Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Feel Better in Body and Mind......


Gregory Sawyer, D. C.

With the economic downturn, the growth of depression and anxiety, as well as the intensity, duration, and frequency of the worry in general are getting disproportionate to the issue, and it is often to a degree that disrupts or impairs normal physical and psychological functioning. Anxiety is often accompanied by mild to moderate depression as well as a number of physical symptoms including muscle tension, increased blood pressure, GI discomfort, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Anxiety is believed to affect about 15% of the adults in the United States (an estimated 19 million adult Americans), thus making it more common than any other category of mental health disorders.
In the field of psychology, anxiety is broken down into five categories of disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Phobias – either Social or Specific1
Many conditions (symptoms, syndromes and diseases) are direct result and a consequence of a general neurotransmitters’ imbalance. Inadequate or imbalanced neurotransmitter levels can result in disrupted or distorted signals between neurons. In recent years, research has shown that lowered levels of serotonin may be responsible for depression, insomnia, addiction, obsessive or compulsive disorders, PMS, obesity, and anxiety. Multiple literature trials are publishing data on the probability that neurotransmitter imbalances can trigger ADHD, ADD, Chronic muscle/joint pain, Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive/ compulsive behaviors, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Recurrent diarrhea/constipation or mixture), Migraines, Obesity, Insomnia, Hypertension, Fibromyalgia Many apparently dissimilar conditions can have a common underlying neurotransmitter imbalance[s].
The Nervous System is considered the main body’s information processor and without it, our body is unable to function properly. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the body’s main info-headquarter, ultimately regulating nearly all body functions. The Brain – is the main processor of all incoming information from within and outside the body, through sensory nerves of sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. Is where thinking and decision-making takes place, and where language, emotions, memories, and thoughts are stored. The Spinal Cord – is a tube that extends about 18 inches down the body spinal column and the main pathway for connecting the brain and the peripheral nervous system. By means of electrical impulses it allows the brain to communicate with the rest of the body.
The Peripheral Nervous System includes cranial nerves (nerves emerging from the brain), spinal nerves (nerves emerging from the spinal cord) and all the major sense organs. It responses to the reminder of human reactions and includes: The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) – Responsible for all muscular activities that we consider voluntary or that are within our conscious control. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) – Responsible for all activities that occur automatically and involuntarily, such as breathing, muscle contractions within the digestive system, and heartbeat. The components of the ANS work together to create a balanced response to outside stimuli. The ANS includes: A) The Sympathetic System – Stimulates all cells and organs’ function Once initiated, it speeds up the “flight or fight” reaction by speeding heart rate, increases the activity of the sweat and adrenal glands, slows down the digestive system and sends blood to the skin and muscles. B) The Parasympathetic System – Inhibits cell and organ function, it slows down heart rate, resumes digestion, and increases relaxation throughout the body. This parasympathetic “rest and digest” response counteracts the sympathetic “fight or flight” response and helps the body recuperate after a crisis is over. A person's normal resting heart rate is determined by the parasympathetic system. If blood pressure is too high or blood carbon dioxide levels are too low, this system slows the heart down and lowers its output.
What Causes an Unhealthy Neurological System?
Poor Diet – Malnutrition, bad digestion and low absorption can cause vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies affect the neurological system’s ability to function effectively. This may lead to certain levels of neurological impairment such as mental confusion, loss of concentration, ADD, ADHD, depression anxiety etc.
Stress – Chronic elevated stress with constant negative thinking can wreak havoc on the neurological system. Over time, chronic stress can trigger mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder leading to various serious degenerative diseases as a consequence.
Toxicity- Heavy metals such as aluminum, lead, and mercury accumulate in the brain. Multiple studies are examining possible link between high levels of toxic metals and severe neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (due to aluminum and mercury exposure), autism (due to mercury exposure); antisocial and behavioral disorders (due to lead exposure) and many others. It is already proven that a chronic low level but long-term exposure to pesticides has measurable effects on cognition.
Chronic and Acute Infections- Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi are mainly responsible for serious neurologic symptoms. Candida overgrowth can impair neurological functions and it may lead to brain fog, depression, obesity, ADD and many others. Other illnesses that affect neurological function include bacterial and viral meningitis (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the spinal cord and the brain). Untreated infection with Treponema pallidum in the past could cause neurological impairment and stroke-like symptoms.
What can you do to restore the Nervous System’s equilibrium?
Eat organic foods and practice organic gardening to avoid pesticide exposure.
Follow a well balanced diet. There are many things you can do to support the healthy functioning of your neurological system.
Add whole foods – Fill your diet with nutrient-rich whole foods such as organic nuts and seeds, bright berries, and dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, and oregano.
Saturated fats – Although saturated fats have a bad reputation, they are actually essential for fat-soluble vitamin delivery to the body, and a host of other body processes. In fact, 60% of the brain is made up of saturated fat. A good source of saturated fat to add to your diet is organic virgin coconut oil.
Include more omega-3 essential fatty acids – Studies have shown that countries (like Japan) that eat a diet rich in omega 3 have lower rates of major depression. Obtain your omega-3 from different sources: wallnuts, flax seeds and flax oil, fish and fish oil.
Consume Tryptophan rich foods – This essential amino acid can be obtained from the diet or through supplementing with tryptophan. 5-HTP, an advanced form of tryptophan, helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin which play a role in mood regulation and quality sleep. Consider adding foods to your diet that contain tryptophan: Turkey; Beans; Whole grain rice; Hummus; Lentils; Hazelnuts; Sesame and sunflower seeds
Use light therapy to regulate Seasonal Depression and to restore mood and circadian rhythms
Exercise. Following a daily physical exercise program that really makes you sweat. Sweat helps the body release toxins from its system.
Incorporate “brain fitness” activities into your daily routine by challenging your mind. Some examples include crossword puzzles, hobbies, reading, socializing with friends, etc.
Consider chelation therapy for heavy metals removal. It is approved for lead and other heavy metals intoxication.
Eliminate the mercury amalgam feelings as mercury easily accumulates in brain cells. Also, mercury in the body damages immune cells, which then lose their ability to ward off invaders like Candida.
Reduce your exposure to aluminum. Drink filtered or purified water. Switch to stainless steel cookware instead of aluminum pots and pans. Switch to aluminum-free deodorant. Breastfeed your baby. Avoid soy formula as it contains the most aluminum.
Try to avoid as much as possible: a) Alcohol, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks that contain extra caffeine and sugary foods; b) Refined sugars may contribute to Candida albicans (yeast) overgrowth; c) Artificial sweeteners are known as neuro (brain) excitotoxins; d) Nitrites found in processed foods such as hot dogs, lunch meats, and bacon; e) Partially hydrogenated oils found in many processed baked goods and snack foods; f) Deep-fried food, fast food, and junk food, which contain trans-fats.
In order to help you to achieve neurotransmitters’ equilibrium the Natural Health & Wellness Center protocols are assuring:
Energy Boost
- Supports the health of your mitochondria, the little energy factories in every one of your cells, to reduce fatigue, boost your energy and quicken your mental functioning.
Improved Mood & Behavior - Helps to stabilize your mood, promote happiness and reduce irritability, anxiousness, stress and fatigue.
Sounder Sleep - Supporting proper hormone levels and neurotransmitters may lead to experience peaceful nights of deep, uninterrupted, pleasant sleep. Sleep is a critical part of your body's internal repair process and without proper sleep, your health may suffer.
Faster Thinking Speed - Promotes optimal levels of hormones and neurotransmitters to sharpen your thinking speed and improve your focus, memory, concentration and motivation.
Immune System Support - The immune support kit consists of powerful phytonutrients that help regulate your immune response and support immune function. This appears to play a crucial role in cardiovascular, neurological, joint, and connective tissue health.
Optimized Digestion - To have a healthy brain, you must have a healthy gut. Less that optimal gut function and improper digestion of food may lead to a host of problems. This kit offers the additional support you need to optimize your digestion, thus enhancing your mood, behavior, and cognition.
Enhanced Detoxification - Supports your detoxification pathways to eliminate many of the toxins that are a result of toxic exposures that can have an extremely detrimental effect on your brain, mood, memory and behavior.
Calm Mind - Supports proper adrenal function, which can lead to a calm, relaxed, vibrantly awake state of mind.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, please call and require a personal consultation:
(715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.

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