Vitamin Information Center

Alcoholism
Synonyms
Alcohol abuse; Alcohol dependency
Definition
Alcohol abuse and dependency are commonly called
alcoholism. Alcohol intoxication can cause irritability,
violent behavior, feelings of depression, and in rare
instances hallucinations and delusions. Longer-term,
escalating levels of alcohol consumption can produce
tolerance as well as such intense adaptation of the body
that cessation of use can precipitate a withdrawal syndrome
usually marked by insomnia, evidence of hyperactivity
of the autonomic nervous system, and feelings
of anxiety.

A patient of psychological disorder would usually get his treatments through

medication and services of a mental health institution or facilities. However, advocates of Complementary and Alternative Medicine believe that there are

less intensive, more holistic approaches that could be rendered to these patients in conjunction to their medical treatments. While they do not have approved

therapeutic claim and there are no conclusive proofs that these alternatives really work they have been practiced for years and have yielded significant

positive results in their own fields. Here are the suggested alternative solutions to mental health care:

Slowing down

Daily stressors contribute to the development of several mental health

disorders. In fact, stress itself is considered as a threat to mental health. It disrupts sleep, thinking and rest and it usually affects the way we

function everyday. Thus it is suggested to adopt several methods that will help lessen and manage the negative stressors we are exposed to everyday.

Biofeedback �” This method is normally used in treating mental health

disorders such as phobias, panic and anxiety. This works by controlling the involuntary muscle functioning such as skin temperature and heart rate and by

controlling muscle tension.

Massage therapy �” This method advances the belief the tapping, rubbing, and brushing the skin and muscle groups could relieve pent up emotions and internal

tension. People suffering from severe cases of stress and post-traumatic disorders are usually advised to take get massage therapy regularly.

Visualization �” Another method to lessen tension and stress is to redirect the perception and the individual techniques on visualization. This works by

entering into a deep state of relaxation where the person could create relaxing and “friendly” images that will contribute to his well-being and lessen the

occurrence of unwanted thoughts that are detrimental to one’s mental health.

Traditional alternative approaches

Ayurdeva �” Imported from Indian Traditional Medicine, Ayurdeva is a holistic approach to caring your mental health. This seeks balance on the body energies rather than on the

symptoms that affect the body. This system of traditional treatments includes yoga, a widely practiced alternative solution in the Western world these days.

Yoga makes use of postures, exercises, stretches and meditation to achieve the balance of body energies.

Native American approaches �” Cleansing rituals and chants are part of the Indian Health Services Programs that are focused on treating people suffering from

depression, stress-related disorders and anxiety disorders.

Acupuncture �” Used in treating many other ailments in the body, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical approach that could also be used as treatment to

mental disorders. This makes use of needles with various sizes that are inserted to different pressure points in the body to be able to control its flow of

energy.

Diet and Nutrition

According to studies, diet and nutrition affects the manner by which our brains work. If it is deprived with certain nutrients, the brain may fail to

function the way it should be.

Vitamin and nutrient intake �” According to some studies, there are specific vitamins that our brain needs in order to produce other chemicals that are

crucial in maintaining our moods. Also, some vitamins are important in preventing the development of neurological and degenerative disorders such as

Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, proper intake of these vitamins and minerals plus supplementation of essential nutrients are highly recommended to maintain mental

health.

Mental health care does not only need to include medical treatments, support of other approaches is also needed to maximize the possibility of patient

recovery.

Life normally includes anxiety at different points. However, if you are constantly anxious for no reason you can figure out, and if your anxiety is difficult to control and long-lasting, you may have an anxiety disorder. The components in this natural treatment formula are designed to relieve anxiety as well as general nervousness. Included are powerful botanicals which have been proven to ease tension and facilitate peaceful sleep. St. John’s Wort Extract, Hops Extract, and Valerian Extract are some of the botanicals included in this formula.

Anxiety has many related unpleasant symptoms and associations. These include restlessness (as well as fatigue); trouble concentrating; irritability; muscle tension and sleep problems. St. John’s Wort Extract helps to maintain a steady mood and supports mental health. Hops Extract and Valerian Extract can act as sedatives, inducing sleep and relieving anxiety and tension.

When people reach middle age, the gel-like vitreous begins to liquefy and contract. The vitreous gel pulls away from the back wall of the eye, causing a posterior vitreous detachment. It is a common cause of floaters, and it is more common for people who are nearsighted, have undergone eye surgery, have had laser surgery of the eye, or have had inflammation inside the eye.

Anxiety has many related unpleasant symptoms and associations. Some of the symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, and also, contrarily, fatigue. Other symptoms are difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems. St. John’s Wort can facilitate a steady mood and support mental health. Hops Extract and Valerian Extract can act as sedatives, inducing sleep and relieving anxiety and tension.

St. John’s Wort Extract helps to maintain a steady mood and supports mental health. Hops Extract and Valerian Extract can act as sedatives, inducing sleep and relieving anxiety and tension. Valerian Extract should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Skullcap Extract has historically been used as a sedative for people with nervous tension and insomnia, and may therefore be helpful in the natural treatment of anxiety disorder. Chamomile Extract contains active constituents that contribute to smooth-muscle relaxing action. People with anxiety disorder (also known as Nervousness or Panic Attacks) are often deficient in essential nutrients, including Calcium, Magnesium, and B Vitamins. Zinc is an essential mineral that is a component of enzymes that protect against free radicals caused by anxiety, and may be important in the natural treatment of anxiety disorder.

The ingredients in this formula include St. John’s Wort Extract. St. John’s Wort has a positive effect on mood and mental health. Hops Extract and Valerian Extract act as sedatives and can serve to induce sleep and relieve anxiety and tension. Valerian Extract should be taken 30 minutes before going to sleep. Historically, Skullcap extract has been used to calm those with nervous tension and insomnia. Therefore it is likely to be helpful in the natural treatment of anxiety disorder. Chamomile Extract contains active constituents that contribute to smooth-muscle relaxing action. Anxiety is sometimes exacerbated when the body is lacking essential nutrients. Lack of such nutrients as Calcium, Magnesium, and B Vitamins may contribute to anxiety. Enzymes that protect against free radicals contain Zinc, which may be important in the natural treatment of anxiety disorder.

Since time immemorial, man has always been in a quest to find the fountain of youth because almost everybody wants to be eternally youthful, strong and beautiful. However, until now, scientists are yet to uncover a miracle cure or pill that will make these desires come true.

You really do not have to look at the deepest seas and remotest regions to find your answer to staying young. Actually, you can maintain your vigor and youth for a long time, if you just follow the tips below.

Be Happy

If you read self-help books available in the market, you will realize that an important key in maintaining youth is staying happy and contended. Nobody in his or her right mind would want to live long if his or her life is miserable.

A crucial element in maintaining happiness is having a positive outlook in life. Everybody has problems but those who approach the challenges in their lives with hope and optimism end up surpassing all obstacles. If you let negativity affect you, you will start being depressed, anxious, and stressed out. It is a known fact that depression, stress, anxiety and other negative emotions can zap your energy, prevent you from sleeping well, and generally make you look old and weak.

Stay Active

Degenerative diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis and many others can be prevented if you regularly exercise. Brisk walking for at least twenty minutes a day is important in helping improve your cardiovascular health. Weight training, on the other hand, is essential in building your muscles to boost metabolism and in strengthening your bones, among others.

If you are not a gym buff, try sports activities, such as swimming, playing tennis, running and jogging at least three times a week. Some studies show that fidgeting also help burn fat and bolster metabolism. Thus, when you are watching your favorite television program, instead of sitting on a couch and drinking beer, why don’t you do some lunges and leg lifts?

Eat Healthy

Another component of staying physically healthy and young is by eating right. Start ditching junk foods and sweets because they are unhealthy and are responsible for a lot of serious diseases, such as diabetes, kidney problems, and even obesity. Remember that as you get older, your metabolism begins to be a little sluggish and it becomes more difficult for your body to use up stored fat. If you don’t pay attention to what you eat and let your weight increase uncontrollably, you might find it hard to shed off excess pounds later.

You need to eat a lot of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, garlic and other leafy greens, and fruits because they contain all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs for cell regeneration and renewal.

Learn New Things

To prevent the development of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other problems relating to cognitive abilities, you need to take care of your brain health. Aside from taking supplements that are rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3,6, and 9), you also need to exercise your mind.

One fun and exciting way to keep your mind sharp is by learning new things. Read books and magazines, learn a new language, study a new field, and try solving puzzles to attain a sharper and more alert mind.

Ditch Harmful Habits

Smoking, drinking, and taking drugs are some of the most harmful habits that can prematurely age your body and mind. Sleep deprivation, sedentary living, and binge eating are also some of the things you need to kick out of your system.

Maintain Your Skin

Wrinkles, skin discoloration, dry skin and other imperfections are the first signs of aging. If you want to stay young, you need to look young. Thus, always protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen. Moreover, be sure to use moisturizers or facial creams that target your specific needs. One facial product that can help eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, and even out skin tone is Dermaxin. Read more about this product on its website, http://www.dermaxin.com/.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a group of diverse health or healing systems, practices, theories and beliefs, and products that is beyond conventional medicine. Continue Reading…

Whether you get up with the early birds at 5:00 in the morning or it’s later in the day, mostly everyone would like to sleep in a little more. You also want to avoid the confusion and rush that can happen when your family is trying to get clean, dressed and fed all at the same time. Here are some tips to get you that extra shuteye and reduce anxiety in the morning hours.
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Mood can be defined as a state of mind or a feeling. We will all experience low moods, or be down in the dumps from time to time and this is a normal part of the human condition. Our moods are not static; they can be affected by many factors including diet, environmental and biological influences and even our lifestyle. So is there anything we can do to boost our mood and lift our spirits naturally? Continue Reading…

Though many people have not even heard of Lupus, it is common - more common than some well-known diseases such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and leukemia. But because not much is known about the disease, treatment of lupus is made more difficult. What is lupus, exactly?

Diagnosis and treatment of lupus is made more complicated by the fact that currently, there is no one single test that can positively identify the disease. In fact, lupus is often mistaken for other diseases with some similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis. In fact, lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the body essentially “turns” on itself. When this happens the body creates antibodies that attack the body rather than protect it.
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Being active makes a person healthy and strong. It is not just for people who have a weight problem but for everyone who likes to stay fit.

There is a lot a person can do such jog or walk every morning, play basketball or any other sport with friends but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, then one can sign up and workout in a gym. Continue Reading…