Antidepressant Anxiety Medication. Trial and Error?

By Michael | February 17, 2020 | Comments 10 comments

Depression Anxiety Disorders

A scary reality about medications prescribed for mental disorders.

Research suggests that upwards of 16 million American adults (6.7% of the adult population) are afflicted with major depressive disorder (MDD), a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by overwhelming sadness, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and cognitive deficits. As of current, depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among individuals between the ages of 15 and 44. Moreover, it is known that approximately 1 in 33 children and 1 in 8 adolescents exhibit clinical depression.

Although approximately 70% of individuals who receive antidepressant medication derive substantial therapeutic benefit, the remaining 30% are partial or non-responders. Partial or non-responders to antidepressant medication tend to have poor quality of life, suicidal ideation, and long-term functional impairment. For this reason, there’s a major need to develop new antidepressants in 2018 to help the ~30% of individuals who don’t respond well to current-market medications.

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders in short-term studies. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 or older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.

Did You Know?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

Prevalence of Depression

While anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., depression isn’t far behind. The most recent depression statistics include:

As of 2017, 300 million people around the world have depression, according to the World Health Organization.
According to data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 17.3 million adults in the United States—equaling 7.1% of all adults in the country—have experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.
11 million U.S. adults experienced an episode that resulted in severe impairment in the past year.
Nearly 50% of all people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety

Most Common Antidepressants

Below is a list of most common antidepressants based on specific class. For newer classes like the SSRIs and SNRIs, expect newer drugs that are less common to become more common in forthcoming years. Understand that not all antidepressants are listed below.

Types:

Most common SSRIs:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors were initially approved in the late 1980s with the introduction of Prozac. Nearly all SSRIs with the exception of Luvox have become extremely popular throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

They function by inhibiting reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. They are largely considered a first-line treatment for major depression and anxiety disorders and have become the most common antidepressants.

Prozac (Fluoxetine):

This is arguably the most popular antidepressant of all time in regard to branding and media attention. It is regarded by many as an embodiment of the entire SSRI class of drugs. It was the first SSRI introduced to the market in the 1980s and is still very commonly used.

Zoloft (Sertraline):

This SSRI was approved in 1991, just a couple years after Prozac. It was marketed well and is still one of the most commonly prescribed SSRI medications. It is used for both depression and various types of anxiety.

Lexapro (Escitalopram):

This is an SSRI that was approved in the early 2000s to treat depression and generalized anxiety. It is touted as being an improved version of the drug Celexa, and many agree with these claims. It is one of the most common SSRIs of the past decade.

Celexa (Citalopram):

This drug was found effective for major depression and approved in 1998. A few years after it had been on the market, a modified (arguably improved) version of the drug was created named “Lexapro.” Despite widespread conversion of patients from Celexa to Lexapro, it still remains a commonly used antidepressant.

Paxil (Paroxetine):

This is an SSRI that was developed primarily for anxiety disorders and depression. In recent years it has become associated with some of the worst withdrawal symptoms, side effects, and has been linked to birth defects. This drug is less frequently prescribed than when it was initially introduced, but it is still a commonly used SSRI for individuals with anxiety.

Most common SNRIs SNRIs:

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors were introduced to the United States in 1994 when the company Wyeth began marketing Effexor. This drug worked slightly different from SSRIs because it also affected the neurotransmitter norepinephrine.

There is some evidence that low norepinephrine causes depression (in addition to serotonin), so companies created drugs that acted on both neurotransmitters. These days Effexor is still common, but Cymbalta has overtaken it in regard to popularity due to its approval to treat a variety of conditions in addition to depression.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine):

This has become the most prescribed (2013-2014), top selling (2013-2014), and most popular antidepressant in 2014. In part this is due to the fact that it’s approved to treat an array of conditions other than depression such as: fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic pain. It will remain the most common SNRI as it continues to dominate the market.

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine):

This medication is essentially an improved version of Effexor by manufacturers. In recent years it has become significantly more common than Effexor due to heavy marketing and attempts by the manufacturers to convince doctors that this drug is superior to Effexor. Expect this drug to become commonly used in upcoming years.

Effexor (Venlafaxine):

Of all time, this is the most common SNRI medication. It is the oldest and has been around since the mid 1990s. It is medically approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It was prescribed heavily until recent years in which a questionably “improved” version of the drug was created (Pristiq).

Fetzima (Levomilnacipran):

This is the newest SNRI that works differently than other SNRIs on the market because it affects norepinephrine to a greater extent than serotonin. Although it is not yet a common antidepressant, it is projected to be a household name in the next few years. It is closely related to the older drug Milnacipran, which never got approval in the United States.

Most common atypical antidepressants:

This class of antidepressants is unique in that none of the drugs have similar mechanisms of action to other classes of drugs. All drugs in the “atypical” class have unique properties and are usually considered when a more common SSRI or SNRI is ineffective. The most common atypical antidepressant options include: Viibryd, Wellbutrin, Trazodone, and Remeron. Brintellix is a newer antidepressant that many suspect will become commonly used in the future.

Wellbutrin (Bupropion):

This is perhaps the most common atypical antidepressant prescribed throughout history. Although Viibryd may currently be more popular, this one is more common. It works significantly different from all other antidepressants in that it affects norepinephrine and dopamine without affecting serotonin. In addition to being a common antidepressant, it is also a common smoking cessation aid.

Viibryd (Vilazodone):

This drug is similar to SSRIs, except it also affects the 5-HT1A receptor as a partial agonist. Although it is a newer drug, it is quickly becoming a common name in the antidepressant industry.

Remeron (Mirtazapine):

This is an atypical antidepressant that is commonly used when a person doesn’t respond to other medications. It is considered among the most potent antidepressants on the market, and functions as an NaSSA (Noradrenergic and Specific Serotonin Antidepressant).

Trazodone (Oleptro):

This drug was formerly sold under the brand “Desyrel” and is a common atypical antidepressant. It is significantly less common than Viibryd and Wellbutrin, but has unique properties as a SARI (Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor). It is now sold as an extended-release drug in the form of Oleptro.

Brintellix (Vortioxetine):

This is a very new atypical antidepressant that was approved by the FDA for treating major depression in 2013. It works as an SMS (Serotonin Modulator and Stimulator), making it relatively unique. Despite being newer, it will become more commonly prescribed in upcoming years.

Most common tricyclic antidepressants.

This class of antidepressants is considered one of the oldest. These drugs are noted for their three ring atomic structure. Many of the tricyclics are less common these days simply because SSRIs are considered safer with better tolerability. This class of drugs acts on serotonin and norepinephrine to elicit an antidepressant response.

Amitriptyline (Elavil):

This is a very commonly used tricyclic antidepressant and one of the most utilized throughout history. It was introduced to markets in 1961 and was heavily prescribed until the introduction of newer SSRIs.

Nortriptyline (Pamelor):

This is another common TCA drug that is closely related to the more commonly prescribed Amitriptyline. It is used for major depression as well as some types of pain, and to prevent childhood bed wetting.

Doxepin (Sinequan):

This is a common TCA drug that comes in both pill form and as a skin cream. It is used to treat depression as well as various skin conditions such as hives. Although it is less common from SSRIs, it is a common tricyclic antidepressant option.

Desipramine (Norpramin):

At one point this was another very common TCA medication. These days people have discovered the fact that it could have genotoxic effects and is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

Most common MAOIs:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are the oldest class of antidepressants. They function by increasing levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain. Older hydrazine-based MAOIs have been withdrawn from the market.

This entire class of drugs is often deemed outdated and is seldom used. In the event that a person has tried SSRIs, SNRIs, atypicals, tricyclics, and various antidepressant augmentation strategies, MAOIs may be tested. Below are the most commonly used MAOI drugs on the market.

Nardil (Phenelzine):

This is an MAOI with that is still commonly used when an individual fails to respond to first and second-line treatment options for depression. Due to the fact that MAOIs can interact with food containing tyramine, they are less common. However, of drugs in the MAOI class, this is one of the more common medications prescribed.

Parnate (Tranylcypromine):

This is an MAOI that is effective for treating major depression and anxiety disorders. It is non-selective and irreversible, therefore is likely to have an interaction with food containing tyramine. It is one of the only MAOIs still utilized today.

Emsam patch (Selegiline):

This is an older MAOI antidepressant that was redeveloped as a transdermal (skin) patch. In patch-form, it is called “Emsam” and is used for major depression and Parkinson’s disease.

Moclobemide (Aurorix / Manerix):

This is an MAOI with reversible properties and is commonly used in countries outside of the United States including: Australia and the United Kingdom. It has been found effective in treating both depression and social anxiety. It is a commonly used antidepressant in developing countries due to the fact that it has minimal side effects.

We will be looking more into these drugs as far as risks and side effects.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, voice changes, or increased blood pressure. It may also be called nervousness.

Occasional anxiety concerning a stressful or uncomfortable event is normal. However, if a person feels disproportionate levels of anxiety or it is present almost continuously, it might be diagnosed as an anxiety disorder.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is part of our survival response and is the way our body responds to potentially harmful or worrying triggers.

Strong emotions or fear cause a surge of epinephrine (also called adrenaline) from our adrenal glands. This increases our heartbeat, increases our sensitivity to our surroundings, and prepares us for physical confrontation or to flee if we perceive any threats to our safety. This is often called the fight or flight response.

Anxieties today mostly revolve around family, friends, health, money, or work. People more at risk of anxiety disorders include those:

With relationship problems

Whose jobs involve long hours, high workloads, little support, or danger

With family members with anxiety disorders

With medical conditions that result in significant lifestyle adjustments, pain, or restricted movement

Who have experienced stressful or traumatic events

Withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, or other substances.

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder are usually out of proportion to the original trigger or stressor.

If these are accompanied by significant physical symptoms such as increased sweating or increased blood pressure then a person is more likely to have an anxiety disorder rather than stimulus-appropriate anxiety.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic, ongoing condition with excessive worry over normal life events, whether minor or major. These feelings are usually out of proportion to the trouble that you may encounter in your everyday life.

With GAD, feelings come on gradually and are present each day, not in one individual attack, and last for months, even years. Worry may be so excessive that it interferes with your daily life. GAD may also be accompanied by depression and substance abuse disorders.

Symptoms of GAD include:

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Increased irritability

Difficulty concentrating

Restlessness or a feeling of being on edge

Rapid breathing

Excessive perspiration and sweating

Trembling, quivering

Fatigue

Trouble concentrating

Headaches, stomach upset

Avoidance of circumstances that might trigger severe anxiety

Sleep difficulties.

Other anxiety disorders include panic disorder, phobias, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder.

How is Anxiety or an Anxiety Disorder Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity and type of anxiety disorder and if it is interfering with everyday life.

Treatments may include:

Stress management

Relaxation techniques

Mental imagery (replacing negative thoughts with positive ones)

Cognitive Behavioral therapy

Counseling

Support

Exercise

Medications.

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Xanax

Clonazepam

Alprazolam (same as Xanax)

Lorazepam

Ativan

Lexapro

Buspirone

BuSpar

Hydroxyzine

Valium

Diazepam

Cymbalta

Gabapentin

Vistaril

Effexor

Paxil

Propranolol (Personal experience. I had a major blood pressure drop when taking this medication. Be aware)

Trazodone

Bupropion

Clonidine

Paroxetine

Duloxetine

Mirtazapine

Tenormin

Tramadol (Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.)

Serequel

Alprazolam

Librium

Lorazepam

Risperidone

Clorazepate

Diazepam

Doxepin

Paxil

Amitriptyline / perphenazine

Chlordiazepoxide

Oxcarbazepine

Pexeva

Phenytoin

Sinequan

Vanspar

Wow that’s a lot of different drugs. Are some of them experimental. How much money does “Big Pharma” make?

Anxiety and Stress (13 drugs)

Avoidant Personality Disorder (0 drugs)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (15 drugs)

Panic Disorder (36 drugs in 2 topics)

Performance Anxiety (2 drugs)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (16 drugs)

Social Anxiety Disorder (12 drugs)

Alternative treatments for Anxiety:

Links a click away below:

Herbal Remedies

Vitamins

Herbal Teas

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Anxiety. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However, there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Anxiety.

5-hydroxytryptophan

Gotu kola

Kava

Lavender

L-tryptophan

Valerian

More on Antidepressants

The following ranking identifies the three most-prescribed antidepressant medications for 2013-2014, which all earned places on IMS Health’s top 100, and seven others that didn’t make that list but appeared likely to be among the top 10 antidepressants.

1. Cymbalta was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant during the time period involved with nearly 10.07 million prescriptions monthly, according to Mental Health Daily. Cymbalta was approved by the FDA in 2004.

2. Pristiq

3. Viibryd

4. Celexa

5. Zoloft

6. Prozac

7. Desyrel

8. Lexapro

9. Paxil

10. Effexor

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Prozac belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s present in the gut and in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help send messages from the end of nerve fibers to other nerves, or to muscles or other structures.

One study looking at individuals treated with antidepressants in the United States between 1996 and 2005 found that nearly 67% of respondents were treated with SSRIs.

In the brain, low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression and anxiety as well as panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Low levels of serotonin in the gut have been associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), osteoporosis, and even cardiovascular disease.4 SSRIs do exactly what the name describes: They prevent the reuptake (movement back into the nerve endings) of serotonin, making more of the chemical available. In other words, SSRIs relieve depression by boosting low levels of serotonin in the brain.

The Most Popular SSRIs

Before SSRIs, there were two main classes of antidepressants: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclics (TCAs). Both of these types of medications had more potential side effects from SSRIs and were more dangerous if someone accidentally took too much, so it’s easy to see why there’s been an increase in the types of SSRIs to choose from.5

Some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

Prozac (fluoxetine):

Prozac is still one of the most popular SSRIs in the United States. It’s one of the only ones that the FDA has approved for children and teenagers to use. The 2017 antidepressant use study found that a little over 11% of respondents reported taking Prozac for depression.

Celexa (citalopram):

Studies show that Celexa works as well as other SSRIs and has similar side effects. One important thing to know about this antidepressant is that taking high doses of it has been associated with a rare heart rhythm problem.6 An estimated 14% of respondents reported that they were taking this medication.

Zoloft (sertraline):

Zoloft is highly effective, although some people find it’s more likely than other SSRIs to cause diarrhea. Zoloft is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant; nearly 17% of those survey in the 2017 antidepressant use study reported that they had taken this medication.

Paxil (paroxetine):

You might be more likely to have sexual side effects if you choose Paxil over other antidepressants. It’s also linked to a higher risk of sweating. While paroxetine did not make the list of the 10 most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs, it remains a popular choice for some people.

Lexapro (escitalopram):

Along with Prozac, Lexapro is one of the only SSRIs that’s been approved by the FDA for teenagers to use. Around 8% of those surveyed reported that they had taken Lexapro.

Most SSRIs are very similar in regard to how well they work, although there may be subtle differences that can make one a better choice for you than another. It takes a while for all SSRIs to build up in the body enough to have an effect on symptoms, however, so it can several weeks or even months of trial-and-error to find the particular drug and dosage that will do you the most good.

The side effects of various SSRIs can vary a bit as well, but in general, you may experience any of a few common and relatively minor temporary ones, such as nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, and trembling. As for more annoying and potentially dangerous side effects, some people gain weight after they start taking an antidepressant, although sometimes it’s not the drug itself but rather improved appetite and a renewed appreciation for eating that leads to the gain.

Other people find taking an antidepressant puts a damper on their sex lives:8 Men might have trouble getting an erection, for example, and women may have a hard time reaching orgasm, so that can be an important consideration if you’re in an intimate relationship.

People taking an SSRI may find the drug causes them to feel panicky and nervous; some may have thoughts of hurting themselves or even committing suicide. Adolescents are especially at risk for this and should be monitored very closely.

If and when you and your doctor decide to stop your medication, it’s important to wean off of most antidepressants slowly. If you suddenly stop taking one you can have withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and headaches.

Other common antidepressants belong to a class of drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These inhibit the reuptake of two neurotransmitters: serotonin and norepinephrine.

The SNRIs that are available are:

Strattera (atomoxetine)

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)

Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Fetzima (levomilnacipran)

Savella (milnacipran)

Ultram (tramadol)

Effexor (venlafaxine)

One of the most commonly prescribed SNRIs is Effexor (venlafaxine), which is as effective as other antidepressants in treating depression, but does have a higher rate of causing nausea and vomiting, and may increase blood pressure and heart rate.

The SNRI Cymbalta (duloxetine) also can increase blood pressure, but the bigger concern with this drug is that in some people it can lead to liver failure, so if you have any sort of liver disease it could be a dangerous choice for you. The same is true if you drink a lot of alcohol.

In the 2017 study on psychiatric drugs, Cymbalta was the most commonly prescribed SNRI drug, with 7% of respondents reporting that they had taken this type of medication.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Tricyclics were among the first antidepressants. While they have been largely replaced by SSRIs, SNRIs, and other antidepressants, TCAs can still be a good option in cases where people have not responded to other types of antidepressants.

Types of tricyclics that are available include:

Elavil (amitriptyline)

Asendin (amoxapine)

Norpramin (desipramine)

Silenor (doxepin)

Tofranil (imipramine)

Pamelor (nortriptyline)

Vivactil (protriptyline)

Surmontil (trimipramine)

Tricyclics work by blocking the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine. By preventing the reuptake of those neurotransmitters, it increases serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and relieve depression.

No type of TCA medication made the top 10 list of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. How do they find out? Experiment on you.

Atypical antidepressants do not fit into the other antidepressant categories and include:

Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Desyrel (trazodone)

Trintellix (vortioxetine)

Remeron (mirtazapine)

Of the atypical antidepressants, Wellbutrin is one of the most commonly prescribed. It works by acting on the neurotransmitter dopamine. An estimated 24 million prescriptions for bupropion were given in the year 2017. It has a lower risk of sexual side effects. In fact, some doctors prescribe Wellbutrin along with another SSRI to help counter low libido.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) were the first type of medication developed to treat depression. While they have been largely replaced by newer antidepressants that are safer and have fewer side effects, MAOIs are still prescribed and can be a good option for some people.

Some of the most commonly prescribed MAOIs include:

Marplan (isocarboxazid)

Nardil (phenelzine)

Parnate (tranylcypromine)

Emsam (selegiline)

MAOIs work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are all neurotransmitters that control mood. This results in higher levels of these chemicals in the brain which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

A study of antidepressant usage found that almost 38% of respondents had been prescribed new medications other from SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Just over 11% had been prescribed tricyclics.

Personal Note:

I suffer from depression and an anxiety disorder. Many of the drugs listed above have been prescribed for me, and I have taken them accordingly. Some of them caused me to have severe side effects. Please always do your own research on what you are taking.

Always follow your Doctor’s advice

I am going to research some of the side effects these drugs may have in store for you. This will be time-consuming, but I do feel it is important. Please bare with me.

Xanax

Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.

Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression.

Do not use Xanax if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Alprazolam may be habit-forming. Misuse of habit-forming medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death.

Common side effects of Xanax include: ataxia, cognitive dysfunction, constipation, difficulty in micturition, drowsiness, dysarthria, fatigue, memory impairment, skin rash, weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, blurred vision, diarrhea, insomnia, decreased libido, increased appetite, and decreased appetite. Other side effects include: hypotension, sexual disorder, muscle twitching, and increased libido. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking alprazolam:

More common:

Being forgetful

clumsiness or unsteadiness

difficulty with coordination

discouragement

drowsiness

feeling sad or empty

irritability

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

relaxed and calm

shakiness and unsteady walk

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

slurred speech

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble performing routine tasks

trouble sleeping

trouble speaking

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common:

Abdominal or stomach pain

blurred vision

body aches or pain

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles, or tingling feelings

changes in behavior I just kept them as a remedy of the antidepressants, anti anxiety medications I used to take.chills

clay-colored stools

confusion about identity, place, and time

dark urine

decrease in frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

diarrhea

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

difficulty with concentration

dizziness, faintness, or light headedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fear or nervousness

hyperventilation

inability to sit still

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

irregular heartbeats

itching or rash

joint pain

lack or loss of self-control

loss of bladder control

loss of coordination

loss of memory

mood or mental changes

muscle pain or stiffness

nausea

painful urination

problems with memory

restlessness

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

tightness in the chest

trouble with balance

twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

vomiting of blood

thoughts of killing oneself

More common:

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

decreased appetite

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

decreased sexual performance or desire abnormal ejaculation

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

inability to have or keep an erection

increased appetite

increased weight

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

stopping of menstrual bleeding

Personal Note:

No I did not make this up. I was on this drug for over six years. All I had to do was tell my psychiatrist, I didn’t think it was working and I had no problem getting the dosage increased. It took me close to a period of three months (may differ) including hospitalization to wean me off this medication and eventually stop.

Clonazepam Side Effects:

Commonly reported side effects of clonazepam include:

Drowsiness, upper respiratory tract infection, ataxia, depression, and dizziness.

See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

More common

Body aches or pain
chills
difficulty breathing
discouragement
dizziness
feeling sad or empty
irritability
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
poor coordination
runny nose
shakiness and unsteady walk
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
sneezing
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual tiredness or weakness

YouTube Video on Side Effects

Personal Note:

My Doctor switched to this drug and I am currently trying to wean myself off it.

Lorazepam Side Effects:

More common

Drowsiness
relaxed and calm
sleepiness

Incidence not known (somebody knows or why else list them)

Abdominal or stomach pain
aggressive, angry
agitation
attack, assault, or force
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
confusion about identity, place, and time
convulsions
dark urine
decreased urine output
difficulty with speaking
discouragement
dizziness, faintness, or light headedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast or irregular heartbeat
feeling sad or empty
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
irritability
loss of appetite
loss of balance control
loss of memory
lower back or side pain
muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
nausea or vomiting
painful or difficult urination
problems with memory
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
restlessness
seizures
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
tightness in the chest
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood

Ativan Side Effects (same as Lorazepam)

You Tube Video

Lexapro Side Effects:

Common side effects of Lexapro include: diarrhea, drowsiness, ejaculatory disorder, headache, insomnia, nausea, and delayed ejaculation. Other side effects include: anorgasmia, constipation, dizziness, dyspepsia, fatigue, decreased libido, diaphoresis, and xerostomia.

Along with its needed effects, escitalopram (the active ingredient contained in Lexapro) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking escitalopram:

Rare (But they happen or else they would not be listed)

Coma
confusion
convulsions
decreased urine output
dizziness
fast or irregular heartbeat
headache
increased thirst
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
shortness of breath
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects of escitalopram may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
diarrhea
dry mouth
ejaculation delay
gas in the stomach
heartburn
inability to have or keep an erection
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
trouble sleeping

Psychiatric

Antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. An increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders has been reported with short-term use of antidepressant drugs.

Adult and pediatric patients receiving antidepressants for MDD, as well as for psychiatric and non psychiatric indications, have reported symptoms that may be precursors to emerging suicidality, including anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania. Causality has not been established.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness.

Buspirone Side Effects:

Commonly reported side effects of buspirone include: dizziness. Other side effects include: headache and nervousness. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to buspirone: oral tablet

Along with its needed effects, buspirone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking buspirone:

Rare

Chest pain
confusion
fast or pounding heartbeat
fever
in-coordination
mental depression
muscle weakness
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
skin rash or hives
sore throat
stiffness of the arms or legs
uncontrolled movements of the body

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking buspirone:

Symptoms of overdose

Dizziness or light headedness especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position suddenly
drowsiness (severe)
loss of consciousness
nausea or vomiting
stomach upset
very small pupils of the eyes.

More common

Restlessness, nervousness, or unusual excitement

Less common or rare

Blurred vision
clamminess or sweating
decreased concentration
diarrhea
drowsiness
dryness of the mouth
muscle pain, spasms, cramps, or stiffness
ringing in the ears
trouble with sleeping, nightmares, or vivid dreams
unusual tiredness or weakness

Another Personal Note:

Well this could be never ending. I am going to cover the drugs that were prescribed to me. Please do your research before taking these medications.

Also know I am not a Doctor, just someone who found out the hard way. Always consult your Doctor.

Valium Side Effects (also known as diazepam)

You Tube Video

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking diazepam:

More common

Shakiness and unsteady walk
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

General

ORAL: The most commonly reported side effects included ataxia, drowsiness, fatigue, and muscle weakness.

PARENTERAL: The most commonly reported side effects included fatigue, drowsiness, ataxia, injection-site venous thrombosis, and injection-site phlebitis.

RECTAL: The most commonly reported side effects included somnolence, headache, and diarrhea.[Ref]

Nervous system

ORAL:

Common (1% to 10%):

Ataxia, disrupted sensory perception, drowsiness, epileptic attacks, impaired motor ability, tremor

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%):

Amnesia/anterograde amnesia, balance disorders, concentration difficulties, dizziness, dysarthria, headache, slurred speech, vertigo

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%):

Decreased alertness, memory loss, syncope, unconsciousness

Frequency not reported:

Abnormal taste, amnestic effects, hangover effect, hypersensitivity to physical/visual/auditory stimuli, over sedation, perceptual disturbances

PARENTERAL:

Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, disrupted sensory perception, dizziness, drowsiness, epileptic attacks, impaired motor ability, tremor.

Cymbalta Side Effects (Generic Name: duloxetine)

Cymbalta Side effects. You Tube Video

In Summary

Common side effects of Cymbalta include: asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hypersomnia, insomnia, nausea, sedated state, headache, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: agitation, erectile dysfunction, nervousness, psychomotor agitation, tension, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, decreased appetite, decreased libido, hyperhidrosis, loss of libido, and restlessness.

Warning

Oral route (Capsule, Delayed Release)

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 or older. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.

Seroquel Side Effects:

Generic Name: quetiapine

Seroquel Side effects. You Tube Video

In Summary

Common side effects of Seroquel include: asthenia, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased serum cholesterol, increased serum triglycerides, increased thyroid stimulating hormone level, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, orthostatic hypotension, pharyngitis, weight gain, and tachycardia. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Warning

Oral route (Tablet; Tablet, Extended Release)

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Quetiapine fumarate is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis or for patients under 10 years of age. There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants.

More common

Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or light headedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Personal Note:

Unfortunately I am still taking this medication, but am in the process of stopping. I doubt if you can stop taking any anti-depressant without suffering from withdrawal’s.

Zoloft Side Effects:

You Tube Video. Side Effects of Zoloft

Generic Name: sertraline

In Summary

Common side effects of Zoloft include: diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools, nausea, tremor, headache, paresthesia, anorexia, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, ejaculation failure, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: abdominal pain, agitation, pain, vomiting, anxiety, hypouricemia, and malaise. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

More common

Decreased sexual desire or ability
failure to discharge semen (in men)

Less common or rare

Aggressive reaction
breast tenderness or enlargement
confusion
convulsions
diarrhea
drowsiness
dryness of the mouth
fever
inability to sit still
increased sweating
increased thirst
lack of energy
loss of bladder control
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
nose bleeds
racing heartbeat
shivering
skin rash, hives, or itching
unusual or sudden body or facial movements or postures
unusual secretion of milk (in females)

Robin Williams was one of the funniest men I have seen in. He hid his humor behind a mask. Please do not hide your true feelings behind a mask. Thank you.

I could go on and on but I am sure you recognize a pattern here. Different names, similar side effects. Taking an anti-depressant that may cause me to have suicidal thoughts just does not make any sense. I was introduced to Zoloft after I was hospitalized for slitting my wrists.

We are all different, what works for one person may work for another. The YouTube videos have given an un-biased opinion. I just picked the ones with the largest audience.

Please if you are having a hard time and may have thoughts of suicide, DO NOT KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!!! There is nothing to be guilty of or feel like you are a weak person. These are related to the way your brain responds to certain circumstances. It is not your fault. Depression, anxiety and mental disorders are chemical imbalances that happen in your brain that you have no control over. That is why it is called a disease.

ALWAYS SEE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Yes, I am not a fan of these drugs but sometimes they are necessary. I just want you to be aware of what you are taking and the side effects. Do your own research, even contact me through my website and I will listen and not judge.

Also please consider:

Meditation

Yoga

Image Site on depression.

Most importantly do not keep it locked inside you. Talk. I will be here for you.

Thank you for reading.

Michael.

Comments are welcome.

Why Sitting is the new Smoking

By Michael | February 11, 2020 | Comments 10 comments

Why is Sitting compared to Smoking?

We live in an age where there is a majority of people sitting for long periods of time in front of a computer or watching TV. Recently research has shown how this can affect your health.

Sitting

Smoking

X X X X X X

We are going to look into a few options of changing this and the reasons on why we should.

Living a sedentary lifestyle can be dangerous to your health. The less sitting or lying down you do during the day, the better your chances for living a healthy life.

If you stand or move around during the day, you have a lower risk of early death than if you sit at a desk. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you have a higher chance of being overweight, developing type 2 diabetes or heart disease, and experiencing depression and anxiety.

How does a sedentary lifestyle affect your body?

Humans are built to stand upright. Your heart and cardiovascular system work more effectively that way. Your bowel also functions more efficiently when you are upright. It is common for people who are bedridden in hospital to experience problems with their bowel function.

When you are physically active, on the other hand, your overall energy levels and endurance improve, and your bones maintain strength.

Legs and gluteals (bum muscles)

Sitting for long periods can lead to weakening and wasting away of the large leg and gluteal muscles. These large muscles are important for walking and for stabilizing you. If these muscles are weak you are more likely to injure yourself from falls, and from strains when you do exercise.

Weight

Moving your muscles helps your body digest the fats and sugars you eat. If you spend a lot of time sitting, digestion is not as efficient, so you retain those fats and sugars as fat in your body.

Even if you exercise but spend a large amount of time sitting, you are still risking health problems, such as metabolic syndrome. The latest research suggests you need 60–75 minutes per day of moderate-intensity activity to combat the dangers of excessive sitting.

Hips and back

Just like your legs and gluteals, your hips and back will not support you as well if you sit for long periods. Sitting causes your hip flexor muscles to shorten, which can lead to problems with your hip joints.

Sitting for long periods can also cause problems with your back, especially if you consistently sit with poor posture or don’t use an ergonomically designed chair or workstation. Poor posture may also cause poor spine health such as compression in the discs in your spine, leading to premature degeneration, which can be very painful.

Anxiety and depression

We don’t understand the links between sitting and mental health as well as we do the links between sitting and physical health yet, but we do know that the risk of both anxiety and depression is higher in people that sit more.

This might be because people who spend a lot of time sitting are missing the positive effects of physical activity and fitness. If so, getting up and moving may help.

Cancer

Emerging studies suggest the dangers of sitting include increasing your chances of developing some types of cancer, including lung, uterine, and colon cancers. The reason behind this is not yet known.

Heart disease

Sitting for long periods has been linked to heart disease. One study found that men who watch more than 23 hours of television a week have a 64 per cent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than men who only watch 11 hours of television a week.

Some experts say that people who are inactive and sit for long periods have a 147 per cent higher risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.

Diabetes

Studies have shown that even five days lying in bed can lead to increased insulin resistance in your body (this will cause your blood sugars to increase above what is healthy). Research suggests that people who spend more time sitting have a 112 per cent higher risk of diabetes.

Varicose veins

Sitting for long periods can lead to varicose veins or spider veins (a smaller version of varicose veins). This is because sitting causes blood to pool in your legs.

Varicose veins aren’t usually dangerous. In rare cases, they can lead to blood clots, which can cause serious problems (see deep vein thrombosis, below).

Deep vein thrombosis

Sitting for too long can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), for example on a long plane or car trip. A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in the veins of your leg.

DVT is a serious problem, because if part of a blood clot in the leg vein breaks off and travels, it can cut off the blood flow to other parts of the body, including your lungs, which can cause a pulmonary embolism. This is a medical emergency that can lead to major complications or even death.

Stiff neck and shoulders

If you spend your time hunched over a computer keyboard, this can lead to pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders.

How sedentary are we?

Physical inactivity contributes to over three million preventable deaths worldwide each year (that’s six per cent of all deaths).

It is the fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable diseases.

It’s also the cause of 21–25 per cent of breast and colon cancers, 27 per cent of diabetes cases, and around 30 per cent of ischaemic heart disease. In fact, physical inactivity is the second highest cause of cancer in Australia, behind tobacco smoking.

The Australian Health Survey 2011–12 results show:

60 per cent of Australian adults do less than the recommended 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each day.
Only one third of Australian children, and one in 10 young people (aged 5–17), do the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Fewer than one in three children and young people have no more than two hours of screen time each day.
Almost 70 per cent of Australian adults can be classed as either sedentary or having low levels of physical activity.

Children and young people

The Australian Health Survey found that toddlers and preschoolers (aged 2–4 years) spent an average of six hours a day doing some form of physical activity, and one and a half hours having some form of screen time.

These numbers changed dramatically when the survey looked at children and young people (aged 5–17 years). They spend just one and a half hours a day doing physical activities, and over two hours each day on screen time.

The time spent on physical activity grew smaller as the young people got older, while the time spent on screen-based activities grew higher.

Just under half of all children and young people (aged 2–17) had at least one type of screen (such as a television, computer, or game console) in their bedroom. That figure grew to three quarters for young people aged 15–17.

The 15–17 year age group were the least likely to walk 12,000 steps each day, with only 7 per cent reaching that goal. Younger children, aged 5–11, were much more likely to walk more during their day (at around 23 per cent).

Adults

The Australian Health Survey found that young adults achieved the highest level of activity of all adults, with 53 per cent of 18–24 year olds being classed as sufficiently active.

People tended to become less active as they aged. The lowest level of activity was among those aged 75 or over, with that group achieving around 20 minutes of activity each day.

People were more likely to have done sufficient exercise if they:

were wealthier
classified their health as ‘excellent’
were in the underweight or normal range of body mass index, rather than the obese range
did not smoke or had given up smoking
did not have a job where they sat down a lot, such as clerical or administrative work
watched less television and used the internet less than average (13 hours and 9 hours per week, respectively).

Adults took an average of 7,400 steps per day. Less than one in five adults took 10,000 steps each day.

How can you save your health from the dangers of sitting?

If you’re not getting enough activity in your day, it’s not too late to turn it around and gain great health benefits in the process.

Build more activity into your day

Some ways you can incorporate activity into your day are:

Walk or cycle, and leave the car at home.
For longer trips, walk or cycle part of the way.
Use the stairs instead of the lift or escalator, or at least walk up the escalator.
Get off the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
Park further away from wherever you’re going and walk the rest of the way.
Calculate how long it takes you to walk one kilometer – you may find you can reach your destination faster by walking than if you wait for public transport.

Be active (and safe)

If you’re new to physical activity, or if you have a health condition, speak to your doctor before you start any new activities. They can help you decide the best activities for you.

If you’re getting active outdoors, remember to protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing, including a hat.

Be active at work

You can move around at work more than you think:

Take the stairs instead of the lift.
Walk over and talk to your colleagues instead of emailing them.
Take your lunch break away from your desk and enjoy a short walk outside if you can.
Organize walking meetings.

Be active indoors

Don’t let bad weather stop you from being active! You can do body weight exercises such as squats, sit-ups, and lunges.

You can also try indoor activities such as:

Yoga

Dancing
swimming at an indoor pool
yoga
pilates
martial arts
squash
indoor rock climbing.

Reduce your sedentary behavior

Here are some simple ideas to keep you moving while you’re at home:

When you’re tidying up, put items away in small trips rather than taking it all together.
Set the timer on your television to turn off an hour earlier than usual to remind you to get up and move.
Walk around when you’re on the phone.
Stand up and do some ironing during your favorite television shows.
Rather than sitting down to read, listen to recorded books while you walk, clean, or work in the garden.
Stand on public transport, or get off one stop early and walk to your destination.

If you work in an office:

Stand up while you read emails or reports.
Move your rubbish bin away from your desk so you have to get up to throw anything away.
Use the speaker phone for conference calls and walk around the room during the calls.

Benefits of regular physical activity

you are regularly physically active, you may:

reduce your risk of a heart attack
manage your weight better
have a lower blood cholesterol level
lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers
have lower blood pressure
have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower risk of developing osteoporosis
lower your risk of falls
recover better from periods of hospitalization or bed rest
feel better – with more energy, a better mood, feel more relaxed and sleep better.

A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression.

There are many views as to how exercise helps people with depression:

Exercise may block negative thoughts or distract you from daily worries.
Exercising with others provides an opportunity for increased social contact.
Increased fitness may lift your mood and improve your sleep patterns.
Exercise may also change levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and stress hormones.

To maintain health and reduce your risk of health problems, health professionals and researchers recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day

Physical activity guidelines:

Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount.
Be active on most, preferably all, days every week.
Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2 ½ to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes (1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours) of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities, each week.
Do muscle strengthening activities on at least two days each week.

Increases in daily activity can come from small changes made throughout your day, such as walking or cycling instead of using the car, getting off a tram, train or bus a stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, or walking the children to school. Ways to increase physical activity

Do we really need to take 10,000 steps a day?

Regular walking produces many health benefits, including reducing our risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression. We often hear 10,000 as the golden number of steps to strive for in a day.

It is a good idea to see your doctor before starting your physical activity program if:

you are aged over 45 years
physical activity causes pain in your chest
you often faint or have spells of severe dizziness
moderate physical activity makes you very breathless
you are at a higher risk of heart disease
you think you might have heart disease or you have heart problems
you are pregnant.

Over the past few years, prolonged sitting has emerged as a new health scourge. Sitting is the new smoking, headlines warn. But even as awareness of the problem grows, proposed solutions like regular activity breaks and adjustable-height desks have run into a stubborn problem: workplace culture. Sitt’s experience convinced him that psychology is as important as physiology in the fight against sedentary behavior, and spurred him to launch a new program tackling the problem on an organizational, rather than personal, scale.

The list of ills associated with hours of uninterrupted sitting includes elevated risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions, which occur as your muscles switch into a “dormant” mode that compromises their ability to break down fats and sugars. Crucially, exercising before or after work isn’t enough to counteract these effects – sitting all day is harmful no matter how fit and active you are.

Knowing may be half the battle, but the other half (actually doing something about it) is the hard part. In a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in January, researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia tried a multi pronged approach to figure out the best ways to prompt behavior change in office groups.

The study compared three groups of university employees who typically spent more than six hours out of every eight-hour day sitting. One group received adjustable-height desks; the second received the desks along with ongoing individual and organizational-level guidance; the third group received no instructions and served as the control group.

After three months, the desks-only group had reduced their sitting time by a modest 33 minutes compared to the controls, while the desks-plus-guidance group dropped 89 minutes, getting close to the 50-50 sit-stand split recommended by the researchers.

The additional support included face-to-face coaching and goal-setting, group brainstorming sessions on ways to reduce sitting time, regular e-mail reminders and consultation with managers.

“Changing sitting habits may not be as simple as providing new desks,” lead researcher Maike Neuhaus said. “Sitting habits are ingrained in office routines, and we found that workers acting alone may feel awkward when standing during meetings or at their desk.”

Sitt, a former personal trainer, reached the same conclusion while struggling to rehabilitate his back. He saw a dramatic improvement in his overall health once he established a routine of taking five or six one-minute breaks each day to perform simple exercises at his desk, so he decided to launch a program to encourage others to do the same.

The key barrier, he realized, wasn’t the time commitment, which is less than 10 minutes a day, but getting a critical mass of people doing similar things, so he aimed his MOVE program at employers rather than employees. The nine-week intervention starts with one-on-one consultations, then assigns a range of simple exercises and stretches for one-minute breaks, and includes a weekly half-hour lunch workshop.

An initial pilot project with 10 employees at the charity Free the Children produced improvements in a range of assessment measures, including strength (as measured by push-ups) and flexibility (sit-and-reach test), as well as less tangible measures like energy and fatigue levels.

The pilot data also confirmed that the biggest barrier to adherence was feeling awkward about doing the movement breaks around other employees not participating in the program.

Given the costs associated with sedentary behavior – one study estimated that the least active employees are less productive by about three hours per week – this all-too-common workplace culture is something that employers would be wise to address. Change is hard, but Neuhaus’s research shows that getting the whole office involved with a formal program makes a difference.

In other words, sitting resembles “the new smoking” in yet another way: Quitting is way easier when you’re not the only one doing it.

Ways Sitting is Shortening Your Life

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which looked at more than 4 million individuals and 68,936 cancer cases, sitting for long periods of time increases your risk for colon, endometrial and, possibly, lung cancer. The study found that even in physically active individuals, sitting increased the risk, and the risk worsened with each two hour increase in sitting time.

Separate research links long-term sedentary habits with breast and colon cancer.

Frequent Sitters Have a Greater Risk of Developing Heart Disease

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that men and women who sat more than six hours a day died earlier than their counterparts who limited sitting time to 3 hours a day or less. The study surveyed 53,440 men and 69,776 women who were healthy at the start of the study and over the course of the 14-year follow-up they saw a higher rate of mortality among the frequent sitters. “Associations were strongest for cardiovascular disease mortality. The time spent sitting was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical activity level,” the study says.

Sitting Increases the Risk of Obesity

It’s widely known that exercise and a healthy diet are two major factors in maintaining a healthy weight, but there is a third important factor for weight control, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic—moving throughout the day. In a study on weight gain and loss, where every aspect of diet and exercise was controlled in a lab, the researchers added 1,000 calories to all the subjects daily diets.

None of the people were permitted to exercise, but some people in the study were able to maintain their weight, while others gained weight. The researchers couldn’t understand why some were able to avoid gaining weight without exercise. How did they keep from gaining weight? Those who maintained their weight did so by unintentionally moving more throughout the day. Prolonged Sitting Increases the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Prolonged sitting can increase the risk of Diabetes 2

Sitting for extended periods effects blood sugar levels and insulin in the body, meaning not only are sedentary people more likely to be obese, but they are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. An article published in Diabetologia examined the results of 18 studies with nearly 800,000 participants and determined that those who sat the most were twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as the individuals who sat least.

Frequent Sitters are Susceptible to Muscular Issues

Muscles are healthiest when they are being used and challenged on a regular basis, so it’s not surprising that staying seated for eight or nine hours a day might bring some negative repercussions. Muscles are pliable but when locked in sitting position for the majority of the day, every day, they do get stiff. After years of constantly sitting the body is used to sitting and not as proficient at running, jumping or even standing. Researchers believe this might be part of the reason elderly people have such a hard time getting around later in life.

Constant Sitting Interferes with LPL

LPL or lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme that breaks down fat and uses it as energy, when the enzyme isn’t working as it should, that fat is stored. In a study published in The Journal of Physiology, mice were tested for LPL levels in three states—laying down for most of the day, standing for most of the day and exercising. LDL activity in the laying mice was very low, levels rose more than 10 times when the mice simply stood but exercise had no additional effects on the LDL levels in the mice’s legs.

The researchers expect the results to carry over in humans too. The larger point is that people can’t combat the effects of sitting with a half hour or hour of exercise alone—standing throughout the day is the answer.

Sedentary Habits are Associated with Higher Risk of Developing Depression

With hours and hours of sitting associated with higher sickness and mortality rates, who wouldn’t be depressed? The news is both terrifying and disheartening, but knowing about the risks isn’t the reason frequent sitters are more often depressed. Researchers say since sitting reduces circulation it’s harder for “feel-good hormones” to make their way to receptors.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine followed 9,000 middle-aged women and determined that those who sat longer and did not meet minimum exercise requirements suffered from depression at much higher rates compared with the women who sat less and exercised more. When it came to sitting, those who sat for more than seven hours a day were 47 percent more likely to suffer from depression than those who sat four hours or fewer.

On the exercise front, women who didn’t exercise at all had a 99 percent higher risk of developing depression than those who met minimum exercise requirements. Researchers concluded physical activity could alleviate depression symptoms and likely prevent future symptoms.

Well the evidence seems to be overwhelming. Sitting for long periods of time can be hazardous to your health, the same as smoking:

This is a case where I doubt if we will be going through any withdrawal symptoms, if we choose not to sit for lengthy periods of time.

We can do this a little bit at a time. Practice different position when sitting. Walk, stand and think about getting into a regular exercise routine. I know I have to.

Some Yoga Poses For You To Consider: YouTube Videos. Please click on the link:

High Low lunge pose:

Forward Fold:

Pigeon Pose:

Yogic Fitness - Desktop Yoga | Benefits | Yoga for Software Engineers | Yogic Fitness

Watch this video on YouTube.

Thank you for reading.

Michael.

Comments are welcome.

Symptoms Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis

By Michael | February 10, 2020 | Comments 4 comments

What is Colitis?

An inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Very common (More than 500,000 cases per year in Canada) Often requires lab test or imaging. Treatment from medical professional is advised. It can last several months or years. May be caused due to various reasons such as infection, allergy, lack of oxygen, and inflammatory bowel disease. Abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and fever are the common symptoms. Treatment depends on the type of colitis and the symptoms.

Colitis

Colitis has several causes:

Infections: Bacterial, viral or parasitic
Inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
Insufficient blood supply (causes ischemic colitis)
Allergic reactions
Radiation therapy

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and cause. Some symptoms are:

Abdominal pain
Cramping
Diarrhea, with or without blood in the stool (one of the hallmark symptoms of colitis)
Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Dehydration
Inflammation in the eyes
Swelling in the joints
Canker sores
Skin inflammation

Treatment depends on the type of colitis and the symptoms:

Infection associated colitis may be treated with antibiotics, some of the bacterial infection are clostridium difficile and salmonella Ischemic colitis is treated with intravenous fluid, if there are blood clots surgery may be required.

Medication:

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Reduce inflammation and the discomfort.Balsalazide · Mesalamine · Olsalazine · Sulfasalazine
Analgesics: To relieve pain.Acetaminophen · Ibuprofen
Antidiarrheal agents: To control diarrhea.Loperamide

Medical procedures: Gastrointestinal surgery

Ulcerative colitis:

Causes:

The exact reason for ulcerative colitis is unknown.

Few associated causes are:

Food habits
Stress
Poor immune system
Family history

Very common (More than 500,000 cases per year in Canada). Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure. It Often requires lab test or imaging. Common for ages 18-35. Family history may increase likelihood. Urgent medical attention recommended.

Symptoms:

- Stomach pain and cramping
- Rectal pain
- Joint pain
- Frequent loose bowels
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
- Sudden loss of weight
- Fatigue
- Fever

Common tests & procedures:

Complete blood count (CBC) : Hgb levels to check for anemia.

Stool test : To rule out other disease conditions caused by microbes, infections and parasites.

Colonoscopy : To examine the extent of damage.

Sigmoidoscopy : To examine the rectum and part of colon.

X-ray : Abdominal X-ray is taken to identify any puncture in the colon.

CT scan : Provides detail images of the pelvic region.

Treatments:

Medication

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Reduces inflammation and relieves symptoms.

Sulfasalazine. Olsalazine

Corticosteroids: Relives symptoms.

Cortisone

Immunomodulators: Reduces immune system responses that trigger inflammation.

Mercaptopurine. Azathioprine

Nutrition:

Foods to eat:

Low fiber foods like potatoes, white rice and refined pasta
Dairy products like yogurt milk, and cottage cheese
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids like walnuts, salmon and mackerel

Foods to avoid:

Caffeine laden food like tea and coffee
Alcoholic drinks
Carbonated drinks
Foods rich in fiber dried beans, fruits, whole grains, berries, peas, and legumes
Foods rich in sulfur or sulfites wheat pasta, breads, peanuts, raisins, and cured meats
Spicy and fatty food

Personal Notes:

As you can see these are very similar as far as symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. One the reasons I am writing about colitis is because I have a friend who suffers from this disease. I see the pain and the dis-comfort he has to go through. We will be getting more into depth further on into this article.

Colitis and the anatomy of the colon:

The colon, or large intestine, is a hollow, muscular tube that processes waste products of digestion from the small intestine, removes water, and ultimately eliminates the remnants as feces (stool) through the anus. The colon is located within the peritoneum, the sac that contains the intestine, located in the abdominal cavity.

The colon is surrounded by many layers of tissue. The inner most layer of the colon is the mucosa that comes into contact with the waste products of digestion. The mucosa absorbs water and electrolytes back into the blood vessels that are located just below the surface in the submucosa. This is surrounded by a circular layer of muscles and then another outer layer of longitudinal muscles that run along the length of the colon. The muscles work together to rhythmically squeeze liquid waste from the cecum through the entire length of the colon. Water is gradually removed, turning the waste into formed stool, so that it is excreted out of the anus in solid form.

The colon frames the organs within the peritoneum, and its segments are named based on their location.

The colon usually begins in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, where the terminal ileum, the last part of the small intestine, attaches to the cecum, the first segment of the colon. The appendix is attached to the cecum.
The ascending colon begins at the cecum and arises from the right lower abdomen to the right upper abdomen near the liver.
The colon then makes a sharp left turn called the hepatic flexure (hepatic=liver), and is referred to as the transverse colon, as it makes its way to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen near the spleen.
There is a sharp downward turn called the splenic flexure, and it is referred to as the descending colon as it runs from the left upper quadrant to the left lower quadrant of the abdomen.
When it descends into the pelvis, it is referred to as the sigmoid colon.
The last several centimeters of the colon are referred to as the rectum.
The anus is the final portion of the colon.

Infectious causes of colitis:

Many bacteria reside in the colon; they live in harmony with the body and cause no symptoms. However, some infections can result if a virus, bacteria, or parasite invade the small and/or large intestine.

Common bacteria that cause colitis include:

Campylobacter,
Shigella,
E. Coli,
Yersinia,
Salmonella.

These infections usually occur because the patient has eaten contaminated food. Symptoms can include diarrhea with or without blood, abdominal cramps, and dehydration from water loss because of numerous watery, bowel movements. Other organs can also be affected by the infection or the toxins that the bacteria can produce.

Clostridium difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, is a bacterial cause of colitis that often occurs after a person has been prescribed an antibiotic or has been hospitalized. C. diff is found in the colon of healthy people and coexists with other “normal” bacteria. But when antibiotics are prescribed, susceptible bacteria in the colon can be destroyed, allowing the clostridia to grow unchecked, causing colitis. Patchy membranes form over the colon mucosa and some health care professionals refer to C. diff colitis as pseudomembranous colitis. The bacteria also may be found on many surfaces in the hospital (for example, bedrails, toilets, and stethoscopes), and the infection may spread from person to person (it is highly contagious). Unfortunately, this infection is becoming more common outside the hospital environment, and people can develop community acquired C. diff colitis without exposure to antibiotics or a medical facility.

Worldwide, the most common parasite infection to cause colitis is Entamoeba histolytica. It is acquired by drinking infected water and can also be passed from person to person because of poor sanitation and hygiene.

Ischemic causes of colitis:

The colon can be thought of as a hollow muscle. It requires a normal blood supply to deliver oxygen and nutrients for the muscle to function normally. When the colon loses its supply of blood and becomes ischemic (isch= restricted + emia=blood supply), it may become inflamed. Ischemia or lack of blood supply causes inflammation of the colon leading to pain, fever, and diarrhea (bowel movements may contain blood).

As a person ages, the arteries that supply blood to the colon gradually narrow and can cause ischemic colitis. Risk factors for narrowed arteries are the same as atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). These include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Ischemia caused by low blood pressure or anemia (low red blood cell count) can decrease oxygen delivery to the colon.
Patients who have atrial fibrillation (AFib) and are not anticoagulated are at risk for developing ischemic bowel. Small blood clots can form in the heart and embolize (travel) to block arteries that supply the colon with blood. This is the same mechanism that can cause a stroke in patients with AFib.
The blood supply to the colon may be compromised when blood vessels are mechanically obstructed, for example by a twisting of the bowel (volvulus) or a herniation of the colon through openings in the abdomen wall (an incarcerated hernia).

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis:

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the two types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that cause colitis. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are considered autoimmune diseases (the body’s immune system “attacks” itself).

Ulcerative colitis always begins in the rectum and may spread to the rest of the rest of the colon, spreading from the rectum to the sigmoid, descending, transverse, and finally the ascending colon and cecum in that order. Ulcerative colitis is considered an autoimmune disease, and symptoms include abdominal pain, and bloody, diarrheal bowel movements.
Crohn’s disease may occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. In Crohn’s disease, there may be “skip lesions,” that is, abnormal segments of the GI tract interspersed with normal segments.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may have other organ systems involved in addition to the gastrointestinal tract.

Microscopic colitis

There are two types of microscopic colitis:

1) collagenous colitis

2) lymphocytic colitis.

Either collagen or lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) infiltrate into the layers of the wall of the colon, presumably as a result of inflammation. This is an uncommon illness and may be an autoimmune disease. The diarrhea is often watery, and no blood is present in the stool.

Allergic colitis in infants:

In infants younger than 1 year of age, colitis is often due to allergies to cow or soy milk. Allergic colitis may be seen in breastfed babies, where mothers drink cow’s milk and pass that protein into their breast milk.

Pain from inflammation:

Inflammation of the colon causes the muscle layers to go into intermittent spasm, causing colicky or cramp-like pain that comes and goes. The pain is usually in the lower abdomen but can be felt anywhere along the course of the colon. Since the muscles fail to contract in a normal pattern and the colonic contents move through the colon rapidly, there is little opportunity for water to be reabsorbed. This leads to watery diarrhea. If the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and breaks down, bleeding may occur. In ulcerative colitis, small ulcers form and are the cause of bleeding.

Pain before, during, and/or after an episode of diarrhea.

With colitis, particularly colitis involving the distal colon (rectum and sigmoid colon), the pain often crescendos and precedes a diarrheal bowel movement. After the bowel movement, the pain may subside but then returns with the next episode of diarrhea. The person also may have a feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement.

Other symptoms of colitis:

Depending upon the cause of the colitis, other organ systems in the body may be involved and produce symptoms such as:

fever,
chills,
malaise,
fatigue,
dehydration. (Symptoms of dehydration include weakness, light headedness, and decreased urine output.)

Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s diseases may have associated symptoms outside of the colon due to the body itself attacking other organs. These may include

joint swelling,
eye inflammation (iritis),
canker sores in the mouth (aphthous ulcer),
skin inflammation (pyoderma gangrenosum).

When should someone contact a doctor about colitis?

Diarrhea is a common sign of colitis. It is usually self-limited and resolves on its own with supportive care, including rest and a short course of a clear-fluid diet. However, seek medical care if the diarrhea persists for more than two to three weeks, if there is blood in the stool, fever, or the person has signs of dehydration.

Blood in the stool is never normal and should always be evaluated. Common causes of blood in the stool include hemorrhoids; however, other serious causes of bleeding need to be investigated. Colitis is not the only cause of rectal bleeding. Others causes include diverticular disease of the colon (diverticulitis), colon polyps, anal fissures, and cancer.
Chronic diarrhea may lead to dehydration and changes in the electrolyte balance in the body. If it is severe enough, the dehydration may require treatment with IV fluids or oral rehydration therapy. The symptoms of dehydration may include
- lightheadedness (dizziness), especially when changing from a sitting or lying position to standing position (orthostatic hypotension);
  - weakness;
  - dry mouth;
  - dry eyes;
  - decreased output of urine.
  - High fever associated with diarrhea may be a warning sign that a significant infection may be present.
  - Abdominal pain is not normal, and while diarrhea may be associated with mild cramps, the presence of increasing abdominal pain requires the need to seek prompt medical attention.

What is the treatment for colitis?

The treatment of colitis depends upon the cause.

For undiagnosed or uncontrolled colitis, the initial therapy (regardless of the cause) is to stabilize the patient’s vital signs and help control pain if needed. Rehydration may be accomplished by mouth. However, for those patients who are markedly dry, who are unable to tolerate fluids by mouth, or have electrolyte abnormalities, intravenous fluids may be required.

Medications are often used to control IBD and the choice of medication is tailored to the individual patient.

Antibiotics are not commonly used unless a specific bacterium is isolated and treatment is known to shorten the course of the infection.

Over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhea should be used with caution, especially if abdominal pain and fever are present. It is always wise to check with a care provider or pharmacist prior to taking antidiarrheal medications.

Surgery is usually not a treatment option for most causes of colitis.

What foods help soothe colitis flares?

Colitis is often associated with diarrhea, and the body can lose significant amounts of fluid with each episode of diarrhea. Moreover, the colon is inflamed, and it is important to try to “rest” it. Since clear fluids tend to be absorbed mostly in the stomach and small intestine, initially avoiding solid foods and promoting a clear fluid diet may be of help in rehydrating the body and resting the colon.

Changing your diet to reduce symptoms or flares may help soothe the symptoms of the disease, but there is no cure for some forms of colitis.

What foods should I avoid if I have colitis?

Depending on the cause, some people with colitis may find that certain foods bring on or make their symptoms worse. Keeping a food diary may be helpful and then avoid foods that may be associated with worsening symptoms.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America recommends avoiding the following foods if you have colitis:

Greasy or fried foods
Milk or products containing milk
Certain high-fiber foods like popcorn, seeds, nuts, and corn

People who are lactose intolerant should avoid dairy products containing lactose. There are a variety of companies (for example, Lactaid and Green Valley Organics) that offer lactose-free products such as milk, yogurt, ice cream, and cottage cheese.

What is the prognosis for a person with colitis?

Patients with infectious diarrhea tend to get better relatively quickly with supportive care. Most infections will resolve with or without specific treatment and often do not require antibiotics. Those decisions depend on the patient’s diagnosis.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease probably will require lifelong treatment to help control their symptoms. The goal, as with any long-term illness, is to allow the patient to live a normal life with minimal symptoms from the disease.

Patients with ischemic colitis need to minimize their risk factors for progressive narrowing of the arteries. These are the same risks as for heart disease and require the same treatment approach, including controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking cessation. Patients with severe ischemia that leads to a dead (gangrenous) colon require surgery to remove the gangrenous segment.

Ulcerative Colitis:

Overview:

Colon and rectum

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Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Symptoms usually develop over time, rather than suddenly.

Ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. While it has no known cure, treatment can greatly reduce signs and symptoms of the disease and even bring about long-term remission.

Symptoms:

Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Signs and symptoms may include:

Diarrhea, often with blood or pus
Abdominal pain and cramping
Rectal pain
Rectal bleeding — passing small amount of blood with stool
Urgency to defecate
Inability to defecate despite urgency
Weight loss
Fatigue
Fever
In children, failure to grow

Most people with ulcerative colitis have mild to moderate symptoms. The course of ulcerative colitis may vary, with some people having long periods of remission.

Types:

Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:

Ulcerative proctitis. Inflammation is confined to the area closest to the anus (rectum), and rectal bleeding may be the only sign of the disease. This form of ulcerative colitis tends to be the mildest.
Proctosigmoiditis. Inflammation involves the rectum and sigmoid colon (lower end of the colon). Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move the bowels in spite of the urge to do so (tenesmus).
Left-sided colitis. Inflammation extends from the rectum up through the sigmoid and descending colon. Signs and symptoms include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and pain on the left side, and unintended weight loss.
Pancolitis. Pancolitis often affects the entire colon and causes bouts of bloody diarrhea that may be severe, abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss.
Acute severe ulcerative colitis. This rare form of colitis affects the entire colon and causes severe pain, profuse diarrhea, bleeding, fever and inability to eat.

When to see a doctor:

See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms such as:

Abdominal pain
Blood in your stool
Ongoing diarrhea that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications
Diarrhea that awakens you from sleep
An unexplained fever lasting more than a day or two

Although ulcerative colitis usually isn’t fatal, it’s a serious disease that, in some cases, may cause life-threatening complications.

Causes

The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. Previously, diet and stress were suspected, but now doctors know that these factors may aggravate but don’t cause ulcerative colitis.

One possible cause is an immune system malfunction. When your immune system tries to fight off an invading virus or bacterium, an abnormal immune response causes the immune system to attack the cells in the digestive tract, too.

Heredity also seems to play a role in that ulcerative colitis is more common in people who have family members with the disease. However, most people with ulcerative colitis don’t have this family history.

Risk factors:

Ulcerative colitis affects about the same number of women and men. Risk factors may include:

Age. Ulcerative colitis usually begins before the age of 30. But, it can occur at any age, and some people may not develop the disease until after age 60.
Race or ethnicity. Although whites have the highest risk of the disease, it can occur in any race. If you’re of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, your risk is even higher.
Family history. You’re at higher risk if you have a close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the disease.

Complications:

Possible complications of ulcerative colitis include:

Severe bleeding
A hole in the colon (perforated colon)
Severe dehydration
Liver disease (rare)
Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Inflammation of your skin, joints and eyes
An increased risk of colon cancer
A rapidly swelling colon (toxic megacolon)
Increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries

Always see your Doctor First!!!

Effective Home Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms Removal

Oftentimes, the conventional ulcerative colitis treatment involves either surgery or drug therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are often the initial step of the treating process. There are two common anti-inflammatory medications which are often prescribed for those people having ulcerative colitis, which are corticosteroid and aminosalicylates. However, these medications also expose you to some side effects. Thus, it is important to look for some natural ways to solve your problem without the use of harmful drugs.

Here, we will uncover top natural but effective home remedies for ulcerative colitis symptoms removal that you can easily apply without complicating preparation.

1. Turmeric

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This is an Indian spice used in curry and also one of must-try home remedies for ulcerative colitis. This is thanks to the curcumin compound which is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. A study showed that this phytochemical if combined with mesalamine therapy was superior to placebo in inducing the endoscopic and clinical remission in sufferers of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. Some ways that turmeric’s pharmacological properties benefit in ulcerative colitis are:It modulates the release of some inflammatory agents causing ulcerative colitis. It alleviates the symptoms of this condition like mucosal ulceration, and thickening of intestinal walls. It has gastroprotective property and immunomodulatory action, improves antioxidant effects, and protects from gastric infections.

Warnings:

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If you are considering taking turmeric supplements, consult your doctor first.
Turmeric supplements should be avoided if you are using blood thinners or having gall bladder obstructions.
Also, consult your doctor if you have a bleeding disorder.
Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should not use this ingredient.
Stop using turmeric supplements about 2 weeks before a surgery.
Turmeric might interact with specific medications such as diabetes, stomach acid-reducing drugs, and blood thinners.
Limit your intake of turmeric as a spice if you have kidney stones or gout.

2. Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is one of the oldest living tree species which has a long history of use in dealing with blood disorders and memory problems. This herb is even good for people with ulcerative colitis. The leaves of gingko contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which are antioxidants. It has been shown to be effective in treating the experimental colitis in rodents.

3. Boswellia

This is a medicinal herb originated from a tree native to India. The resin of the bark has an active ingredient which is believed to possess anti-inflammatory effects. In the extract form, it is popularly used to deal with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

According to a study, it was found that 82% of people taking 350 mg of a Boswellia extract 3 times per day had remission from mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.

In reality, boswellia is available in the pill form. Standardly, it has 60% of boswellia acids.

Notes: Boswellia extract should not be used for over 12 weeks if not under the supervision of a doctor.

4. Bromelain

This is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes originated from pineapple stem. Bromelain is believed to decrease the digestive inflammation. In accordance with a Duke University animal study, it was found that the daily treatment with oral bromelain reduce the risk and severity of colitis.

Tea Taking bromelain extract or dietary supplements is said to be more efficient than consuming the fresh pineapples in reducing inflammation and pain.

The daily dose of bromelain is 3-4 doses of 40mg or about 2 standard-size slices of pineapple. Commercial preparations of bromelain are available in capsule, tablet and liquid form. However, as these products have mostly stem bromelain, the dosing of each is different. The majority of manufacturers recommend taking 500-1000 mg of bromelain each day.

Notes:

Bromelain might increase heart rate, trigger allergic reactions, and cause diarrhea or vomiting in some people.
Women taking this substance might experience increased menstrual bleeding.
People with liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure or a bleeding disorder should be cautious when using bromelain.

5. Probiotics

Regarding home remedies for ulcerative colitis, probiotics are believed to be good for managing ulcerative colitis as well as other chronic digestive disorders.

They are considered friendly bacterial agents which can control harmful bacteria whilst decreasing inflammation and boosting the protective mucus lining of the gut. Furthermore, they are reckoned as safe with no side effects.

The University of Alberta study showed that probiotics can restore and maintain a natural microbial flora in the gut. It decreases harmful inflammatory responses and maintains remission. Certainly, probiotics are not a replacement for convention medication, but they could support the treating process significantly.

You can find probiotics in yogurt and kefir. It is also available in capsule form. Actually, there is no regulation of probiotics in the food form. But, you should discuss with your doctor if you are using any complementary remedies.

6. Aloe Vera. Yes Wellness

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Studies have found that aloe vera has an ability of treating mild to moderate cases of ulcerative colitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

This herbal therapy is widely used to treat IBD. In fact, aloe vera gel can inhibit the production of various inflammatory agents and can provide therapeutic benefits for IBD sufferers.

There is no specific dosage of aloe vera for ulcerative colitis. But, you should take 100ml of aloe vera juice twice per day for about 4 weeks to improve the symptoms of this condition and increase the chances for remission. However, in general, the quantity had better be based on your age as well as condition’s severity.

Notes:

Topical use of aloe vera gel does not come with side effects.
If taken internally, people with Crohn’s disease, kidney disease, hemorrhoids,

7. Psyllium Seed / Husk

Psyllium is a plant that contains seeds and husks. Husks are an outer coating of the seeds of psyllium plant. Both the husk and seed powder are important for ulcerative colitis treatment, but husk powder seems to be more important. Psyllium is a rich source of fiber and acts as a sponge and absorbs toxins within the digestive tract. It also helps eliminate toxins when it travels the colon.

Furthermore, this ingredient can enhance your gut motility, lessen constipation symptoms, and improve the eradication of waste.

You can take a mixture of psyllium husk/seed powder every day to reap its benefits for ulcerative colitis. But, use organic psyllium because psyllium tends to be contaminated with pesticides.

What you have to do is:

Buy organic psyllium husk powder and psyllium seed powder
Mix them together with the ratio of 1:1
Add water into and drink it

Notes: It is still better to discuss with your doctor whether or not psyllium is appropriate for your own case.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the most efficient home remedies for ulcerative colitis, both mild and moderate cases. Having a high content of mono-unsaturated fats, olive oil also possesses immunomodulatory along with anti-inflammatory properties.

Andrew Hart, MD, of the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England has said that consuming large amounts of oleic acid (from 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil) could prevent the risk of ulcerative colitis by half. Oleic acids can dampen down the bowel inflammation by blocking chemicals which stimulate inflammation.

Just simply consume 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil every day to take advantage of it for ulcerative colitis relief.

9. Wheat Grass Juice

Wheat grass is biologically referred to as triticum aestivum. This is a young wheat plant and its cotyledons are used to make powders, juices and other supplements.

Wheatgrass has a number of health benefits due to main reviving properties. It is often used to treat nausea, bowel problems, constipation, acidity, high blood pressure, etc. It can promote weight loss, helps detoxify the body and be used for oral care.

In regard to treating ulcerative colitis, wheatgrass is touted as a natural food improving symptoms of this condition.

Many studies have been conducted on the usages of wheatgrass juice for relieving ulcerative colitis.

Possibly being an autoimmune disease, wheatgrass is claimed to help patients with ulcerative colitis because it acts as a strong immune modulator.

You can drink 4 teaspoons of wheat grass juice every day, then steadily increase that dosage to 3.5 ounces each day to get the best results.

Notes:

Consult your doctor before using this plant. It is just a complementary treatment, not the alternative for treating ulcerative colitis.
People with gluten intolerance and allergies to wheat or grass products or having celiac disease have to avoid consuming wheatgrass.

10. Fish Oil

Due to omega-3 fatty acid content plus with anti-inflammatory properties, fish oil can relieve symptoms of active ulcerative colitis. The omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that could decrease inflammation.

The researchers in Boston University Medical Center showed that sufferers of gastrointestinal disorders may have abnormal profiles of essential fatty acid. The EPA in fish oil interferes with the synthesis of highly inflammatory leukotriene B4 in the lining of the colon and this impact contributes to the improvement of ulcerative colitis.

Thus, a remedy using fish oil can help with ulcerative colitis relief. You can start by taking 1 gram of fish oil supplement every day, then increase steadily to 2-4 grams.

11. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark powder coats and soothes the alimentary canal and digestive track which are inflamed and ulcerated as the result of ulcerative colitis, IBS, Crohn’s disease, and IBD. It is thanks to the mucilage content. Also, it can add bulk to the stool to decrease diarrhea.

What you need to do is:

Method 1:

Mix 1 tablespoon of powdered slippery elm bark with 1 cup of hot water
Allow it to steep for several minutes
Have it twice per day

Method 2:

Mix 1 teaspoon of sugar with the same amount of slippery elm together
Add them in 2 cups of hot water to create a gruel
Have it twice per day

12. Calendula

Calendula is a common plant in North America and Europe and has been sued as herbal medicine for centuries. Calendula has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which are effective in treating ulcerative colitis. It also improves digestion and boosts the tissue healing.

Put 1-2 teaspoons of calendula flowers in a cup of hot water
After allowing it to steep for 15 minutes or so, strain it
Have this solution 2-3 times per day

13. Fenugreek. Shop at Yes Wellness

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Among home remedies for ulcerative colitis, fenugreek is easy to find. This plant forms a defensive coat along digestive tract. Furthermore, it also alleviates inflammation and provides you with nutrition, like vitamin A and C, calcium, iron, protein and other nutrients.

What you need to do is:

Add 1 teaspoon of crush fenugreek seeds into a cup of hot water
Allow it to steep for 4-5 minutes
Have this tea every day till you see good results

14. Ginger

This spice is used for a variety of natural treatments for infections and other related problems. The anti-inflammatory effects, rich source of antioxidants in ginger make it one of the best home remedies for ulcerative colitis symptoms. It can not only remove harsh chemicals within the body while improving the digestive tract. You should not take it in excess, however. All you have to do is:

Mix 2 tablespoons of grated ginger with 1 cup of water boil it up and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and honey for taste (optional) Strain the tea and have itDo this several times per week to get good resultsOr, you can take ginger supplements with the supervision of a doctor.

15. Cabbage Juice

This is a wonderful remedy for ulcerative colitis due to its sufficient content of minerals and nutrients for the inner bowel’s health. At the same time, it also helps reduce inflammation. Blend some cabbage in a blender to take its juice. Drink the juice regularly to reduce the symptoms of ulcerative colitis

16. Buttermilk

Often used for curing ulcerative colitis, buttermilk can also aid in preventing constipation and promoting bowel movement. Furthermore, it reduces the inner inflammation that has impacted the rectum and colon. You just need to drink buttermilk a few times per day to relieve this condition.

17. Green Tea

Green tea, there is epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants effects, thereby improving cardio-vascular health. Also, it plays an important role in preventing and treating cancer. Moreover, many recent studies have proved that this extract possesses a positive effect on those people with a bowel disease like ulcerative colitis. A study conducted at the University of Kentucky assessed the effectiveness and safety of an oral dose of green tea polyphenols in sufferers with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis. It was shown that the 85% of people involved in the polyphenol group had remission as opposed to the ones in the placebo group. After all, whether or not you are affected by ulcerative colitis, it might be wise to stock up on the green tea because it offers a host of many health benefits.

18. Chamomile

Could be beneficial as it can soothe the digestive tract and has anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile may relieve cramping as well as irritation of the intestines whereas keeping the ulcers from developing and boosting their healing if they have progressed. You can take the steps here to make use of this herb for ulcerative colitis:

Add 3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water, let it steep for 10 minutes and strain it. Have it 3 times per day especially during flare-ups.

Notes: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis. Avoid it entirely if you allergic to ragweed.

19. Licorice Drinking

Licorice root tea is one of the most effective home remedies for ulcerative colitis because it helps soothe the pain associated with this condition. To prepare the tea, you can take the following steps.

Boil ½ ounce of licorice root in about 2 cups of water. After 15 minutes of steeping, strain and drink it. You can also find licorice in the form of tablets or extract.

Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to your diet, as part of a healthy diet, healthy fats which are found in foods such as fatty fish can keep inflammation under control and relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms. In fact, omega-3 fats are good for sufferers of both Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis because of strong anti-inflammatory ability. This effect can fuel the cells lining the intestinal tract.

Home Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis – Do’s And Don’ts Do’s:

Reduce the consumption of dairy products. Take protein and vitamin C supplements. Drink enough water and consume liquids. Exercise regularly and practice stress-relieving techniques.

Stop smoking plus with alcohol consumption. Avoid processed food, carbonated drinks, meat and caffeine. Avoid eating large meals.

In addition to these remedies, you need also take some preventative measures and carry out some dietary changes to keep your problem at bay. Besides, it is not necessary to say that you need to consult your doctor once the symptoms get worse.

Personal Notes:

I hope the home remedies will help you. I am not a fan of, “Big Pharma” but I realize some medications are necessary for proper treatment methods.

Thank you for reading.

Michael.

Comments are welcome.

Eating Disorders Symptoms Effects

By Michael | February 4, 2020 | Comments 4 comments

Why some people suffer from eating disorders and what can be done?

Eating disorders are not just about food. They are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. They are complicated illnesses that affect a person’s sense of identity, worth, and self-esteem.

When someone has an eating disorder, their weight is the prime focus of their life. Their all-consuming preoccupation with calories, grams of fat, exercise and weight allows them to displace the painful emotions or situations that are at the heart of the problem and gives them a false sense of being in control.

What are eating disorders?

There are three main types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Anorexia nervosa

A person who experiences anorexia nervosa may refuse to keep their weight at a normal weight for their body by restricting the amount of food they eat or exercising much more than usual. They may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Restricting food can affect a person’s entire body. Anorexia nervosa can cause heart and kidney problems, low blood iron, bone loss, digestive problems, low heart rate, low blood pressure, and fertility problems in women. As many as 10% of people who experience anorexia die as a result of health problems or suicide.

When you have anorexia, you excessively limit calories or use other methods to lose weight, such as excessive exercise, using laxatives or diet aids, or vomiting after eating. Efforts to reduce your weight, even when underweight, can cause severe health problems, sometimes to the point of deadly self-starvation.

Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa involves periods of uncontrollable binge-eating, followed by purging (eliminating food, such as by vomiting or using laxatives). People who experience bulimia nervosa may feel overweight regardless of their actual weight. They may think about their body weight often and use it to measure their self-worth.

Health problems caused by bulimia nervosa may include kidney problems, dehydration, and digestive problems. Vomiting often can damage a person’s teeth, mouth, and throat.

If you have bulimia, you’re probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape, and may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws. You may be at a normal weight or even a bit overweight.

Binge-eating disorder

Binge-eating disorder involves periods of over-eating. People who experience binge-eating disorder may feel like they can’t control how much they eat, and feel distressed, depressed, or guilty after bingeing. Many people try to keep bingeing a secret. Binge-eating can be a way to cope or find comfort, and it can sometimes develop after dieting. Some people may fast (not eat for a period of time) or diet after periods of binge-eating.

Binge-eating disorder can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or weight concerns.

After a binge, you may feel guilty, disgusted or ashamed by your behavior and the amount of food eaten. But you don’t try to compensate for this behavior with excessive exercise or purging, as someone with bulimia or anorexia might. Embarrassment can lead to eating alone to hide your bingeing.

Personal Note:

I came into contact with these disorders when I was hospitalized for depression. I witness several beautiful young girls who felt they were overweight but you could actually see their bones, Anorexia. Still, other young women suffered from Bulimia. They would eat a full meal and feel guilty they ate so much, that they would make themselves throw up.

Who does it affect?

Eating disorders can affect anyone, but some people may be at higher risk. People who experience lower self-esteem or poor body image, perfectionism, or difficulties dealing with stress may be more likely to experience an eating disorder. A lack of positive social supports and other important connections may also play a big part. In some cases, eating disorders can go along with other mental illnesses.

Our beliefs around body image are also important. While the media may often portray thinness as an ideal body type, this alone doesn’t cause an eating disorder. How we think about those messages and apply them to our lives is what affects our self-esteem and self-worth.

What can I do about it?

You may have a lot of difficult feelings around finding help—it isn’t always an easy step to take. Many people who experience an eating disorder are scared to go into treatment because they may believe that they will have to gain weight. Many also feel a lot of shame or guilt around their illness, so the thought of talking about very personal experiences can seem overwhelming.

Some people find comfort in their eating behaviors and are scared to find new ways to cope. Restricting food, bingeing, and purging can lead to serious health problems, but eating disorders are treatable and you can recover. A good support team can help you through recovery and teach important skills that last a lifetime.

Treatment for an eating disorder usually involves several different health professionals. Some people may need to spend time in hospital to treat physical health problems.

Counseling and support:

Counseling helps people work through problems and develop skills to manage problems in the future. There are different types of counseling, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy. The entire family may take part in counseling, particularly when a young person experiences an eating disorder.

It can be very helpful to connect with support groups. They’re an opportunity to share experiences and recovery strategies, find support, and connect with people who understand what you’re experiencing. There may also be support groups for family and friends affected by a loved one’s eating disorder.

There are many self-help strategies to try at home. Skills like problem-solving, stress management, and relaxation techniques can help everyone cope with challenges or problems in a healthy way. You’ll find many different skills like these in counseling, but you can practice them on your own, too. And it’s always important to spend time on activities you enjoy and connect with loved ones.

A dietitian or nutritionist can teach eating strategies and eating habits that support your recovery goals. This is also called ‘nutritional counseling.’

Medication:

While there are no medications specifically for eating disorders, medication may help with the mood problems that often go along with an eating disorder.

Medical care

Eating disorders can cause physical health problems, so you may need regular medical care and check-ups.

How can I help a loved one?

Supporting a loved one who experiences an eating disorder can be very challenging. Many people feel upset or even frightened by their loved one’s beliefs, behaviors, or state of well-being. An approach that focuses on support and understanding rather than control is best. Here are some tips to help you support a loved one:

Remember that eating disorders are a sign of much bigger problems. Avoid focusing on food or eating habits alone.
Be mindful of your own attitudes and behaviors around food and body image.
Never force someone to change their eating habits or trick someone into changing.
Avoid reacting to a loved one’s body image talk or trying to reason with statements that seem unrealistic to you.
If your loved one is an adult, remember that supporting help-seeking is a balance between your own concerns and their right to privacy.
If your loved one’s experiences are affecting other family members, family counseling may be helpful
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and seek support for yourself.

Rumination disorder:

Rumination disorder is repeatedly and persistently regurgitating food after eating, but it’s not due to a medical condition or another eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder. Food is brought back up into the mouth without nausea or gagging, and regurgitation may not be intentional. Sometimes regurgitated food is re chewed and re swallowed or spit out.

The disorder may result in malnutrition if the food is spit out or if the person eats significantly less to prevent the behavior. The occurrence of rumination disorder may be more common in infancy or in people who have an intellectual disability.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder:

This disorder is characterized by failing to meet your minimum daily nutrition requirements because you don’t have an interest in eating; you avoid food with certain sensory characteristics, such as color, texture, smell or taste; or you’re concerned about the consequences of eating, such as fear of choking. Food is not avoided because of fear of gaining weight.

The disorder can result in significant weight loss or failure to gain weight in childhood, as well as nutritional deficiencies that can cause health problems.

When to see a doctor:

An eating disorder can be difficult to manage or overcome by yourself. Eating disorders can virtually take over your life. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, or if you think you may have an eating disorder, seek medical help.

Unfortunately, many people with eating disorders may not think they need treatment. If you’re worried about a loved one, urge him or her to talk to a doctor. Even if your loved one isn’t ready to acknowledge having an issue with food, you can open the door by expressing concern and a desire to listen.

Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that may signal unhealthy behavior, as well as peer pressure that may trigger eating disorders. Red flags that may indicate an eating disorder include:

Skipping meals or making excuses for not eating
Adopting an overly restrictive vegetarian diet
Excessive focus on healthy eating
Making own meals rather than eating what the family eats
Withdrawing from normal social activities
Persistent worry or complaining about being fat and talk of losing weight
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
Repeatedly eating large amounts of sweets or high-fat foods
Use of dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss
Excessive exercise
Calluses on the knuckles from inducing vomiting
Problems with loss of tooth enamel that may be a sign of repeated vomiting
Leaving during meals to use the toilet
Eating much more food in a meal or snack than is considered normal
Expressing depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits
Eating in secret

Causes:

The exact cause of eating disorders is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there may be many causes, such as:

Genetics and biology. Certain people may have genes that increase their risk of developing eating disorders. Biological factors, such as changes in brain chemicals, may play a role in eating disorders.
Psychological and emotional health. People with eating disorders may have psychological and emotional problems that contribute to the disorder. They may have low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsive behavior and troubled relationships.

Remember you are beautiful just the way you are.

Risk factors:

Teenage girls and young women are more likely than teenage boys and young men to have anorexia or bulimia, but males can have eating disorders, too. Although eating disorders can occur across a broad age range, they often develop in the teens and early 20s.

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, including:

Family history. Eating disorders are significantly more likely to occur in people who have parents or siblings who’ve had an eating disorder.
Other mental health disorders. People with an eating disorder often have a history of an anxiety disorder, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Dieting and starvation. Dieting is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder. Starvation affects the brain and influences mood changes, rigidity in thinking, anxiety and reduction in appetite. There is strong evidence that many of the symptoms of an eating disorder are actually symptoms of starvation. Starvation and weight loss may change the way the brain works in vulnerable individuals, which may perpetuate restrictive eating behaviors and make it difficult to return to normal eating habits.
Stress. Whether it’s heading off to college, moving, landing a new job, or a family or relationship issue, change can bring stress, which may increase your risk of an eating disorder.

Complications:

Eating disorders cause a wide variety of complications, some of them life-threatening. The more severe or long-lasting the eating disorder, the more likely you are to experience serious complications, such as:

Serious health problems
Depression and anxiety
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Problems with growth and development
Social and relationship problems
Substance use disorders
Work and school issues
Death

Prevention:

Although there’s no sure way to prevent eating disorders, here are some strategies to help your child develop healthy-eating behaviors:

Avoid dieting around your child. Family dining habits may influence the relationships children develop with food. Eating meals together gives you an opportunity to teach your child about the pitfalls of dieting and encourages eating a balanced diet in reasonable portions.
Talk to your child. For example, there are numerous websites that promote dangerous ideas, such as viewing anorexia as a lifestyle choice rather from an eating disorder. It’s crucial to correct any misperceptions like this and to talk to your child about the risks of unhealthy eating choices.
Cultivate and reinforce a healthy body image in your child, whatever his or her shape or size. Talk to your child about self-image and offer reassurance that body shapes can vary. Avoid criticizing your own body in front of your child. Messages of acceptance and respect can help build healthy self-esteem and resilience that will carry children through the rocky periods of the teen years.
Enlist the help of your child’s doctor. At well-child visits, doctors may be able to identify early indicators of an eating disorder. They can ask children questions about their eating habits and satisfaction with their appearance during routine medical appointments, for instance. These visits should include checks of height and weight percentiles and body mass index, which can alert you and your child’s doctor to any significant changes.

If you notice a family member or friend who seems to show signs of an eating disorder, consider talking to that person about your concern for his or her well-being. Although you may not be able to prevent an eating disorder from developing, reaching out with compassion may encourage the person to seek treatment.

You Tube Link on Eating Disorder

Struggling with an Eating disorder. You Tube link.

Anorexia Nervosa Statistics:

Anorexia Prevalence

It is estimated that 1.0% to 4.2% of women have suffered from anorexia in their lifetime.

Anorexia Mortality Rates

Anorexia has the highest fatality rate of any mental illness.
It is estimated that 4% of anorexic individuals die from complications of the disease

Bulimia Nervosa Statistics:

Bulimia Prevalence

It is estimated that up to 4% of females in the United States will have bulimia during their lifetime.

Bulimia Mortality Rates

3.9% of these bulimic individuals will die.

Binge Eating Disorder Statistics:

Binge Eating Prevalence

2.8 % of American adults will struggle with BED during their lifetime. Close to 43% of individuals suffering from Binge Eating Disorder will obtain treatment.

Binge Eating Disorder Mortality Rates

5.2% of individuals suffering from eating disorders not otherwise specified, the former diagnosis that BED, among other forms of disordered eating) was included in under the DSM-IV) die from health complications.

Female Eating Disorder Prevalence Rates:

.9% of women will struggle with anorexia in their lifetime
1.5% of women will struggle with bulimia in their lifetime
3.5% of women will struggle with binge eating

Male Eating Disorder Statistics:

.3% of men will struggle with anorexia
.5% of men will struggle with bulimia
2% of men will struggle with binge eating disorder

Prevalence Rates of Eating Disorders in Adolescents:

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 2.7% of teens, ages 13-18 years old, struggle with an eating disorder.

Student Eating Disorder Statistics:

50% of teenage girls and 30% of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives to control their weight.
25% of college-aged women engage in bingeing and purging as a method of managing their weight.

Prevalence of eating disorders among athletes:

13.5% of athletes have sub clinical to clinical eating disorders
42% of female athletes competing in aesthetic sports demonstrated eating disordered behaviors

Dieting Statistics and Prevalence:

Over 50% of teenage girls and 33% of teenage boys are using restrictive measures to lose weight at any given time.
46% of 9-11 year-olds are sometimes, or very often, on diets, and 82% of their families are sometimes, or very often, on diets).
91% of women recently surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting, 22% often dieted or always.
95% of all dieters will regain their lost weight in 1-5 years.
35% of normal dieters progress to pathological dieting. Of those, 20-25% progress to partial or full-syndrome eating disorders.
25% of American men and 45% of American women are on a diet on any given day.

Reference:

Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc. website. Accessed Feb. 2012. http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/

Eating Disorders Statistics:

According to eating disorders statistics estimated by the National Eating Disorder Association, in the USA up to 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. Worldwide the figure is more like 70 million sufferers!

The problem with statistics on eating disorders is that many sufferers do not come forward for diagnosis due to embarrassment, denial or confusion as to what their symptoms are. Eating disorders can differ vastly in the expression of symptoms and behaviors, and just because a person does not fit into the DSM-5 classification does not mean that they do not have an eating disorder. DSM-5 is the manual used by mental health professionals in the U.S. to classify mental disorders.

Males are often one of the least diagnosed populations of people with eating disorders. This is probably due to shame about admitting to what is wrongly assumed to be a disorder that only affects women. For this reason, the number of men with eating disorders is probably much higher than the statistics claim.

Eating Disorders Statistics and Facts.

Anorexia Nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness.
An estimated 0.5 to 3.7 percent of women suffer from anorexia nervosa at some point in their lifetime. Research suggests that about 1 percent of female adolescents have anorexia .
An estimated 1.1 to 4.2 percent of women have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime.
Lifetime prevalence of binge eating disorder is 3.5% in women, and 2.0% in men .
Onset of anorexia nervosa is most commonly around the same time as puberty.
Binge Eating Disorder was found to usually start during late adolescence or in the early twenties.
A study in 2003 found that people with anorexia are 56 times more likely to commit suicide than non-sufferers .
Alcohol and substance abuse are four times more prevalent amongst people that suffer eating disorders .
Hospitalizations for eating disorders in children under the age of 12 years old increased by 119 percent between the years of 1999 and 2006.
Twin studies show that there is a significant genetic component to eating disorders.
In childhood (5-12 years), the ratio of girls to boys diagnosed with AN or BN is 5:1, whereas in adolescents and adults, the ratio is much larger – 10 females to every one male.
Young women with anorexia are 12 times more likely to die than are other women the same age that don’t have anorexia.
The most common eating disorder in the United States is binge eating disorder (BED). It is estimated that 3.5% of women, 2% of men, and 30% to 40% of those seeking weight loss treatments can be clinically diagnosed with binge eating disorder.

Statistics and Facts on Dieting and Disordered Eating.

Disordered eating is different from an eating disorder. A person who worries about their looks and as a result their eating patterns are disrupted, but does not have an eating disorder, might fall into this category.

51% of girls 9 and 10 years old feel better about themselves when they are dieting.
A 2002 study of boys in grades 9 and 10 found that 4% of them reported anabolic steroid use. This shows that body preoccupation and efforts to change one’s body are concerns that affect both women and men.
40% of girls in grade ten and 37% of girls in grade nine thought of themselves as being too fat. Of those students that were “normal weight” based on their BMI, 19% still thought that they were too fat, and 12% of the students admitted to trying to lose weight.
Body-based bullying can have a severe impact on a girls’ attitude and behavior. Girls who suffered teasing by members of their families were 1.5 times more likely to try binge eating and/or other dangerous weight-control methods within five years.
91% of women who were surveyed on a college campus had tried to control their weight by dieting, and 22% of them dieted “often” or all the time.

Statistics on Eating Disorders Recovery:

With treatment, 60% of eating disorder sufferers make a full recovery.
Without treatment 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from eating disorder related health complications, including suicide and heart problems.
Inpatient treatment of an eating disorder in the US ranges from $500 – $2,000 per day. Long-term outpatient treatment, including therapy and medical monitoring, can cost $100,000 or more. Thankfully insurance companies now usually cover eating disorder treatment.
Only one in ten sufferers will seek and receive treatment.
Treatment is most successful when intervention is early.
Eating disorders statistics tell us that in order for treatment to be successful, it must be multifaceted. It must include medical care, mental health care, and nutritional education and counseling.
Long term treatment is often needed; eating disorders require ongoing care.

Is There a Cure for Eating Disorders?

No simple cure exists for eating disorders, but treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Through a combination of therapy, nutritional education and medical treatment, the symptoms of an eating disorder can be managed or eliminated. Unfortunately, only one in 10 people with an eating disorder receives treatment, but true recovery is possible. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase your chances of recovery, so if you or someone you love is battling an eating disorder, call to explore available treatment options.

Many people do not need medications for eating disorders during treatment, but eating disorder medications are needed in some cases. When they are used, it’s important that they be only part of a treatment plan; there is no magic cure for eating disorders. Patients also need to be aware that all eating disorder medications come with side effects and the risks of the drug needs to be evaluated against the potential benefit.

These medications are primarily prescribed to stabilize the patient both mentally and physically. Eating disorder medications include:

- Electrolytes

Electrolytes include:

- - Potassium chloride
  - Calcium gluconate
  - Potassium phosphate
Common psychiatric eating disorder medications include the following types:

- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): these antidepressants have the strongest evidence as eating disorder medications with the fewest side effects. In addition to fluoxetine, examples of SSRIs include sertraline and fluvoxamine (Luvox).
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): These older antidepressants have some evidence as being effective in eating disorders treatment; however, they have more side effects than SSRIs. An example is imipramine (Tofranil).
- Other antidepressants: Other antidepressants are also used in the treatment process. Examples are bupropion (Wellbutrin) and trazodone (Desyrel)
- Mood stabilizers: There is some evidence for using mood stabilizers to treat eating disorder patients. Because mood stabilizers can have adverse effects such as weight loss, mood stabilizers are not a first choice for eating disorder medications. Examples of mood stabilizers are: topiramate (Topiramate) and lithium.
“Other” medications
- Orlistat (Xenical): an anti-obesity drug
- Ephedrine and caffeine: stimulants; energizing drugs
- Methylphenidate: typically used when attention deficit hyperactivity disorder accompanies the eating disorder
Medications for co-existing medical and/or mental health conditions.

Personal Note:

I fear some of the drugs listed above. Please research the drug you are prescribed. Side effects may be nasty.

I am not a Doctor. Please always follow your Doctors recommendations.

Know Your Options:

Where to start?

Whether you start by seeing your primary care practitioner or some type of mental health professional, you’ll likely benefit from a referral to a team of professionals who specialize in eating disorder treatment. Members of your treatment team may include:

A mental health professional, such as a psychologist to provide psychological therapy. If you need medication prescription and management, you may see a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists also provide psychological therapy.
A registered dietitian to provide education on nutrition and meal planning.
Medical or dental specialists to treat health or dental problems that result from your eating disorder.
Your partner, parents or other family members. For young people still living at home, parents should be actively involved in treatment and may supervise meals.

It’s best if everyone involved in your treatment communicates about your progress so that adjustments can be made to treatment as needed.

Managing an eating disorder can be a long-term challenge. You may need to continue to see members of your treatment team on a regular basis, even if your eating disorder and related health problems are under control.

Setting up a treatment plan:

You and your treatment team determine what your needs are and come up with goals and guidelines. Your treatment team works with you to:

Develop a treatment plan. This includes a plan for treating your eating disorder and setting treatment goals. It also makes it clear what to do if you’re not able to stick with your plan.
Treat physical complications. Your treatment team monitors and addresses any health and medical issues that are a result of your eating disorder.
Identify resources. Your treatment team can help you discover what resources are available in your area to help you meet your goals.
Work to identify affordable treatment options. Hospitalization and outpatient programs for treating eating disorders can be expensive, and insurance may not cover all the costs of your care. Talk with your treatment team about financial issues and any concerns — don’t avoid treatment because of the potential cost.

Psychological therapy:

Psychological therapy is the most important component of eating disorder treatment. It involves seeing a psychologist or another mental health professional on a regular basis.

Therapy may last from a few months to years. It can help you to:

Normalize your eating patterns and achieve a healthy weight
Exchange unhealthy habits for healthy ones
Learn how to monitor your eating and your moods
Develop problem-solving skills
Explore healthy ways to cope with stressful situations
Improve your relationships
Improve your mood

Treatment may involve a combination of different types of therapy, such as:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of psychotherapy focuses on behaviors, thoughts and feelings related to your eating disorder. After helping, you gain healthy eating behaviors, it helps you learn to recognize and change distorted thoughts that lead to eating disorder behaviors.
Family-based therapy. During this therapy, family members learn to help you restore healthy eating patterns and achieve a healthy weight until you can do it on your own. This type of therapy can be especially useful for parents learning how to help a teen with an eating disorder.
Group cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy involves meeting with a psychologist or other mental health professional along with others who are diagnosed with an eating disorder. It can help you address thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to your eating disorder, learn skills to manage symptoms, and regain healthy eating patterns.

Your psychologist or other mental health professional may ask you to do homework, such as keep a food journal to review in therapy sessions and identify triggers that cause you to binge, purge or do other unhealthy eating behaviors.

Nutrition education:

Registered dietitians and other professionals involved in your treatment can help you better understand your eating disorder and help you develop a plan to achieve and maintain healthy eating habits. Goals of nutrition education may be to:

Work toward a healthy weight
Understand how nutrition affects your body, including recognizing how your eating disorder causes nutrition issues and physical problems
Practice meal planning
Establish regular eating patterns — generally, three meals a day with regular snacks
Take steps to avoid dieting or bingeing
Correct health problems that are a result of malnutrition or obesity

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Eating Disorders:

Chamomile – This is a tea that has naturally soothing and calming benefits that reduce anxiety which may be the eating disorder cause.
St. John’s Wort – St. John’s Wort is a natural plant that increases serotonin levels and alleviates the stress associated with eating disorders.
Ginger – A known appetite stimulant, ginger can be effective in treating anorexia. It’s best consumed with lemon juice and rock salt on an empty stomach.
Probiotics – These are essential supplements to help improve nutritional deficiencies and are highly efficient in treating anorexia.
Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is a natural herb remedy taken for depression and eating disorders. It helps boost energy levels and increases appetite.
Passion Flower – This herbal remedy is derived from a climbing vine and is used to treat personality and anxiety issues. It increases the levels of brain chemicals known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Alternative treatments for eating disorders: the role of yoga:

Yoga helps in the reduction of stress levels and also enhances clearer thinking. Exercise done in yoga is of low impact and allows people to get in tune with their body. A particular study showed that women witnessed significant changes in:

Yoga

Their sense of well-being and positive feelings
Reduced self-objectification
A reduction in poor eating habits
More positive body image

BED-Related Depression And Saffron Extract Treatment:

Saffron extract may reduce serotonin reuptake in the synapses. This synaptic serotonin reuptake inhibition retains the mood-elevating neurotransmitter in the brain for a longer duration, boosting its impact and reducing depression. Saffron extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which hold therapeutic potential for a lot of nervous system disorders.

An animal study additionally showed that many parts of the saffron plant contain antidepressant properties. Saffron extract helps to combat mild to moderate depression and anxiety, which trigger binge eating. Saffron is an effective therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate depression and it may be as effective as fluoxetine .

St John’s Wort:

There are many scientific pieces of evidence that St John’s wort may reduce symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate, but not severe depression. Thus, it can be useful in the treatment of binge eating disorder-related depression. Some studies found that it has a similar function as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a well-accepted form of antidepressant frequently prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Thus, the herb St John’s Wort presents another natural and herbal treatment to treat binge eating disorder and a way to raise serotonin levels. It is a natural serotonin booster that helps to lessen anxiety and depression.

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain responsible for feeling good and connected with mood, appetite, sleep, learning and memory. If your serotonin levels are too low, you are likely to be anxious and perceive the world as unfriendly.

Before using John’s wort, you must be aware that there are potential risks of interactions of John’s worth with other related prescribed medications and drugs that treat binge eating disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider before using St John’s wort if you are also using other medications.

5-HTP:

5-HTP is another natural supplement that boosts serotonin and reduces anxiety and depression. Consult your doctor if you are taking any other antidepressant medication or serotonin booster before taking this supplement.

L-Tryptophan For Anxiety: Get it from Yes Wellness

Tea

Although l-tryptophan can be obtained from your diet, and especially a therapeutic eating plan for binge eating disorder recovery, a number of people choose to take a more direct approach to obtain additional tryptophan and boost serotonin levels. L-Tryptophan is available as a supplement and helps to treat depression, though it does require a doctor’s prescription.

Vitamin Supplements:

The daily intake of vitamin supplements that are made up of vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are essential in activating brain function and stabilizing the appetite. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids boost the relaxation of muscles and help to minimize stress.

A multivitamin supplies the body with its necessary nutrition and sustains a chemical balance. Together with therapy for binge eating disorder, it can help you control your urge to binge eat.

Supplements That Boost Dopamine Levels:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation. It is usually injected intravenously and easily reaches the brain this way. There are a number of herbs, amino acids, and natural compounds that naturally boost the levels of dopamine in the brain.

Some of these supplements are used for specific psychological issues like ADHD, depression, or anxiety, and we’ll discuss some of those now.

L-Tyrosine:

The top recommended dopamine supplement is l-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to dopamine. Tyrosine is naturally present in protein-rich foods like animal products and legumes. If your diet is deficient in l-tyrosine, you will have insufficient dopamine. There are many forms of tyrosine supplements but the best of them all is the highly absorbable form of l-tyrosine that acts as a filter that keeps foreign substances out of the brain.

Mucuna Pruriens:

Mucuna pruriens is a tropical legume that is also referred to as velvet bean or cowhage. The beans and pods are made up of l-dopa, a dopamine precursor. Mucuna pruriens supplements help to boost mood, memory, and general brain health. Research shows that Mucuna pruriens is more functional than levodopa medications.

Phosphatidylserine:

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a popular natural brain supplement that boosts dopamine levels and helps to improve memory, concentration, and symptoms of ADHD. It also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Phosphatidylserine can be obtained in food like cow brains and chicken hearts.

Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo biloba is another popular herbal remedy for brain-related disorders like depression and anxiety.

L-Theanine:

L-theanine is an amino acid that is present in green tea. L-Theanine increases dopamine and boosts mood.

SAM-e:

SAM-e (s-adenosyl methionine) is a natural remedy for depression. It boosts the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that are responsible for good mood.

Essential Body Awareness Therapy:

A study found that essential body awareness therapy can help to manage binge eating disorder. Body awareness therapy centers on awareness of some valuable movements. This treatment helped individuals with binge eating disorder to increase self-awareness.

Yoga Therapy:

Yoga helps your binge eating by minimizing your stress levels. A study showed that women who practice yoga improved their positive feelings and sense of worth significantly. They also showed improved body image, reduced self-objection and better eating habits.

Another study found that home-yoga, when practiced together with regular formal weekly sessions, helps in the treatment of binge eating disorder.

Acupuncture Therapy:

Acupuncture, used together with regular treatments of binge eating disorder, can be effective in minimizing symptoms of depression, gives individuals a better sense of control, and improves their mental and physical health.

Relaxation Therapy:

Massage and relaxation therapy helps to improve patients’ personal attitude to life which makes it easier for them to recover. Massage therapy boosts the levels of serotonin and dopamine and lessens levels of depression, anxiety, and stress that trigger binge eating episodes.

Relaxation therapies like aromatherapy and meditation help to minimize emotional binge eating, boost self-acceptance, and help the individual to discover binge eating triggers. Research shows that these therapies also curb anxiety, food addiction and help the patient’s ability to manage pain.

Biofeedback:

A pilot study discovered that individuals with varying types of eating disorders found heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback very helpful at combating their eating disorders.

Biofeedback is the process of gaining greater awareness of many physiological functions of one’s own body, primarily using electronic or other instruments, with a goal of being able to manipulate the body’s systems at will. Some of the processes that can be controlled include brainwaves, muscle tone, skin conductance, heart rate and pain perception.

Biofeedback may be used to improve health, performance, and the physiological changes that often occur in conjunction with changes to thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Eventually, these changes may be maintained without the use of extra equipment, for no equipment is necessarily required to practice biofeedback.

Biofeedback has been found to be effective for the treatment of headaches and migraines.

Personal Note:

Please do not compare yourselves to the to some of the images you may see from Hollywood or certain models. That stereotype is changing. You look great, believe in yourself and be your own best friend.

Thank you for reading.

Michael.

Comments are welcome

Women and Health Issues

By Michael | February 3, 2020 | Comments 4 comments

Although both men and women face health issues, some are specific only to women. In some circumstance’s treatment and recognition may differ. There are some health issues that affect women more severely.

While both men and women contract various conditions, some health issues affect women differently and more commonly. Furthermore, many women’s health conditions go un-diagnosed and most drug trials do not include female test subjects. Even so, women bear exclusive health concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, menopause, and pregnancy. Women suffer higher heart attack deaths compared to men.

Depression and anxiety exhibit more frequently among female patients. Urinary tract conditions present more often in females, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm to women. Among the conditions that present most frequently in women, the following eight illnesses pose considerable health risks.

Here is a general look at some of the health issues that affect women:

Some of the most common health issues and risks facing women today include:

Heart attack
Stroke
Stress
Anxiety
Fatigue
Low energy
Infertility
Hormone imbalance
Cancer
Weight gain
Autoimmune disease
Diabetes
Thyroid problems
Cardiovascular disease
Hair loss
Skin issues

Heart Disease

In the United States, heart disease causes one in every four deaths among women. Although the public considers heart disease a common issue among men, the condition affects males and females nearly equally. Yet, only 54 percent of women realize that heart disease is the top health condition threatening their gender. In the United States, 49 percent of all consumers suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoke; factors that contribute to heart disease.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, which typically originates in the lining of the milk ducts, can spread to other organs, and is the most aggressive cancer affecting the global female population. The condition presents more among female populations in developed nations due to their extended life spans.

Initially, women afflicted with breast cancer may develop breast lumps. Most breast lumps are nonthreatening, but it is important for women to have each one checked by a care provider.

Ovarian and Cervical Cancer

Many people are not aware of the differences between ovarian and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer originates in the lower uterus, while ovarian cancer starts in the Fallopian tubes. While both conditions cause similar pain, cervical cancer also causes discharge and pain during intercourse. While ovarian cancer presents extremely vague symptoms, the condition is very complex. Finally, Pap smears detect cervical but not ovarian cancer.

Gynecological Health

Bleeding and discharge are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. However, added symptoms during menstruation may indicate health issues, and unusual symptoms, such as bleeding between menstruation and frequent urinating, can mimic other health conditions. Vaginal issues could also indicate serious problems such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or reproductive tract cancer. While care providers might treat mild infections easily, if left unchecked, they can lead to conditions such as infertility or kidney failure.

Pregnancy Issues

Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, threatening the health of a mother and her child. Asthma, diabetes, and depression can harm the mother and child during pregnancy if not managed properly. Pregnancy can cause a healthy mother’s red blood cell count to drop, a condition called anemia, or induce depression. Another problem arises when a reproductive cell implants outside the uterus, making further gestation unfeasible. Fortunately, obstetricians can manage and treat common and rare health issues that emerge during pregnancies.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune disease occurs when body cells that eliminate threats, such as viruses, attack healthy cells. As this condition continues to escalate among the population, researchers remain baffled as to why the condition affects mostly women. While many distinct autoimmune diseases exist, most share symptoms such as:

● Exhaustion

● Mild fever

● Pain

● Skin irritation

● Vertigo

Most of the autoimmune system rests in the stomach. Duly, many who suffer from this condition have resorted to natural healing practices, such as:

● Consuming less sugar

● Consuming less fat

● Lowering stress

● Reducing toxin intake

However, the best defense against autoimmune disease is early detection.

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis weakens bones, allowing them to break easily. Several factors can cause the condition that occurs mostly in women, such as:

● Age

● Alcohol consumption

● Certain prescriptions

● Genetics

● Lack of exercise

● Low body mass

● Smoking

● Steroid use

To detect the condition, care providers measure bone density using an X-ray or ultrasound diagnostic. While no cure exists for osteoporosis, care providers can prescribe treatment to impede illness progression, which might include dietary supplements, healthy lifestyle choices, or prescription medication.

Depression and Anxiety

Natural hormonal fluctuations can lead to depression or anxiety. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs commonly among women, while premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) presents similar, but greatly intensified, symptoms. Shortly after birth, many mothers acquire a form of depression called the “baby blues,” but perinatal depression causes similar – but much stronger – concerns, emotional shifts, sadness, and tiredness. Perimenopause, the shift into menopause, can also cause depression. No matter how intense the symptoms, care providers can provide relief with prescription or therapeutic treatments.

A shocking 75% of American women are on prescription drugs, compared to only 56% of men. Yet this is not getting any healthier. And the quest for health is an expensive endeavor. In 1998, Americans spent $73 billion on prescription medications. By 2016 that number had risen to $329 billion for the year! Sadly, two-thirds of that outrageous spending was for women.

Prescriptions are not only expensive, but they come with a variety of side effects that can be more or just as dangerous as the condition they treat! It’s little wonder so many women are seeking natural solutions. Remedies from nature are often easier to access, cheaper, and some of them can get to the root cause of the issue, rather than simply cover up the symptoms.

Personal Note:

I personally not a fan of, “Big Pharma”. I will be doing research on some natural and herbal remedies and will be listing them later on in this article.

Please Always Follow Your Doctors Instructions First

1. HEART HEALTH

When you consider the national statistics on heart disease, you begin to understand why this is the most urgent health concern for women. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for 1 in 5 women in the United States. However, only 56% of women recognize this danger.

The term ‘heart disease’ actually refers to several different heart conditions. These include heart attack, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, as well as cardiovascular disease, which refers to conditions with blocked or narrowed blood vessels that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Things that affect your heart’s valves, muscles, or rhythm are considered heart disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) does not necessarily mean you have heart disease; however, it definitely increases the risk.

Factors that affect and increase the dangers of hypertension and/or heart disease include:

Unbalanced gut (microbiome)
Overweight and obesity
Diabetes
High sodium diet
High cholesterol
Chronic stress
Smoking
Lack of exercise
Family history

The most surprising item on this list is probably gut health. A recent study highlighted a connection between poor gut health and increased incidence of arterial hardening, a well-known risk factor for heart disease. In contrast, researchers saw a decreased incidence of arterial stiffness in those with a more diverse (healthier) microbiome. Another study, published just a year ago, compared the stools of 218 people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) to 187 healthy individuals. They noted vast differences between the microbiomes of the two sets, indicating a link between an unhealthy gut and ACVD.

According to Dr. JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, “There’s a complex interplay between the microbes in our intestines and most of the systems in our bodies, including the vascular, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. All of these relationships are highly relevant to cardiovascular health.”

Dr. Manson and colleagues published a study in 2017 where they saw a strong connection between blood levels of a certain substance called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a byproduct of eating red meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. What happens is certain gut bacteria feed on a nutrient in these foods called choline. This creates a substance called trimethylamine (TMA), which your liver then converts into TMAO. TMAO has been strongly connected to the development of artery-clogging plaques, heart attacks, and strokes. Dr. Manson’s study found that those with high TMAO had a 62% higher risk of “serious” cardiovascular events than people with low levels.

Significantly, this risk was determined to NOT be connected to other risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and kidney function. In other words, even if you are not obese, and do not have diabetes or kidney problems, having a high level of TMAO as a result of an abundance of certain gut choline-eating bacteria and eating high-choline foods such as red meat, fish, poultry and, eggs puts you at a 62% higher risk of heart disease and problems.

What all of this and other growing research seems to indicate is that ensuring your gut has a wide diversity of organisms, and that your digestive system is functioning optimally may be a foundational way to decrease the risk of heart disease and ensure a healthier heart. We look at other ways to naturally support heart health later on.

2. WEIGHT GAIN

Unwanted weight gain is not just a matter of inconvenience or aesthetics (how it looks, or you prefer to look), it’s a red flag that can signal developing health problems. In addition, added weight increases the risk of disease.

Conditions science connects to excess weight include:

Cancer
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Heart failure
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Kidney disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea
Gout

Pregnancy problems (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and increased risk for cesarean delivery) According to some sources, each pound of excess weight increases the risk of disease. When you get up into higher numbers of excess weight, the data gets a little scary. For example, some experts calculate that thirty pounds of extra weight may increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 40, 75, and 100% respectively, with the risk for breast cancer risk jumping to 110%.

With these same metrics, some estimate that 55 pounds of excess weight would make the risk of heart disease jump to 80%, with the risk for both breast cancer and diabetes tripling to over 300% each. One Swedish study found that people at roughly 30 pounds overweight with high cholesterol and high blood pressure had a terrifying 500% increase in the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Factors that can affect your weight include:

Inflammation
Parasites
Toxins
Unbalanced microbiome (gut)
Yeast overgrowth
Hormones
Thyroid
Food allergies or intolerances
Autoimmune disease
Insulin resistance

Diet insufficient in essential nutrients Malabsorption of nutrients Ineffective or incomplete elimination Many things on this list can create or be part of a cycle of cause and effect. Meaning, one issue leads to another, and in turn, they each trigger other issues and even each other, and/or combine to influence other problems. It’s a ‘which came first — the inflammation, hormone imbalance, or the insulin resistance’ type of situation.

To discover what is causing your weight gain, or your challenges in releasing your extra weight, all of the above should be considered. However, the foundation of health starts with nutrition. You want to make sure you are not only consuming all the nutrients your body needs to function best — things like omega 3s, Vitamins K2 and D3, glutathione, and more that we discuss further on — you want to ensure you are ABSORBING the nutrients.

Proper absorption depends on several systems, processes, and factors. These include hormones, enzymes, and even your gut flora. Hand in hand with absorption is proper elimination. Your body must be able to efficiently and completely remove toxins and waste from your body, otherwise more toxins are created. Assisting your body in proper elimination means giving it a fighting chance by including several antioxidants in your diet and ensuring your lymphatic system, kidneys, and liver are functioning well—flushing out toxins and waste.

In addition, your body’s waste disposal system (gut and colon) must be running well, without toxic build-up, constipation, or inflammation that can create further toxicity.

Also, if you’re not expelling waste properly, your body can’t absorb nutrients effectively, undermining a healthy diet or the benefits of nutritional supplements. Anything you can do to help your body eliminate toxins, free radicals (oxidants) or parasites, and flush them out, the better. All things that help moderate inflammatory response naturally, and ensure the availability and absorption of nutrients, will help your body be able to naturally heal and achieve a healthy weight.

3. ANXIETY

More than 40 million adults in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders, yet just under 37% receive treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are twice as likely to get an anxiety disorder some time in their life.

Anxiety often coincides with other health conditions such as:

Eating disorders
Headaches
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Sleep disorders
Substance abuse
Adult ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactive
disorder)
BDD (body dysmorphic disorder)
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Stress

4. DEPRESSION

Many people with anxiety disorders also experience depression. Of course, depression can be independent of anxiety. There are different types of depression, but nearly all types of depression affect more women than men. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that twice as many women than men are likely to have a depressive episode.

Some basic stats on depression:

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is categorized as a collection of serious depressive symptoms that last for a period of two weeks or more. It affects about 7% of the population per year, the majority of them women. The average age for this condition to develop is 32.5 years. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is considered a ‘low-level depression’, that is not as severe as MDD but may last longer. In general, a diagnosis means depressive symptoms have been present for two or more years. It affects around 1.9% of women, compared to 1% of men.

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, includes a time of major depression, with mood influenced by the seasons. Four out of five people with this disorder are women. Postnatal (postpartum) depression is different from the “baby blues”. The “baby blues affects up to 80% of new mothers and usually lasts about 2 weeks as the body’s hormones rebalance, and the mother recovers from labor. These feelings of sadness, worry, and fatigue go away on their own. Postnatal depression presents with more serious symptoms, lasts longer and may require treatment.

According to the NIMH (the National Institute for Mental Health), with “postpartum depression, feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a woman’s ability to care for herself or her family.”

5. STRESS

Stress, which may or may not be correlated to anxiety and depression, is also a common health concern for women. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), chronic stress is on the rise in the US, as are the physical symptoms or effects of stress. In fact, according to an annual poll, Americans are the most stressed-out people on the planet!

Just this year, the New York Times reported that out of over 150,000 people polled world-wide, Americans reported the most stress, with 55% saying they felt stress for most of the day. Globally, that statistic was just 35%. Similarly, 45% of Americans polled said they had felt significant worry the previous day.

That’s a lot of people anxious, stressed, and depressed! That makes the odds that you are included in those numbers quite high. The problem with that is the toll each of these three conditions can take on the body. Likewise, these conditions can overlap. Stress can trigger anxiety, anxiety can be part of depression, and depression can create stress and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety can limit your activities, which can further affect mental health in terms of lack of support, or your happiness quotient. It may also limit your physical activity, which, of course, will affect overall health.

However, of these last three health issues, stress is the most damaging to your body and health. Though research is showing that men and women respond to stress differently, it is widely accepted that chronic stress is extremely harmful to your health and well being.

Stress can lead to:

Menstrual problems
Hair loss
Headaches
Back pain
Overeating

Digestive issues:

Upset stomach, cramps,bloating, heartburn, IBS Weight loss or gain

Skin problems:

Breakouts, hives, rashes
Irritability
Sleep problems
Depression
Lack of focus

Inflammation:

Considered the root cause of many diseases, including autoimmune disorders and cancer In keeping with the theme of the body’s health conditions affecting the overall homeostasis of its complex systems and processes, if stress creates or contributes to one of the conditions listed above, they can, in turn, contribute to or create other problems. For example, lack of sleep can contribute to irritability or a lack of focus. Lack of proper sleep will also increase the stress hormone cortisol. A weakened immune system can lead to greater health concerns.

Weight gain by stress eating can lead to the risks we discussed above. Your body is a delicate system! Anything you can do to lower stress will be of benefit.

DECREASING STRESS:

Some of the main lifestyle changes you can make to lower stress levels include:

Participate in cortisol-lowering activities like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

Makes choices that:

• Allow you more time to sleep
• Create a better sleep
• Allow you more downtime to relax and have fun
• Lower pressure on you: lowering your budget
• Ensure you eat regular balanced meals
• Get enough healthy exercise or fun physical activities

Laugh more — laughter is incredibly healing and releases good hormones that can help lower stress Get more hugs! That’s right, studies show that more frequent hugs from a partner or loved one increases calming oxytocin levels in women, and even lowers cortisol and blood pressure. Another thing you can do to help with stress is to consume high-quality supplements that are proven to lower cortisol, like fish oil (omega-3), ashwagandha, and other adaptogens.

6. LOW ENERGY

Stimulants like caffeine just burn out your precious adrenal system. But not having enough energy to get through a day can simply become intolerable. Besides this, low energy can be a sign of deeper health issues, and should never be dismissed as ‘just part of life’ for too long. Many western doctors don’t take low energy very seriously as a symptom. So what can you do?

First thing is to look at the possible causes for your low energy. There are several basic factors that can contribute to this. Here are some places to begin, when seeking the root cause of your low energy.

SLEEP PROBLEMS:

Sleep is a basic physiological requirement for all humans. Lack of sleep can lead to a great many health problems, including low energy. Whatever it takes to make sure you are getting sufficient, uninterrupted and fully restful sleep—able to go through all the sleep cycles—you must do. This should not include sleeping pills. This could include things to lower your cortisol (and overall stress), like meditation, hot baths, exercise, supplements, etc.

PARASITES

Parasites are designed to live undetected. Their survival depends on you not knowing they are there. Even testing for parasites (if you can even convince your doctor to do this), is not reliable. Yet, you could have more than one common parasite living inside you, literally sucking the life out of you. They also can emit low-level amounts of toxins as part of their life cycle, increasing the tax on your body.

NUTRITION:

Your gas engine cannot run on diesel fuel. That is a fact. How can we expect our body to run well if we are not giving it the best, or even correct fuel? By now you are probably aware that our soil is not providing the same level of vitamins and minerals (nutrients) in our fresh produce that our grandparents grew up with. That is an unfortunate fact of the times we live in. Likewise, the quality of seeds and breeds of fresh foods are somewhat skewed. They have been modified in a variety of ways, mainly to ensure they ripen quickly and are less prone to attack by disease or insects.

If our fresh produce has become increasingly less nutritious, where do we begin when discussing processed foods? Processing removes many of the good things that do make it into our food, and often add several artificial ingredients in the name of shelf life, taste and even cost-cutting. Manufacturers will even add chemicals and fillers in order to make foods more “addictive”! Yet, even if you are on an organic, plant-based diet and taking supplements to get an array of vitamins
and minerals…You could be malnourished.

In fact, you aren’t “what you eat,” you’re what you ABSORB. Many women don’t realize that if their gut health, the health of their liver, kidneys, or lymphatic system is compromised, they may not be absorbing much nutrition at all. So you could be eating all the right things, but if your gut (microbiome) is out of balance, you may not be absorbing nutrients well. Likewise, if your liver, kidneys, and lymphatics are struggling to remove toxins and waste from your body, you may have malabsorption.

Ensuring your gut is balanced, your body is detoxifying itself efficiently and completely, as well nourishing yourself with the right foods, vitamins and minerals are essential to creating a foundation for having the energy you want to live a vibrant life. Other causes for low energy can include candida overgrowth, anemia, heart problems, autoimmune disease, imbalanced hormones, thyroid problems, and low-grade infection.

7. HORMONAL ISSUES:

You’ve probably been hearing about your hormones since you were a teenager. Women, especially it seems, are ruled by our hormones for what seems like our entire lives! It starts out with puberty and the onset of our menstruation. We hear about how hormones make us a woman, make us moody, make us grow. A womens hormones are blamed on skin breakouts, weight gain, bloating, PMS.

If you’re trying to get pregnant you may be injecting hormones into your body. If you have had a hysterectomy you may need to take hormones. If you breastfeed, hormone levels can create havoc in your life, too. It can feel like everything in life is hormones, hormones, hormones! Then as we get older, women go through ‘the change’. As a society, women are trained to fear this period of life. We hear about night sweats soaking through the sheets, hot flashes, random bleeding, loss of sexual desire, and intense mood swings.

There’s much you can do to get and help keep your hormones in balance. The first thing to understand is that while you hear a lot about estrogen and progesterone, those are just two hormones out of the 50 or so that our body secretes and circulates, and uses to function. As with just about every other system or aspect of our body, all of these hormones are designed to work in harmony. Their synergy is vital to your health. As well, hormones are created in multipleareas of your body: your brain, pancreas, gut (microbiome), ovaries—just to name a few!

Here is a list of symptoms that may indicate hormone imbalance:

Weight gain or weight loss
Excessive sweating
Difficulty sleeping
Sensitivity to cold and heat
Dry skin or skin rashes
Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
Brittle or weak bones
Elevated or low blood sugar
Irritability and anxiety
Fatigue
Thirst
Depression
Headaches
Changes in bathroom behavior (frequency,urgency)
Bloating
Changes in appetite
Lower sex drive
Thinning, brittle hair
Infertility
Puffy face
Blurred vision
Goiter
Breast tenderness
Deepening of the voice (females)
Heavy, irregular, or painful periods
Osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones)
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Indigestion
Acne (during or just before menstruation)
Fibroids, or uterine bleeding not associated with menstruation Increased hair growth on the face, neck, chest, or back
Thinning hair or hair loss
Skin tags

As one doctor explains it, “Hormones act like traffic signs and signals by telling your body what to do and when, and making sure its machinery runs smoothly and maintains homeostasis, or balance.” Knowing this, you can understand how getting your hormones into balance requires a multi-level approach. You need to address the entire body, and support its function, to attain optimal hormone balance.

Here are some ways to support hormone balance:

SLEEP

Yes, sleep again. Lack of sleep can play real havoc on your hormones. For full function, your brain needs uninterrupted sleep that permits it to pass through all five stages of each sleep cycle. “Sleep deprivation causes imbalances in many hormones, and in turn, the imbalance of these hormones causes more sleep deprivation,” according to functional medicine practitioner, Veronica Anderson, MD, IFMCP.

In particular, insulin, ghrelin, leptin, cortisol, and growth hormone are all affected by sleep. For example, if you don’t get enough sleep, you temporarily become insulin resistant. Even just one bad night can create this, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Another example we find in scientific research, less than 6.5 hours of sleep affect leptin and ghrelin levels — two hormones directly connected to your appetite. Your thyroid hormones are also affected by sleep. This can slow your metabolism and cause your thyroid function to wane.

Cortisol, the “stress hormone” also is affected by lack of sleep. Normally your cortisol level should decrease at night, allowing you to sleep. Studies have shown that cortisol levels can fall up to six times more slowly if you are sleep deprived. In turn, “Elevations of evening cortisol levels in chronic sleep loss are likely to promote the development of insulin resistance, a risk factor for obesity and diabetes.” Increased cortisol also affects your “sex” hormones, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This can not only affect your sex drive (libido), but any change to these key hormones will affect your reproductive system and more.

Bottom line:

Making sure you get enough quality sleep is very important for hormone balance.

EXERCISE:

ANY amount of exercise or physical activity is better than none. As they say—sitting is the new smoking. Inactivity is hurting us, while any increase in physical activity has a tremendous benefit.

Among its benefits, exercise (even just walking) helps:

Control insulin levels and decrease insulin resistance. Support hormones that help maintain muscle and which normally decline with age. Namely DHEA, growth hormone, testosterone, and IGF-1 Increases adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and has anti inflammatory effects.

Balance thyroid hormone levels and control how efficiently the body uses them Reduce some of the effects of cortisol

NUTRITION:

What you eat—and absorb! (see above)—is extremely important to having balanced hormones. Insulin, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine, estrogen and testosterone can all be affected by the food choices you make. Each nutrient plays a role in how your hormones function and how your body uses them. In particular, diets high in sugar and refined carbs will eventually knock your insulin levels out of whack.

Studies show that even fructose (sugar from fruit, agave, honey, and maple syrup) can increase insulin levels that promote insulin resistance and related conditions, like PCOS… Especially if you are already overweight, obese, or have prediabetes or diabetes. The consumption of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) may also be beneficial for hormone balance. Consuming MCTs and other ‘healthy’ fats like fish oil, and olive or avocado oil may help lower insulin resistance by increasing insulin sensitivity.

It also triggers the release of hormones that help you feel full and satisfied. They also have been seen to be anti-inflammatory, and decrease both cortisol and adrenaline.

As important as what you eat is how much you eat. Under eating can affect your hormone levels. Studies have shown that restricting calories to under 1200 per day increases cortisol and that calorie-restricted diets can even trigger insulin resistance. Overeating has its own pitfalls and will affect your hormone balance, especially as it relates to insulin and cortisol. Alcohol can curb health efforts, in part because of the ways it can contribute to gut imbalance. Your gut flora must be in balance for hormones like serotonin and dopamine to be manufactured and used effectively.

A yeast overgrowth (candida) can also affect your hormones. What you eat will “feed or starve” candida, and other organisms in your microbiome. There are many natural supplements you can use to help heal your body so that your hormones are in balance. Other ways to naturally support hormone balance include managing stress (especially cortisol levels), reducing sugar in your diet, upping your fiber intake, quitting smoking, drinking green tea, reducing dairy intake, and making sure you are getting adequate protein (amino acids).

Let’s take a look at some natural remedies:

Ashwagandha: Buy now from Yes Wellness

Research has demonstrated that this adaptogen has multiple healing properties including possessing anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti tumor properties. Ashwagandha has also been found to have positive influences over endocrine and central nervous systems.

Other health benefits of ashwagandha that research has confirmed include:

Lowers blood sugar levels
Reduces cortisol levels
Helps with severe depression
Supports fertility
Increases antioxidants
Increases muscle mass and strength
Decreases inflammation
Helps fight infection
Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Promotes antioxidant activity and reduces
free radical damage
Reduces oxidative stress
Helps induce programmed death of cancer cells

PRECAUTIONS:

People with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Type 1 diabetes should be cautious with ashwagandha. Consult your healthcare professional. Additionally, caution is needed if you are taking medication for thyroid disease, as ashwagandha may increase thyroid hormone levels in some people—A case where the natural healing that occurs lowers the need for thyroid supplementation, potentially causing an overabundance of thyroid hormones. A natural healthcare practitioner should be able to guide you.

BERBERINE:

Berberine is a natural chemical found in that is found in some 450 plants, including goldenseal, European barberry, and tree turmeric. This plant extract has been a staple in Chinese and other traditional medical practices. In recent decades berberine has been studied for its many health benefits.

These include:

Benefitting heart and cardiovascular health and function
Lowering blood pressure (decreasing hypertension)
Balancing blood sugar
Curbing insulin resistance
Regulating metabolism
Supporting antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties
Improving bone health
Helping rebalance gut flora
Promoting anti-cancer properties
Reducing fat build-up in the liver

When compared to lifestyle changes alone, berberine was found to be as effective as common medications in lowering blood sugar levels, lipid levels, and decreasing hypertension. The upsides were decreased cost (the herb is cheaper than common medicines) and the absence of serious side effects.

A 2008 study demonstrated that berberine combined with cinnamon extract had better “anti-diabetic” effects than a leading prescription medication for people with elevated blood sugar, or Type 2 diabetes. In another study, one gram of berberine per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 20% and also improved levels of blood lipids, like cholesterol and triglycerides. Other studies suggest berberine helps with weight loss and can improve symptoms and markers of metabolic syndrome.

PRECAUTIONS:

Berberine can decrease the speed the liver breaks down some medications. You should also take precautions if you are taking medications to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES:

If you are not digesting and absorbing nutrients, your body is not getting enough of the right “fuel” to function well, let alone heal. If your body is dealing with inflammation, it may not be digesting food efficiently. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can reduce the burden on your digestive organs—the stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and small intestine—by making foods easier to digest.

They do this by helping your body to break down harder-to-digest proteins, starches, and fats. Sometimes your body does not produce adequate amounts of the many enzymes required for proper digestion. Supplementing with quality enzymes can correct this.

Signs that you might benefit from taking digestive enzymes include the following symptoms:

Food cravings
Thyroid problems
Hormone imbalances
Severe PMS
Acid reflux, heartburn, GERD
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Losing hair
Brain fog
Fatigue
Joint pain and arthritis
Dull or dry skin
Insomnia
Depression
Irritability and mood swings
Migraines and headaches

MIMOSA PUDICA:

This plant is also known as the “shy plant” and has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for thousands of years. It’s been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, and research has shown that it has many medicinal properties.

Among these, mimosa pudica holds the following benefits:

Antiparasitic
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial
Antipyretic (lowers fever)
Antidiarrheal
Pain relief
Lowers blood sugar
Lowers blood pressure
Helps purify blood
Helps menstrual cramps
Supports uterine health
Supports depression
Helps hemorrhoids
Treats eczema and psoriasis (topically)
Acts as a diuretic
Helps ulcers
Promotes liver healing
Assists with detox
Promotes gut (microbiome) health
Helps sciatic nerve regeneration

This plant will actually paralyze parasites, so your body can purge them. In fact, two separate studies concluded that mimosa pudica is as effective as the leading anti-parasite medication. Mimosa pudica acts as a powerful internal “scrubber”. It will work its way through the intestinal walls, pulling out parasites, toxins, heavy metals, biofilms, and other unwanted elements to provide immune and digestive support. This plant was a stand-out component of my healing protocol, and in getting rid of parasites that were ravaging my body without me knowing!

WORMWOOD:

Wormwood is actually a cousin of the daisy family. As a known, natural anti parasitic herb it’s used to help eliminate intestinal worms, especially pin worms and roundworms. Wormwood is also used to treat anorexia, Crohn’s disease, SIBO, insomnia, anemia, lack of appetite, flatulence, stomachache, and indigestion. It’s also antibacterial and antimicrobial, proving effective to fight Candida over growths.

OMEGA-3:

Omega-3 fatty acids—especially DHA and EPA—are essential to health, healing, and longevity. It’s something your body needs to function at the basic level and must be consumed, because your body cannot manufacture it. Sadly, many people are deficient in this essential nutrient. Fish oil is an excellent source of DHA and EPA.

Science has studied and shown that omega-3 helps: Purchase from Yes Wellness

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Decrease inflammation
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Protect your cardiovascular system
Support brain function and longevity
Support erectile dysfunction
Lower Depression, Anxiety & Stress
Lower cortisol
Support Mental illness Improve metabolism
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Prevent and support Alzheimer’s
Prevent and support dementia
Lower oxidative stress
Support healthy immunity
Balance blood sugar
Prevent tumor proliferation
Prevent Cancer
Support hormone balance
Note: During pregnancy and after childbirth
women should be especially aware of the need to
consume enough omega-3.

PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS:

The difference. What are they?

Hopefully, you are already aware of the importance that probiotics and prebiotics play in your quest to heal your gut (microbiome). In addition, these building blocks for a balanced gut and diversity in gut flora can help naturally support you in healing autoimmune disease, inflammation, depression, anxiety, hormone balance, and more.

Microbiome defination link

Microbiota defination link

Lactobacillus acidophilus link

Here are some important, general facts:

Your gut contains trillions and trillions of organisms that are not only part of your digestive system but contribute to mood, hormone balance, and even brain function. This environment is called your microbiome. The organisms are known collectively as microbiota. The symbiotic balance of these organisms in your microbiome is essential to overall health, but in particular for a healthy immune response and inflammation.

“Probiotics” is the term used for a variety of beneficial bacteria that are essential for a healthy set of microbiota and microbiome.

Prebiotics are fundamentally food for your microbiota. They often come in the form of soluble fiber and resistant starches that encourage a healthy balance in your microbiome, by feeding the probiotics. While many people know that getting good probiotics is important, they often overlook the value of prebiotics. Optimal health is achieved with a balance of both.

Your gut has been found to directly influence anxiety levels. Both probiotics and prebiotics help reduce cortisol. Researchers have observed that Alzheimer’s patients frequently demonstrate unhealthy microbiota patterns. As long as 100 years ago, doctors believed an unhealthy gut led to chronic infection, stress, and inflammation.

A 2015 study showed Lactobacillus acidophilus could reduce gut inflammation. Probiotics are known to quicken healing in gastrointestinal infections, as well as the cold or flu, decrease blood pressure, and provide relief from ulcerative colitis, IBS, and Crohn’s disease.

The Arthritis Foundation list probiotics as “crucial” to both health and supporting a life with arthritis. We really could go on for several pages about both probiotics and prebiotics. After all, “probiotic” means “for life”, or “pro” life. Keeping your microbiome filled with happy and balanced microbiota is the foundation of all healing. The easiest and surest way to keep your microbiome happy is to eat a healthy, diverse, and high fiber diet.

But if you are out of balance, you may have to increase the balance of ‘good’ bacteria. In fact, experts recommend daily supplementation with good quality prebiotics and probiotics.

One challenge consumers face is that most probiotics sold in foods come from dairy, which is often a trigger for yet more inflammation and/or autoimmune issues. These types of foods are also notorious for containing far fewer probiotics than advertised. Unfortunately the same applies to many store bought probiotic supplements, as well.

Even with the more expensive, refrigerated probiotics, you have no way of knowing how many live bacteria are present, simply because there are so many environmental factors in transit, storage, and stocking shelves that can compromise (or completely kill) them!

A plant-based probiotic is more stable and doesn’t need refrigeration. You’ll be looking for a variety of organisms, including:

Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, marine polysaccharides, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), and Bifidobacterium lactis. Prebiotics are much more stable. They easily survive the long journey from your mouth to your intestines. Probiotics are more of a challenge in this way, so finding a formula that has a high number of bacteria (often called CFUs, for Colony Forming Units) and that offers some kind of capsule protection is ideal.

The number of CFUs will ensure you get the most ‘soldiers in the field’ as it were; and a capsule with protective shielding allows it to travel to your gut and ensure they arrive ready to make a home in your microbiome.

Get your microbiota in balance, keep them happy and healthy with continued supplementation and a top-notch diet, and you can witness the anti anxiety, anti stress, autoimmune, and inflammation support and more yourself.

Please click on the following for definition and information:

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus paracasei

Polysaccharides

Fructooligosaccharide

Bifidobacterium lactis

Understanding the Microbiome and the role of Probiotics. You tube link

Other Natural Remedies yo may want to look into are:

Turmeric
Ginger
Bioperine
Rhodiola
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Vitamin D3
Cordyceps (Glutathione)
Dandelion Root
White Mulberry
Triphala
Yucca root
Vitamin K2

I hope you have found some helpful information that will assist you in living a healthy life. Always research the medications you are taking and that includes the herbal. I am not a woman and there are some things I can not relate to. I have read several articles, and visited many websites to provide you with what I consider is important.

Thank you for reading.

Michael.

Comments are welcome.

A scary reality about medications prescribed for mental disorders.

Did You Know?

Prevalence of Depression

Most Common Antidepressants

Types:

Most common SSRIs:

Most common SNRIs SNRIs:

Most common atypical antidepressants:

Most common tricyclic antidepressants.

Most common MAOIs:

What is Anxiety?

What Causes Anxiety?

What are the Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?

How is Anxiety or an Anxiety Disorder Treated?

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Alternative treatments for Anxiety:

More on Antidepressants

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The Most Popular SSRIs

Types of tricyclics that are available include:

Atypical antidepressants do not fit into the other antidepressant categories and include:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Clonazepam Side Effects:

Lorazepam Side Effects:

Ativan Side Effects (same as Lorazepam)

Lexapro Side Effects:

Psychiatric

Buspirone Side Effects:

Valium Side Effects (also known as diazepam)

General

Nervous system

Cymbalta Side Effects (Generic Name: duloxetine)

Warning

Seroquel Side Effects:

Warning

Zoloft Side Effects:

Why is Sitting compared to Smoking?

X X X X X X

How does a sedentary lifestyle affect your body?

Legs and gluteals (bum muscles)

Weight

Hips and back

Cancer

Heart disease

Varicose veins

Deep vein thrombosis

Stiff neck and shoulders

How sedentary are we?

Physical inactivity contributes to over three million preventable deaths worldwide each year (that’s six per cent of all deaths).

It is the fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable diseases.

Children and young people

Adults

Build more activity into your day

Be active (and safe)

Be active at work

Be active indoors

Reduce your sedentary behavior

Benefits of regular physical activity

It is a good idea to see your doctor before starting your physical activity program if:

Frequent Sitters Have a Greater Risk of Developing Heart Disease

Sitting Increases the Risk of Obesity

Some Yoga Poses For You To Consider: YouTube Videos. Please click on the link:

What is Colitis?

Colon and rectum

Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Blog

Why some people suffer from eating disorders and what can be done?

What are eating disorders?

Anorexia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa

Binge-eating disorder

Who does it affect?

What can I do about it?

Rumination disorder:

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder:

When to see a doctor:

Causes:

Risk factors:

Complications:

Prevention:

Anorexia Nervosa Statistics: