Why Your Body Makes Your Brain Feel Cuckoo Part II
Why Your Body Makes Your Brain Feel Cuckoo Part II
by Jen Springer
Now we’re getting to the good stuff!
William Walsh, Ph.D starts getting into neurotransmitters, pyrroles, and nutrients.
I apologize, the geek in me gets so jazzed to share this with you.
It was information like this written by Joan Matthews Larson, PhD. and Carl Pfeiffer that kept me hanging in there when I was really knocked down the anxiety and panic 24/7. I knew what was going on in my body, but fixing it was the challenge. That took time and patience (as I outline in my ebook Let’s Get Physical).
Next post, methylation. That’s when we’ll really dork out together! Take your Omega 3’s and Brain Power oil to be ready for that one!
The Critical Role of Nutrients in Severe Mental Symptoms by William Walsh, Ph.D. continued from Part I …
Nutrients and Mental Health
As we enter the new millennium, the medical and scientific communities agree on the tremendous influence of neurotransmitters4 on behavior disorders, “ADHD” (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), depression, and “schizophrenia.” People can have a predisposition for these problems due to genetically aberrant levels of specific neurotransmitters. Our mental health is dependent upon having the proper amount of these critical brain chemicals.
Some psychiatrists express their scorn for nutrient therapies, claiming that they are too puny to have any real clinical potency. They often say, “You really need a drug to get the job done for a serious condition like depression.”
My favorite response begins by asking the question, “Where do Viagra our neurotransmitters come from?”
The brain is a chemical factory that produces serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine5, and other brain chemicals 24 hours a day. The only raw materials for their syntheses are nutrients, namely, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, etc. If the brain receives improper amounts of these nutrient building blocks, we can expect serious problems with our neurotransmitters.
For example, some depression patients have a genetic pyrrole disorder which renders them grossly depleted in vitamin B-6. A pyrrole is a basic chemical structure that is used in the formation of heme, which makes blood red. Pyrroles bind with B6 and then with zinc, thus depleting these nutrients. These individuals cannot efficiently create serotonin (a neurotransmitter) since B-6 is an important factor in the last step of its synthesis.
Many of these persons appear to benefit from Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, or other serotonin-enhancing medications. However, as with all mind-altering drugs, side effects occur and the true cause of the mental difficulties remains uncorrected. Similar – and more healthful – benefits can be achieved by simply giving these patients sufficient amounts of B-6 along with supporting nutrients.
Most neurotransmitter problems appear to be genetic in nature and involve abnormal absorption, metabolism, or storage of key nutrients. As neuroscience advances, biochemical treatments to correct brain chemistry become better defined. Nutrient therapy can be very potent and does not involve side effects, since no molecules foreign to the body are needed. This therapeutic approach may eventually eliminate the need for most psychiatric medications.
to be continued …
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Why Your Body Makes Your Brain Feel Cuckoo Part I
Why Your Body Makes Your Brain Feel Cuckoo Part I
by Jen Springer
Ever found and article and thought, “Everyone needs to read this!”?
This one below is one of those.
However, it’s a bit brainy and dry. I’m going to break up this particle into pieces as it was originally written so you can take the information in bit by bit.
Myself and other functional practitioners firmly believe that if the body is functioning properly and has the nutrients it needs to perform, the brain will be happy. This means clear thinking, relaxed, idea popping, good memory recall, and emotional stability. Life is fun, exciting, energizing, and joyful!
If stress, toxicity, and malnutrition take it’s toll, the body starts to break down. At first we might feel tight chested and overwhelmed. Then exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue rear their heads. Next, the body goes one way or another: can’t-get-of- the-couch-even-to-pee crash or wired-for-sound-insomniac crash. A person can’t focus, function, or remember a thing because they are a scattered mess at this point.
Any weakness in the body makes itself known at this third stage. That’s when the fun begins with anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, panic, mania, sloth, OCD, and other “mental stuff”. NOT!
The next few posts will help you understand some of the foundation of what this site is built upon.
Harmony of MIND, BODY, & SPIRIT: none exclusive, all intertwined.
ENJOY!
The Critical Role of Nutrients in Severe Mental Symptoms
by William Walsh, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist,
Health Research Institute and Pfeiffer Treatment Center
1804 Centre Point Circle, Suite 102
Naperville, IL 60563
www.hriptc.org
Each of us has innate biochemical factors which influence mental health, immune function, allergic tendencies, and more. Scientists tell us that the number of different genetic combinations possible in a child from the same two parents exceeds forty-two million. It’s interesting to note that we do not possess a combination of characteristics from our parents, but instead viagra suppliers in the uk have a diverse collection of characteristics from many ancestors on both sides of the family.
Except for identical twins, each human being has unique biochemistry resulting in quite diverse nutritional needs. Shakespeare was correct when he wrote, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” For example, some of us are genetically suited for a vegetable-based diet and others are not. Some people can satisfy their nutritional needs by diet alone and others must have nutritional supplements to overcome genetic aberrations.
Because of genetic differences in the way our bodies process foods, most of us are quite deficient in certain nutrients and overloaded in others. Even with an ideal diet, most of us have certain nutrients that are at very low levels causing us to require many times the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) to achieve a healthy balance.
The nutrients in overload must be carefully avoided in vitamin supplements or serious health problems can develop. After studying the biochemistry of 10,000 persons, I’ve learned that the greatest mischief is usually caused by nutrients that are stored in excessive amounts, rather than those at depleted levels. The most common nutrients that are stored in overload include copper, iron, folic acid, calcium, methionine1, manganese, choline2, and omega-6 fatty acids3. Of course, these same nutrients may be in deficiency in other persons. [Note: Some technical terms are explained at the end of this article.]
I am amused by supplement manufacturers who attempt to develop the ideal combination of vitamins, minerals and amino acids for the general population. This is a bit like trying to determine the ideal shoe size for the population. The truth is that multiple vitamins and minerals are too indiscriminate and may do as much harm as good.
Each of us should ask the question, “Who am I nutritionally?” The answer to this question is important for all, but may be especially critical for persons with mental health problems.
to be continued …
Oils Are A Girl’s Best Friend
Oils Are A Girl’s Best Friend
by Jen Springer
Anxiety relief can be found many places.
We hear about tapping on pressure points or thinking ourselves back to the planet when we are about to skyrocket to the outer orbits with panic or anxiety. But honestly, when I was in the midst of an attack – I couldn’t remember where to tap!
In fight or flight, my mind would go blank. All I could remember to do was reach in my pocket and grab one of “my oils”.
I could get grounded enough to open the cap, put a few drops on my palm to apply to the back of my neck and under my nose. Then, I was back to earth and the surge of adrenaline would subside.
Sensuous exotic flowers and ancient uplifting resins were my saviors during the time in 2007 when I crashed and burned for months my docs couldn’t figure out what was triggering the relentless panic, anxiety, paranoia, and weird thoughts.
What kept me “hangin’ on” during desperate times were the essential oils I applied to the back of my neck, feet, and belly numerous times a day.
Something as simple as a little glass bottle would bring me immediate relief when anxiety would strike. There were four oils I liked the best, two blends called Valor and Harmony along with two singles called frankincense and ylang ylang. Of course there were other Young Living Oils I used; however, these were the fantastic four.
Daily I’d use Valor on the bottom of my feet first thing after my morning shower before I put my sockies on. Harmony Online Blackjack I’d apply to my belly because I always felt like there was a rogue train blasting through it.
‘The sweet earthy blend I’d make up for my emotions was a few drops of ylang ylang mixed with frankincense. I’d apply this to the base of my skull, ears, and temples. I’d also diffuse (not burn) this dynamic duo while I slept at night to help me settle down to sleep.
Thank goodness I had been using essential oils for many years prior to becoming sick. I had the “good stuff” that worked versus chemical who-knows-what from health or bath stores. Being a scientist, I knew those could be filled with chemicals and other nasties that would make my already crazy brain worse. No way Jose!
Oils helped me pull through a tough time of my life. But I haven’t retired them! Now a days they help my sleeping, low thyroid, sore muscles, and the best part … I love they way they smell!
Oils are my best friend because they work so fast. One whiff and I feel comforted.
Have you oiled today? Tell us what your faves are!
Jen Springer is a Holistic Nutrition Expert who currently serves 10,000 clients. Her approach to health is refreshing and out of the box, yet makes so much sense. Through her entertaining and informative webinars, blog posts, and personal recovery program Let’s Get Physical: Anxiety is NOT All in Your Head, her clients quickly get results even though they’ve spent years of chasing for answers. Jen has been a health educator and practitioner for the last 10 years.