessive daytime sleepiness and decreases your ability to perform your regular activities. Ongoing sleep deprivation can lead to a host of medical complications and an increased risk of vehicle crash or injury. There are many causes of sleep deprivation ranging from medical conditions, medications, sleep disorders, and lifestyle factors. The type of treatment for sleep deprivation depends on the cause and that is a point of discussion for another day.

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects: Causes of sleep deprivation

Like I have said sleep deprivation can come as a result of not receiving  adequate amount of sleep during the night, resulting in excessive daytime drowsiness, irritability, depression, poor thinking skills, and decreased functioning during the day. Ongoing sleep deprivation can lead to medical conditions, such as heart disease, breast cancer, colon cancer, and diabetes, as well as lead to an increased risk of vehicle crashes or accidents. Severe sleep deprivation can cause hallucinations and even death.
There are many causes of sleep deprivation. Your lifestyle can influence how much sleep you get and the quality of your sleep. Parents of a new baby, students studying for exams, or people traveling across time zones may be susceptible to temporary sleep deprivation. Shift workers are vulnerable to ongoing sleep deprivation.
Medical conditions, such as chronic pain or asthma, and certain medications can impair sleep. People with untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or insomnia, can experience sleep deprivation. Women may experience sleep deprivation because of hormone fluctuations that occur with premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause.

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects: Complications

The available statistics indicate that the obesity epidemic is rapidly getting children off foot. CDC estimates that one in three children born in America is overweight. Frustrating further is that many of these children are already catching some chronic complications diabetes, and with those (children) under 10 years of age are already developing type 2 diabetes which is primarily seen in adults is usually not until past the age of 40.

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to hypertension and increased risk of heart attack. It also damages the eyes, kidneys and other vital organs. The earlier one develops the disease, the greater the potential for long-term damage, especially if the diabetes isn’t diagnosed and brought under treatment.

Nevertheless the problem is no less serious for adults. It is estimated that some 18 million Americans have sleep apnea, which is often associated with people who are overweight. As the person gains weight, especially in the trunk and neck area, the risk of sleep-disordered breathing increases due to compromised respiratory function.

If a person is overweight and suffering from sleep-disordered breathing, he/she may not be as motivated to exercise or to diet. When apnea leads to daytime sleepiness, it may be that much harder to begin or sustain an exercise program, which has been shown to help people begin or maintain weight loss. Not only does obesity contribute to sleep problems such as sleep apnea, but sleep problems can also contribute to obesity. In one of the studies it was established that building up a sleep debt over a matter of days can impair metabolism and disrupt hormone levels. After restricting 11 healthy young adults to four hours’ sleep for six nights, researchers found their ability to process glucose (sugar) in the blood had declined in some cases to the level of diabetics.

A further research also established that people who don’t sleep adequately have physiologic abnormalities that may increase appetite and calorie intake. The level of leptin an appetite stimulating hormone falls in subjects who are sleep deprived, which promotes appetite. It suggests that at least one factor in obesity can be sleep deprivation. Poor sleep and sleep deprivation may increase appetite. Because the psychological manifestations of fatigue, sleep and hunger are similar, as adults, we sometimes confuse them. We often eat when we’re actually sleepy, because we think fatigue is a sign of hunger.

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects: Treatment

Sometimes the best way to treat obesity can be to treat the underlying sleep problem. Successful treatment of sleep apnea, usually with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), may reduce sleepiness and then motivate patients to effectively lose weight, which will in turn help the obesity and the sleep apnea. Most experts say that even with as little as a 10% decrease in weight can lead to significant clinical improvement in the severity of sleep apnea. However, in the more severe cases of apnea, CPAP is a necessary first step to better sleep and feeling motivated to embark on a weight loss program. Finally like I had mention above, things which are making us gain weight can easily be avoided if only we can do the right things. However if this has caused you to gain weight and you’re finding it an uphill to climb, the help is on the way at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. You can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for further consultations that will help you eliminate obesity and sleep deprivation effects from your life.

Obesity and Sleep Deprivation Effects: The resulting complications

 

 

 

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Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

January 28, 2015

Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

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

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

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

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

Fibromyalgia

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

NAD Treatment for Fibromyalgia

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

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

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

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

How Does NAD Works?

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

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

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

Fibromyalgia

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

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

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

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

Fibromyalgia and NAD Treatment

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Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day

January 2, 2015

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – How to put things right

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day

Having a radiant skin on your wedding day is every woman’s dream. When you involve the experts you reduce your worries greatly and the good new is that you get results.

It is the desire of all women to have an outstanding wedding occasion that will leave the whole society talking. Being the pace setter for other weddings that will follow yours would even add to the glamor. I understand what it is to have the stress of planning for a wedding and not just a wedding but that which is remarkable. Having been there before, I understand completely what it means and all the challenges involved. One of the key challenges is having a radiant skin on your wedding day. It is obvious that on this day you would want to be at your best all round. The problem is your skin has not been in the perfect condition for the day and this is stressing you up. You actually have all the reasons to be stressed up with this unfortunate condition. Because we understand your worries, we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care, the home of all skincare solutions will help you walk down the aisle in style glowing and confident.

Even though every bride wants a radiant complexion for her wedding day, many of the brides often face challenges with the endless to do list and focus on their skin complexion. Even if you have that perfect skin complexion on a daily basis, when it comes to your big day like the wedding day, it will still be a challenge. That is why doctor Akoury is advising that the earlier you start the better. This does not mean that when your wedding day is just around the corner you cannot achieve the desired skin complexion, no your skin still has time to improve to the expected standards. I would recommend that if you are planning for a wedding or even if your wedding is just around the corner and you are still not happy with your looks, make an immediate appointment with doctor Akoury today and before you know it you’ll be posing for your pictures in every angle and greeting your guests up close with hugs and kisses in the most fabulous skin complexion ever. The home of experts in skincare under the able leadership of doctor Akoury will you reveal your bridal beauty with these bridal beauty tips for healthy glowing skin:

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – Follow a good skin care routine

  • Not all bridal skin care products are good therefore invest only in proper bridal skin care products which will help you look your best on your special day and every day after that!
  • Ensure that you use gentle cleansers in the mornings and at night to cleanse your skin without drying it out.
  • At night, use a nourishing eye make-up remover along with cleanser.
  • Remember that your skin just like your body also needs to be nourished, therefore use a moisturizer daily morning and night. A hydrating serum with peptides will add moisture, boost collagen, and give you that bridal glow.
  • Use quality, gentle exfoliators to help shed dull, dead skin cells at least twice a week to keep the skin fresh and smooth.

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – Maintain healthy eating habits

  • Since all of our habits reflect on our skin, making healthy food choices will only help our complexion look and feel healthier thereby achieving the purpose of havening a radiant skin on your wedding day.
  • Avoid junk food, processed foods, and foods high in calories. These are the enemies of having a radiant skin on your wedding day and beyond.
  • Remember to at least one week prior to your wedding add 4 servings a day of leafy green vegetables and low-sugar fruits, such as: pears, spinach, celery, cucumbers, avocados and tomatoes. This will help your skin look radiant.
  • Oh yes water is life and your skin needs it drink 8 to 10 glasses daily to help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. Make the habit of drinking water easier by filling up water bottles and positioning them in accessible areas like next to your office desk, on your night table, in your car or wherever you spend your time.
  • While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you feel less stressed out. Replace caffeinated drinks with green tea, herbal teas and coconut water they are full of electrolytes.
  • Take your vitamin supplements to ensure you are ingesting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Try a good quality, low calorie soy protein shake packed with vitamins and minerals a delicious way of packing in the nutrients.

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – Sleep well and reduce stress

  • In your entire busy schedule ensure that you get adequate sleep, preferably 7-8 hours. Your body and your skin will thank you!
  • Remember that the more you sleep, the more your skin will rejuvenate itself and regulate stress hormones that age the skin.
  • Include yoga, exercise, and other physical activities as part of your health regimen.
  • Smiling is very healthy for skincare, therefore avoid those things that make you sad and smile and laugh a lot.
Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – Pre Wedding Beauty Regime

This offers you the great opportunity to consult with doctor Akoury a professional who is having over two decades of work experience in skin care. Upon scheduling for this meeting she will advise on your skin-care goals and bridal beauty plan. Remember that in the same way dieting and exercising yields best results for weight loss, using the appropriate bridal beauty products together with the right skin treatments will yield the best results for your skin and help avoid last minute breakouts. After all, our target is having a radiant skin on your wedding day and any means that will lead us to achieving it is professionally welcomed.

Finally for those who take birth-control medication, it would be very important that talk to your doctor about which medication would be best for your skin and body. Birth control may affect the skin in different ways, for which professional skin treatments can help. A deep cleansing facial and gentle peel should help rebalance, cleanse, hydrate and exfoliate your skin, making a dramatic difference to help you obtain picture-perfect skin.

Having a Radiant Skin on your Wedding day – How to put things right

 

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