Can Vitamins Help Alcoholics?

The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak. 

Matthew 26:41  

One of my favorite sites to visit is DoctorYourself.com^SM by Andrew Saul, PhD. Dr. Saul is the editor-in-chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service. While working for the State University of New York, he taught health science, nutrition and cell biology. Dr. Saul has won honors and accolades for his knowledge of clinical nutrition, is featured in the movie Food Matters and was named one of the seven natural health pioneers in Psychology Today. So, what I’m trying to say is that Dr. Saul knows his stuff; no quacking here.

In Food Matters and DoctorYourself.com^SM , Dr. Saul discusses Abram Hoffer, M.D.’s work with Bill W., the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Bill W. told Dr. Hoffer that there are three components to alcohol treatment:spiritual,mental and medical.

AA helps with the spiritual aspects of treatment, but it sometimes isn’t enough for everyone who battles the addiction. Atlanta drug abuse rehab centers and others around the nation can help with the medical and mental aspects of treatment. At the suggestion of Dr. Hoffer, Bill W. found that niacin (Vitamin B-3) was helpful with his journey.  

According to Dr. Saul, Roger Williams, PhD, the former president of the American Chemical Society and chemistry professor at the University of Texas, proved that mega doses of Vitamin C and a B-vitamin complex were an effective natural treatment for alcoholism when combined with L-glutamine, an amino acid.  Alcohol causes a thiamin (Vitamin B-1) deficiency, especially if you don’t have a well-balanced diet. Because alcohol damages the liver and brain, the need for nutrients increases to help repair the organs. See Dr. Saul’s vitamin-related recommendations for the treatment of alcoholism here and here.

 

As with anything related to your health, talk to a physician before treating yourself with vitamins for any ailment. If you’re in an Atlanta alcohol rehab or Atlanta Drug Rehab and natural remedies interest you, show your doctor the pages about alcoholism on DoctorYourself.com^SM to see if this would be a good option for you. 

This sponsored post is brought to you by Bradfordhealth.com. All opinions are 100% my own.

What to Do After Finishing a Workout Video Series

After completing the Jillian Michaels Body Revolution workout program, I was left with a common question: What do I do now? There are countless online forums that pose the same question. With the help of Gaiam TV, I found a great solution.

Gaiam TV offers exclusive streaming videos to your computer, mobile device (using the mobile browser) and on your television using a Roku streaming player. The different "channels"/geners offered include:

• Yoga Studio
• Fitness Studio
• Wellness Center
• Film & TV
• Spirituality
• Metaphysics
• Explorations
• Conscious Media Network
• Vintage Library

When I was offered the opportunity to try Gaiam TV for an extended period, the first thing I did was checkout the workout videos. The selection is great, and I was able to try workouts like the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 series, Jillian Michaels Extreme Shed & Shred, Energy Chi for Beginners and dance-related workouts. I also watched videos like Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead; The Truth About Gluten and Dairy and Gaiam Inspirations: Green Smoothie Revolution. The only issue that I had with the streaming videos was the occasional lag, even with my FiOS Internet.

In addition to offering several videos that you can't stream elsewhere, I like that I can try different workout videos without having to purchase them first. I highly recommend Gaiam TV if you have an interest in nutrition, wellness and fitness. 

You can checkout some of the programs free on the 24/7 channel.

This post is brought to you by Gaiam. The opinions expressed are 100% mine.

 

How to Gain the Benefits that Herbal Remedies Provide (Guest Post)

Herbal remedies have been used by humans for thousands of years, before recorded history. The modern human population has revitalized the use of herbs as medicine as many people seek alternative, safer and more natural treatment for a wide variety of heath disorders.

What are Herbal Remedies?

Using a plant’s berries, seeds, bark, flower, leaves, or roots for medicinal purposes is considered herbal medicine. Herbal therapies were used by indigenous cultures and were also developed into medical systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Advancements in clinical research concerning herbal medicine have resulted in this form of medicine becoming more widely accepted by people in the modern world.

Safely Using Herbal Remedies

While clinical research has created much greater quality control and analysis of herbal remedies, it’s important to understand how to correctly use herbal medicine in order to avoid any potential side effects. In general, herbal medications result in far fewer and less harmful side effects than conventional pharmaceutical drugs. However, the effects of herbal remedies should not be disregarded. It’s the powerful nature of many herbal medications that allows them to provide so many healing benefits. At the same time, some herbs can cause side effects when ingested. Be sure to do your research to thoroughly understand how a particular herb should be used. 

There are herbs—such as peppermint, ginger, and chamomile—that do not produce any side effects at all. Peppermint is an effective remedy for alleviating nausea and for soothing an upset stomach. Ginger also works to soothe stomach upset, and can be beneficial in reducing car sickness or morning sickness (in pregnant women). Chamomile is an ideal remedy for anxiety and for relaxing the digestive system.

Other herbs—such as comfrey, sassafras, and senna—must be used with a greater amount of caution since these herbs can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly. It is important to consult with your doctor before taking herbs that are known to cause severe adverse side effects if taken with certain medications or if taken improperly.

What Can Herbal Medicine Be Used to Treat?

The list of health disorders that herbal medicine can treat is extensive. Herbal remedies can be used to treat chronic fatigue, asthma, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and much more. If you have a particular health disorder that you’d like to address, chances are that you will find a number of herbs that will help you treat the disorder. 

The following herbs are just a few examples of common herbs used to treat health disorders. You’ll notice that most herbs can be used to treat more than one problem.

• Ginkgo Biloba offers numerous benefits, which is why it is among the most popularly used herbal medicines used in the United States. Ginkgo Biloba is believed to improve memory and overall brain function. The herb is also an antioxidant that assists in the fight against free radicals in the body. 

• Valerian root is useful for treating sleep disorders and mild forms of anxiety. It has also been used to ease physical tension and pain.

• Echinacea enhances the body’s natural autoimmune response. By using this herb on a regular basis during cold and flu season, many people are able to avoid cold and flu symptoms all season long.

• Goldenseal works to ward off bacteria, and, therefore, helps in the fight against respiratory infections, colds, and sinusitis. This herbal remedy has also been used to treat ulcers, sore throats, sore gums, and some types of vaginal infections. It is recommended that goldenseal only be used short term, since side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, may occur with extended use.

• Ginseng is used as a popular herbal remedy that is believed to assist the immune system response. There are herbal remedies that combine ginseng and Gingko Biloba, and this combination is thought to improve brain function.

There are many benefits to using herbal remedies as long as you learn to use herbs correctly. Herbal medicine is much less expensive that conventional medication, tends to produce less adverse side effects, and does not require a doctor’s prescription. When used correctly, herbal remedies can resolve a number of medical disorders and improve your overall health.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon and writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.

Mía Mariú Cosmetics

Some people shy away from natural cosmetics because a great deal of them lack lasting power. This isn't the case, however, with the products from Mía Mariú. I had the opportunity to sample some of the company's products, and the following are my thoughts about the products that I received: 

• Hydrating Stick Gloss in Beso: Contrary to its name, this product is a hydrating lipstick that contains Vitamins A, C and E. When I put the gloss on, it feels soft, like a buttery lip balm. At first, I wasn't crazy about the light pink color; I'm more into darker berry tones. But, I gave it a try and decided that the color looks okay on my fair skin, especially when I wear darker eye makeup.

• Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: I'm always on the lookout for an eye makeup remover that effectively removes waterproof makeup. Many products don't do the job or are overly oily. The eye makeup remover has ingredients like cucumber and Vitamin E, and it's pH is like natural tears. The Gentle Eye Makeup Remover does a great job at removing even the most stubborn waterproof makeup that I wear. Win!

• Precision Eye Liner Brush No. 25: Instead of layering on my eyeliner, I like use a bit of eyeliner and then brush eyeshadow over it with a thin brush. The eye-lining brush from Mía Mariú has bristles that are the perfect length and thickness. It's my new always-use tool in my beauty arsenal.  

If you're interested in trying out natural makeup, Mía Mariú is a good place to start.

How to Keep Your Mind Fit

As you age, you may start to notice that you’re forgetting more than just names or where you put the keys. The older you get the scarier memory-loss can be, especially if you have a family history if Alzheimer’s or dementia. Several studies now show that you can decrease your risk for such diseases by keeping yourself and your brain fit. Check out the following tips to age-proof your brain:

• Stay active: It’s never too late to have an active lifestyle, and it’s one of the most vital elements to keeping your brain young. By exercising, you can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent. According to the University of California in San Francisco, physical exercise is proven to increase the number of cells in your brain. Start out by exercising for at least 15 minutes per day, three day a week. Integrate cardio and weight-training activities for the best results. Then make it your goal to work up to 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—that’s just over 21 minutes per day.
  

Tai chi is a simple, stress-reducing exercise that
anyone can do (even while sitting in a chair).

• Learn something new: Brains love a constant challenge because it promotes the growth of new cells. Mix up your routine by trying something new every so often like:

• An engaging book
• Games (even video games can count)
• Crafts
• Different recipes
• New uses for brain-healthy spices like ginger, vanilla, cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, cumin, turmeric and curries
• Educational shows
• A fun class at your local community center or college
• A hobby you’ve wanted to learn or pick up again

• Meditate: When you’re stressed, your brain fills with cortisol, a memory-impairing hormone. When you meditate or do a stress-reducing exercise, the levels of cortisol in your brain can greatly reduce in as little as eight weeks.
  
• Partake in Omega-3s: The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fruits, nuts, olive oil, leafy greens fish and beans can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 48 percent. Unlike the Omega-6 fatty acids that you find in processed and fried foods, the Omega-3s help increase the amount feel-good chemicals in your brain and help out your heart.
  
• Live with intention: When you feel like you have a purpose or goal for your life, your brain stays sharp.
  
• Get social: Teens aren’t the only ones who need an active social life. Social settings offer the emotional and mental stimulation you need to help ward off dementia. A simple 10-minute conversation with another person daily is all it takes to boost your short-term memory.
  
• Reduce your health risks: According to the University of California, if individuals increased their activity levels, lost excess weight and stopped smoking by only 25 percent, up to a half million cases of Alzheimer’s would be reduced/prevented in the U.S. 
  
• Take your vitamins: As you age, your body doesn’t absorb nutrients from your food as well. Prevent vitamin deficiencies with supplements that your doctor recommends. Niacin, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-12 are a few that are particularly beneficial for brain health.

This post is brought to you by www.burialinsurance.org. All opinions stated are my own. 

Photo Credit: DolfinDans