Self Improvement Tips

Health Matters

2013-04-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

New Year, New You (Health Matters)

Every year, millions of people make New Year's Resolutions. And every year, only a few days or even only hours later, they find themselves breaking those resolutions in some way. At this point, many people will simply give up. They believe, or tell themselves, that they have to be perfect. That once they make a tiny little slip, they have failed and their attempt to stick to their resolution is over.
check out my page on New Years Resolutions posted in Jan2013
It doesn't have to be this way. In fact, many New Year's Resolutions, when planned out carefully can lead to important beneficial changes that can last a lifetime. It is all a question of preparation and mind set, and taking action to follow through in order to achieve your goals.

In this guide, you will discover a number of strategies to help you formulate your own personal resolutions that can help you live a better life. Then you will learn the best ways to commit to your resolutions so that even a slight slip does not have to turn into a disaster. No matter what your goal, learn why so many people start out with the best of intentions and motivation but are not able to follow through. Armed with this knowledge, you can then use the invaluable tips and strategies in this guide to help you stay on track.

Use what you learn in a consistent way and you will soon find that your resolution is not just for the New Year, but will be one that can lead to a lifetime of positive, healthy changes. If you want to:
+get more fit
+eat healthier foods
+lose weight
+stop smoking
+reduce stress
+improve your motivation

this guide can help support you in your efforts to achieve your goals this year to help you create the new you that you've been dreaming of. Download this guide and start using the strategies and tactics today for a better tomorrow you can create through taking positive action to achieve your resolutions.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1: YOUR PERSONAL RESOLUTIONS
+FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH YOUR GOALS
CHAPTER 2: FITNESS GOALS
+SETTING REALISTIC GOALS
+TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS
+GET A FITNESS PARTNER
+AVOID EXERCISE SELF-SABOTAGE
+BEWARE OF SABOTAGE FROM OTHERS
+WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
+GET A PERSONAL TRAINER TO HELP YOU GET STARTED
+EDUCATE YOURSELF
CHAPTER 3: DEVELOP A BALANCED EXERCISE PLAN
+AEROBICS
+STRENGTH TRAINING
+SEASONAL EXERCISE
+STOPPING SMOKING
CHAPTER 4: WEIGHT LOSS
+SETTING REALISTIC GOALS
+TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS
+GET A DIET PARTNER
+AVOID DIET SELF-SABOTAGE
+BEWARE OF DIET SABOTAGE FROM OTHERS
+EDUCATE YOURSELF
CHAPTER 5: DEVELOP A BALANCED DIET PLAN
+GET PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED
+SEASONAL TEMPTATIONS
+STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
CHAPTER 6: MAINTAINING YOUR MOTIVATION
+MENTAL STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
CONCLUSION
RESOURCES
APPENDIX 1 - CALCULATING YOUR BMI
APPENDIX 2 - PLAIN WATER VERSUS SPORTS DRINKS
APPENDIX 3 - THE DASH DIET
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

SLEEP HELP

2013-04-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

SLEEP AID 25mg (Doxylamine Succinate) 192 Tablets by Kirkland Signature®

SLEEP AID 25mg (Doxylamine Succinate) 192 Tablets (Personal Care) I work a rotating shift pattern and have been plagued by insomnia for years. I tried just about everything on the market to no avail; I either felt groggy in the morning or simply didn't get any sleep. Since buying these I have had no problems getting to sleep, absolutely none. I've been raving about them to my workmates who suffer from similar problems and have actually ended up giving quite a lot of them away. They work a treat. I now sleep like a baby as long as I remember to take one of these with a hot chocolate before bed. I've even taken two if I feel one hasn't been enough and have experienced no side effects whatsoever. I can't recommend them enough.
SLEEP AID 25mg (Doxylamine Succinate) 192 Tablets (Personal Care) I have used Syndol (in conjunction with GP prescriptions) for a number of years as I have suffered with cluster migraines & sleep problems for around 35 years (amongst other things). I found Syndol useful with this regard, primarily because they contain Doxylamine Succinate a sedating antihistamine, which also relaxes muscle & relieves tension, & so took some of the edge off a migraine most of the time & helped me get to sleep. They did not keep me asleep which is my problem, I can wake anywhere between 4 & 12 times a night. Syndol are also addictive because of the codeine element & the max dose is two at a time because of the paracetamol.

So I purchased these 25mg Doxylamine Succinate tablets which are 5 x the Doxylamine Succinate strength of one Syndol tablet, in the hope they would keep me asleep & help with migraines. My metabolism was used to Doxylamine Succinate yet after my first night on one tablet I felt so sedated it was uncomfortable. I still woke many times during the night but I did feel like sleeping for the next 24 hours which I did have to do on & off. Lucky it was a weekend because I could not function properly at all. I have not used one since, but have not ruled them out as they could have a use depending on the severity of one of my cluster migraines, or how badly I need to sleep (on & off) for 24 hours, even so I would start with 1/2 a tablet. Doxylamine Succinate may well affect others differently as we all have differing metabolisms, so they are worth trying, they certainly can induce sleep - good luck.

Beating Chronic Anxiety, Depression & PTSD Holistically At Home.

2013-02-11T06:47:00.001-08:00

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Beating Chronic Anxiety, Depression & PTSD Holistically At Home.

Peyronies disease is a medical problem and is Still New

2013-02-08T12:55:00.003-08:00

Peyronies is Still New
Peyronies disease is a medical problem of unknown origin that affects the male reproductive organ. Sadly, our medical experts have been unable to either study or treat this as yet.

The symptoms of Peyronies may vary but the common, apparent symptom is the appearance of one or more scar nodules which are found under the skin or along the wall of the penis. This scar causes a curvature or bending of the penis when it is erect. The condition is then called “the bent penis disease”. Many times the curvature is so serious and painful for both the partners that it causes erectile dysfunction or impotence.

It is a vicious cycle as sexual intercourse is difficult now and this can make the relationship between the two people very strained. This dreaded disease is fairly common now and occurs in 3 out of 100 men above 40, all over the world. The basic problem of PD is the scar which causes pain, deformity and sexual dysfunction.

This condition is known as the “doctor's nightmare”. It is the most complex and difficult condition in urology to treat. Till recently, every treatment given has had little or no success. Men with Peyronie's disease have frequently been told that there is no real treatment available and that they will have to learn to live like this with the pain. But all is not lost. A new hopeful therapy is recently being researched upon. The treatment is now being considered with the enzymes nattokinase and serrapeptase which are showing an increased amount of success.

“An enzyme is a protein molecule which starts or speeds up a chemical process without being used up or consumed in the process that it affects. Enzymes start or continue many thousands of complex chemical reactions that occur continuously throughout the body.” These are also been called "the fountain of life" because without them life is not possible. Above 3,000 protein-based enzymes start or speed up over 7,000 vital reactions in the body. Most enzymes are extremely specific in what they do; those enzymes of use to PD - nattokinase, serrapeptase and brome lain - give growing of having a huge capacity to reduce fibrous material of the PD scar.

Using these enzymes is to try and use the nature's process of breaking up and eliminating abnormal fibrous tissue and foreign proteins. This is what these enzymes are for – to break up the unwanted tissues that are unwanted, like the nasty PD scar. The body has an innate system that tells us of the presence of abnormal cells and tissue elements, and removes them whenever and wherever possible so using these enzymes to treat PD is to take advantage of that intelligence and intuition. So, to use enzyme therapy is to use the best and latest science technology to help the right aid and stimulus to reach the body's defence mechanism.

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Psychiatrist in Marathahalli Bangalore

2013-02-08T12:51:00.001-08:00

Psychiatrist in Marathahalli Bangalore

Despite the growing number of mental health patients throughout the world, mental health is still a fairly taboo subject. When individuals face mental health issues, not many people know what to do. They withdraw and retreat into their own world and avoid talking to family and friends. At the same time, family and friends are at a loss on how to respond or reach out to the individual.
To make matters worse, the suffering individuals are afraid to seek help as there is still a lot of stigma associated with seeing a psychiatrist and getting diagnosed or ‘labeled’ with a mental illness. This is a negative culture that the top psychiatrist in Marathahalli, Bangalore is trying to address in order to promote mental well-being.
What people do not realize is that in many cases, psychiatric help is crucial in order to recover and regain a sense of normality. It is well worth a trip, and with the right support and a positive attitude, many people manage to cope with their problems and triumph over mental illness.
A few indications that you need to see a psychiatrist include:

1. An inability to cope with life when physical, mental, and emotional changes seriously impede on the individual’s daily functions.
2. Constant thoughts of suicide, and a loss of purpose and the will to live.
3. Hearing imaginary voices and seeing things that others do not.
4. Developing compulsive and obsessive behavior bordering on the extreme.
5. Developing illogical phobias, such as fears of going out and meeting people because of a misguided sense of danger.
An experienced and expert psychiatrist in Bangalore, is the Bangalore Genesis Hospital. They provide high quality medical care at reasonable rates in many different specialties, psychiatry being one of them. Dr. Sudheer Hebbar is the resident psychiatrist at the hospital. She sees patients for conditions such as alcoholism, Anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, and insomnia.

People have recommended the Bangalore Genesis Hospital as the psychiatrist in Marathahalli. If you feel you need some psychiatric help, please do not hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation. Remember, your health is precious, and seeking help is the best thing you can do for yourself to get through a tough or confusing time.
For consultations and appointments with a psychiatrist at the hospital, call 984 554 3015 (hotline).

For more information on the hospital’s services, go to http://www.bangaloregenesishospital.com/.

Top 10 Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior

2013-02-08T12:49:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Warning Signs of Suicidal Behavior

Suicide is one of the problems that are occurring in the world today. When one decides to commit suicide, they have decided that it is better to take their own life instead of to continue living. Before someone gets to this extent, you can look for warning signs of suicidal behavior. Here are ten classic warning signs to look for if you think that someone is going to commit suicide. If you see any of these signs, it is important to also talk to the person and find the right help before they carry through with killing themselves.

1. Depression. Before someone decides to commit suicide, they will usually be feeling several different emotions. These will include things like sadness, hopelessness, and Anxiety. Depression will most often include a loss of interest in life and the things that are happening around someone. Major depression, when caught on time, can be treated through medication and therapy.

2. Talking about dying. Often times, those who are considering suicide will be thinking about different ways which they can kill themselves. They will move into telling one different ways in which they can die. They may also be thinking of ways in which someone else killed themselves.

3. Sleep patterns. Those who are depressed and considering suicide may change their sleeping habits. This can range from them sleeping too much to not sleeping at all and being restless all of the time. Often times, one will move from a regular schedule to being hyperactive. They then may move into periods of sleeping for long periods of time.

4. Concentration. A loss in concentration at work or in school as well as in extra-curricular activities may also occur. If you notice that someone is not putting as much effort into different areas of life as usual, then it can be a sign that they are depressed.
5. Eating habits. Many times, those who are considering suicide will have a loss in appetite. If you aren't monitoring this part, be aware of sudden weight loss that may occur. At the same time, there may be some who will overeat as a result.

6. Low self-esteem. This is one of the major factors that play a part in one wanting to commit suicide. This will include feeling worthless and guilty. Hatred may also be a part of this, as they will seem to not like anyone.

7. Lack of goals. Those who are compilating suicide will have a disinterest in the idea of the future and different goals that they want to reach. They will also seem to not care about the present actions that are happening around them in relation to the future.
8. Making arrangements. This may include several different things. Arranging for someone to take care of their animals or things is one sign of someone thinking about committing suicide. They may also begin giving away the things that seem to be important to them. Several will make out wills as well in order to make sure that things are taken care of after they are gone.

9. Loss of control. This may include harming others, as well as harm towards them. This loss of control may also include outbursts of anger or sadness that happen without warning.

10. History. It is also important to look at the events that are surrounding one's life in relation to them wanting to commit suicide. This may include the loss of someone who they loved. It may also include a lost job, relationship, money, friends or religion. These losses and agitations are one thing to look for in relation to suicide. If they willingly stop attending things as well, it may be a sign that they are losing their interest in life.

By looking for the signs, you can help someone to not commit suicide. As soon as you think they have suicidal tendencies, it is important to find them help. By doing this, you will be giving them a chance to find their goals again and begin moving forward. The most common way to recognize suicidal tendencies is through a change in mood, such as depressive qualities. However, there are also several other signs that one is suicidal. If you recognize any of these, it is best to approach someone about what they are thinking and try to redirect them towards a better life.

Moringa Health Miracle Video

2013-02-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

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Depression and Anxiety Disorders (Part 1)

2013-02-06T14:14:00.002-08:00

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Depression and Anxiety Disorders (Part 1)

Lung Cancer Natural Mineral Protocol: Patient Coughs Up 38 Dead Tumors on Mineral Protocol

2013-02-05T23:15:00.003-08:00

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Meditation (Scientific Meditation Therapy) - Instructional DVD - Part 3

2013-02-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

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Depression Social Anxiety and Medication

2013-02-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

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Depression Social Anxiety and Medication

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How You Might Cure Your Blurred Vision

2013-02-01T13:20:00.001-08:00

Presbyopia, also known as “short arm syndrome”, is a medical term used to describe a vision defect where the natural lens loses its accommodation power. Accommodation power refers to the ability of the eye lens to change its focal distance, depending on whether the object in view is placed up-close or far away. This is a common disorder that virtually everyone experiences in their middle age. Specifically, at the onset of the 40s, people experience blurred vision while looking at nearby objects, such as when reading or sewing.

Presbyopia is different from other vision disorders, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism these are all concerned with the shape of the eyeball or the corneal tissue and are caused due to genetic factors, trauma, or disease. However, Presbyopia is an age related disorder and is believed to be caused due to a gradual loss of elasticity of the natural eye lens. As the eye lens stiffens with age, it is difficult for the lens to focus up close.

Presbyopia is not normally curable, but the loss of accommodation power can be compensated for by using eyeglasses or contact lenses. A few patients might require bifocal or progressive lenses. As the ability to focus deteriorates, the prescription lens needs to be changed accordingly. In order to eliminate the dependence on bifocals or reading glasses, some people opt for a method called “monovision”, where one eye is corrected for near and the other for far. However, monovision may interfere with depth perception, and not everyone can adapt to monovision.

When Presbyopia sets in, LASIK can be used to produce monovision. However, it's recommended that at first you try monovision with contact lenses, in order to be sure that you can adapt to the change. Another surgical option, which was approved in March 2004 by the Food and Drug Association (FDA), is a procedure known as conductive keratoplasty (CK).

Research is ongoing and it suggests that a cure for Presbyopia is quite possible. New surgical procedures also promise solutions for those who don’t wish to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses while suffering from Presbyopia.

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Meditation (Scientific Meditation Therapy) - Instructional DVD - Part 2

2013-01-31T19:37:00.001-08:00

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Electro flex circulation booster – Relief from pain and fatigue

2013-01-31T14:16:00.001-08:00

The electro flex circulation booster is an all in one device that provides instant relief from pain and also improves your blood circulation. It uses a technology called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (T.E.N.S); this is clinically proven to improve blood circulation. This blood circulator also stimulates the various pressure points in your feet that help provide relief from any leg aches or swelling. The results are effective and each session, using the electro flex circulation booster, lasts for around 25 minutes. This is a compact device that can help you massage your feet in the comfort of your own home, or also at work.

How the Electro Flex Circulation Massager works

The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation technology used by this device is a safe and non-invasive method that not only alleviates acute pain but also chronic pain. The efficacy and the safety profile of this technology is so good that it has prompted health professionals to prescribe T.E.N.S treatment for a range of conditions and complaints. All you need to do is to just plug in the device and choose the program; leave everything else to the device. Once the device starts, it emits low frequency electro-waves. This stable and safe flow of electro-waves help to stimulate the muscles, nerves, capillaries, reflex zones and the various acupuncture points; this helps your body to relax. At the same time the action of the device also boosts blood circulation to your legs and also helps stimulate the natural healing powers of your body.

The benefits of the Electro Flex Circulation Massager

The use of the Electro Flex Circulation Massager has a range of benefits. It's specifically designed to improve your blood circulation and blood flow of your lower body especially to your feet and lower limbs. The improved blood flow and circulation helps your cells retain their essential nutrients as well as increase their oxygen levels. This helps your cells function to their full capacity. The Electro Flex Circulation Massager's effect on your cells helps your body cope with a variety of conditions including sleeping disorders, joint pains, diabetes, stress, fatigue, fluid retention, arthritis, fibromyalgia, mobility problems and D.V.T.

The definitive circulation booster

The fact that the Electro Flex Circulation Massager can also be used by diabetics means that the safety standards of this device cannot be questioned. Diabetics can use the Electro Flex Circulation Booster to improve their poor circulation. This is one of the more debilitating symptoms of diabetes. Also, the Electro Flex Circulation Booster comes with 4 gel pads that help to stimulate your muscles. This helps you target specific regions in your body like your stomach, arms, back, legs etc. that may be the source of your pain. These gel pads stimulate your muscles providing you relief from pain.

Precautions to be noted

Though this device is safe for use on most occasions and can be used by almost everybody, however there are a few precautions that you must maintain. The Electro Flex Circulation Booster shouldn't be used by pregnant women. The device should also not be used by people who have a history of heart problems or who use a pace maker. Also, it is not meant for people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and its use should be avoided during menstruation. The stimulation pads available with this device should not be used on areas of your body that are inflamed, swollen or infected. Additionally, before you begin using the Electro Flex Circulation Booster, it's important that you go through the instructions thoroughly.

The circulation boosting treatment of this device lasts for around 25 minutes. You can keep track of the time using the LED countdown timer that is a part of the device.

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Tips on Overcoming Anxiety & Depression

2013-01-31T12:51:00.003-08:00

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Depression and EPA fish oil. Does it really work?

2013-01-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

Depression and EPA fish oil. Does it really work?

It is now no secret that people all over the western world are turning to high grade ethyl EPA omega 3 fish oil to treat a number of conditions, but can it really work against a problem that knows no boundaries of age, race or gender. It is a condition that affects millions of people at some time in there lives, it’s called Depression.

Depression
So can high grade ethyl EPA fish oil help with Depression and low moods, lets take a look at the evidence. In one study involving 20 people with recurrent depression, researchers studied the effects of the specific omega 3 fatty acid known as pure EPA.
Patients involved in this study randomly received either the ethyl EPA fish oil capsule or a sugar pill in addition to the anti depressant medication they were taking. After only four weeks, six out of ten patients receiving EPA had significantly reduced symptoms of depression.
The leading researcher in this study Boris Nements said “ the effect of the fatty acid EPA was significant from week two of treatment” he also noted that “ the symptoms of depressed mood, guilt feelings, worthlessness and insomnia had all improved by week three.”
This particular study was carried out at the University of the Negev in Israel and was published in the American journal of psychiatry 2002.
Another very high profile study using the essential fatty acid pure EPA was carried out in Scotland by doctors Peet and horribin. This study involved seventy patients who were suffering from depression that was persisting despite ongoing treatment with standard antidepressant drugs.
The study lasted twelve weeks, and the background anti depressant drugs the patients were receiving was not altered during the trial. The results showed that the patients taking EPA showed significant improvement after only four weeks in all symptoms of depression, when compared to the group who were administered a dummy pill.
This study was published in the Archives of general Psychiatry.
Pure Ethyl EPA
Omega 3 fish oil is high in two key compounds DHA and EPA. In both studies mentioned above they used ultra pure ethyl EPA that contained zero DHA. The reason for this was that they found that the purer the compound of EPA then the more effective it seemed to be.
The brain has much more DHA than EPA but the studies found that EPA is much more important when it comes to responses to nerve stimulation. It appeared that the DHA maybe more important for structure and the EPA for function.
Blood samples taken from people in the USA, Europe, Australia and Japan showed that depressed people have especially low levels of EPA, when compared to blood samples of people who were not suffering from low moods or depression.
The lead researches from the study in Scotland both concluded that EPA is the most important essential fatty acid in the treatment of depression.
These findings are backed up with two randomised controlled trials from Sheffield and Baylor universities involving DHA only, which showed no improvements in the symptoms of depression. In fact the results were significant and showed the DHA controlled groups to be slightly worse than the placebo controlled groups.
Conclusion
People all over the western world are successfully using pure ethyl EPA without the DHA to treat depression and related disorders.
Copyright 2005 David McEvoy

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging,

2013-01-31T11:32:00.002-08:00

New Apple Ingredient Discovery Keeps Muscles Strong!
Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening

In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natural compound that is very promising.

The findings reported in the June issue of Cell Metabolism (a Cell Press publication), identify a natural component of apple peels known as Ursolic Acid as a promising new nutritional therapy for the widespread and debilitating condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another.

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging," explained researchers from The University of Iowa, Iowa City. "It prolongs hospitalization, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it."

The research team first looked at what happens to gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote weakening. Those studies turned up 63 genes that change in response to fasting in both people and mice and another 29 that shift their expression in the muscles of both people who are fasting and those with spinal cord injury. Comparison of those gene expression signatures to the signatures of cells treated with more than 1300 bio-active small molecules led them to ursolic acid as a compound with effects that might counteract those of atrophy.

"Ursolic Acid is an interesting natural compound," they said. "It's part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away..."

The researchers next gave Ursolic Acid to fasted laboratory subjects. Those experiments showed that ursolic acid could protect against muscle weakening as predicted. When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal subjects for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. Those effects were traced back to enhanced insulin signaling in muscle and to corrections in the gene signatures linked to atrophy.

The subjects given ursolic acid also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating.

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like mom told us to eat you get this material," the researchers explained "People who eat junk food don't get this."

It is not yet clear whether the findings will translate to human patients, but the goal now is to "figure out if this can help people." If so, they don't yet know whether Ursolic Acid at levels that might be consumed as part of a normal diet might or might not be enough.

Journal Reference:

mRNA Expression Signatures of Human Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Identify a Natural Compound that Increases Muscle Mass. Cell Metabolism.

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Meditation (Scientific Meditation Therapy) - Instructional DVD - Part 1

2013-01-31T09:11:00.001-08:00

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Can a Neurotransmitter Imbalance Be Causing Your Mood Problems??

2013-01-31T05:01:00.001-08:00

Neurotransmitters are powerful chemicals that regulate numerous physical and emotional processes such as cognitive and mental performance, emotional states and pain response. Virtually all functions in life are controlled by neurotransmitters.

Interactions between neurotransmitters, hormones, and the brain chemicals have a profound influence on overall health and well-being. When our concentration and focus is good, we feel more directed, motivated, and vibrant. Unfortunately, if neurotransmitter levels are inadequate these energizing and motivating signals are absent and we feel more stressed, sluggish, and out-of-control. Disrupted communication between the brain and the body can have serious effects to ones health both physically and mentally. Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are thought to be directly related to imbalances with neurotransmitters.Some of the more common neurotransmitters that regulate mood are Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine.

Serotonin imbalance is one of the most common contributors to mood problems. Some feel it is a virtual epidemic in the United States and around the world. Serotonin is key to our feelings of happiness and very important for our emotions because it helps defend against both anxiety and depression. You may have a shortage of serotonin if you have a sad depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks, low energy, migraines, sleeping problems, obsession or compulsions, feel tense and irritable, crave sweets, and have a reduced interest in sex. Additionally, your hormones and Estrogen levels can affect serotonin levels and this may explain why some women have pre-menstrual and menopausal mood problems. Moreover, stress can greatly reduce your serotonin supplies.

Dopamine and Norepinephrine are responsible for motivation, energy, interest, and drive. They are associated with positive stress states such as being in love, exercising, listening to music, and sex. These neurotransmitters are the one’s that make you feel good. When we don’t have enough of them we don’t feel alive, we have difficulty initiating or completing tasks, poor concentration, no energy, and lack of motivation. Low neurotransmitter levels drive us to use drugs (self medicate) or alcohol, smoke cigarettes, gamble, and overeat.

For many years, it has been known in medicine that low levels of these neurotransmitters can cause many diseases and illnesses. A neurotransmitter imbalance can cause Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, irritable bowel, hormone dysfunction, eating disorders, Fibromyalgia, obsessions, compulsions, adrenal dysfunction, chronic pain, migraine headaches, and even early death.

What causes neurotransmitter dysfunction?

Prolonged periods of stress can deplete neurotransmitters levels. Our fast paced, fast food society greatly contributes to these imbalances.

Poor Diet. Neurotransmitters are made in the body from proteins. Also required are certain vitamins and minerals called “cofactors” If your nutrition is poor and you do not take in enough protein, vitamins, or minerals to build the neurotransmitters, a neurotransmitter imbalance develops. We really do think and feel what we eat.

Genetic factors, faulty metabolism, and digestive issues can impair absorption and breakdown of our food which reduces are ability to build neurotransmitters.

Toxic substances like heavy metals, pesticides, drug use, and some prescription drugs can cause permanent damage to the nerves that make neurotransmitters.

Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol lowering medications deplete neurotransmitter levels leading to neurotransmitter imbalances.

Hormone changes cause neurotransmitter imbalances

Testing is now available to detect Neurotransmitter Imbalances.

Basing a treatment on symptoms alone (traditional medicine) will not provide the information needed to address the underlying imbalance. A visit to a doctor or practitioners office for depression involves telling them how you have been feeling emotionally. The typical depressed person leaves the office with a prescription for an antidepressant without ever having any conclusive laboratory evidence of what is causing their symptoms. New sophisticated equipment and tests are now available to evaluate neurotransmitter imbalances using a urine or blood sample. This provides a neurotransmitter baseline assessment and is useful in determining the root causes for diseases and illnesses such as those mentioned above. Laboratory analysis can now provide precise information on neurotransmitter deficiencies or overloads, as well as detect hormonal and nutrient co-factor imbalances which influence neurotransmitter production. Individuals require individual solutions. Testing helps to determine exactly which neurotransmitters are out of balance and helps to determine which therapies are needed for an individualized treatment plan. It also helps in monitoring the effectiveness of an individual’s treatment.

Treatment

Nutrient therapies greatly increase the levels of neurotransmitters that a person has been found to be deficient in. Studies have shown that it is both safe and effective. These nutrients will cross the blood brain barrier into the brain where they will be synthesized into neurotransmitters and this will raise the number of neurotransmitter molecules needed by the brain. They are prescribed according to the results of laboratory testing giving the imbalanced person a more individualized plan of treatment.

Prescription drugs such as antidepressants do not increase the overall number of neurotransmitter molecules in your brain, they merely move them around or stop the breakdown. If your levels are too low to start with, medication may work initially, then “poop out” or not work from the beginning. There is also the issue of side-effects and more recently the FDA warning that SSRI antidepressants could cause suicidal thoughts in some children, teens and adults.

There are specialized nutrient formulas which help antidepressant medications work more effectively. Under the supervision of a trained practitioner these treatments may be used in addition to the persons existing medication to boost their effectiveness or to target another neurotransmitter that is also causing symptoms. Many antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications just target one neurotransmitter but many mental health disorders involve multiple neurotransmitters.
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Best Chiropractors Wichita Ks

2013-01-31T01:07:00.001-08:00

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The Psychological impact of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Coping strategies

2013-01-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

I suffered from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue for 4 years before reaching a point where I am 90% better than I was at the beginning of the illness.

I will say from the outset that I believe this is one of the worst afflictions that can strike any person, at any age and at anytime.

Not only is it so debilitating that it now has the same disability rating assigned to heart disease patients, but at the same time you have to deal with negative connotations that surround it.

Even the name doesn’t sound credible, "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "what is that like a bad hangover or something" people will say. At a time when you need the most support in your life, often, people are turning their backs and walking away or muttering under their breath. It is a frightful condition.

This will be a pivotal point in your life. You will find that during the course of your illness you will find out who your real friends are, and who really cares.

There is no point disguising the reality which is, I’m afraid to say, that you will lose a lot of friends and colleagues along the way to the monster that is Fibromyalgia and CFS.

It is NOT possible to explain this condition to people who have no experience of it either by having suffered, or through having a particular medical interest in the area. They WILL NOT understand what, or to what extent, you are suffering. Again, I’m afraid this is the norm. Accept it as such and you will not then be personally offended by acts of prejudice. Easier said than done I know. Let us examine a common sequence of events which may ring a bell with sufferers, to understand the prejudice from an outsider perspective.

You had a viral/ bacterial/ chemical exposure of unknown etiology, the same as happens to millions of people throughout America every day, and for some reason that no-one can explain to you, you have felt generally ill and exhausted with multiple symptoms and multi-systemic involvement ever since. Your doctor appears cynical and can’t give you an adequate diagnosis so you may by now have been referred to a psychologist for analysis as a suspected depressive incident. “hmmm okay” you hear them mutter.

Ask yourself this question.

If you had no knowledge about Fibromyalgia and CFS what would your reaction be to someone else developing these symptoms?............ You see? Its human nature, it’s cruel isn’t it?

So how do we as sufferers cope and rationalize what is happening.

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about your condition.

Concentrate on yourself and try not to dwell morbidly over the people that you have lost already. Those that do not stand by you, and there will be some, are what we term fair-weather friends, usually activity based they were your friends due to your common interest in a certain activity, be it sport/ work etc.

The activity has gone due to your illness, therefore by association so does the friendship, this is okay because we are going to get you to a stage where you can resume the activity, you can forgive those “acquaintances” if you wish and resume the activity with them, you will also be wiser and more aware of “the type” of friendship you have with this person.

What goes around come around and what is going around is that you are going to get better!!

There is a small consolation that I allow myself, and this is the level of self-knowledge and wisdom that you will gain from this painful journey. It’s a small consolation I know and I hear most of you screaming, “it’s wisdom and knowledge I could well do without”, but it is there and when you do come out the other side in the following weeks and months what you have been through will make you ten times the person you were before.

You have plumbed the depths of pain and despair and in the future you will be scaling the heights. If you come through this nothing in life will phase you again. You will value the simple things in life. You will live every day. You will scoff at the vanities and selfishness of our systems and culture.

Fibromyalgia and CFS will create emotional havoc for you and for your loved ones. This is normal.

Becoming chronically ill is very much like a bereavement. The losses and emotions involved are very similar. Giving up works means not only that you lose income but you also lose status, friendship and a purposeful role in life.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome encompass the full range of human emotions and magnify the negative ones ten-fold.

This disease really is a monster. The usual response is to want to hide away from the world. However, confronting these emotions can be very important as part of your psychological rehabilitation which should be addressed in conjunction with the manual therapy discussed later.

This really is an area where a healthy mind can assist a healthy body towards better recovery.

The pain that comes with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be frightening and this in itself can cause fear, loneliness, isolation, panic and anxiety.

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can create a fear of rejection by others even when there is no evidence of this happening. I mean, who wants to be around someone who is like this, we say to ourselves.

Again this is a normal reaction, our self esteem is based on what others think of us, and usually that is based on what we “do” or “how we play” , or “what we say”, generally how we interact with other people. As we take to “doing less”, “playing” less and generally interacting “saying” less, then our self esteem plummets along with our health.

We are worried about the future; the dark shadow of uncertainty is round every corner. Will I ever get better? What if I don’t? How long is this going to go on? We ask these questions every day. We begin to experience life in a shadow land. Our hopes and dreams have been shattered and the road ahead can be bleak and never ending.

Anger is very common emotion - Why me? - Why now? What have I ever done to deserve this? Unfortunately this anger alienates those we love even more.

You will find supportive people, often, and encouragingly the last people you would expect. Those who are supportive are often people, or those close to them, who have experienced serious illness and are living with it, or have come through it.

Or, those who have experienced Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or have someone close to them who has it. These are the people you should aim to spend your limited energy resources building relationships with for the moment.

Do not feel bitter towards people who you lose at this stage, hold on while you can then just let them go lightly, they are not your problem. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome IS your problem, and fighting it hard is your duty to yourself, to get your health back, for you and your loved ones. You are going to need the energy you have left for this fight.

I do advocate counseling and support groups. You will need to find someone who has specific knowledge about the emotional effects of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, again a good doctor should be able to put you on the right path, there are also Fibromyalgia and CFS support groups based in most cities and towns across the US.

Once you have found a good support group you will also find good counseling.

However, the majority of cases will NOT need to see a psychologist unless you are being referred for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as your illness is NOT depression, and therefore you should not accept anti-depressants, with the exception of possibly low dose amitriptyline if your symptoms include severe nervous pain and sleep disturbance.

However I cannot personally vouch for this but there is enough evidence to suggest is a valid treatment.

Mental and emotional preparation, knowledge of your condition, and the correct course of treatment are all essential and work symbiotically to assist your recovery.

In my next article I will explain new research which is allowing us to determine how genetic and biomechanical anomalies, predispose certain individuals to attacks of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dr Mark J Shaw

Copyright 2006 Mark Shaw

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Things You Need to Know about Sleep Apnea

2013-01-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

Things You Need to Know about Sleep Apnea

You must not disregard any ailment that you feel like your body is suffering from. This is very true if the condition is already getting in the way for you to do the tasks that are required for you to finish. This is the case for people who have the sleeping disorder known as sleep apnea. They are no longer getting the right amount of rest and as a result, they suffer from various forms of side effects.

The latter can be very risky, depending on the situation, the age and other health problems of the person who has this ailment. The word apnea is a Greek term that means to breathe. So when you have this condition, it means that there is something that is blocking your airway that causes your breathing to stop at irregular periods as you rest.

The situation causes your brain to act immediately as you suffer from the disorder. When you breathing stops, your brain sends signals and goes into a defensive mode to force you to wake up and breathe.

Signs and Clues

How do you know that you actually have this condition? You will be able to determine the factor through the sound of the snore. The one who is suffering from this makes snoring that sounds more like a grunt. This is how you will perceive that they are finding it hard to breathe and they are trying to gasp for air.

It will continuously go on and on throughout the night. The result of this condition is that you will not get the right amount of sleep that you need to feel refreshed when you wake up the next day. There are five stages of sleep and the last one or the REM or Rapid Eye Movement is known as the peak or the point where you will fall into the deepest part of your slumber. Just imagine many nights and days without actually reaching this point.

The most risky part of this condition is the fact that you are not getting the right amount of oxygen at night. If this will not be resolved, this may lead to high blood pressure and serious heart conditions. If you already have these health ailments, you are only making it all worse when you are suffering from this sleeping disorder.

Act on Your Condition

You have to know as much information regarding this condition so that you can actually start to do something about it. If you still cannot find time to consult a professional regarding your condition, you may want to conduct some research about it. You can never go wrong if you will have some knowledge about what you can do and what you are going through.

When you already have basic idea of your disorder, you can begin addressing such condition. If you are overweight, it will help if you start losing the excess pounds. Most sufferers of this condition are also overweight. If this is the case, you should start acting seriously about your weight by exercising regularly and eating healthy and right.

You can also resort to some dental procedures to help resolve the problem. If your sleep apnea condition is already worse, you can opt to undergo surgical procedures to remove whatever is blocking your airways as you sleep.

Permanent Back Pain Relief: Walking to Stop Back Pain & Sciatica!

2013-01-25T13:20:00.001-08:00

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Five Practical Ways You Can Avoid Stress Today

2013-01-24T18:03:00.003-08:00

Christopher Ruane

Do I have pimples, acne or rosacea ?

Acne is caused by inflammation and blockage of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The bacterium involved is propionibacterium acnes. The familiar appearance is of whiteheads and blackheads on the skin. The resulting rash is often embarrassing to tee... Read >

Four Herbal Remedies Which Help Your Health

Herbal supplements have for some people replaced traditional vitamins and minerals for dietary supplements. This is a mistake of course because they are being thought of as some kind of dietary supplement for enhancing weight loss for example. Here I will... Read >

How Does Depression Affect My Physical Health?

Depressive illness is such a physically and socially debilitating condition. It restricts you from doing the normal day-to-day activities and jeopardizes your work, friendships and how you deal with others. The National Institute of Mental Health reports ... Read >

Do You Know The Lifestyle Habits Causing Stress Related Illness ?

When a person has bad habits, you can bet that this person will have stress throughout their lifetime. For example, if a person smokes it decreases body oxygen and increases the reactive substances known as "free radicals". This gradually affects the hear... Read >

Five Practical Ways You Can Avoid Stress Today

A stress-free lifestyle could very well do wonders in eliminating depression. Here are some practical methods to combat stress:1. Be Happy. Laugh hard and loud. If you don't have a sense of humor, find someone else who has. Laughter releases endorphins (h... Read >

How to know when a Chest Pain becomes a heart attack

To look at it simply, the heart is just a mechanical pump, made up of very powerful muscles. Its job is to pumps blood around your body constantly every day of your life. Like any muscle in your body, it requires its own blood supply which brings it oxyge... Read >

How Do I know If I Have Gout Or Arthritis ?

Gout is a common joint disease affecting over five times more men than women. It is rare in children. In men, it can occur any time after puberty, but in women it is unusual before menopause. In around 10% of cases there is a family history of the diso... Read >

Blood Pressure In Pregnancy - Facts Women Should Know

There is no definite value which represent a normal blood pressure. And very often doctors and other health experts can't even decide between them what a normal value of blood pressure is for an adult. However it is usually agreed that somewhere betwee... Read >

Discover How to avoid Depressive Illness

Regardless of age, status in the society, or profession, depression may affect anyone. It may exist at times of puberty, after childbirth and/or at mid-life. Thus, this health problem occurs at a specific period of time wherein circumstances of life may... Read >

Foods You Can Eat To Avoid Anxiety Disorders

In this article, you will find a few ways means to reduce the possibility of panic attacks by means of controlling, avoiding, or reducing the foods that trigger such problems. You will also be encouraged to consume a well-balanced diet.Panic attacks direc... Read >
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Arizona Drug Rehab Finding Help in Arizona

2013-01-24T14:43:00.002-08:00

The state of Arizona has one of the worst drug problems in the United States. Historically and currently, the state is known as a transhipment location for a variety of drugs, including heroin, cocaine and marijuana, which are imported from other countries. As a result, these and other drugs are widely available in the state, and their abuse is common. There are probably few states that require the presence of rehabilitation centers as this one does - thankfully Arizona drug rehab centers are some of the best in the world.
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Arizona Drug Rehab Finding Help in Arizona