Integrative Psychiatry Blog

Plaque on your Neurotransmitters?

July 4th, 2010

There are two types of memory, long-term and short-term. Patients with severe to moderate memory loss experience the deterioration of both long and short-term memory because of the damages to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is considered to be essential for memory and learning. When the Ach neurotransmitter is damaged there is a “plaque” build-up of Ach in the synapses that causes “jamming” in the neurotransmitters. How do we get rid of this “plaque” that builds up in our synapses? There are nutritional ingredients to help combat these effects that work better when they are formulated together.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been studied and reported to improve memory, attention, concentration, elevate mood and decrease stress. Neurons in the brain have polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that contain phospholipids in the membranes and PS accounts for about 15% neural phospholipids. PS is effective because it keeps the brain cells hydrated to improve communication chemically. PS should be complemented with DHA because with a diet that lacks DHA, PS content drops dramatically.

Our bodies depend on L-Glutamine for muscle and brain functions. Glutamine is used as a source of energy during nucleotide synthesis and for the central nervous system. When taking L-Glutamine, our bodies use the energy to build up Gamma-Amino-Butyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. GABA helps inhibit neurotransmitters that regulate the firing of neurons in the brain. Without GABA our transmitters would be constantly firing and our minds would never relax. Taking GABA supplements have been known to increase relaxation rate and sleep, while decreasing stress, anxiety and depression. GABA acts as a mediator for the brain, telling when to be in active or relaxed state of mind. These calming effects are thought to be useful when dealing with patients that have ADD/ADHD, insomnia or alcoholism.

Combining Phosphatidylserine with L-Glutamine and GABA together promotes a powerhouse of healthy and balance neurotransmitters that are thought to produce better brain functions, memory, and overall well-being. Adding L-Proline, an amino acids stabilizer and 5-HTP helps keep the synapses open for optimal neuro-transmitter flow. When combined with neuro medulla material, which supplies specific proteins for regeneration of the brain, makes supplementation even more effective.

Neuro Medulla Complex 90c

Tags: memory loss, Neurotransmitters, Phosphatidylserine
Posted in Neurotransmitters | 1 Comment »

How Alkalizing Your Body Can Boost Your Health?

June 24th, 2010

broccoli Most people are asking the importance of alkalizing the body and how it boosts the health. To explain further this important issue, it is essential to know first what comprises alkaline diet and its significance to maintain the correct pH of the body.

The pH balance that we commonly hear is pertaining to concentration of hydrogen ions that can be measured in acid-base ratio. Our body is capable to maintain the right pH balance only if the nutrients and minerals are properly assimilated. This is where alkaline diet comes in the scenario.

The theory of alkaline diet is all about the food we consume that leaves an alkaline residue after digestion. To maintain the proper pH balance, there must be enough alkaline reserves and it can only be achieved by consuming 80% of alkaline foods.

How to classify foods into alkaline and acid?

Here’s the thing, any minerals like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium present in foods contribute to alkalinity. On the other hand, phosphorus, sulfur and chlorine in foods may give acid-forming residue once food has been digested.

It is worth remembering that all foods leave residue after digestion. Now, natural substance derived from green leafy vegetables and low-sugar fruits contain organic acids and therefore considered as highly alkaline foods. However, dairy products, meat and seafood, fats and oils, grains, alcoholic drinks, chemical sweeteners, and chocolates are all acid-forming foods.

Importance Alkalizing the Body

The constellation of various diseases revolves around faulty acidic diet. High in acid content are transported in the bloodstream and not eliminated through lungs, kidneys, and bowels.

According to Dr. Theodore Baroody who authored the book “Alkalize or Die”, the root cause of all the names of diseases is stemmed from too much acid waste in the body. Diet-related diseases are among our existing common grounds of debilitation and death. Over acidity damage all functions and cellular activities such as blood circulation, proper breathing, good digestion, and normal hormone production.

Once our body lost the important alkaline reserves and minerals, the acid in the blood weakens the body system and may lead to self-poisoning due to high percentage of acid foods that we consumer over period of time.

Healthy Shift to Alkaline Diet

It can be reversed through alkalizing the body. It is recommended by medical experts to consume at least five dishes of vegetables and green foods that are highly alkaline per day. We can gain enough energy because our body can function better if we maintain the acid-alkaline balance. Not only that, the great benefit of alkalizing the body is to eliminate acidic environment that serves as the storage of acid wastes and toxins making us all feel weak and susceptible to various diseases.

At present, the epidemic of diet-related diseases must be ended. There is a reason for optimism. In my carefully considered opinion, it is never too late to shift and embrace the healthy option to alkalize the body. The total wellbeing is of paramount importance and should never be taken for granted. Therefore, the perfect way to restore overall health is to start alkalizing your body by transforming your nutrition into a healthy and alkaline diet to recreate every cell functions.

About the Author –Emma Deangela is one of the key authors for <a href=”http://thealkalinediet.org”>Alkaline Diet</a>. She loves to share her experience with her readers on tips to stay healthy, disease free, and how to lose weight the alkaline way. Her alkaline diet newsletter is available at <a href=”http://thealkalinediet.org/registration/ “>http://thealkalinediet.org/registration/</a> if you would like to find out more about juicy alkaline diet tips and recipes.

Dynamic Greens Super Alkalinizer

Tags: Alkaline Diet, Alkalinity, Alkalizing, pH Balance
Posted in Alkaline Diet, Featured Products | 2 Comments »

If You Don’t Lower Cholesterol Through Diet Now, You’ll Hate Yourself Later

May 16th, 2010

a. The Myth of Good and Bad Cholesterol

For some people, cholesterol is bad because they do not know there are two types of it. These two types are LDL and HDL – the bad cholesterol is called LDL, while the good one is called HDL. Plaques can form on one’s arteries if you have a lot of LDL in the bloodstream. Eventually, your arteries will get narrow as a result of being clogged up and it will block off blood flow. The truth is, your high cholesterol is not caused by dietary cholesterol but by other things. This is caused by excessive amounts of Tran’s fat and saturated fat. Exercise and eating a lot of fiber and unsaturated fats will do a lot to keep cholesterol down.

b. What Numbers Mean in Cholesterol

Every adult should have their cholesterol checked at least every 5 years. When you get a cholesterol test, you’ll usually get back four different results. Here are the 4 categories and the healthy range you want to be in.

Total Cholesterol – less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

LDL Cholesterol – less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

HDL Cholesterol – greater than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)

Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

If you are over or under the desired level on any category, it is usually indicative that a diet or exercise change is needed.

c. Vitamin E and How it Can Protect the Heart

Vitamin E is an important vitamin found in leafy vegetables, nuts, and vegetable oils. It was previously believed that a Vitamin E supplement could reduce the risk of heart disease, but several studies in the last few years have shown that this supplement does little to prevent heart attacks or strokes.

d. Five Fabulous Foods to Decrease Cholesterol Levels

1. Oatmeal and Oat Bran: These contain a high amount of soluble fiber, which can lower LDL.

2. Fish: Fish is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which lowers LDL and raises HDL.

3. Nuts: Not only are nuts high in fiber, but they contain the healthy fats you need to keep LDL in check.

4. Plant Sterols: This is found in foods like margarine, salad dressing, orange juice, and functional cookies. 2 grams per day will lower your LDL by 10-15%.

5. Soy: This popular meat replacement can lower LDL by up to 3%.

e. Health Benefits of Plant Sterols

Plant sterols can be found in foods such as Benecol Spread, granola bars, VitaTops Muffin Tops and fat free milk. To help your heart, you should eat a lot of plant sterols-packed food and stop eating foods with saturated fat. You should know that this does not balance out a diet rich in saturated fats. To be in control of your cholesterol, you should still eat healthy and exercise often.

About the Author – Deborah H. Land writes for the cholesterol diet tips blog, her personal hobby website she uses to help people eat healthy to lower bad cholesterol levels

CholoPak 30 pkts

Tags: Cholesterol, Cholesterol Diet, High Cholesterol
Posted in Health Conditions | No Comments »

The Benefits of Natural Dopamine Supplements

April 27th, 2010

Dopamine, a chemical derived from the amino acid tyrosine, is an important neurotransmitter which plays a role in a wide range of brain functions. Dopamine affects movement, emotions, the experience of pleasure, and memory.

Insufficient levels of dopamine can lead to a wide range of serious symptoms, including:

Depression;
Inability to focus;
Loss of motor control;
Reduced sex drive;
Cravings or addictions;
Lack of motivation;
Compulsions;
Loss of pleasure or satisfaction.

People with low dopamine levels may experience feelings of depression, boredom, or apathy. They may lack the energy and motivation to carry out ordinary tasks, and they may have trouble focusing or making decisions. In addition, they may experience physical symptoms such as becoming easily chilled, and they may have a tendency to put on weight.

Dopamine levels can be depleted by a number of factors, including the following:

Stress;
Insufficient sleep;
Poor diet;
Antidepressants;
Drug use;
Caffeine;
Alcohol
Saturated fats;
Refined foods such as white sugar and flour.

If you have low levels of dopamine, you can consume foods containing tyrosine to correct the imbalance. Almonds, sesame seeds, dairy products, bananas, and avocados are all good dietary sources of tyrosine.

Nutritional Dopamine Supplements can be a convenient and effective way to improve neurotransmitter imbalances and leave you feeling energized, positive, and focused. A natural health care provider can advise you on the best supplements for increasing your dopamine levels.

BalanceD by Neuroscience 60c

Brain Energy 60c

Neurvana Pro - 120t

Tags: Dopamine, Dopamine Supplements
Posted in Dopamine, Featured Products, Neurotransmitters | No Comments »

Weight Management Tips: Practical Advice for Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight

February 21st, 2010

Maintaining an appropriate body weight is one of the most important elements of staying healthy, yet it can be one of the most difficult and frustrating challenges we face. A busy lifestyle, complete with a crowded schedule and a hefty burden of stress, does not always leave room for exercise and healthy menu planning.

The good news is that you do not have to take time out of your already hectic life to join a weight loss program or hit the gym for three hours a day. By following the weight management tips listed here, you will find yourself almost effortlessly trimming off pounds and getting your weight under control.

1. Slim down your recipes.
When you are planning your meals at home, take a good look at the ingredients. Substitute fattening food items like butter, cream, and whole-milk cheeses with heart healthy ingredients such as olive oil, low-fat milk, and reduced fat cheese. Stick to whole grain breads and pasta, and use brown rice instead of white.

When baking, cut down on the amount of sugar whenever possible; substitute apple sauce for oil, use low-fat yogurt in place of sour cream, and use egg whites or egg substitute instead of whole eggs. In most cases, you will not notice much difference in the finished product, and you will cut back drastically on the number of calories, and especially unhealthy fats, that you consume.

2. Practice portion control.
In our super-size society, it has become a matter of habit to fill up our plates with as much food as we can at one time. Restaurant chains compete to offer the largest portions of everything, and it is not unusual to see a person put away a 16-oz steak, a large baked potato with sour cream, and a heap of onion rings all in one meal. But we simply do not need this much food, and our bodies cannot use it.

By practicing healthy and reasonable portion control, you can give your body the nutrients it needs and feel satisfied without packing on unnecessary pounds. An easy way to estimate healthy portion sizes is to divide your plate into four equal sections. Fill up two sections with vegetables, one section with a starch, and one with protein.

Before you reach for seconds, wait a little bit. It can take up to twenty minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full, so don’t automatically refill your plate as soon as you are finished. By listening to your body, you will learn to stop eating when your stomach has had enough.

3. Stay hydrated.
It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Your metabolism will function much more efficiently when you have sufficient fluid in your system, allowing you to burn more calories. Water will also keep your stomach feeling full and prevent you from overeating.

Keep in mind that drinking soda or juice adds huge amounts of sugar calories to your daily intake; avoid sugary drinks and stick to water as much as possible.

4. Keep moving.
After a long day at work, the first thing you may want to do is collapse on the couch in front of the TV. Instead, resist the urge to veg out for the evening and get outside. Take a relaxing walk with the kids, the dog, or your significant other. Enjoy the outdoors and take a break from your daily routine.

On weekends, make outdoor fun a priority. Plan activities that get you outside and active, whether you spend your Saturdays skiing or weeding the garden.

Whenever possible, walk or cycle instead of driving. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and don’t waste time jockeying for the parking space closest to the mall.

While these may seem like minor changes, every healthy choice you make adds up. Before you know it, you will be in better shape, and just as importantly, you will feel better, than you have in a long time. The best part is that once you get used to following these healthy tips, they will become second nature, and you won’t even have to think about making the right choices for your body and your well-being.

STRESS AND YOUR HEALTH

February 10th, 2010

5 Tips for Reducing the Effects of Stress on Your Mind and Body

The stress of coping with jobs, finances, personal relationships, and other challenges can take a huge toll on your physical and mental health. Learning to deal with stress more effectively can improve your outlook and your overall sense of well-being. The suggestions listed here can help you face the stresses of everyday life:

1. Eat a healthy diet to ensure you are getting the nutrients your body needs to maintain physical and mental health.

2. Make physical activity a part of your daily routine. Exercise helps to reduce stress and improves your mental well-being.

3. Spend time with friends and family – social interactions help to reduce the effects of stress.

4. Whenever possible, avoid unnecessary stress in your life.

5. Find a relaxation technique that you enjoy, and practice it regularly.

Helpful supplements:

Kavinace 60c by Neuroscience

Stay Calm 90c by IP Formulas

StressArrest 90c by Designs For Health

Posted in Stress and Your Health | No Comments »

Popular Drugs May Help Only Severe Depression

January 19th, 2010

Some widely prescribed drugs for depression provide relief in extreme cases but are no more effective than placebo pills for most patients, according to a new analysis released Tuesday.

The findings could help settle a longstanding debate about antidepressants. While the study does not imply that the drugs are worthless for anyone with moderate to serious depression — many such people do seem to benefit — it does provide one likely explanation for the sharp disagreement among experts about the drugs’ overall effectiveness.

Taken together, previous studies have painted a confusing picture. On one hand, industry-supported trials have generally found that the drugs sharply reduce symptoms. On the other, many studies that were not initially published, or were buried, showed no significant benefits compared with placebos.

The new report, appearing in The Journal of the American Medical Association, reviews data from previous trials on two types of drugs and finds that their effectiveness varies according to the severity of the depression being treated.

Previous analyses had found a similar pattern. But the new study is the first to analyze responses from hundreds of people being treated for more moderate symptoms, as are most people who seek care.

“I think the study could dampen enthusiasm for antidepressant medications a bit, and that may be a good thing,” said Dr. Erick H. Turner, a psychiatrist at Oregon Health and Science University. “People’s expectations for the drugs won’t be so high, and doctors won’t be surprised if they’re not curing every patient they see with medications.”

But Dr. Turner added, “The findings shouldn’t dampen expectations so much that people refuse to even try medication.”

A team of researchers, including psychologists who favor talk therapy and doctors who consult widely with drug makers, performed the new analysis, using government grants. The group evaluated six large drug trials, including 728 men and women, about half of them with severe depression and half with more moderate symptoms.

Three of the trials were of Paxil, from GlaxoSmithKline, a so-called S.S.R.I., and the other three were of imipramine, an older generic drug from the class known as tricyclics. The team, led by Jay C. Fournier and Robert J. DeRubeis of the University of Pennsylvania, found that compared with placebos, the drugs caused a much steeper reduction in symptoms of severe depression (cases scoring 25 or higher on a standard scale of severity, putting them in the top quarter of the sample). Patients with scores of less than 25 got little or no added benefit from the medications.

“We were able to give an overall estimate of effectiveness for the first time in this more moderate severity range, from 14 to 20 on the scale, in which there’s no question that doctors would likely consider prescribing medication,” Dr. DeRubeis said.

His co-authors included Steven D. Hollon and Dr. Richard C. Shelton of Vanderbilt University, Sona Dimidjian of the University of Colorado, Dr. Jan Fawcett of the University of New Mexico and Dr. Jay D. Amsterdam of Penn.

The effects of other popular S.S.R.I.’s like Lexapro and Prozac are not likely to be much different than those of Paxil, experts said.

Dr. DeRubeis and others said antidepressants’ inability to outperform placebos against moderate symptoms stemmed partly from the sustained attention that patients in drug trials received from top doctors — which itself can help relieve symptoms, drug or no drug. For some people, too, the drugs’ side effects may cancel any benefit.

“The message for patients with mild to moderate depression,” Dr. DeRubeis said, “is, ‘Look, medications are always an option, but there’s little evidence that they add to other efforts to shake the depression — whether it’s exercise, seeing the doctor, reading about the disorder or going for psychotherapy.’ ”

Natural Remedies For Depression

Brain Balance by IP formulas 120c

TravaCor by NeuroScience 120c

Alpha-Stim SCS Depression Anxiety Relief

Posted in Featured Products | No Comments »

NUTRITION AND YOUR BRAIN: How Folic Acid Deficiencies Affect Mental Health

January 9th, 2010

Nutrition experts have been aware for many years that folic acid deficiencies can lead to numerous health problems. Low levels of folic acid can lead to reduced immune function, low energy levels, sleep disruptions, and fetal development issues.

There is a large body of evidence which has revealed that folic acid also plays an extremely important role in mental and emotional health. Folic acid deficiencies have been consistently associated with depression, anxiety, and loss of cognitive ability; memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients is also linked to insufficient folic acid intake.

Women, in particular, are especially prone to problems related to low levels of folates in their diet; in order to avoid nutritional deficiencies, be sure to include plenty of green, leafy vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, and spinach) in your meals. Lean red meats are also a good source of folic acid; if you are experiencing symptoms related to folic acid deficiency, a high-quality dietary supplement is a good way to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need.

Memory Supplement recommendations

Brain Memory

Douglas Labs Brain Memory 60 vcaps

Stay Balanced Multivitamin 120 Capsules

Avipaxin 60 Veg Caps by NeuroScience

Posted in Nutrition and Your Brain | Comments Off