• How a concussion or more properly termed, traumatic brain injury (TBI), affects your brain
• Your body’s natural defense against TBI
• How CBD reinforces this defense and can help heal TBI

What is TBI?
We’re hearing a lot more about traumatic brain injury in recent years, with increasing diagnoses among many prominent figures from military combat veterans to figures in such high impact sports as football and boxing. There has also been attention focused on child and teen sports, where the injuries can be even more damaging to their more vulnerable bodies. Fortunately, TBI is being taken a lot more seriously now than ever before.

In TBI, the head is impacted by an external force that causes the brain to swell within the confines of the skull, thus decreasing blood flow, and causing other chemical changes that adversely affect brain function. In many instances, the brain fully recovers. Far too often, however, patients are left with lasting issues such as memory problems, depression, motor impairment, anxiety, migraines, vision problems, trouble processing, and much more.

Standard Medical Treatment of TBI
The biomedical standard of care for TBI consists of these doctor’s orders:

• Rest in a dark room
• Don’t spend time in front of screens
• Lay off the books, the job, the studying
• Don’t do excessive thinking

This, in addition to surgery and occupational therapy for more severe cases, is about all doctors have to offer those with a traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as concussion. Then, it’s a game of watch and wait. The brain is left to heal largely without any specific therapies to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Functional Medical Treatment of TBI
In contrast, those of us who use an integrative or functional medicine approach which focuses on treating underlying issues, have found that there is a better way to treat TBI. There are a number of anti-inflammatory herbs, such as curcumin, that help heal the brain. There are modalities, like hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT), which rescue brain cells by enhancing the flow of blood and oxygen. Then there is neurofeedback to train the brain in forming new pathways. Add in acupuncture, an ancient but still powerful treatment for TBI. All these treatments already take us beyond the mainstream standard of care.

A treatment that is (too slowly) gaining more mainstream acceptance are orally administered omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the inflammation and thus, lessen the swelling in the brain. You can read more about this in When Brain Collide, written by my colleague, Dr. Michael Lewis. His omega protocol, in which patients take a mega-dose of fish oil over the course of a few weeks, has had remarkable results. It has restored brain function in many including bringing people out of coma. Some years ago, my friend JJ Virgin’s son, Grant, had a devastating head injury, and I saw personally how high doses of fish oil was instrumental in bringing him back. This was even covered by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on a special on the topic for CNN.

CBD for TBI
Now we have a new modality: the administration of CBD for brain repair. Like many of us, Dr. Lewis is not only enthusiastic about its use, but fortunately is using his platform as a recognized TBI expert to educate the public and doctors alike about the benefits of adding CBD to the protocol.

The proof? Animal studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can not only reduce the acute effects of TBI, mitigating neurological damage, but can also help with the secondary effects, including those frustrating cognitive deficits that can linger after even after a “minor” TBI.

The Science
CBD takes us from “There’s nothing we can do,” to “We definitely can help you!” How does this happen? Here is some of the science behind the phenomenon.

First of all, as mentioned, TBI causes the brain to swell and induce a potentially toxic level of activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. This can lead to varying amounts of cell death in significant portions of the brain. Inflammatory compounds and free radicals are also released, creating oxidative stress. These acute effects of TBI can lead to a host of secondary effects, potentially killing off more brain cells, weakening the blood brain barrier, and contributing some of the hallmark symptoms of TBI like brain fog, mood disruption, and sleep problems.

In my blog on the endocannabinoid system, you know that the ECS, the bodily system controlled by cannabinoids, is responsible for relaxing your body and returning it to balance in times of stress. It is also your body’s natural defense against TBI.

The ECS has two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. When activated, CB1 decreases excitatory glutamate activity. Excessive glutamate is toxic to brain cells, and the ECS has evolved to fight against it.

CB2, on the other hand, when activated revs up the immune response. It helps repair cells and promotes the creation of new neurons. This directly combats brain damage caused by cell death. Notably, CBD also preserves memory by preventing neuronal loss in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

Brain Damaged Mice and CBD
In one study, researchers inflicted a TBI on mice genetically engineered to lack either CB1 or CB2 receptors. Their injuries were more severe compared to those of mice that had both receptors. Moreover, studies have shown that after a TBI, ECS activity increases to enact healing.

Another study showed that after a head injury was inflicted on a group of mice; when half of them were untreated and the other half received a single dose of plant derived endocannabinoid called 2-AG, there was a definite difference in outcome. The mice who received treatment improved in cognitive function, motor function and every parameter examined, even months later—a remarkable success. Of course, in a lab setting the scientists had the advantage of being able to administer the dose of 2-AG shortly after brain injury, so while it proved the point, it may be harder to do this in everyday head injuries.

CBD works best if administered in the “window of opportunity,” the critical moments after a brain injury, in which intervention can actually prevent brain damage. Typically, this window is a matter of minutes, 10 minutes, maybe an hour. CBD widens this window of opportunity. It works best up to 12 hours after an injury.

However, even if you had a brain injury, months or even years ago, CBD can still help by reducing brain inflammation and treating the secondary effects mentioned above, just not as well as if treated at the time. As long as you have symptoms from a TBI, CBD can have a positive effect.

How does it work?
CBD is what’s called a “promiscuous compound,” i.e., a chemical that binds to a variety of different receptors. That means CBD not only binds to the receptors of the ECS, but other receptors such as the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A and the PPAR-gamma nuclear receptor. These two receptors, when activated, protect the essential blood brain barrier which can be damaged during TBI. The blood brain barrier is a network of blood vessels and cells meant to keep unwanted substances out of the brain. It’s exceedingly difficult to pass through, and any weakening of it can allow otherwise unwanted substances to enter the brain. This can lead to inflammation and other brain conditions.

Serotonin, as you may know, is a major regulator of mood, and is the purported target of popular antidepressant medications, the SSRIs. CBD is known to boost mood not only through its impact on serotonin, but also dopamine, the pleasure or “reward” neurotransmitter, and GABA, the calming neurotransmitter. Thus, CBD can ease the depression and anxiety that can be so troublesome for those recovering from TBI.

More Brain Benefits
And it doesn’t stop with mood. CBD can also improve memory and lift brain fog. As mentioned, CBD can promote neuron growth in the hippocampus. It also regulates acetylcholine, which boosts memory and mental acuity.

One more huge benefit is the effect of CBD on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It acts in the area of the limbic system, the seat of emotions, to help “forget” the fearful emotions associated with the traumatic event. This is important since PTSD is difficult to treat successfully by conventional means. There are specific trauma treatments such as EMDR, somatic experience, tapping and more, and they all work well, but even better in conjunction with CBD.

With all of its healing ability, CBD has yet become a standard treatment for brain injury. We hope that with more studies on its use, and simply, more experience by the public and the medical profession, it will become better accepted.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait for researchers to construct the perfect clinical trial in order to start using CBD.

Choose a full spectrum hemp oil extract which delivers the remedy as nature intended, with other cannabinoids and terpenes, so you get the best effect possible, known as the “entourage effect.”

How to Take CBD
Start out with a small dose and increase gradually, using your own response as a guide. Typical doses are 25–100 mg daily in divided doses 1–3 times daily. Doses are quite individual, based on your unique ECS activity.

Interactions with medications:
Even though CBD has a good safety profile, if you are taking medication, you should check with your doctor before trying it. Both CBD and most pharmaceuticals are detoxified by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, anti-epilepsy drugs, and the blood thinner coumadin may be affected. In some cases, you just have to have the drug dose decreased. For a list of potential drugs that may interact with CBD, see this link: https://cbdorigin.com/cbd-drug-interactions/ The fact is, though, we have found that doses under 100 mg a day generally do not interfere with medications.

Adjunctive Care
In addition to taking CBD, take large doses of omega-3 oils. I also agree with the conventional wisdom to rest your brain until medically cleared to become more active. You can enhance this rest with meditation and breathing exercises as well as good nutrition. Steer clear of all processed foods and sugar, and eat a plant-based diet that is also high in healthy omega-3 fats in such foods as avocados and wild caught (or sustainably raised farmed) salmon.

Other integrative supportive measures include neurofeedback, low level laser, PEMF, hyperbaric oxygen, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and acupuncture. The bottom line here is that while we still have a lot to learn, there are increasing resources for treating this serious condition. Most exciting right now is the promise of CBD or more properly, Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Extract for treating TBI.

The post CBD And Traumatic Brain Injury appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

CBD’s effect on skin goes beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, and is not only helpful in treatment but prevention as well.

Dr. Phillip Blair, MD, Ret. COL spoke on this topic at the recent Cannabis World Conference and Business Exposition in Los Angeles. An international consultant on medical uses of CBD, Dr. Blair geared this presentation to the effects CBD can have on such conditions as acne, psoriasis, and even skin cancer. This was the inspiration for this article.

How Does It Work?
Benefits of CBD for the skin include the following mechanisms:

• Neuro-regulation
• Immune modulation—includes decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL1 and IL6 and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines IL4 and IL10
• Effects on hunger, stress, and sex hormones
• Ability to restore balance to the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol (pronounced Can’na-bi-die’-ol) is a derivative of the cannabis or hemp plant that contains a number of beneficial natural chemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes, providing a synergistic or “entourage effect.” This means that when added together, the effects are not simply additive, but create a more potent effect overall.

Over-the-counter cannabidiol, legal in all 50 states, contains less than .3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In states where licensed, plants and their derivatives that contain more than .3 percent THC require a medical license and are purchased at a dispensary. That is a changing requirement, though, beyond the scope of this article. THC is the chemical in the plant that has direct mind- and mood-altering effects; i.e., it gets you high. Non-THC CBD also can have positive effects on mind and mood, but without the “high” effect.

Cannabidiol and the Skin
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to have positive effects on a variety of skin conditions, its mechanism of action going beyond the commonly accepted anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. The most common modes of administration for skin care are orally and topically. Conditions treated include acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, wound healing, and aging skin.

The Endocannabinoid System and Acne
Acne is generally a result of overactive sebaceous glands. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) which plays a key role in the regulation of sebum production¹ responds to both endocannabinoids (made naturally in our body) and phytocannabinoids (found in the cannabis plant). Balancing the ECS is key here.

CBD works three different ways to regulate a sebaceous cell:

• Stops inflammatory lipids like arachidonic acid
• Stops the extra production of the cell types in sebaceous cells that lead to overproduction of sebaceous material
• Provides an anti-inflammatory effect²

There are other factors, too, which facilitate acne beyond the sebocyte factor. One is the over-production of testosterone which induces lipid synthesis, with excessive secretion and cell growth. CBD was shown to inhibit this lipid syntheses.2 Another factor is the overgrowth of bacteria called Propionibacterium. CBD has been shown to exhibit antibacterial properties and potentially inhibit its growth.^2,3

Eczema
Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by a red, itchy rash, most commonly appearing on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet, but may affect other areas as well. Eczema affects about 10 percent to 20 percent of infants and about 3 percent of adults and children in the US.

Newer research indicates that that skin conditions like eczema and acne develop when there is an imbalance in the ECS,⁴ and suggests that the cannabinoids can help repair this imbalance by interacting with cannabinoid receptors. One study of 2500 patients with eczema experienced significant reductions in redness, scaling, itching, chafing, and thickening after regular topical use of a cannabinoid-containing cream. This study also resulted in 38.3 percent of the patients experiencing a complete resolution of itching symptoms.⁵

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder which includes pathological overproduction of skin cells. The cytokine, Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is known to be largely responsible for psoriasis. CBD reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and IL-6 and increases the production of an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10.⁶ This is a great boon to psoriasis sufferers, who have had to cover up with clothing, or take strong and expensive medications. They can now use a product that not only treats their unsightly rash, but has side benefits instead of side effects.

Skin Cancer
Many studies show promising results of cannabis on cancer cells. One study found that activating the cannabinoid receptors induced cell death in tumorigenic epidermal cells, while the non-cancerous epidermal cells remained unaffected.⁷ Dr. Blair discussed his experience with a 50-year-old man with recurring basal cell cancer. He had the cancer removed and covered the area with CBD under a band-aid. The patient experienced complete healing at two months with no signs of recurrence.

Wound Healing
There is considerable anecdotal evidence related to cannabis and wound healing. A few studies suggest that activation of the endocannabinoid system plays a role in this process.⁸ Dr. Blair showed some before and after photos of a patient with a wound on his arm, showing significant healing within 12 weeks.

Anti-aging Skin Care
There are an increasing number of CBD-containing skin care products, owing largely to its anti-inflammatory effects, which can counter the effects of aging.

Dosing and Application
For skin conditions, CBD can be taken orally, in capsules, gel caps or tinctures, or topically, as a cream or oil. Dosing should start at 15 mg of CBD twice a day orally, adjusting the dose upward as needed. It not unusual to go up to 60 mg. For a location-specific condition like eczema or skin cancer, you can apply the topical cannabis directly on the affected area. For nonspecific topical application, CBD oil can be applied to the back and covered with a band-aid as protection. Any improvements are typically seen in about two weeks after the first dose.

A number of troublesome and heretofore difficult to treat skin conditions have been resolved successfully with its use. And this is just one of a growing wave of uses of CBD.

We thank Dr. Phillip Blair for supplying both the inspiration and a portion of the material for this article.

References:

1. Dobrosi N, et al. Endocannabinoids enhance lipid synthesis and apoptosis of human sebocytes via cannabinoid receptor-2-mediated signaling. FASEB J. 2008;22(10):3685¡V95.
2. Olah A, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and anti-inflammatory effects on human sebocytes. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2014;124(9): 3713¡V24
3. Kozela E, et al. Cannabinoids Decrease the Th17 Inflammatory Autoimmune Phenotype. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology. 2013;8(5): 1265¡V76
4. Appendino G, et al. Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study. J Nat Prod. 2008;71(8):1427¡V30.
5. Eberlein, B., Eicke, C., Reinhardt, H.W., and Ring, J. (2008, January). Adjuvant treatment of atopic eczema: assessment of an emollient containing Npalmitoylethanolamine (ATOPA study). Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology: JEADV, 22(1), 73¡V82.
6. Biro, T., Toth, B.I., Hasko, G., Paus, R., and Pacher, P. (2009). The endocannabinoid system of the skin in health and disease: novel perspectives and therapeutic opportunities. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 30(8), 411¡V20.
7. M. Llanos Casanova, et al. Inhibition of Skin Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Vivo by Activation of Cannabinoid receptors. JCI. 2003;111(1): 43¡V50.
8. Ramot Y, Sugawara K, Zakany N, Toth BI, Biro T, Paus R. (2013) A novel control of human keratin expression: cannabinoid receptor 1-mediated signaling down-regulates the expression of keratins K6 and K16 in human keratinocytes in vitro and in situ. PeerJ 1:e40 https://peerj.com/articles/40/

The post Cannabis and Its Effects on Skin Conditions appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

Many years ago, a psychologist who specializes in eating disorders began to send me her clients because she had heard that antidepressant medications worked for these patients. I had by then shifted to a more holistic approach, so I told her that before I prescribed antidepressants, I wanted to try some more natural methods. I had discovered that in many cases of eating disorders, there is an underlying biochemical issue—a combination of food sensitivity, blood sugar imbalance and nutrient deficiency. She agreed, her patients cooperated, and we had some excellent, medication-free results. This encouraged me to continue on this natural path as I have to this day. Here are some of my discoveries, as well as subsequent research by others in this growing field.

Food Sensitivity
We crave the foods that we are sensitive or “allergic” too. Not a typical allergy with hives or stomach aches, these sensitivities are intolerances, often inherited, and show up in any number of ways—for example, depression, inability to lose weight, eating disorders, tinnitus, unexplained aches and pains—many, many others. The very foods we crave will create the most symptoms and are the most damaging. In fact, food cravings are similar to an addiction to alcohol. As you withdraw from the foods you’re addicted to, you begin to have withdrawal symptoms and the cravings begin. And if you happen to be addicted to wheat or baked goods, you can never get enough of them, so you binge on them, despite your best intentions to the contrary. People addicted to grains may drink excessive amounts of grain-based liquor or beer and can become alcoholics. They’re sensitive to and addicted to the alcohol, but it’s the grain-base that is causing the problem. They can even feel “drunk” after eating cereal or baked goods. Not so different from your regular carb-binger, except the target is alcohol instead of refined carbs.

Nutrients

It’s not just a matter of willpower. In order to break the addiction cycle, in addition to avoiding the undesirable foods, you have to supply the body with a good, supportive nutritional program of healthful food, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Then, the cravings will often simply go away! It’s quite remarkable; with a nutrient rich diet, and good vitamin and mineral formula, you can stop the cycle. In fact, once the diet and nutrients are in place, the cravings and addictions will often just fall away. Remember that nutritional supplements are not a substitute for healthy food, but a supplement to restore missing ingredients and balance biochemistry.

Magnesium is often deficient, and taking it can be very helpful. It’s great, too, for muscle tension, insomnia, and even, heart palpitations. The amino acid glutamine is also useful for reducing cravings. I’ve had former alcoholics (yes, former) say that the glutamine cut their cravings for good; they no longer were battling the desire to drink. They were done for good. Glutamine works similarly with bulimics and binge eaters.

Zinc: Some years ago, researcher Alex Schauss did a study on patients who were suffering from anorexia nervosa. By using a simple test called a zinc taste test, he found that they were zinc-deficient. He then gave them liquid zinc therapeutically, with very successful results. The test consists of the person taking some liquid zinc sulfate solution in their mouth, and if they describe it as having a bad or strong taste, they usually have sufficient levels of zinc. On the other hand, if they can’t taste the solution or if it tastes just like water, then they may have a cellular zinc deficiency, even if their blood levels look adequate. It’s a vicious cycle since zinc deficiency affects taste; so zinc-deficient anorexics don’t taste their food, so are less motivated to eat it. Zinc supplementation has continued to be used in nutritionally oriented settings, including my own practice.

Serotonin: Bulimia and binge-eating is often treated with the SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro They raise brain levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain that causes a feeling of well-being and relaxation, and reduces hunger. Rather than using medication, my preference is to prescribe the materials that make serotonin, the amino acids L-tryptophan or it’s relative, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophane), and there is research to back it.

In her book, The Diet Cure, Julia Ross refers to a study where bulimics were deprived of tryptophan. In reaction, their serotonin levels dropped and they binged more violently, ingesting and purging an average of 900 calories more each day. In another study, adding extra tryptophan to the diet reduced bulimic binges and mood problems by raising serotonin levels. More recently, an Oxford researcher, Katherine Smith, reported that even years into recovery, bulimics can have a return of their cravings and mood problems after only a few hours of tryptophan depletion, concluding that, “Our findings support suggestions that chronic depletion of plasma tryptophan may be one of the mechanisms whereby persistent dieting can lead to the development of eating disorders in vulnerable individuals.”

The herb St. John’s Wort provides another way to raise serotonin levels. I have discussed this along with dosages of tryptophan and other nutrients in my book, Natural Highs.

Thiamine: As we have seen, nutrient deficiencies can aggravate anorexia, and it should be treated with nutrient rich diets. For example, restricting your diet will make you deficient in such vitamins as vitamin B1 (thiamin). It’s found in foods that people with eating disorders rarely eat—including beans, whole grains, seeds, meats and vegetables. Common signs of thiamine deficiency are loss of appetite, weight loss, constipation, anxiety, chest pain and even sleep disturbance along with depression and irritation. Sound familiar?

Blood Sugar Swings
One mechanism underlying the craving and eating (or drinking) cycle is blood sugar imbalance: low blood sugar sets off the craving. The brain experiences this dip as life-threatening starvation, followed by a frantic search for whatever will raise blood sugar. Just picture our ancestors in the jungle, short on food, and having to hunt for their next meal—or die. We, on the other hand, just go to the refrigerator. The quickest fixes here are sugary foods or other refined carbs such as bread or pastries. And we don’t even burn any calories on our hunt.

Bottom Line: Treat Nutrient Deficiency with Nutrients
I will often order a blood test to see which amino acids are low. By replacing them the body (and brain) comes into balance. As a result the food cravings will often be greatly relieved or even come to a halt, as noted in the case of glutamine for acute cravings.

There are other natural treatments, as well, for cravings due to food sensitivities. Acupuncture and acupressure has been shown to help, especially some techniques such as NAET that can actually eliminate the food sensitivities themselves.

The point is, instead of simply taking an antidepressant, there are many other ways to approach what at first appears to be strictly a psychological problem. The combination of psychotherapy and a nutritional/biochemical approach is the most useful, and I have successfully treated many patients without resorting to medication at all. Not only does this approach work as well as medication but in my experience working with the body’s chemistry, rather than introducing more chemicals in the form of medication, is often superior. It’s faster, has none of the side effects, and has many side benefits. I developed Brain Recovery AM & PM formula to provide many of the nutrients mentioned here and more, to balance amino acids, serotonin, blood sugar, and mood.

For more information, see my books, Natural Highs, and 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health.

The post Eating Disorders: The Nutrient Solution appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

We know that the brain can be greatly influenced by what we eat, and researchers are beginning to figure out why. The very makeup of brain cells depends on the presence of specific nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are an integral part of the cell membranes. Neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that regulate our thoughts, actions, and moods, are made from amino acids, using vitamin and mineral co-factors. Lack of some of these nutrients can then lead to various emotional and mental disorders.

Diets high in refined foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can also interfere with normal brain chemistry, leading to depression, as can nutritional deficiencies. People with depression are commonly found to have low levels of zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. Indeed, the last few years have seen increasing numbers of studies finding that specific nutrients can successfully treat depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and even bipolar (manic-depressive) illness. A groundbreaking study from Harvard found that omega-3 fatty acids, used both in conjunction with medication, and alone, worked so powerfully on bipolar illness that the study was interrupted so all the subjects could take them.¹

Psychiatry, for the most part, still focuses on symptom reduction with medication, rather than looking at the biochemical underpinnings of depression for a more organic solution. Seeing the shortcomings of standard psychiatry early on, I developed my own approach, which is to start by evaluating the patient in a number of ways— emotionally, physically, and biochemically. Then I supply specific natural prescriptions, which include dietary supplements and foods, often in tandem with exercise, natural hormones, and mind-body techniques. Here is a fairly typical case:

At 45, Angela felt like she was falling apart. Sitting across from me in my office, she recounted a familiar story: “I’m totally exhausted, depressed, and cranky. Just moving through my day is a challenge. I’m not sleeping well, and I have headaches and no sex drive at all. I’m not as sharp as I was, and my memory is foggy, too. I’m a mess!”

A clinical social worker by profession, Angela recognized that some of her symptoms pointed to depression. As any psychiatrist would, I asked Angela how she was feeling emotionally, but my questioning took a broader view. Angela soon found herself detailing what she ate, how and when her energy and moods shifted throughout the day, and how well she slept. This was in addition to the questionnaire that I have all new patients fill out in advance. I ordered a battery of blood, urine, and saliva tests, including screenings for anemia, low blood sugar, and thyroid dysfunction, all factors that can contribute to depression. I also checked her levels of various hormones, as well as minerals, including toxic ones like mercury, lead, and cadmium.

After analyzing the results, I prescribed a regimen of supplements, including chromium to maintain blood sugar levels, magnesium to relax her nerves and muscles as well as regulate her heart rate, and B vitamins for neurotransmitter (mood) support. For hormonal balance, I prescribed herbs to raise her low progesterone and testosterone levels, and adaptogenic, or stress-fighting, herbs to help restore adrenal function. Well-researched herbs such as rhodiola and Eleutherococcus senticosis, and reishi mushroom extract support the adrenal glands without overstimulating. Later, I added bio-identical progesterone—not synthetic progestin, which can have serious side effects, such as water retention, depression, migraines, and blood clots.

Within a week or two of following this program, she was feeling much better, since nutrients don’t generally have the time delay that medications do. By six weeks, her mood swings and anxiety were basically gone. Two years later, she remains depression free and is still taking supplements to control her moods and maintain her energy. We adjust them every six months or so, with the core being two daily packets that provide the following: specific amino acids for brain neurotransmitter support (phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamine, 5-HTP, L-theanine), a multivitamin, fish oil, antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E; N-acetyl cysteine; alpha lipoic acid, or ALA), liver support nutrients (ALA, milk thistle), and nutrients for blood sugar balance (glutamine, chromium, ALA). She also takes specific nutrients for memory—ginkgo biloba, acetyl-L-carnitine, phosphatidyl choline, and phosphatidyl serine—as well as adaptogenic herbs for her adrenals, and bio-identical hormones. I’m happy to say that she continues to do well, consults with me periodically, and expects to stay on some of the supplements indefinitely. We all have our unique biochemistry with specific requirements, even if we are eating a healthy diet.

For those accustomed to the notion that therapy means talking through problems and/or getting a prescription for antidepressants, this may seem an unusual approach. But as a board-certified psychiatrist and an expert in nutritional medicine, I long ago became convinced that no form of psychotherapy can be fully effective if the brain isn’t functioning properly. And to do that, the brain needs optimal nourishment, something that is increasingly hard to come by with the standard American diet (SAD, for short).

Often, people suffering from depression—particularly tired, overweight women—are told they need antidepressant medication. In fact, what they may really need is a steady supply of real food and supplements—not a drug that causes side effects such as weight gain, low libido, nausea, anxiety, and more depression.

There are dozens of books on the topic; along with increasing acceptance in recent years that nutritional intervention can treat many behavioral and mental conditions that we use to think were untreatable. Why so much interest? Experts say nutritional therapy is catching on, in part due to growing disillusionment with antidepressants. Physicians are realizing these are not as effective long-term as was once hoped, and they often have difficult side effects, leading many to simply quit taking them.

Interestingly, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the majority of mild to moderately depressed people did just as well on a placebo as on antidepressants— without the negative side effects.² I’d say, let’s invest in studying this amazing ability of the body to heal itself. Then, adding healthful foods and supplements can provide the substrate for building a healthy body and brain.

If you are experiencing depression that is still unexplained after nutritional intervention, consult a medical professional, since it might be the result of a medical issue, from hypothyroidism to a heart problem or even cancer. I check all of this in my own patients, since many people on antidepressants, even in psychiatric hospitals, are suffering from medically caused and treatable depression.

Specific Nutrients to Treat Depression
To maintain adequate levels of natural antidepressant chemicals in the brain, I recommend eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Drink lots of water, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly. Research shows that exercise can work as well as medication for mild to moderate depression.³ Instead of negative side effects, all of these solutions offer side benefits!

People often find the natural approach can ultimately be more effective and satisfying than medication. Even small changes—like cutting out processed foods or adding daily fish oil capsules—can make a big difference. And once started, the process can develop its own momentum. When people start eating better or taking a few supplements, they often feel better. Without much effort, they find themselves eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol, or whatever they were using for mood control. A balanced brain is a happy, non-craving one!

For more information on natural approaches to brain and mood imbalances, as well as scientific references on the use of individual nutrients, see the following books:

• Natural Highs by Hyla Cass and Patrick Holford (Avery/Penguin Putnam, 2002)
• 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health by Hyla Cass and Kathleen Barnes (McGraw-Hill, 2005)
• The UltraMind Solution by Mark Hyman (Scribner, reprinted 2010)
• Optimum Nutrition for the Mind by Patrick Holford (Basic Health Publications, 2004)

References

1. Stoll AL, Severus WE, Freeman MP, et al. Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999; 56:407-12.
2. Fournier JC, DeRubeis RJ, Hollon SD, et al. Antidepressant drug effects and depression severity: a patient-level meta-analysis. JAMA. 2010; 303(1):47-53.
3. Dunn AL, Trivedi MH, Kampert JB, et al. Exercise treatment for depression: efficacy and dose response. Am J Prev Med. 2005 Jan; 28(1):1-8.

The post Overcome Depression, Naturally appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

As a practitioner of energy psychology and follower of energy healing in general, I was intrigued. Then, after hearing him speak at the annual Energy Psychology conference in Toronto, (CAIET.org), I was hooked. Eric is funny, smart, and totally charming, more like a borscht belt stand-up comic than our usual notion of healer-speaker-expert.

Then I took the plunge and went to his annual Reconnection Healing seminar in Los Angeles. I was not disappointed; rather, I was educated entertained and uplifted. I saw with my own eyes how “spontaneous” healing can occur outside our usual belief systems of time and possibility. I was impressed at my ability and that of others to step into the process and have a real effect. They sure didn’t teach us this in medical school!

What Eric had accidentally stumbled across was what he describes as a “unique frequency or bandwidth” comprised of light, information and energy that actually corrects physical and emotional imbalances. As I learned in his seminar, he teaches people how to become a catalyst in healing others by learning how to interact with these new frequencies that “reconnect” us to our “original blueprint.” Stay with me here-there is some science to follow.

While seeing injured and chronically ill people get off a table instantly healed may seem like “magic” or “faith,” (and we know the power of the placebo effect) there is a growing body of hard science that is emerging on Reconnective Healing, explaining why it is a fast-growing new form of alternative healing world-over.

• Three major scientists are leading the inquiry—Dr. Kontstantin Korotkov, Deputy Director of Saint-Petersburg Federal Research Institute of Physical Culture;Dr. Gary Schwartz of the University of Arizona, and Professor Emeritus of Stanford University, and Dr. William Tiller (Stanford Prof. Emeritus) and founder of The William A. Tiller Foundation for New Science in Payson, Arizona. Dr. Tiller is the author of eight books, 250 scientific papers and star of the film What The Bleep…!? Four of his books are on psychoenergetic science.

Many of their studies are chronicled in the recent book, Science Confirms Reconnective Healing by Korotkov. Here are just a few of those findings:

• A former director of the University of Arizona’s Human Energy Systems Laboratory, Schwartz has performed multiple major controlled experiments there that have substantiated the electromagnetic transference in Reconnective Healing. Underway is a study measuring range of motion changes when the Reconnective frequencies are engaged.
• Tiller was able to gauge a huge energy upsurge in The Reconnection workshop rooms. Schwartz did a study that concluded aspiring Reconnective Healing Practitioners gain abilities to produce vibrational waves of energy via the Reconnective Healing that they learn at the seminars.
• Korotkov has demonstrated significant improvement in Olympic athletes’ peak performance once exposed to the Reconnective Healing frequencies. Energy parameters significantly increased almost immediately, while 10 days later their improvement became even more statistically significant. His studies have shown decreases in blood pressure, increases in metabolic, immune, antitoxin and antioxidant activity in the body, improved cardiovascular function and even improvements in their DNA.

What these scientists surmise from their findings is that Pearl is working with a cutting-edge new form of “information medicine”—in the words of Tiller—who explains further: “When information carried through these frequencies is introduced, it creates coherence and order within the field and the body itself.” The result can be seen in the dramatic reports of regeneration instead of degeneration, and account after account of apparently unexplainable, often instantaneous and life-long healings.

These bandwidths, which seem to be newly present in our planetary energy field, appear to innately “know” what needs to be healed. Pearl says that you are returned to an optimal and appropriate state of balance merely by experiencing or interacting with this healing continuum. The trained Reconnective Healing practitioner simply facilitates the process. By feeling the frequencies and playing with them—an act that appears as if the healer is stretching taffy in the air—physical and emotional health shifts suddenly come about.

We can see the impact on the person receiving Reconnective Healing as their closed eyes flutter and begin to rapidly dart back and forth, fingers or feet move as if of their own volition, and even involuntary muscles of the face move in a way that are unlikely to happen intentionally. All this occurs even though the practitioner isn’t even touching the client! These involuntary body movements—referred to as registers—are a demonstration that the client has entered into a different state, one where healing often occurs.

The information-laden frequencies reconnect us to our original fullness as human beings, according to Pearl, and seemingly restore us to a more complete connection with the universe.

More than a decade ago, when Pearl perceived the results of what was transpiring with his patients and saw its transformative power, he closed his practice as a chiropractor, so he could go out and share this skill with the world. Pearl’s book is now published in 36 languages and he has taught Reconnective Healing to 70,000 people around the globe in more than 70 countries.

Today when the cost of healthcare has skyrocketed and insurance is either unaffordable or barely covers what the average person requires to stay healthy, there is true benefit in literally taking healing into our own hands for ourselves, our loved ones and for those we can serve. Reconnective Healing, with its growing body of scientific proof and its legions of those who point to its efficacy, is a promising breakthrough.

While I am quite impressed here, both with my personal experience at the seminar, as well as the research data, I also know there are many other forms and schools of healing, some with their own well-documented research. Is this method substantially different from others? I invite your comments about how they compare, especially if you’ve had personal experience in any of these.

If you want to know more about about Reconnective Healing, go to: www.TheReconnection.com.

Citations from Science Confirms Reconnective Healing” by Konstantin Korotkov:

1. Korotkov K. Aura and Consciousness: New Stage of Scientific Understanding. St. Petersburg, Russia: State Editing and Publishing Unit—Kultura?. 1998
2. Korotkov K., Williams B., Wisneski L. Biophysical Energy Transfer Mechanisms in Living Systems: The Basis of Life Processes. J of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004 10, 1, 49-57.
3. Polushin J, Levshankov A, Shirokov D, Korotkov K. Monitoring Energy Levels during treatment with GDV Technique. J of Science of Healing Outcome. 2:5. 5- 15, 2009?
4. Bundzen P. V., Korotkov K. G., Korotkova A. K., Mukhin V. A., and Priyatkin N. S. Psychophysiological Correlates of Athletic Success in Athletes Training for the Olympics; Human Physiology, Vol. 31, No. 3, 2005, pp. 316-323.
5. Measuring Energy Fields: State of the Art. GDV Bioelectrography series. Vol. I. Korotkov K. (Ed.). Backbone Publishing Co. Fair Lawn, USA, 2004. 270 p.
6. Korotkov K.G., Matravers P, Orlov D.V., Williams B.O. Application of Electrophoton Capture (EPC) Analysis Based on Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) Technique in Medicine: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. January 2010, 16(1): 13-25.
7. Korotkov K, Orlov D, Madappa K. New Approach for Remote Detection of Human Emotions. Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine o V 19, N 3, pp 1- 15, 2009

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Life is complex and its highest goal seems to be achieving and sustaining dynamic balance in all its systems—physical, mental, emotional and social. Sleep is an essential part of that balance. Nearly all animals and even some plants sleep on a regular basis. In sleep, creatures rest, repair and rejuvenate themselves. Our body is governed by dozens of internal clocks that coordinate hormone production, hunger, moods, body temperature and energy level. Many of these are related to our patterns of sleeping and waking.

Just like our body’s overuse of the stress response, our genetic blueprint for sleep has not evolved quickly enough to keep pace with our emerging 24-hour-a-day lives. Thomas Edison’s proudest invention, electric lighting, ruined people’s sleep habits. Before that invention, most Americans slept an average of 10 hours a night. In the 1950s and 1960s, the average dropped to eight, and it now hovers around seven and continues to fall. Today, more than one in three people boast of sleeping six hours or less. The trend is similar throughout the world.

Even minimal sleep loss can have profound effects on all aspects of our lives. We are less alert and attentive, more irritable and moody, and our relationships suffer. As our concentration and judgment diminish and our ability to perform even simple tasks declines, our true productivity shrinks. At the same time accident rates increase, as do health problems, particularly those in our gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and immune systems.

When we lose sleep, or our sleep is of poor quality, we also put ourselves and those around us at high risk for accidents. Drowsy drivers cause at least 100,000 highway accidents and 1,500 deaths in the U.S. each year. Perhaps nothing brings the point home more clearly than the finding that there is a seven percent increase in accidental deaths in the four days after we lose one hour of sleep following the spring shift to daylight saving time, compared to the week before and the week after. The pattern is reversed in the fall, when we gain an hour’s sleep for one night.

A “Doing” Society
As a culture we don’t respect or value being, dreaming or sleeping. As a result we don’t spend enough time on it—time is money, after all. In the past 25 years we have added 158 hours to our annual work and commuting time or a full month of working hours. According to William C. Dement, MD, PhD, director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic and Laboratory at the Stanford University School of Medicine, working mothers with young children have added 241 hours to their work and commuting schedules since 1969. Dement passionately believes “. . . Americans need to wake up to the crucial importance of sleep in their lives.”

Studies by Dr. Michael Irwin and colleagues at the University of California San Diego and San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center suggest that even a modest loss of sleep reduces the body’s immune response. Twenty-three healthy men, aged 22–64, spent four nights in a sleep lab. They were allowed to sleep normally the first two nights but the third night they were kept awake from 3:00 to 7:00 A.M. The following morning, for 18 of the men, the activity of the immune cells that fight off viral infections fell significantly. When the men were allowed to sleep through the next night uninterrupted, the level of immune cells returned to normal. This indicates that sleep deprivation—even one-half night of lost sleep—decreases the body’s ability to ward off infection.

The National Sleep Foundation points to our escalating pace of life, work pressures and aging as the primary reasons why many medical specialists now believe sleep disorders to be the number one health problem in America.

Stages of Sleep
To accomplish its critical role of rejuvenation, sleep is a dynamic process with a complex “architecture” all its own. Sleep labs monitor sleep patterns through the use of electrodes attached to specific locations on a subject’s face and scalp. Physiological changes are recorded on graph paper in a series of lines that resemble the jagged outlines of a mountain range.

After about half an hour, one moves into physically restorative sleep, as cells start to repair and rejuvenate. This sleep may be decreased or absent in the elderly, who awaken more frequently during the night. After an hour or so, one shifts into a highly active stage characterized by accelerated dreaming and rapid eye movements, hence the name REM sleep. Though we may dream in all stages of sleep, dreams occur most frequently in REM sleep and are usually more vivid and emotional than during other stages.

It is primarily during REM that our bodies and minds are refreshed and rejuvenated. Newborns spend almost 50 percent of their sleep time in REM; by three months, REM is only 30 percent. At six months, it is down to 20 percent. In rapidly growing young adults, it rises again to 25 percent. For most adults, REM sleep occurs every 90 minutes throughout the night. The first REM period is brief, lasting around five minutes. As each REM period ends, you ascend back into non- REM sleep and then cycle between them for the rest of the night. As the night progresses, REM periods become longer, up to 30–45 minutes, and REM becomes a dominant part of the sleep cycle.

Without enough REM sleep it becomes harder to focus on day-to-day activities. Also, it is believed that during the dreaming of the REM phase, the subconscious mind analyzes the day’s events and processes feelings, also essential for mental health.

Insomnia
Insomnia affects 20 to 43 percent of American adults at some point in their lives. Insomnia most commonly consists of difficulty falling asleep. In fact, 50 percent of senior citizens have difficulty falling asleep on any given night. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) identifies three categories of insomnia: transient, short-term and chronic. Chronic insomnia afflicts 15 percent of adults, 50 percent of the elderly. It lasts more than a month and sometimes for decades. It can be related to underlying medical, behavioral or psychiatric problems such as depression, possibly involving a serotonin imbalance in the brain.

Simple changes in daily routine may be surprisingly effective in improving sleep quality:

• Avoid caffeinated beverages (even if taken early in the day, they can disrupt sleep)
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine for at least two hours before bedtime
• Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime
• Get up at the same time every day regardless of when you went to sleep.

Insomnia rarely exists in a vacuum and is often viewed as a symptom of an underlying problem, much like a fever suggests infection. Sufferers generally have other psychiatric disorders that are leading them to feel distress, such as anxiety and depression. Or they may have more serious underlying physical disturbances including hyperthyroidism, endocrine imbalance, diabetes, hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia, arthritis, cardiac and respiratory problems, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or drug and alcohol abuse.

It is important, therefore, to undertake a full investigation of what could be contributing to insomnia before suggesting or undertaking a specific treatment. Unfortunately, only about half the people suffering from sleep disturbances seek the advice of a healthcare professional and many of these individuals are prescribed sleeping pills, while the underlying disorder causing the insomnia goes untreated.

Although the ability to sleep well may diminish with age, the need for sleep does not. In addition to specific sleep disorders, older people are more likely to suffer medical problems that can interrupt, delay and/or shorten sleep, as may some of the drugs used to treat these conditions.

Pharmaceutical Medications
According to the National Sleep Foundation, in the treatment of transient and short-term insomnia “sleeping pills have a role” but “once the source of the stress or disruption is dealt with or improved sleep hygiene shows positive effects, medications are discontinued, usually within two weeks.” In chronic insomnia, “sleeping pills have a limited role and are not intended for long-term use.” Most medical authorities recommend that benzodiazepine use be limited to four weeks.

Despite the fact that drug therapy is recommended only as temporary sleep support, approximately seven percent of the population take medication regularly, 13 percent use prescription sedatives and 87 percent use over-the-counter (OTC) products. The OTC products include depressants and antihistamines that slow brain activity and cause drowsiness. These drugs break down slowly in the body and produce next-day drowsiness. While they may help with occasional or mild insomnia, they don’t work with continued use, for which they were never intended. They should be used only under doctor’s supervision by those with glaucoma, peptic ulcer, seizure disorder or prostate enlargement.

Benzodiazepines
It is estimated that American doctors write 60 million prescriptions a year for sedative-hypnotic drugs like Valium— up from 47 million in 2006, according to IMS Health, a health care services company. Besides anxiety, insomnia is the most common reason that people take benzodiazepines. There is almost unanimous agreement that these drugs effectively induce sleep, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increase total sleep time for the first several nights. Side effects, however, include morning sleepiness, rebound insomnia and disruption in thinking. With significant amounts still in their systems, users are “hung over” the next day and their level of alertness is impaired.

Since insomnia increases with age, many elderly patients are given benzodiazepines, often with disastrous results. Those over 65 comprise about 15 percent of the population, yet they consume up to 45 percent of sleep medications and 40 percent of the nation’s benzodiazepines. The negative effects are worse for them and there is far too little awareness of this phenomenon. A particularly tragic effect of the benzodiazepines is an increase in accidents due to a loss of muscle coordination, which appears to strike the aged more than younger patients.

Benzodiazepines: Tolerance and Addiction
At any age benzodiazepines quickly produce a tolerance, so that one has to increase dosage to achieve results. Worst of all, 15 to 30 percent of long-term users become addicted. Most research has shown that their beneficial effects for sleep last only a few weeks, yet many patients feel unable to sleep without them after months or even years of use.

Research indicates that benzodiazepines interfere with REM sleep. Neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin are considered crucial for new learning and retention.

During REM sleep, the brain’s neurotransmitter supply is replenished. By inhibiting neurotransmitter restoration, a lack of quality sleep interferes with the ability to learn and remember.

Adequate REM is vital for memory storage, retention, organization, reorganization and new learning. A good analogy is that REM sleep is like running a cleanup program on your computer. During the day we generate a lot of open and disconnected circuits and probably end up with plenty of fragmented and corrupted files. Unless we run our nightly cleanup, the next day our human computer is likely to run slower and less efficiently, to say nothing of the occasional system errors and total crashes we’re likely to face.

A recent study at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, revealed that increased REM sleep time contributes significantly toward reducing negative mood overnight. Just think of all the prescriptions written for neurotransmitter- enhancing antidepressants when the underlying problem is actually sleep deprivation. As we have seen, some of the very drugs given to treat these symptoms prolong and exacerbate them.

All of this illustrates why the effects of REM deficiency, sleep deprivation and fatigue often develop a self-perpetuating cycle:

• Decreased sleep reduces REM
• Reduced REM prevents rejuvenation
• Unrejuvenated, we are more susceptible to stress
• Feeling stressed decreases sleep.

Statistics On The Elderly And Benzodiazepines

• In a study of 16,000 people over age 65, the risk of traffic accidents was significantly greater for those taking benzodiazepines.
• In the United States, falls are a leading cause of accidental death in people over age 65.
• Falls contribute to 40 percent of nursing home admissions.
• Five percent of falls result in hip fractures and other injuries that require hospitalization or immobilization for an extended period.
• The elderly have both a higher risk of falling and a higher rate of hip fractures when taking benzodiazepines.
• In one study involving 6,000 patients, those taking flurezepam, diazepam or chlordiazepoxide had a risk of hip fracture 1.8 times greater than those not taking the drug.
• In a study of 100 hospital patients age 70 and over who had fallen, and 100 controls (also over age 70) who had not fallen, there was a higher rate of falls associated with benzodiazepine use.

L-theanine
Having created a social epidemic of sleep deprivation, we need now to turn away from drugs that basically knock us unconscious then rob us of our precious restorative REM sleep. In addition to its ability to promote calm and well-being, the amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine, may provide an effective natural treatment for insomnia. In an appropriately increased dosage, it seems to work with the body to bring on deep restful sleep without interfering with sleep’s natural cycles. Researchers in Japan gave volunteers 200 mg of L-theanine daily and recorded their sleep patterns on devices worn around their wrists. The L-theanine didn’t cause the subjects to sleep longer, but it did cause them to sleep better. It was documented that sleep quality, recovery from exhaustion, and refreshed feelings were all enhanced by L-theanine. Those taking L-theanine felt like they slept longer than they actually did.

Melatonin
The hormone melatonin is instrumental in establishing our daily rhythms. As we age our melatonin levels decrease, with the steepest decline occurring after 50. Melatonin supplements may play a role in restoring internal sleeping and waking rhythms as it works on an underlying physiological cause of sleep disorder. In an Israeli study at the Technion Medical School in Haifa, men and women between the ages of 68 to 80 had their time to fall asleep cut by more than half (from 40 minutes to 15 minutes) with the use of melatonin. They also reported their sleep was more refreshing.Walter Pierpaoli, MD, PhD and William Regelson, MD, in their book The Melatonin Miracle recommend 1 to 5 mg at bedtime. They suggest you begin with 1 mg the first night and if it works, continue with that dose. If it doesn’t work, increase by 1 mg each night, but only up to a 5 mg maximum. If you wake groggy, they suggest you cut back. Your internal clock should be reset after about two weeks, at which point they recommend you discontinue melatonin.

In my practice I suggest melatonin in the same manner for short-term, low-dose use. While its popularity has increased due to its possible anti-aging effects, it is still a hormone that needs to be appropriately prescribed and monitored.

Serotonin and 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5 HTP)
Sleep disorders are sometimes linked with lowered brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Normally before sleep serotonin levels build up and at a certain point the sleep response begins. Melatonin, a metabolite of serotonin, is also involved. Where inadequate levels of serotonin are the problem, antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs, which selectively inhibit serotonin re-uptake, can promote sleep. However, these pharmaceuticals have serious side effects and should be avoided when safer natural treatment is effective. Many of my patients notice that their sleep improves markedly after a few weeks of taking the amino acid, 5-HTP, from 50–200 mg at bedtime. Alternatively you can take L-tryptophan though it requires 10 times the dose. Its sale was severely restricted after a contaminated batch in 1989 caused serious negative reactions, though it is once more on the market. A metabolite of tryptophan, 5-HTP, is readily available as a supplement. Used in depression and anxiety, it likely has a serotonin- and a melatonin-enhancing effect, helping to regulate sleep naturally.

Other Sleep-Promoting Herbs
Other sleep-promoting herbs include California poppy, skullcap, hops, passion flower and reishi mushroom. There are excellent combination formulas that contain combinations of these nutrients.

Sleep Promoting Behavior Changes Our ability to sleep is greatly influenced by simple behavioral habits, patterns and cues. This is good news. Paying attention and taking responsibility for developing healthy “sleep hygiene” has been shown to result in permanent improvement in people’s ability to fall and stay asleep and feel more satisfied with their sleep. There are instructive books on the subject and although they don’t yet provide enough information about herbal treatments, the National Sleep Foundation provides valuable resources.

Keeping a sleep log for a few weeks may be helpful in identifying behaviors that are contributing to your sleep problem. Record when you wake up, go to sleep, drink caffeinated beverages, exercise, eat and any other suspected sleep-stealers.

Adapted from 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health, by Hyla Cass, MD and Kathleen Barnes, available at www.cassmd.com.

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Epigenetics is a word unfamiliar to most of us, but is becoming better known daily. This emerging science^1,2 is steadily revealing the causes of many of the world’s most challenging medical disorders, such as cancer and heart disease, and is providing a roadmap for developing vastly improved therapies. New research indicates that many mental disorders also appear to be epigenetic in nature, and that improved treatments are available for such conditions as schizophrenia, clinical depression, autism, ADHD, and criminal behavior.³ Moreover, these new therapies are based on natural substances rather than pharmaceutical drugs, with their inexact targets and difficult side effects. This is the subject of Dr. Walsh’s information-packed new book, Nutrient Power; Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain.⁴

There are more than a trillion cells in the human body, and each cell contains an identical copy of a person’s DNA. However, the genes expressed in brain, kidney, skin, heart and other tissues must clearly be different from each other, and this gene programming is established in a fetus during the first few months of development. In order to obtain the correct mix of enzymes and proteins in different organs, some genes are selectively “turned off” and others “turned on”. This process is called epigenetics which means “above genetics”.⁵ We are now learning that many diseases previously thought to be genetic are instead epigenetic in nature. The culprit is usually an environmental insult that alters gene expression “bookmarks” either in utero or later in life. Since deviant bookmarks can survive many cell divisions, the problem doesn’t go away.

There is considerable evidence that epigenetic errors are responsible for the mental breakdowns in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, the sudden emergence of OCD, and the shocking symptoms associated with severe autism.

Dr. Walsh’s book presents a science-based nutrient therapy system that could help millions of individuals who are challenged by mental disorders. This approach recognizes that nutrient imbalances can alter brain levels of key neurotransmitters, disrupt gene expression of proteins and enzymes, and cripple the body’s protection against environmental toxins. The author’s database containing millions of chemical factors in blood, urine, and tissues has identified brain-changing nutrient imbalances in patients diagnosed with ADHD, autism, behavior disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s Disease. On a practical level, we test patients, then treat based on the results.

Nutrient Power describes individualized nutrient therapy treatments that have produced thousands of reports of recovery. A seeming paradox, this modality is more scientific than trial-and- error use of psychiatric drugs, and is aimed a true normalization of the brain.

It’s clear from my 25-plus years of psychiatric practice that Dr. Walsh is correct: Depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD are umbrella terms that encompass disorders with widely differing brain chemistries and symptoms. This book describes nutrient therapies tailored for five depression biotypes, three schizophrenia biotypes, and various ADHD conditions. Other book highlights include the Walsh Theory of Schizophrenia; an epigenetic model of autism; a promising new Alzheimer’s treatment; and recommendations for reducing crime and violence.⁶ I can attest to some of these methods since I have been treating patients successfully with targeted nutrients for many years. Dr. Walsh refines the approach, has new scientific explanations for why they work, and shows how poor genetic expression can be completely corrected with the specific diet and supplement recommendations.

Dr. Walsh states that today’s emphasis on prescription medications will not stand the test of time, and that psychiatry needs a new direction. He points out that psychiatric drugs suffer from a fundamental limitation – they involve foreign molecules that result in an abnormal condition rather than producing desired normalcy. Psychiatric medications have served society well over the past 50 years, but the need for drug therapies will gradually fade away as brain science advances.

He recommends a national research effort to develop biochemical therapies that use chemicals natural to the body to normalize brain function, and thus avoid the nagging problem of drug side effects. If he’s right, we could be approaching a new era in the field of mental health. Marguerite Kelly, syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, state, and I fully agree, that “This book could change medical history”.

About the author: Dr. William J. Walsh is president or the nonprofit Walsh Research Institute in Illinois and directs physician-training programs internationally including in Australia and Norway. Dr. Walsh has authored more than 200 scientific articles and reports and has five patents. He has presented his experimental research at the American Psychiatric Association, the U.S. Senate, the National Institutes of Mental Health, and has been a speaker at 28 international conferences. He has developed biochemical treatments for patients with behavioral disorders, ADHD, autism, depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease that are used by doctors throughout the world.

References

1. Maulik N, Maulik G, eds. (2011). Nutrition, Epigenetic Mechanisms, and Human Disease. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL.
2. Suzuki M M, Bird A P.(2008).DNA methylation landscapes: provocative insights from epigenomics. Nat Rev. Genet. 9(6):465-476.
3. BredyTW,SunYe,KoborMS.(2010).How the epigenome contributes to the development of psychiatric disorders. Dev Psychobiol. 52(4):331-342.
4. Walsh W J(2012). Nutrient Power. Skyhorse Publishing:NewYork,NY.
5. Berger S L, KouzaridesT, Schickhatter R, Shilatifard A.(2009). An operational definition of epigenetics. Genes Dev. 23(7):781-783.
6. Walsh W J, Glab L B, Haakenson M L.(2004).Reduced violent behavior following biochemical therapy. Physiol Behav. 82:835-839.

The post Can We Change Our Mental Health Genes? appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

A little known but potentially life-saving fact is that common medications deplete vital nutrients essential to your health. Here’s a practical guide to avoid drug-induced nutrient depletion, and even, replace your medications with natural supplements.

We have been called a pill-popping society, and statistics bear this out. Nearly 50 percent of American adults take at least one prescription drug, and 20 percent take three or more. In a survey, more than half of those over 65 and 30 percent of people 45 to 65 used at least three prescription drugs in a one-month period. With our increasing reliance on medications comes nutrient depletion, a problem we can’t ignore. Every medication, including over-the-counter drugs, will drain the body of specific nutrients. This is especially concerning considering most Americans are already suffering from nutrient depletion. In fact, many of the conditions we see in everyday practice may actually be related to this.

The good news is that with the right supplements, you can avoid depletion side effects, and even better, you may be able to control and prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

A Common Scenario
I have seen case after case of patients who have experienced nutrient loss from taking prescribed medications. Too often, neither the patients nor their doctors were aware that the cause of symptoms was the medications themselves. For example, a 57-year-old retired schoolteacher, Kathy, was being treated by her internist with three medications: the thiazide diuretic, Diuril, for high blood pressure; Fosamax for osteoporosis; and the beta-blocker, Tenormin, for heart palpitations.

She was referred to me, an integrative psychiatrist, because she suffered from fatigue, anxiety, depression and insomnia. I couldn’t find an obvious psychological explanation for these symptoms, except perhaps for the stress of her physical illnesses.

The likeliest cause of her symptoms was the drugs themselves. So, rather than adding an antidepressant, an anti-anxiety pill or sleeping agent, I checked the known nutrient depletions associated with these medications. Lab results confirmed that Kathy was deficient in three essential minerals: magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Any one of her three medications could deplete potassium and magnesium, causing arrhythmias, hypertension, fatigue and depression. The diuretic also could be depleting zinc. Her internist agreed that he would continue to oversee her medications while I supervised her nutritional regimen.

Daily doses of magnesium, zinc and potassium, in addition to a high-potency multivitamin, resolved Kathy’s “psychiatric” symptoms. Once her mineral levels were restored, her energy and mood were back to normal. She was not only spared the burden of an additional medication, but was able to lower the doses of the three she was taking.

I see cases similar to Kathy’s more frequently than I’d like. Physicians will often tell these patients that their symptoms are “part of the illness” or “just signs that they’re getting older.” They then prescribe an additional drug or two for the side effects, further compounding the problem.

To understand the role of medications in nutrient depletion, we must first understand the variety of nutrient-depleting mechanisms in pharmacy.

Many drugs, such as the stimulants Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Adderall, are prescribed for attention deficit disorder. These can reduce appetite. This, in turn, decreases the intake of beneficial nutrients. Some antidepressants also tend to have this appetite-reducing effect.

On the flip side, a drug can reduce nutritional status by increasing the desire for unhealthy foods, such as refined carbohydrates. Many of the neuroleptics (antipsychotic drugs) and some antidepressants cause insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, with resulting blood sugar swings. Patients then crave simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, bread and pasta. Steroid drugs, including those given by in inhaler, can create similar issues as well.

Certain medications reduce the absorption of nutrients. In passing through the gastrointestinal tract, drugs often bind to specific nutrients before they’re absorbed into the bloodstream. The antibiotic, tetracycline, for example, can block absorption by binding with minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in the GI tract.

Weight loss drugs and cholesterol-lowering medicines similarly bind to fats, preventing them from being absorbed. Drugs that treat acid reflux or heartburn raise the pH environment of the upper GI tract, which reduces absorption of needed vitamins and minerals. This is especially problematic among the elderly, who often are already low in stomach acid.

Nutrients are essential to the metabolic activities of every cell in the body. They’re used up in the process and need to be replaced by new nutrients in food or supplements. Some drugs deplete nutrients by speeding up this metabolic rate. These drugs include antibiotics (including penicillin and gentamicin) and steroids, such as prednisone, and the gout medication, colchicine.

Other drugs block the nutrient’s effects or production at the cellular level. In addition to the intended effect on enzymes or receptors, medications can influence enzymes or receptors that help process essential nutrients. For example, widely prescribed statin drugs block the activity of HMG-CoA, an enzyme that’s required to manufacture cholesterol in the body. This action also depletes the body of coenzyme Q10, which requires HMG-CoA for its production. This has a serious negative impact on muscle and heart health.

Drugs also can increase the loss of nutrients through the urinary system. Any drug that does this can drain the body’s levels of water-soluble nutrients, including B vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium and potassium. The major offenders are medications to treat hypertension, particularly the diuretics that reduce blood pressure by increasing the volume of water flushed out of the body.

Common Nutrient Robbers

The bottom line here is, we need to be aware of drugs that are nutrient robbers. The following provides some of the major drug categories:

Anti-hypertensives
The ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) concluded that thiazide-type diuretics are better than ACE inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers at preventing heart attacks in high-risk people. Physicians often prescribe potassium to offset the well-known potassium depletion associated with this prescription.

However, these diuretics are also known to deplete other minerals, such as magnesium, sodium, and zinc, which are seldom specifically supplemented. One study found hypokalemia (low potassium) in 8.5 percent of people treated with thiazide diuretics and hyponatremia (low sodium) in 13.7 percent in the same patient population. This indicates the importance of testing levels, and not simply restricting sodium. Thiazide diuretics also decrease magnesium in approximately 20 percent of patients and can significantly decrease serum zinc. Loop diuretics deplete potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, pyridoxine, thiamine and ascorbic acid. One study showed that thiamine deficiency was found in 98 percent of patients with congestive heart failure who took 80 mg of furosemide daily, and in 57 percent of patients who took just 40 mg daily. This shows a dose relationship. Furosemide also increases excretion of ascorbic acid and pyridoxine.

For these patients, consider the following daily supplements: calcium (1,000 mg), magnesium (250 mg to 500 mg), potassium (100 mg), vitamins C (1,000 mg), B1 (320 mg), B6 (10 mg to 25 mg) and zinc (25 mg).

Beta blockers
Beta blockers are among the oldest classes of anti-hypertensive drugs. They lower blood pressure by reducing the effects of catecholamines, thereby reducing the force and speed of the heartbeat. Beta-adrenergic blockers deplete CoQ10 by interfering with the production of this essential enzyme for energy production. This lack of CoQ10 is particularly dangerous, considering that the target condition is cardiovascular disease. Since the heart is particularly rich in CoQ10-hungry mitochondria, the energy factory of the cell, the end result can be heart failure. To offset this negative side effects, you can take CoQ10, 100 mg to 300 mg daily with fat-containing food for best absorption.

These drugs also reduce production of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). Produced from serotonin at night in the pineal gland by stimulating adrenergic beta1- and alpha1-receptors, this neuro-hormone regulates circadian rhythm and promotes sound sleep. By blocking beta receptors, these drugs may inhibit the release of the enzyme serotonin-N-acetyl- transferase, which is necessary for the synthesis of melatonin, resulting in sleep disturbance. Take melatonin (3 mg) at bedtime to counter this effect.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs
Statin drugs are the most widely prescribed medicines for lowering cholesterol. In fact, Lipitor (atorvastatin) is the best-selling drug on the planet. However, physicians need to address a serious risk. Statins deplete the body of CoQ10 with the following potential side effects: heart failure, muscle pain and weakness, irritability, mood swings, depression and impotence. The last few side effects may also be due to lack of cholesterol, which is needed for brain cell and hormone production.

Therefore, people on statins should take 100 mg to 200 mg of CoQ10 daily to counter this potentially fatal depletion. While no specific recommendations from the pharmaceutical industry exist, one pharmaceutical statin manufacturer observed the depletion effect in early research. This manufacturer holds a patent on a combination statin and CoQ10. Sadly, the patents have never been activated, nor have any warnings been provided by the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. Health Canada, on the other hand, which is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, requires that manufacturers of statin drugs include warnings on patient safety information sheets about the potential for myopathies and impaired cardiac function.

Acid blockers
Antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for treating heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. Numerous studies indicate that these drugs cause several nutrient deficiencies.

For example, aluminum antacids (Maalox, Mylanta and Gaviscon) and calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Dicarbosil, Rolaids, Titralac and Tums) act by buffering or neutralizing the acid pH of the stomach. Unfortunately, this reduction of stomach acid impairs the breakdown of the ingested food into its component nutrients.

Both PPI and H2 blockers significantly increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly patients. B12 requires adequate gastric acid for absorption. This population is already prone to deficiency in intrinsic factor, necessary for B12 absorption. This lack of stomach acid also decreases the absorption of folic acid, iron and zinc. H2 blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid and Zantac) decrease acid secretion by blocking histamine.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, Prilosec, HK-20), the most potent of acid-reducing medications, are increasingly popular. They reduce stomach acid production up to 99 percent by decreasing the action of proton pumps, which are part of the stomach lining’s acid-making machinery. This, however, can strongly interfere with nutrient absorption.

A study showed that high doses of PPIs, used for a year or more, could make people 2.5 more times susceptible to hip fracture than control subjects. Lower doses decreased the risk factor to 1.5 times that of nonusers. The longer the period of use, the higher the fracture risk. This heightened risk of osteoporosis is probably due to the drastic drop in calcium and vitamin D absorption that occurs with these drugs. Some experts believe the drug themselves may hamper the body’s ability to build new bone. For anyone taking acid-reducing medication, I recommend daily intake of vitamin D3 (2,000 IU or more based on lab testing), B12 (200 mcg), folic acid (800 mcg), calcium (1,000 mg), chromium (500 mcg), iron (15 mg), zinc (25 mg to 50 mg) and phosphorus (700 mg).

Oral hypoglycemics.
Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR and Glucovance) enhances the action of insulin in cases of insulin resistance, allowing glucose to enter the cells. This reduces elevated blood sugar. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that diabetics on metformin had B12 levels that were less than half those of control subjects. The longer the drug had been used and the higher the dose, the greater the drop in B12. In people with type 2 diabetes who take metformin therapy, serum folic acid levels decrease 7 percent and vitamin B12 levels decrease by 14 percent. B12 and folic acid depletion also increases homocysteine levels. In addition, metformin may deplete CoQ10, thereby increasing heart disease risk. To reduce these effects, patients should take vitamin B12 (800 mcg), folic acid (400 mcg) and CoQ10 (100 mg daily).

Psychotropic medications
For antidepressants to work optimally, an ongoing supply of the B vitamins must be available as cofactors to help manufacture the needed neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. So, while these drugs may not directly deplete B vitamins, patients on these medications should ensure they get enough of these vitamins. In addition, be aware that lithium carbonate, used for treating bipolar illness, depletes folic acid (take 800 mcg) and inositol (take 500 mg bid).

Hormone replacement therapy
Many baby boomers are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can deplete vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and magnesium. These nutrients are critical for heart health, as well as for mood. Rather than an antidepressant prescription, these women should be given the appropriate supplements to restore balance. I have seen many women do well once these nutrient depletions were addressed. This applies to younger women on oral contraceptives as well.

For women on standard HRT (estrogen and progesterone, orally, including as an oral contraceptive, or as a transdermal skin cream) I may also recommend calcium (1,000 mg to 1,200 mg daily), folic acid (400 mcg to 800 mcg), magnesium (500 mg), vitamin B2 (25 mg), vitamin B6 (50 mg), vitamin B12 (500 mcg to 1,000 mcg), vitamin C (500 mg to 1000 mg) and zinc (25 mg to 50 mg).

Antibiotics
These drugs deplete biotin, inositol, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and vitamin K. Additionally, fluoroquinolones and all floxacins (including ciprofloxacin or “Cipro”)deplete calcium and iron. Tetracyclines (suffix -cycline) deplete calcium and magnesium. Trimethoprim-containing antibiotics (brand names Trimpex, Proloprim or Primsol) deplete folic acid. Penicillins (suffix -cillin) deplete potassium. Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, cause imbalances of magnesium, calcium and potassium. In fact, one study showed that gentamicin causes increased excretion of calcium by 5 percent and magnesium by 8.4 percent. When you take antibiotics, consider a B vitamin complex along with it. Or take a multivitamin that contains 25 mg of B1 (thiamine), 25 mg of B2 (riboflavin), 50 mg of B3 (niacin), 50 mg of B6 (pyridoxine), 400 mcg to 800 mcg of folic acid, 10 mcg of B12, and 50 mg each of biotin and B5 (pantothenic acid).

Inositol is part of the B vitamin complex, and is likely to be included in a B vitamin or multivitamin formulation. Otherwise, take 500 mg of inositol. ( The RDA is 100 mg per day.) In addition, either take a multivitamin that includes magnesium (500 mg), calcium (1,000 mg) and potassium (100 mg), or take them separately.

Antibiotics can disrupt the natural bacteria flora in the digestive system, killing “good” bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum). These are probiotics or bacteria that normally live in and on the human body, concentrated mostly in the digestive and genital/urinary systems. Choose a supplement that contains at least 1 billion live organisms per daily dose.

You also may suggest 50 mcg daily of vitamin K, which is normally made by friendly intestinal bacteria. Vitamin K is required for proper blood clotting. Deficiency is rare, but when it occurs, life-threatening bleeding can occur from the smallest injury. Vitamin K also plays a part in osteoporosis prevention.

Drug-induced nutrient depletion is far more common than has been acknowledged. In evaluating patients’ symptoms, doctors must assess whether symptoms are due to the illness, to side effects of the drugs or to drug-induced nutrient depletion. Considering the inadequate nutritional status of the majority of the population, we must remember that the illness itself may be due, in part, to nutrient deficiency. For insurance, it is easiest to provide baseline coverage: a daily high potency multivitamin mineral formula, CoQ10 (200 mg), omega-3 fatty acids (2 grams) and additional vitamin D and probiotics. The bottom line: Physicians must look more deeply and determine underlying causes to determine whether drugs are harming patients—and what we can do to reverse these effects. As a consumer, be aware of these drug-nutrient depletions, and do what you can to avoid taking medications whenever you can, using natural products instead.

This article is based on Dr Cass’ book, Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition.

The post Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Know About Nutrition appeared first on Total Health Magazine.

Do you crave something sweet after dinner or between meals? Do you have to have your morning coffee, at all costs, or keep craving and drinking it throughout the day? Do you find that you can’t wait to get home for that end-of-the-day drink, and can’t relax without it?

You are not alone and you are not simply weak-willed or dependent. Rather, whether from genetics, stress, or diet (or all three), you are dealing with a brain chemistry imbalance, and looking for the most convenient solution you can grab. This chemical imbalance can be depleting your energy and peace of mind, and you don’t even know it!

You may protest, “I just like my morning coffee” … (or “my after-work beer with friends” or “my glass of wine with dinner” or “my bag of chips in the evening”)… I could give it up any time.” Often these habits appear to be just tension relievers, pick-me-ups, or one of the normal pleasures of life. But are they? Generally, the answer is no.

Research shows that we can successfully treat addiction with the use of specific nutrients, especially amino acids. These include precursors to the neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and glutamine as well as GABA (a neurotransmitter and amino acid). When neurotransmitter precursors were given to alcoholic subjects the individuals experienced:

• Fewer cravings for alcohol
• Reduced incidence of stress
• Increased likelihood of recovery
• Reduction in relapse rates

To prove the point, research has been done with rats, where they were made “alcoholic,” then treated with amino acids. When tested further, they had lost their cravings and addiction!

Similar findings have been seen when researching addiction to carbs. In addition to eliminating refined carbohydrates (such as sugar and white flour), cutting out coffee and alcohol, and eating small, frequent meals containing protein and complex carbohydrates, a daily nutritional supplement regimen can help greatly. Additionally, serotonin, pantothenic acid and vitamin C are helpful to boost serotonin levels. Finally, 500–1000 mg of glutamine is generally a good rule-of-thumb to curb the cravings. Implementing these changes, as well as a good exercise program, can help a carb addict to stabilize blood sugar levels, increase energy and the ability to handle stress without turning to the preferred substance.

To quote Jonathan, a 32-year-old sales agent with a history of cocaine and alcohol addiction (as well as several other compulsive and destructive behaviors) who has been sober for three years, “I’ve been helped enormously by vitamins, the 12-step programs, eating right, and exercising regularly. I don’t even drink coffee or use sugar. I found that they were as addictive as drugs, and would give me the same pattern of highs and lows. My ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is under control, too. I can concentrate, remember things, and keep my desk and my life organized for the first time. It’s been a hard road, but I can honestly say that I have never felt better!”

Jonathan had a biological tendency toward low levels of certain key neurotransmitters and once he started using drugs he couldn’t stop. With adequate neurotransmitter precursors, such as L-glutamine, and tyrosine, 500 mg of each three times daily, his mood became normal, without the depression and anxiety that had always plagued him. In closing, I feel it is important to say that we are not simply victims of our genetic makeup. Genetics give only the predisposition to a condition. Its actual manifestation, or expression, can be influenced and changed. That being said, even in “normal” people, repeated use of certain substances can lead to addiction, as can stress itself. By understanding our propensities, we can take the appropriate precautionary steps or do good remedial work, if we have already been affected. This applies to the use of caffeine, sugar, chocolate, and tobacco as well. Each has its own way of stimulating the reward cascade, but the end result is the same. They all raise blood sugar and dopamine, stimulating the brain’s pleasure center—leading to the brain’s becoming addicted to them.

TIPS FOR HANDLING CRAVINGS
A quick and effective fix for cravings: Open and empty a 500 mg capsule of L-glutamine powder under your tongue. It is absorbed quickly and should give you a pick-me-up similar to that of the longed-for stimulant (including alcohol). To prevent cravings a 500–mg capsule of L-glutamine several times a day is invaluable. Adding 500 mg of DL-phenylalanine, two to three times daily, will also give a necessary energy boost.

Chocolate Cravings
Among other ingredients, chocolate contains phenethylamine, magnesium, fat and sugar. One of these ingredients is probably causing the craving. To cover all four, take the following supplements: 500–1,000 mg of DL-phenylalanine two to three times daily, 400–600 mg of magnesium daily; 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil twice daily.

Coffee and Caffeine Cravings
It takes an average of four days to break the coffee habit. During the time, you may experience headaches and drowsiness, a natural part of the withdrawal process. These are strong reminders of how bad coffee really is for you. Concentrate on this reality and it will become a real incentive to stop “using” caffeine. Green tea is a reasonable caffeine-containing substitute and has many health benefits, besides.

Alcohol Cravings
It is all easy to overindulge in alcohol because of its role in social interaction. Start by limiting the times you have alcohol. Ideally, cut it out completely for at least two weeks. If you find this hard to do, take a close look at your drinking habits and, if necessary, seek professional help, or join AA. I have found it a great support network for many of my patients and readers. There is a great deal of self-deception that goes on in the name of “just social drinking.” Above all, remember this is a brain imbalance, not a crime, but it can turn into one if you don’t do something about quitting.

Smoking
Nicotine is more addictive than heroin, which makes quitting smoking difficult. This effect is due to nicotine’s action on adrenal hormones, blood sugar, and brain chemicals. To start with, reduce your nicotine load gradually by switching to a lower nicotine brand. About a month or so before starting to quit, stop consuming stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and sugar. Also recommended is to follow a blood sugar stabilizing diet-eating small, frequent meals, with an emphasis on foods containing slow-releasing carbohydrates combined with foods rich in protein. In addition to a high quality antioxidant supplement combination, the following can be very helpful; 1,000 mg of vitamin C; 100 mg of chromium; 50 mg of niacin; 600 mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium (both are alkaline minerals that help to neutralize the excess acidity that adds to the craving); 200 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), either 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg one hour before bed.

An overall brain nutrient and stabilizer for all addictions and imbalances is fish oil, an omega-3 oil containing EPA and DHA. Fish oil helps to build the brain cell wall, to enhance brain cell communication, and acts as an excellent anti-inflammatory, noted for its role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The individual nutrients can be obtained from your health food store.

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All sorts of corporate players are now getting into the health care game, too, many of which have no prior history of involvement with health care or health policy. Perhaps the best solutions, though, are coming from community-based physicians. You can decide for yourself.

In terms of corporate players, the wonder-workers who make Disney’s theme parks the happiest places on Earth are trying to put some Magic Kingdom mojo into the medical world, by teaching hospital administrators how to apply Disney leadership principles to the health care domain. While Disney tries to make better hosts out of hospital administrators, FICO, the nation’s leading credit rating auditor, hopes to solve the health care crisis by making sure everybody takes their meds.

Over the summer, FICO announced its new “Medication Adherence Score,”a system for monitoring and rating consumers’ medication compliance. FICO uses “predictive analytics” to determine a person’s likelihood of filling a prescription and using the drug(s) as directed.

Some health care pundits claim that non-adherence to drug regimens causes thousands of unnecessary, preventable deaths and disabilities each year and wastes billions of dollars.

A big problem is that FICO’s system does not recognize that someone’s “noncompliance” with a drug prescription may reflect a conscious decision to go with a non-drug alternative (herb, nutraceutical, homeopathic, etc.). So, the MAS could unjustly penalize people who seek legitimate options outside conventional drug-based medicine.

These are just a couple of examples of how corporate America is trying to “solve” health care problems. The deeper problem is all these tech “solutions” and top-down management changes have more to do with corporate well-being than with people’s actual health. Fortunately, we’re also seeing some very creative, health-focused innovations emerging from the ground up, as clinicians and patients take it upon themselves to reform health care.

For example, there’s Dr. Pamela Wible, a family physician in Eugene, Oregon, who is spearheading a movement toward community-based clinic design. Dr. Wible had worked in a wide variety of settings, and by 2005 she found herself, like many doctors, burnt out and utterly dismayed by the constraints, conflicting incentives and heartlessness of insurance- based practice. Rather than resign herself to more misery, she asked herself: what would “ideal” health care look and feel like?

Then she asked her neighbors the same things in a series of town-hall community meetings. She gathered 100 pages of input from community members about what they actually wanted and needed from a primary care clinic.

The result? A thriving, patient-friendly health center offering a range of holistic options at affordable prices. Dr. Wible keeps her accessibility high, her overhead low, and her attention on the main thing: her patients’ well-being. She’s taken the frustration out of medicine, and put the joy and compassion back in.

Dr. Wible’s clinic is no fluke. Over the last six years, she has traveled all over the country helping individual physicians as well as large medical centers remake themselves based on input and innovation from the communities they serve.

“This happened so effortlessly, so simply and so easily,” she said. “People hear my story, and say things like, ‘That’s great! Keep up the good fight!’ But in reality, it hasn’t been a fight. I’m not fighting against any system, or any other doctors, or any other mode of practice. It’s about bypassing what we know doesn’t work, and dreaming into being what does work.”

Dr. Wible was a featured speaker at the Heal Thy Practice 2011 conference, November 4–6, in Long Beach, California. The meeting, produced by Holistic Primary Care, was focused on new practice models that enable practitioners to focus on prevention and holistic therapies.

There are literally thousands of practitioners all over the country who are saying “no, thanks” to the protocol-bound, actuarial approach to medicine promoted by the health plans, and who are working directly with their communities, small businesses and other practitioners to develop practice models that actually meet peoples’ health care needs. I’ll be there!

There’s the late Dr. Vern Cherewatenko, a Seattle-area doctor who founded a system called SimpleCare that frees both doctors and patients from the burdens and costs of insurance-based medicine. Eliminating insurance overhead reduces the costs of basic primary care by a huge margin and enables physicians to actually focus on the needs of the person in the room—the patient—and not the imperatives of his or her insurance plan.

While patients do have to pay out of pocket for SimpleCare, Dr. Cherewatenko said many found it gives far greater value, especially if they’ve been bouncing from doctor to doctor within their insurance plans, and are fed up with long waits, five-minute visits and ineffective treatment.

Dr. Cheretwatenko described the SimpleCare model in detail at the Heal Thy Practice conference. The conference faculty included pioneers in the holistic/ integrative field like David Perlmutter, Steven Masley, James Gordon, Kent Holtorf, JJ Virgin, Philippa Cheetham and many others.

TotalHealth Editor’s Update: Vernon Scott Cherewatenko, M.D., or Dr Vern, as he was affectionately known, peacefully passed away at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA on February 26th, 2016. Michelle Cherewatenko is the CEO of the not-for-profit member based American Association of Patients and Providers (AAPP), and its flagship program SimpleCare, carrying on her late husband Vern Cherewatenko, MD’s legacy in building a nationwide network of patients and providers.​

Dr. Mark Logan, a Rutland, Vermont physician, whose embrace of nutrition-based approaches to managing serious disorders led him to found not only an integrative clinic but also of an artisanal locovore restaurant! By teaming up with a friend who is a chef, Dr. Logan was able to create Roots, where his patients—and the general Rutland—community, can enjoy delicious meals made from locally sourced produce, while also sticking to their eating plans. It gives new meaning to the term “doctor’s orders,” no?

The place has become so popular that Dr. Logan has difficulty getting a table on a Saturday night. In his clinic, he’s been able to make nutrition-based strategies a first-line approach for the care of people with significant chronic disorders like obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and he’s been getting great clinical outcomes.

These are just a few examples of the sort of health care transformations that are quietly happening all over the country when ordinary people of goodwill put their heads together and figure out healthier ways to solve common problems.

They don’t make the nightly news the way all the political ranting does, and they don’t have the hypnotic blue glow of the latest health app. But in the long run, it’s approaches like this that are likely to have a greater impact on our public health and well-being.

For a more personal and long-term P.S. to this laudable movement: I would like to see sweeping changes in our health care system. Canadian born and bred (and educated), I have been appalled at the fact health care is not government supported as it is in most of the civilized world. Yes, this costs the taxpayer, but without covered care, we end up with poor health, overcrowded emergency rooms, bankrupt individuals who were unfortunate enough to become ill, and lowered standard of living for many. How about single payer government-supported coverage, without the insurance companies as middle-men, and with emphasis on self-care, prevention, and overall health education? A more holistic approach would save money in the long run.

For more information on alternatives, especially or healthcare practitioners,

Heal Thy Practice: Transforming Primary Care.
http://www.holisticprimarycare.net/news/1307-practitioners-sound-off-on-health-care-reform-hearings

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