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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

A Guide to Supplements for Anxiety

For betterment of cognition/improving focus and mental stamina:
Alpha GPC (choline) - A more potent supply of choline, as compared to lecithin. It is a great auxiliary substance to piracetam, which depletes acetylcholine, ergo adequate transmission will be maintained.
Aniracetam - A nootropic (memory/learning enhancing) dietary supplement that is immensely useful when your thinking is obscured by anxiety. Depersonalization often causes brain fog and therefore I found it to be a helpful implement when learning/working. Furthermore it also exhibited anxiolytic properties in laboratory mice via action on dopamine. Take 2 - 3 750mg pills daily.
Centrophenoxine/Meclofenoxate - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors reduce the break down of acetylcholine, an essential transmitter involved not only in muscular function and other somatic (bodily) aspects, but also in cognitive processes such as memory. Additionally, this supplement was proposed to cause up-regulation (increase in density) of dopamine receptors through a compensatory mechanism (inhibits release of dopamine resulting in sensitization of corresponding receptor sites - thus the effects arising from this mechanism will only be felt after the cessation from chronic administration). Overall an interesting nootropic, which helps with focus and the consolidation of new information into long-term memory.
Piracetam - Another nootropic from the racetam family that improves cognition. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA glutamate receptor, which proved essential in learning and memory. Dissociative drugs such as Ketamine are NMDA antagonist placing them opposite to piracetam and since depersonalization is a form of dissociation it might prove to be helpful. 1.2g - 12g is a typical dose range. Efficiency varies among individuals so you will have to find the right dose for you. Combines well with Aniracetam, Lecithin, AlphaGPC, Centrophenoxine because they work in synergy.
Fatigue relief:
BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) - Comprised of 3 amino acids: Valin, Leucine and Isoleucine. This supplement will find its use not only in body-builders who are looking to gain some muscle tissue, but also in those struggling with fatigue and depression. Because Amino Acids are essential to protein synthesis, which make up almost every cell and structure in our bodies, it can't hurt to provide yourself with the bodily structural basis. Works great in alleviating physical exhaustion/fatigue, which is inherent to depression and anxiety.
Rhodiola Rosea - a plant based supplement, which is thought to alter the levels of serotonin and dopamine to our mood's favor through monoamine oxidase inhibition (enzyme breaking down neurotransmitters). This plant has been used in Siberian and Scandinavian countries for centuries to alleviate stress and depression. If it has helped people in such desolate climates and conditions its beneficial properties shall not be ignored. The active ingredients of this plant, rosavins, provide among the abovementioned reduction in fatigue by increasing your mental and physical stamina as well making it a great aid in depression and exercise.
Relaxation:
GABA - A supplement that is essential in regulating anxiety, GABA in this supplement form, does not readily cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in lower doses. Nevertheless, it indirectly calms you down (the exact mechanism is yet to be elucidated, but as the name suggest it might be involved in regulation of the inhibitory transmitter GABA). Majority of our brain has an inhibitory role not a productive one, when there is lack of inhibition anxiety and/or other symptoms often arise as a result of information overload. Once or twice a day of 750mg should be enough (morning/evening before sleep). This dose can be exceeded, but in such cases it may have paradoxical effects and work against you by increasing anxiety.
Lecithin - Not only does it reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, but it also helps you to achieve an overall calm state of mind. I found it to be outstanding in reducing panic attacks which many people report along with depersonalization. The cholinergic system is involved in memory and learning among myriad other sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Therefore lecithin, being a precursor to acetylcholine, will positively address cognitive impairments such as brain fog.
L-theanine - Extract from green tea that evokes a focused state of relaxation without making you tired or overly stimulated. Along with its nootropic properties it is also a worthy mood-enhancer. 400-800mg daily should do the job.
Improvement without noticeable sedation/stimulation:
Vitamin B - chronic supplementation of b-complex has been shown to reduce work related stress in addition to attenuating confusion and depression. I recommend using the sublingual form if accessible due to its high bioavailability. It is difficult to overdose on B-vitamin since it is water-soluble, so don't be afraid to incorporate it into your daily diet.
Omega 3-6 - also known as fish oil, this dietary supplement supplies plenty of benefits to not only psychiatric patients suffering from anxiety by reducing its symptoms, but also by actively involving in prevention of cancer, inflammation and depression.
Magnesium - deficiency can precipitate depression and anxiety so make sure to keep proper levels in check. Usually magnesium is contained, in sufficient daily amounts, in green vegetables, but if you need immediate relief magnesium can act as a gateway to sleep and calmness.
Zinc - zinc levels on its own are rarely relevant, more important is the zinc-copper ratio that determines functions necessary in keeping a healthy mindset. A low zinc:copper ratio has been correlated with autism and increased prevalence of violent behavior. Furthermore, zinc has been identified in some neurons (specifically in synaptic vesicles) where it might aid cognitive functions.
Although supplements can be of great help when treating anxiety, they are not the only possibility and nor are they the most effective approach compared to techniques such as exercise, meditation, exposure therapy, and so on. Consider supplements as catalysts to attaining better mental health and for maximum effects interweave their use with other methods suited for anxiety relief.
For additional information regarding anxiety relief using medication, herbal remedies, exercise and similar approaches visit: Everything that relieves anxiety
hope it helps!
Paddy

No Child Is Born To Be Fat

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. How much more stubborn are humans than horses? Natural selection has kept the balance in every area except humanity. Survival of the fittest, that is nature's way. There is no weak link allowed in nature, disease kills the weak, and makes any survivors that much stronger or resistant. Humans once endured the same hardships as every other life form does in nature. Humans however, developed systems to avoid 'natural' selection. In doing so, they also allowed the regeneration of weak DNA, resulting in chronic health issues passed from one generation to the next. Life is now sustained regardless of physical condition. To complicate the situation further, they have added excessive creature comforts, and the masses have taken full advantage.
For reasons that I have my own opinions of, the medical community has educated the masses that heredity is to blame, and to a degree it is. The actual truth, is the diet of the parents and what they are feeding the children is the 'heritage' that is being passed along. Over feeding, or poorly feeding anything, does not make for a healthy life. Human, animal or plant. It has been proven over and over. Education is not working, you can find the information everywhere and most of it is free. I teach classes and my classroom is empty. I've heard all the excuses.
A human child's body needs specialized calories (energy), it needs specialized nutrients, (a variety of foods, not just starches and sugars). It needs water, not soda, not powdered mixes, and not 'juice drinks'. It needs to run and play in the outdoors. They need to get dirty, they need to get scraped and scratched (to build the immune system). The highly marketed 'fear' of germs 'campaign' that has saturated the airwaves for decades, and the unnecessary food products consumed (also marketed for generations), have parents believing a sterile environment is good for kids. At the same time, they think they can 'grow' a healthy body with artificial food and a vitamin pill.
Everything involving childhood obesity is connected to overfeeding or poorly feeding and a lack of activity, especially the outdoor kind. A healthy, muscular, body requires the 'nutrients' to build one. A healthy body starts with the immune system, (white blood cells that locate and destroy anything abnormal) nothing to fight=failure to function (autoimmune disorder). A healthy body mass requires protein, no protein for building muscle= fat. Muscle won't develop if there is no physical activity. Carrying around fat, will build muscle in the areas supporting the weight. Look at any fat/obese person who is still able to walk and check out the calf muscles. Next ask the ones on 'disability' and riding scooters if it is because they blew out their knees, or backs carrying the extra weight. 100% will say yes, to one or both conditions. Finally, there is no getting around it, calories that are not used are stored, as fat, period.
I am here to help parents, if your child is 1-10 years old, it is not too late. If they are 5-10 years already, the self esteem alone, will be so worth the effort.They will thank you in the end, that I promise. For more information or to schedule a consultation please visit. http://eatingrainbows.net/consultationsclassescookbooks

Why You Should Use an Electric Shaver

Shaving is an activity that everyone loves to hate. From men who hate having a four o'clock shadow to women that hate having to shave themselves every day, shaving is often a chore and it's very rarely enjoyed. Thankfully, technology has brought us numerous aids - and perhaps one of the most popular of them all has to be electric shavers.
Electric shavers have come a long way since the 1960s and 70s when they really were quite dangerous. Indeed, back then you were faced with the prospect of regular cuts or perhaps even worse. Luckily enough, today's electric razor blades really do offer a shave that's second only to the barber's cutthroat razor.
We live in a world of LCD televisions, home theaters and micro-electronics, but for some reason, electric razors still aren't common place in every home. Sadly however, the fact is that many believe them to deliver an inferior shave and while this is no longer true - people have also held on to the idea that electric razors cost a fortune. The secret is, you can get a good electric razor for under $25.
The great thing about electric shavers is that they're really small and compact. Many also battery powered. While it's true there are countless large 'rotary' models that look like an MC's microphone - there are also smaller, more compact foil based shavers that get the job done just as quickly. Generally speaking, the larger models tend to do just about everything. From trimming your sideburns to your nasal hairs, there are shavers that can even moisturize your skin at the same time!
Depending on your needs - there are many different models to choose from. Generally the two main types of electric shavers are foil shavers and rotary shavers. Foil shavers are generally more sophisticated and compact, whilst looking like a traditional razor, whereas rotary shavers tend to be larger with multiple rotating blades that mold around your face as you shave.
Compared to the traditional razor blade, electric razors really are just about as effective. The only drawback is that blades aren't as readily replaceable but with most electric shavers featuring self-sharpening technology, you can go for months without needing to change your blade because they stay razor sharp for as long as possible.
Prices for electric razor blades start at well under $100 and go up to over $200 for the best models on the market. For something as expensive as $200, you'd expect a shaver that's self -cleaning and does just about everything you could need. Indeed, while at first such a price might seem ridiculous, chances are you already spend that in a year with conventional grooming products! In fact, it's possible to get travel shavers for under $50! Which means an electric shaver really can save you money!
For those who are partial to the ritual of a morning shave, an electric shaver really does speed up the process and make it almost non-existent. No more shaving cream, no more razor cuts and no need to worry about replacing your razor blades every week. With an electric shaver - you can finally get the job done in just a few minutes.
For more information, Ed Thomson the author would like to invite you to visit http://zabth.hubpages.com/hub/Getting-the-Most-From-an-Electric-Shaver/ where you can find more information on Electric shavers and see some of the most popular models available.