Blossoming Health

Lobes of the brain: function and impairment. Hey everyone! I made this last night. Its not all inclusive but a simple little guide to function vs impairment.

Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety Despite the overwhelming prevalence of anxiety disorders in modern society, medications and psychotherapy often fa...il to achieve complete symptom resolution. A complementary approach to medicating symptoms is to address the underlying metabolic pathologies associated with mental illnesses and anxiety. This may be achieved through nutritional interventions. In this perspectives piece, we highlight the roles of the microbiome and inflammation as influencers of anxiety. We further discuss the evidence base for six specific nutritional interventions: avoiding artificial sweeteners and gluten, including omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric in the diet, supplementation with vitamin D, and ketogenic diets. We attempt to integrate insights from the nutrition science-literature in order to highlight some practices that practitioners may consider when treating individual patients. Notably, this piece is not meant to serve as a comprehensive review of the literature, but rather argue our perspective that nutritional interventions should be more widely considered among clinical psychiatrists. Nutritional psychiatry is in its infancy and more research is needed in this burgeoning low-risk and potentially high-yield field. Link to article: https://www.frontiersin.org//10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119/full

Aberrant Brain Neuroplasticity and Function in Drug Addiction: A Focus on Learning-Related Brain Regions As evidenced by both clinical and preclinical studies,... repeated drug exposure affects whole brain neuroplasticity including the mesolimbic system which is a main locus for reward, an action-control center such as the dorsal striatum, and limbic brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala that are involved in behavioral control, memory, and mood. In this way, the drug-seeking actions that were initially intentional responses become involuntary habits governed by the dorsal striatum. Drug addiction may also curse with a reduced ability to experience rewards that are unrelated to drugs and emotional dysregulation, while the impairment on limbic regions contributes to generate cognitive symptoms. These entail persistent memories for previous experiences with the drug contrasting with a global cognitive decline that may hamper the acquisition of new, adaptive learnings. Overall, these features promote a desire for the drug, leading to relapse in drug use. Further drug exposure, in turn, aggravates its consequences on the brain and behavior, creating the harmful ‘addiction cycle.’ Article link: https://www.intechopen.com//aberrant-brain-neuroplasticity

HOMEOPATHIC DENTAL KIT - Dr Sujata Naik Nothing works better than homeopathy in dental ailments, many of the remedies that may not just alleviate pain ...but could help save some visits to the dentist too. Here are some of our most valuable, commonly used and time tested dental remedies 1. ARNICA-our leading trauma remedy, Extremely valuable for pain following dental. extraction with ecchymosis, swelling, soreness and bruised sensation. Works best when given at onset. 2.HAMAMELIS - For persistent bleeding and oozing following extraction, Hamamelis 30c and Kali mur 30c given alternately every 10 minutes can stop the bleed in a couple of doses. 3 STAPHYSAGRIA - Intense cutting,lacerative type of pain. Pain is always triggered by some emotional upset especially suppressed anger. For pain in carious teeth in children who suppress their emotions after a scolding. 4 MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS : Marked ulcerative action with affinity for mucous membrane makes it a wonderful remedy for dental caries. Very useful for ulcers on the buccal mucosa due to injury from a malaligned third molar. Putrid foul odour and excess salivation are strong concomitants. 5 HEPAR SULPHURICUM :Useful for peri apical abscess with excruciating pain and extreme sensitiveness to cold, touch. Very useful for aphthous ulcers too.. Always better by warmth. 6 . COFFEA CRUDA : Extreme sensibility of nerves with hypersensitivity to touch, noise, odours. Strong differentiating modality is toothache ameliorated by ice cold drinks 7 BELLADONA : Useful in the first stage of inflammation with redness and tenderness around the teeth snd gums.Toothache is sharp, throbbing amd ameliorated only by clenching the teeth together 8 . SPIGELIA Toothache always aggravated from ice cold drinks and when thinking of the complaint. A wormy child with toothache after eating ice cream, think of Spigelia. 9 PLANTAGO MAJOR : :Excellent remedy for acute pain from infected molar. Nothing seems to relieve it. Severe bruised feeling. Few drops of Plantago Q on a piece of cotton wool applied to the affected tooth can give relief in seconds. 10 CALCAREA FLUORICUM : More for chronic dental issues in children with early caries of teeth with mothers who have been deficient in calcium during pregnancy. Teeth are generally loose and weak, break easily. Also useful for gum boil. 11 HECLA LAVA : Marked action on the jawline and strong affinity for lining of the connective tissue. Useful in exostosis of any kind. Great remedy for gum boil when the pain extends from the jawline to the maxilla. 12. MAGNESIUM CARBONICUM : A great remedy for neuralgic, sharp,shooting pains. Useful for pain during dentition and toothache during pregnancy. Wonderful remedy for pain in the molar during eruption of wisdom tooth. Tearing, digging pain better by moving about and worse by being still. 13. MEZERIUM. One of our best remedies for an acute painful molar , the pain being meddening and intense, worse on slightest touch. Biting the smallest morsel sends the pain shooting upto the temples..Hence an equally precious remedy for trigeminal neuralgia too. 14. CHAMOMILA Toothache with pain which is unbearable and associated with extreme irritability.Shrieking mad with pain and demands immediate relief. Pains always worse at night and worse with touch. Better by cold application. Cross irritable children during dentition, want to be carried. 15. KREOSOTUM A leading remedy in children with painful, difficult dentition, horrible, putrid oral odor and rapidly decaying teeth. See more

Some simple ECS info!

In conclusion, this investigation is the first to provide evidence demonstrating that a closely monitored state of nutritional ketosis achieved through a susta...inable ketogenic diet alters mitochondrial function in human skeletal muscle. During 12-weeks of exercise training, a ketogenic diet resulted in greater mitochondrial capacity and efficiency, particularly in the context of fat oxidation as indicated by increased total ATP production as well as ATP production relative to O2 consumption and H2O2 production. The ketogenic diet was associated with greater reliance on fat relative to carbohydrate, which was accompanied by a modest decrease in resting muscle glycogen and a larger increase in muscle triglycerides. The ketogenic diet improved metabolic health markers and resolved indicators of insulin resistance in conjunction with weight loss and exercise, implying that alteration of mitochondrial function is worthy of consideration as a mechanism through which ketogenic diets exert therapeutic benefits. Such evidence could provide new insights into managing insulin resistance and associated conditions, which currently affect over half of American adults. From: https://journals.physiology.org//10.1152/ajpendo.00305.2020

An internal plumbing system rids the brain of toxic wastes. Sleep is when this cleanup ritual occurs. The human brain weighs only about three pounds, or roughl...y 2 percent of the average adult body mass. Yet its cells consume 20 to 25 percent of the body's total energy. In the process, inordinate amounts of potentially toxic protein wastes and biological debris are generated. Each day, the adult brain eliminates a quarter of an ounce of worn-out proteins that must be replaced with newly made ones, a figure that translates into the replacement of half a pound of detritus a month and three pounds, the brain's own weight, over the course of a year. To survive, the brain must have some way of flushing out debris. It is inconceivable that an organ so finely tuned to producing thoughts and actions would lack an efficient waste disposal system. But until quite recently, the brain's plumbing system remained mysterious in several ways. Questions persisted as to what extent brain cells processed their own wastes or whether they might be transported out of the nervous system for disposal. And why is it that evolution did not seem to have made brains adept at delivering wastes to other organs in the body that are more specialized for removing debris? The liver, after all, is a powerhouse for disposing of or recycling waste products. About five years ago we began trying to clarify how the brain eliminates proteins and other wastes. We also began to explore how interference with that process might cause the cognitive problems encountered in neurodegenerative disease. We thought that disturbances in waste clearance could contribute to such disorders because the disruption would be expected to lead to the accumulation of protein debris in and around cells. This idea intrigued us because it was already known that such protein clumps, or aggregates, do indeed form in brain cells, most often in association with neurodegenerative disorders. What is more, it was known that the aggregates could impede the transmission of electrical and chemical signals in the brain and cause irreparable harm... Read more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347443/

Vitamin D Status May Affect Resilience and Recovery from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Personnel Experiencing mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may ...lead to chronic postconcussive symptoms, increasing the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with cognitive decline, depression, and potentially PTSD through its relationship to testosterone production. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency elevates systematic inflammation, meaning that poor vitamin D status at the time of blast may prolong inflammatory response to mTBI and exacerbate postconcussive symptoms. Since widespread vitamin D deficiency is observed across the U.S. population, poor vitamin D status is expected in service members. Given the high risk for mTBI in service members and suboptimal vitamin D levels observed in this population, treatment of vitamin D deficiency and elucidation of its mechanism in mTBI resilience and recovery merits exploration. Evidence in this review investigates possible protection of achieving optimal vitamin D levels for mTBI resiliency and recovery through its influence on inflammatory and hormonal biomarkers. Despite interest in using vitamin D as treatment for TBI, no human trials have tested the role of vitamin D in mTBI resiliency or recovery, nor have data been prospectively collected on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in service members. The neuroprotective effects of vitamin D warrant further investigation into the role of vitamin D in mTBI management. Paper: https://austinpublishinggroup.com//ful/ajnfs-v2-id1030.php

If you're dealing with a chronic health problem, contact me privately for more information. Or, comment below.

THE FACE IS A MICROSYSTEM WHICH REFLECTS WHAT’S GOING ON INTERNALLY IN THE BODY. The Heart areas (above the eyebrows and above the upper lip): wrinkles or redne...ss in these are may indicate high blood pressure. The Liver area is located at Yin Tang for a good reason! Stress, irritability and anger will cause Yin Tang to be overloaded with years of frowning, causing wrinkles there. The Kidneys health reflect under the eyes. Dark circles may indicate lack of sleep for years depleting the adrenals and causing the Kidneys to age faster! The Spleen shows imbalances on the nose area. Pimples or black heads there may indicate blood sugar issues or gut inflammation. The Lung area on the lower cheek can reflect Lung deficiency when dryness and wrinkles are prominent. The Small Intestine on the forehead area: pimples on the forehead may indicate bacteria overgrowth and absorption issues. The Gallbladder areas at the corner of the eyes often have wrinkle lines and may be a cause of indecision. The Bladder on the forehead area: pimples on the forehead may indicate lack of hydration. The Stomach area on the cheek often will show redness and indicate Stomach Heat. The Large Intestine at the corner of the mouth often maybe dry showing colon issues. The reproductive system area (which connects to the TCM Kidneys) is located on the chin. Pimples and cystic acne here shows a reproductive hormone imbalance. Drop me a "YES" if you want access to our protocols to support these systems

Light has INCREDIBLE healing properties- not just for skin, but for DEEP SEATED SYSTEMIC ISSUES. In fact, my only treatment following surgery for Ovarian Cance...r over 12 years ago, was Sound and Light therapy. Light is POWERFUL! If you want to learn more about new forms of PHOTOBIOMODULATION, say yes to join our learning group!

As unpopular as this post will be.. I'm doing it for the people I love. ~~ A study conducted by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) at the Duke University rec...ently found toxic chemicals in nail polish, some of which actually seeps into the women’s bodies. These endocrine disrupting chemicals consist of a trio of harmful elements including TPHP and DPHP (tri and di Phenyl phosphates respectively) which, 14 hours later also metabolize in the users’ bloodstream. As if this is not alarming enough, another study has discovered that even everyday products like perfumes, lotions, body sprays and liquid soaps all contain similar endocrine disrupting products. This study was conducted by the University of Missouri and SUNY Albany. It concluded that majority of the products women use can actually affect their onset of menopause; even shave 2-4 years off it. source - http://weaddup.com//72292483-toxic-nail-paint-also-seeps-i So, what are endocrine disorders? Endocrine disorders are diseases related to the endocrine glands of the body. The endocrine system produces hormones, which are chemical signals sent out, or secreted, through the bloodstream. Hormones help the body regulate processes, such as appetite, breathing, growth, fluid balance, feminization and virilization, and weight control. The endocrine system consists of several glands, including the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, adrenal glands in the kidneys, and thyroid in the neck, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes. The stomach, liver and intestines also secrete hormones related to digestion. Most common endocrine disorders are related to improper functioning of the pancreas and the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. What are endocrine disorders? Common endocrine disorders include: -Diabetes mellitus -Acromegaly - overproduction of growth hormone -Addison’s disease - decreased production of hormones by the adrenal glands -Cushing’s syndrome - high cortisol levels for extended periods of time -Graves’ disease - type of hyperthyroidism resulting in excessive thyroid hormone production -Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - autoimmune disease resulting in hypothyroidism and low production of thyroid hormone -Hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid = weight loss or inability to gain weight -Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid = weight gain or inability to lose weight -Prolactinoma - overproduction of prolactin by the pituitary gland or overproduction of milk These disorders often have widespread symptoms, affect multiple parts of the body, and can range in severity from mild to very severe. Treatments depend on the specific disorder but often focus on adjusting hormone balance using synthetic hormones. source - http://www.healthgrades.com/conditions/endocrine-disorders These effects don't just happen overnight. It takes time and constant exposure. But, if you're subjecting your body (and your family) to these toxins, it's just a matter of time. Ask yourself this.. Is my constant use of these chemicals: make-up, hair care products, perfume, lotion, soap or nail polish worth the health risks? Is it worth risking my family's health? If it is, well then, bless your little heart.

Low Vagal Tone vs High Vagal Tone

Was chatting recently about skin issues, especially in females. Check out Toxic beauty by Samuel Epstein MD

Potential nutritional therapies that could be of benefit in the treatment of TBI: 1. Curcumin: There is some evidence of improved motor & learning performance, ...bloodbrain barrier integrity, cognition & reduced cerebral edema in brain injured animals. 2. Glutathione: There is some evidence that this nutrient reduces ROS levels & improves brain injury markers. 3. Zinc: This mineral is required in central nervous system enzyme functions. Zinc is released in the synaptic cleft of the brain where neuroreceptor activity is modulated. Excess release of zinc contributes to neural cell death. Zinc deficiency could exacerbate cell death in TBI. Patient trials with zinc show positive effects in severe closed-head injuries. More research is indicated. 4. Vitamin K2: This vitamin is neuroprotective. 5. Magnesium: This mineral is usually depleted in TBI. It could have a neuroprotective effect & decrease glutamate damage by regulating calcium entry into postsynaptic neurons. 6. Vitamin D: This vitamin binds DNA response involved in regulation of gene transcription, differentiation & neural function in the brain 7. DHA/EPA: Evidence shows an anti-inflammatory & neuroprotective benefit against brain injuries. 8. Choline: This is an anti-inflammatory & antioxidant that could support a decrease in calcium-mediated cell death, which is common in TBI. More info: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5580364/

WATCH this video and find out if eating organic can reduce the pesticides you and your family are exposed to. via Friends of the Earth U.S.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a great way to calm the brain and body, but did you know it can enhance memory as well??

Inflammation Effects on Motivation and Motor Activity: Role of Dopamine Inflammation-induced decreases in dopamine (DA) may affect corticostriatal reward and m...otor circuitry to drive symptoms of anhedonia and psychomotor retardation. Peripheral innate immune activation and the release of inflammatory cytokines, and acute-phase reactants (eg, C-reactive protein (CRP)) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have been associated with decreased functional connectivity between the ventral and dorsal striatum and reward and motor-related cortical regions, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (SMA; Felger et al, 2016). Inflammation-related changes in corticostriatal connectivity correlated with symptoms of anhedonia and psychomotor retardation, and may involve deficits in DA-relevant, goal-directed behaviors such as such effort expenditure, reinforcement learning, and motor control. A wealth of knowledge from studies in humans and animals administered inflammatory stimuli or cytokines indicates that these effects on corticostriatal circuits may be related to inflammation-induced decreases in DA availability and release. CRP, C-reactive protein; DS, dorsal striatum; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; SMA, supplementary motor area; SN, substantia nigra; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; vmPFC, ventromedial prefrontal cortex; VS, ventral striatum; VTA, ventral tengmental area. Paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/npp2016143

A lumbar puncture (LP) is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal. It is most commonly used to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid ...(CSF) for diagnostic testing (e.g. for suspected meningitis and subarachnoid haemorrhage), but can also be used therapeutically (e.g. for idiopathic intracranial hypertension). LPs are preferentially performed at L3/L4 or L4/L5 (cauda equina level), to avoid the spinal cord which ends at L1/L2. The layers penetrated by the spinal needle in an LP are as follows: skin subcutaneous tissue supraspinous ligament interspinous ligament ligamentum flavum epidural space dura mater arachnoid mater subarachnoid space (contains CSF) Contraindications to lumbar puncture include signs of raised intracranial pressure, infection at the site of needle insertion, severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding disorders. Complications include post-LP headache, infection and spinal cord injury (rare). #neuroanatomy #neurology #medstudent #medschool #premed #premedstudent #studymedicine #lumbarspine #anatomy #anatomical #anatomica #medicina #biomed #biomedical #spinalcordinjury #studymotivation #studynotes #ipadprocreate #neurosciences #csf

Vascular and nonvascular contributors to memory reduction during traumatic brain injury: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an increasing health problem. It is a... complex, progressive disease that consists of many factors affecting memory. Studies have shown that increased bloodbrain barrier (BBB) permeability initiates pathological changes in neurovascular network but the role of cerebrovascular dysfunction and its mediated mechanisms associated with memory reduction during TBI are still not well understood. Changes in BBB, inflammation, extravasation of blood plasma components, activation of neuroglia lead to neurodegeneration. Extravasated proteins such as amyloidbeta, fibrinogen, and cellular prion protein may form degradation resistant complexes that can lead to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. They also have the ability to activate astrocytes, and thus, can be involved in memory impairment. Understanding the triggering mechanisms and the places they originate in vasculature or in extravascular tissue may help to identify potential therapeutic targets to ameliorate memory reduction during TBI. From: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ejn.14390