Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Nutrition and Mental Health
I this was originally published when my blog was on another provider.
My stepdaughter's dx was recently changed to schizoaffective disorder. Even so, the information is still valid. The only thing I want to add is that Vitamin D3 is also critical to mental health functioning.
“Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” Hippocrates.
My stepdaughter has bipolar disorder. She’s 5 years old. No, that is not a typo. In the 2 years since her diagnosis, we’ve tried several ‘traditional’ psych meds typically prescribed for childhood onset bipolar disorder with poor results. Each time her psychiatrist prescribes a new med, we go through the same pattern. We get a 2 or 3 weeks – a month if we’re really lucky of calm, really with it behavior followed by a total and complete meltdown. As her body begins to adjust to the meds it seems to over compensate and the results are not good. When we take her off the meds, she seems to even out and go back to her ‘typical’ bipolar pattern. A few months later, her psychiatrist wants to try a different med and we start the whole process over again.
We’ve decided to take her off the medication treadmill and treat her bipolar disorder with supplements and herbs if at all possible. So, I’m doing a lot of research on the topic and I thought I’d share what I’m learning here, in the hopes it will help on of my readers.
Several medical studies have shown that people who take 50 mg of Vitamin B1 or Thiamine experience improved moods, less depression, and faster reaction time than those whose intake is at or below the FDA for this vitamin.
Vitamins B12 and B9, or folate, have proven equally important when treating depression and other mood disorders. B12 deficiencies impair the body’s ability to clear out the amino acid homocysteine. High amounts of this amino acid have been shown to cause depression. Insufficient amounts of folate in the system cause symptoms of depression. In addition, low folate reduces the effectiveness of standard SSRI depression medications.
Serotonin production is dependent upon Vitamin B6. Inadequate amounts of B6 in the blood and brain result in the body not being able to produce this important brain chemical.
Selenium in amounts of appoximately 100 mcg per day helps relieve depression, anxiety and fatigue.
According to Psychology Today, several studies have found that chromium can effectively treat mild to severe depression. And a study at Duke University revealed that depression symptoms are reduced by taking 600mcg of chromium picolinate daily. Chromium is found naturally in liver, mushrooms brewer’s yeast, and whole grains.
Calcium, Omega 3 and zinc levels also seem to play a part in mood stability.
On theory is that those with bipolar disorder and other forms of mental illness may process and metabolize certain vitamins and minerals differently than those without mental illness. The difference in metabolic rate may cause deficiencies in the minerals and vitamins which regulate mood and stability.
I’m not a doctor, and everyone coping with mental illness should make treatment decisions in cooperation with their medical professional. A nutritionist or holistic doctor can help patients determine which vitamins and minerals they may be lacking, and can help the patient determine the best course of action to treat their illness in the most natural way possible
My stepdaughter's dx was recently changed to schizoaffective disorder. Even so, the information is still valid. The only thing I want to add is that Vitamin D3 is also critical to mental health functioning.
“Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” Hippocrates.
My stepdaughter has bipolar disorder. She’s 5 years old. No, that is not a typo. In the 2 years since her diagnosis, we’ve tried several ‘traditional’ psych meds typically prescribed for childhood onset bipolar disorder with poor results. Each time her psychiatrist prescribes a new med, we go through the same pattern. We get a 2 or 3 weeks – a month if we’re really lucky of calm, really with it behavior followed by a total and complete meltdown. As her body begins to adjust to the meds it seems to over compensate and the results are not good. When we take her off the meds, she seems to even out and go back to her ‘typical’ bipolar pattern. A few months later, her psychiatrist wants to try a different med and we start the whole process over again.
We’ve decided to take her off the medication treadmill and treat her bipolar disorder with supplements and herbs if at all possible. So, I’m doing a lot of research on the topic and I thought I’d share what I’m learning here, in the hopes it will help on of my readers.
Several medical studies have shown that people who take 50 mg of Vitamin B1 or Thiamine experience improved moods, less depression, and faster reaction time than those whose intake is at or below the FDA for this vitamin.
Vitamins B12 and B9, or folate, have proven equally important when treating depression and other mood disorders. B12 deficiencies impair the body’s ability to clear out the amino acid homocysteine. High amounts of this amino acid have been shown to cause depression. Insufficient amounts of folate in the system cause symptoms of depression. In addition, low folate reduces the effectiveness of standard SSRI depression medications.
Serotonin production is dependent upon Vitamin B6. Inadequate amounts of B6 in the blood and brain result in the body not being able to produce this important brain chemical.
Selenium in amounts of appoximately 100 mcg per day helps relieve depression, anxiety and fatigue.
According to Psychology Today, several studies have found that chromium can effectively treat mild to severe depression. And a study at Duke University revealed that depression symptoms are reduced by taking 600mcg of chromium picolinate daily. Chromium is found naturally in liver, mushrooms brewer’s yeast, and whole grains.
Calcium, Omega 3 and zinc levels also seem to play a part in mood stability.
On theory is that those with bipolar disorder and other forms of mental illness may process and metabolize certain vitamins and minerals differently than those without mental illness. The difference in metabolic rate may cause deficiencies in the minerals and vitamins which regulate mood and stability.
I’m not a doctor, and everyone coping with mental illness should make treatment decisions in cooperation with their medical professional. A nutritionist or holistic doctor can help patients determine which vitamins and minerals they may be lacking, and can help the patient determine the best course of action to treat their illness in the most natural way possible
Low Dose Naltrexone
I've been talking about LDN lately, and I bet many of you are wondering what LDN is and what it can do for you.
LDN, or low dose naltrexone, is simply the use of naltrexone in doses up to 4.5 mg each night.
In it's full strength form of 50 mg, naltrexone is used to help alcoholics and drug addicts recover from their addiction. It blocks the receptors that derive pleasure from those addictive substances. Naltrexone has been used in this way for several decades.
In low doses, naltrexone blocks endorphin production for a few hours. You take LDN at bed time, and endorphins are blocked while you sleep. The medication wears off in the early morning hours, right around the time your body scans for endorphin levels and releases an amount based on those levels. Because your levels are low in the early morning, thanks to the LDN, your body releases a higher endorphin amount that it normally would.
These extra endorphins regulate the immune system.
LDN is commonly used to treat the following illnesses:
You can learn more about LDN from LDN infor.org
LDN, or low dose naltrexone, is simply the use of naltrexone in doses up to 4.5 mg each night.
In it's full strength form of 50 mg, naltrexone is used to help alcoholics and drug addicts recover from their addiction. It blocks the receptors that derive pleasure from those addictive substances. Naltrexone has been used in this way for several decades.
In low doses, naltrexone blocks endorphin production for a few hours. You take LDN at bed time, and endorphins are blocked while you sleep. The medication wears off in the early morning hours, right around the time your body scans for endorphin levels and releases an amount based on those levels. Because your levels are low in the early morning, thanks to the LDN, your body releases a higher endorphin amount that it normally would.
These extra endorphins regulate the immune system.
LDN is commonly used to treat the following illnesses:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Lyme Disease
- IBS
- Crohn's Disease
- Autoimmune cancers
- Lupus
- ALS
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Hashimoto's
- HIV
- Autism
You can learn more about LDN from LDN infor.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010
LDN Conference in Glasglow
LDN Conference in Glasglow
For those who are following research and activism on the Low Dose Naltrexone front, I received an email this morning form the Chairperson of LDNNOW, Jayne Crocker. In her email, Jayne gave me a heads up on a few of the expected presenters at the LDN Conference in Glasglow on April 24, 2010.
This time around we really will be getting up the the minute research information, as Dr. Jarred Younger will be presenting the results of his recent study of LDN and Fibromyalgia. Dr. Younger says, "‘I’ll be presenting the news even before my own lab knows the results. I am still conducting the analysis – so the results will be hot off the press." Dr. Younger will be presenting his results by video and live phone link. Questions will be taken.
Dr Tom Gilhooly from Glasglow will be on hand to discuss his research findings, and answer questions. Dr. Gilhooly is considered the front runner in Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia treatment, he is also the organizer of the LDN Conference.
Flying in from Canada, Dr. Bill Code will attend the conference. Dr. Code wrote the book, "Winning the Pain Game." While researching for his book, Dr. Code was diagnoses with a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis. He is familiar with LDN from both a research/clinical perspective, and a personal perspective.
Dr. Chris Steele will also be attending. Dr. Steel said of the LDN Conference, " ‘It promises to be an important conference for people suffering from MS and fibromyalgia, and I anticipate wide interest from the medical community." Here is a youtube video of Dr Steele talking about LDN
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
All Day Chemist and LDN
All Day Chemist and LDN
For the last several years, I have suggested people who use LDN, but can not get a prescription for it go to All Day Chemist and buy Naltrexone to make their own LDN by following directions found elsewhere on the web.
That is no longer the case.
For reasons unknown to me, All Day Chemist is no longer selling LDN without a prescription. In fact, now, you have to CALL them in person in order to order Naltrexone at all. What I find interesting is that this change came about only a few days after President Obama signed the health care bill into law.
How does this help Americans? We are now unable to obtain a needed medication from the lowest cost source. Sure, you can get a script, and order Naltrexone from ADC if you wish. But there are THOUSANDS of people like me, who are unable to obtain a prescription, not because we don't need or benefit from the drug, but because, as is my case, there is not an LDN prescribing doc in my entire state. I would have to drive over 10 hours to see an LDN doc. Not only is that not in our budget, but it's not possible with my family's schedule, either.
There are other sources of naltrexone, but ADC had the best prices over al. I've ordered naltrexone and asthma meds (for which I do have a script) from ADC for the past several years and I have found their prices to be the best in the business. Their service is good, there has never been a mistake with my order, the meds I have received have always been of equal quality to US purchased drugs, and my items always arrive in US Customs within a very reasonable time frame.
So..my question to big pharma government is this.. HOW does restricting my ability to freely purchase naltrexone improve health care in America?
It doesn't .
The only people helped by this restriction are doctors, and American drug companies.
I need to research the best place to purchase naltrexone. I will report my findings here.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Preserving Garlic
One of my favorite herbs is garlic. It's anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties can't be beat. Garlic is easy to obtain, and very simple to grow in your back yard, if you're so inclined. I eat two raw garlic cloves each morning to bring down my high blood pressure, and I cook with garlic every chance I get to help keep everyone's circulatory system strong.
Since I use organic whenever I can, it's cheaper and more efficient for me to grow garlic in my garden. At harvest time, I have a LOT of garlic to contend with. Instead of trying to store it all fresh I make my own garlic oil and garlic powder. Both are simple to make.
Garlic Oil -
1. Select a wide mouth, glass jar with a screw on lid. Canning jars work well, but I also save glass peanut butter and salsa jars (with lids) for this purpose.
2. Peel enough garlic to fill the jar about halfway. Lightly crush the garlic, and place in your jar.
3. Fill the jar to the brim with olive oil - cold pressed, extra virgin is best.
4. Screw the lid tightly on the jar and label with contents and date prepared.
5. Place the jar in a warm place for 2 weeks.
If you're going to be storing the oil for a while do not strain after the 2 weeks are up. Simply move to your long term storage area. When you're ready to use the oil, strain it into the bottle you keep for serving and using your garlic oil.
Garlic oil prepared this way is suitable of medicinal needs (such as ear infections, antibiotic uses, and anti-fungal uses), and cooking.
Garlic Powder-
1. Peel, and crush 10 or more bulbs of fresh garlic.
2. Place in food dehydrator (or oven). Dehydrate on low to medium setting until all garlic is fully dried.
3. Process with chopping blade of food processor until powdered. (of course, you can use a mortar and pestle, if you prefer)
4. Transfer powder into glass spice bottles, screw on the lid, and label.
Store garlic powder in a cool, dry, place until ready to use.
Garlic powder can be used for medicinal uses, and cooking.
Since I use organic whenever I can, it's cheaper and more efficient for me to grow garlic in my garden. At harvest time, I have a LOT of garlic to contend with. Instead of trying to store it all fresh I make my own garlic oil and garlic powder. Both are simple to make.
Garlic Oil -
1. Select a wide mouth, glass jar with a screw on lid. Canning jars work well, but I also save glass peanut butter and salsa jars (with lids) for this purpose.
2. Peel enough garlic to fill the jar about halfway. Lightly crush the garlic, and place in your jar.
3. Fill the jar to the brim with olive oil - cold pressed, extra virgin is best.
4. Screw the lid tightly on the jar and label with contents and date prepared.
5. Place the jar in a warm place for 2 weeks.
If you're going to be storing the oil for a while do not strain after the 2 weeks are up. Simply move to your long term storage area. When you're ready to use the oil, strain it into the bottle you keep for serving and using your garlic oil.
Garlic oil prepared this way is suitable of medicinal needs (such as ear infections, antibiotic uses, and anti-fungal uses), and cooking.
Garlic Powder-
1. Peel, and crush 10 or more bulbs of fresh garlic.
2. Place in food dehydrator (or oven). Dehydrate on low to medium setting until all garlic is fully dried.
3. Process with chopping blade of food processor until powdered. (of course, you can use a mortar and pestle, if you prefer)
4. Transfer powder into glass spice bottles, screw on the lid, and label.
Store garlic powder in a cool, dry, place until ready to use.
Garlic powder can be used for medicinal uses, and cooking.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Another Potentential Cure From the Na...
Another Potentential Cure From the Natural World
Frankincence for cancer?
Personally, I'm surprised that more hard research has not been done on the herbs of the Bible. Regardless of your religious/spiritual beliefs, herbs mentioned in the Bible were used medicinally for hundreds, if not thousands of years *before* Jesus. We know this because the history portions of the Bible tell us this.
Modern man has learned much about natural healing from our ancient ancestors, and I'm sure there is much more we could learn.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Simple Diaper Rash Remedies
Here are a few remedies for simple diaper rash.
Plantain leaves help heal the rash while easing pain and itching. Simply place a few leaves on baby's bare skin before you diaper the baby. Use fresh leaves at every diaper change. You can also use plantain oil on baby's skin in place of ointments.
A paste of slippery elm powder and honey applied to the diaper area as an ointment will heal diaper rash.
Comfrey in known for its wound healing abilities. Use comfrey ointment on baby's tender skin.
If baby's rash is caused by s, you'll need to be a bit more assertive in treating it.
Try coating the rash with egg white. Let the egg dry completely before diapering baby. This will kill the yeast by cutting off it's oxygen supply.
Slippery elm gruel or a light clay mixture will do the same. (available at some health food or herbal stores.)
Plantain leaves help heal the rash while easing pain and itching. Simply place a few leaves on baby's bare skin before you diaper the baby. Use fresh leaves at every diaper change. You can also use plantain oil on baby's skin in place of ointments.
A paste of slippery elm powder and honey applied to the diaper area as an ointment will heal diaper rash.
Comfrey in known for its wound healing abilities. Use comfrey ointment on baby's tender skin.
If baby's rash is caused by s, you'll need to be a bit more assertive in treating it.
Try coating the rash with egg white. Let the egg dry completely before diapering baby. This will kill the yeast by cutting off it's oxygen supply.
Slippery elm gruel or a light clay mixture will do the same. (available at some health food or herbal stores.)
Monday, February 1, 2010
An Apple A Day
Dr. Mayer Eisenstein on the importance of apples
We all know apples are important to maintaining health. They're high in fiber and minerals, plus the pectin helps clean intestines and arteries.
We all know apples are important to maintaining health. They're high in fiber and minerals, plus the pectin helps clean intestines and arteries.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Supplements for Heart Disease
I've been asked many times what suggestions I have for heart disease. Here is a great article by Bill Sari which talks about lecithin and chondroitin as THE supplements for those with heart disease.
Chrondroitin has been called "first line of defense" against heart disease.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/sardi/sardi149.html
Chrondroitin has been called "first line of defense" against heart disease.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/sardi/sardi149.html
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
yes, sugar really is THAT bad.
Here is a wonderful article from Dr. Mercola that explains the dangers of consuming foods with added sugar. Did you know high fructose corn syrup is in almost every pre-packaged food on the market. And with the economy taking a turn for the worse, the amount of added HFCS is probably increasing, because HFCS is a common way to reduce manufacturing costs.
Oh, and something Dr. Mercola didn't mention about sugar? Sugar contributes to an acidic environment within the body. When the body is to acidic it becomes ill and cancer cells thrive. Ideally,most people should strive to maintain a slightly alkaline body environment. One of the easiest ways to cut acid in the body and increase alkaline is to cut out all sugar and use a touch of lemon juice in your drinking water once or twice each day.
Here's the article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/26/Sugar-May-Be-Bad-But-This-Sweetener-Is-Far-More-Deadly-Part-2.aspx
Oh, and something Dr. Mercola didn't mention about sugar? Sugar contributes to an acidic environment within the body. When the body is to acidic it becomes ill and cancer cells thrive. Ideally,most people should strive to maintain a slightly alkaline body environment. One of the easiest ways to cut acid in the body and increase alkaline is to cut out all sugar and use a touch of lemon juice in your drinking water once or twice each day.
Here's the article: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/01/26/Sugar-May-Be-Bad-But-This-Sweetener-Is-Far-More-Deadly-Part-2.aspx
Monday, January 25, 2010
Holistic Health
When addressing illness or wishing to maintain health many people look to take a holistic approach. Technically, holistic medicine aims to address the needs of the body, mind and soul. But in general practice the focus seems to omit the needs of the mind and soul. Thoughts about actually using the mind and soul to help create health seem to be few and far between, as well.
I believe the mind is our most powerful tool toward perfect health. The human mind has the ability to make or break your health. Negative thoughts erode physical, mental and spiritual well being while positive and empowering thoughts fortify. I believe you can have the healthiest diet, exercise regularly, and keep a healthful Ph level, but if you are negative in your thinking, that negativity will seep over and drown your health.
On the opposite, if a person focuses on positive thinking, uses imagery, and strives to banish all negativity from their thoughts, then good health will follow.
You may wonder how a person can attain health if they don't focus on diet and exercise. Th answer is simple. By spending your energy envisioning your perfect health, you will be drawn to do, and eat those things which will give you health. When you visualize what you desire, you are letting Spirit (or God, or your subconscious--whatever you choose to call it) know what your goals are.Then all you have to do is listen. Spirit (or God, etc) will happily guide you to your greatest health.
I believe the mind is our most powerful tool toward perfect health. The human mind has the ability to make or break your health. Negative thoughts erode physical, mental and spiritual well being while positive and empowering thoughts fortify. I believe you can have the healthiest diet, exercise regularly, and keep a healthful Ph level, but if you are negative in your thinking, that negativity will seep over and drown your health.
On the opposite, if a person focuses on positive thinking, uses imagery, and strives to banish all negativity from their thoughts, then good health will follow.
You may wonder how a person can attain health if they don't focus on diet and exercise. Th answer is simple. By spending your energy envisioning your perfect health, you will be drawn to do, and eat those things which will give you health. When you visualize what you desire, you are letting Spirit (or God, or your subconscious--whatever you choose to call it) know what your goals are.Then all you have to do is listen. Spirit (or God, etc) will happily guide you to your greatest health.
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