fibromyalgia Archives - Amazing Health Advances

A Farm Where Animals and People Heal From Trauma Together

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 07:00:27 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – The three-legged fox, the chameleon that can’t stick out its tongue, and about 200 other creatures on the modern-day Noah’s ark of psychotherapist Yoni Yehuda are rehabilitating from disability, trauma or injury – as is Yehuda himself. Puffing on medical cannabis to ease chronic pain resulting from a 1987 army parachuting accident and a 1996 terror attack, Yehuda explains that he and each of the rescued animals at his Havayot Center outside Jerusalem is an equal partner with patients in his unique “Therapeutic Triangles” model of animal-assisted psychotherapy. “The basis of the work here is saving animals and taking care of them. We are responsible for their welfare as long as they are in cages in our possession, which is not where they are supposed to be.” As he speaks, he’s hand-feeding a bald baby parakeet while a mare named Venus gives a contented snort in her corral outside. Aside from those born here, all animals at the one-acre Havayot Center arrived after some trauma rendered them unable to survive in the wild, temporarily or forever. Some were former patients of the Israeli Wildlife Hospital; others were saved and brought to Yehuda by individuals or by the National Parks Authority. The Triangle Animal-assisted psychotherapy isn’t new. In 1961, American clinical therapist Boris Levinson wrote a paper titled “The dog as a ‘co-therapist’” and coined the term “pet therapy” in 1964. Animals are known to induce calm, self-awareness, compassion and emotional adjustment. However, in typical animal-assisted therapy, usually with dogs or horses, the animals are adjuncts to the therapeutic process. At Havayot, they are fully part of the process as the client and therapist jointly care for the animal’s needs. “We are together on the same level and there is a triangular connection with the animal and with the therapist,” explains Yehuda. “Everything comes from a lot of respect for the animals and letting them lead the process. As a therapist, I have to put my ego aside and then the client can project things on the animals and start to speak about his own world and reach for solutions.” The therapist must have the knowledge and observational expertise to decide which animal will have best therapeutic value for each client. Yehuda chooses from a large variety: insects, fish, reptiles, birds, rodents, an assortment of wild and barnyard animals, dogs and a cat. He gives each one a name and comfortable conditions for its needs. University of Denver Prof. Philip Tedeschi, an expert in animal-assisted therapy and founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, has visited the Havayot Center several times. “Philip said this may be the only place in the world with such a large range of animals for therapy. It was certainly the first of its kind,” says Yehuda. Goldfish Are Therapists, Too When I ask how fish can be therapeutic partners, Yehuda points to Yossi, a handsome goldfish swimming in an aquarium. “Put your finger on the glass and tap it. Now move your finger to the other side and tap it. He will come over to you because Yossi loves to be in touch with people,” Yehuda instructs me. Sure enough, Yossi follows my finger. “Now, think about a very shy child. He may have selective mutism. You want to give him the feeling of connection with an animal, but with Yossi he doesn’t have to be in physical touch with it and he doesn’t have to speak to it,” says Yehuda. “If he wants to, he can try to read Yossi’s body language and become his spokesman. If a child doesn’t want to speak to me but starts speaking to the animal, then he can speak to me. The animal makes the change.” An empty Jack Daniels bottle was placed in Yossi’s aquarium by a client struggling with alcoholism ever since his birth to an alcoholic mother. “The water in the aquarium symbolizes life, the womb. The fish represents our ability to return to the womb and be reborn,” says Yehuda. “Leaving the bottle in the aquarium allowed this man to start over. He was able to stop drinking. And neither I nor the fish had to say anything.” Yehuda shows me a maze constructed by a child grappling with his parents’ divorce. The mouse begins from one house and learns to follow a long route leading to two houses — a mother’s house and a father’s house. Insects such as butterflies, walking sticks and gigantic Madagascar hissing cockroaches can be effective in treating various phobias and difficulties. Snakes help clients with sexual identity issues because of the way they shed their skin and develop a new one as they grow throughout their lifetime. It’s Personal When Yehuda was 13, his beloved cousin Noam was killed in action in Lebanon. The two boys had enjoyed caring for Noam’s pets including a sheep. They used to talk about how animals helped them understand their own feelings. At the time of this tragedy, the Yehuda family was living in England. Sensitive to their son’s grief and his connection to animals, Yoni’s parents signed him up for a class for gifted children at the London Zoo under Sir David Attenborough. At 19, after a military parachuting accident rendered him unable to walk for some time, Yehuda was one of the first wounded soldiers treated by equine therapy pioneer Anita Shkedi, who later founded the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association. Thus, when he was shot in a terror attack nine years later, “I knew that I had to have animals around me because only with animals could I understand what was happening inside me.” Yehuda, now 54, has a master’s degree in special education and a PhD in psychology. A man of faith, he speculates that God was the first animal-assisted psychotherapist. “To save humanity, God puts Noah in the ark with all these animals. He could have just put him to sleep and woken him up after the flood. But God put people with animals to save their own souls,” he says. Clients need not share his religious beliefs to benefit from his therapeutic model, he emphasizes. The nonprofit Havayot Center, built with Yehuda’s own hands and funds on the grounds of his home in Elazar in 1998, is supervised by the regional veterinary authorities and other governmental agencies and ministries. The center accepts private clients and is an authorized provider for victims of terror attacks and war. Yehuda opened a School of Animal Interventional Therapy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and traveled extensively lecturing about his work and teaching his protocols. In 2009, the Israel Postal Service issued a series of stamps recognizing the influence of Yehuda’s Therapeutic Triangles model in the field of animal-assisted therapy in Israel and around the world. Saying Hello to Each Animal But Yehuda’s ongoing physical and emotional rehab forced him to take a step back. He grapples daily with PTSD, fibromyalgia, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and other ailments including osteoporosis from intensive steroid therapy. He has daily physical and hydrotherapy and periodically receives hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD. Currently, he’s donating his services to members of an Israeli organization that helps people dealing with PTSD; the Jerusalem-area group encompasses more than 70 families. “My innovation was that I work with the families as well, because they are neglected,” says Yehuda. “No one ever asked my wife, Liat, if she needed help. When I was in a wheelchair, the need for help was obvious. But when you have PTSD, it’s hard for people to understand the hell that’s happening in your head and how it affects your family.” The Bernie Madoff financial scam and the Covid epidemic have left the Havayot Center struggling. Yehuda had to let go many staff members and rehome some horses. But despite his limited energy, time and money, he is carrying on – as much for himself as for his clients. “I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have the feeling of responsibility to wake up every morning and spend three hours saying hello to each animal,” he says. For more information, click here To read the original article click here.

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Green Eyeglasses Reduce Pain-Related Anxiety in Fibromyalgia Patients, Study Shows

AHA Publisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 07:00:52 +0000

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) via Newswise – NEW ORLEANS — Wearing special green eyeglasses for several hours a day reduces pain-related anxiety and may help decrease the need for opioids to manage severe pain in fibromyalgia patients and possibly others who experience chronic pain, according to a study being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022 annual meeting. “Our research found that certain wavelengths of green light stimulate the pathways in the brain that help manage pain,” said Padma Gulur, M.D., lead author of the study and executive vice chair of Duke Anesthesiology and Duke Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “There is an urgent need for additional treatments to reduce the use of opioids among patients with fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain, and green eyeglasses could provide an easy-to-use, non-drug option.” Few alternatives to opioids — especially non-drug options — exist for patients with severe and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, which causes pain all over the body. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million U.S. adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pain and anxiety share similar biological mechanisms. Additionally, fear of pain exacerbates anxiety, often leading to increased opioid use, said Dr. Gulur. The researchers studied 34 fibromyalgia patients who were randomized to wear various shades of eyeglasses four hours a day for two weeks: 10 patients wore blue eyeglasses, 12 wore clear eyeglasses and 12 wore green eyeglasses. Patients who wore green eyeglasses were four times more likely to have reduced anxiety than those in the other groups, which saw no reduction in anxiety. “We found that although their pain scores remained the same, those who wore the green eyeglasses used fewer opioids, demonstrating that their pain was adequately controlled,” said Dr. Gulur. “We would recommend the green eyeglasses treatment for those with fibromyalgia and are studying patients with other chronic pain conditions to determine if it would be beneficial.” The eyeglasses are specially formulated to filter a specific wavelength on the green light spectrum, said Dr. Gulur. She noted that most patients who wore the green eyeglasses reported feeling better and asked to keep wearing them. To read the original article click here.

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Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & Sources to Reverse It!

AHA Publisher — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:36 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Would you believe that the majority of the population — between 40 percent and 80 percent or more of adults in the U.S., depending on race — is believed to have a vitamin D deficiency? It’s no wonder that this vitamin is now one of the most recommended supplements by physicians, taken in order to treat and/or prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. People with dark skin, those who live in northern regions of the world where there’s less year-round sun exposure and those who are overweight have an even greater chance of experiencing vitamin D deficiency. Can vitamin D deficiency be cured? Yes, there are ways you can naturally increase your vitamin D levels and decrease your risk of developing related health conditions. Spending time in the sun, without sunscreen, is your surest way to get enough. Eating vitamin D-rich foods also helps improve your blood levels. Read on to understand just how much time you need in the sun and what foods help you avoid vitamin D deficiency. What Is Vitamin D? (Why We Need It) Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that’s stored in the liver and fatty tissues. It’s somewhat different than other vitamins because the body makes most of it on its own (with the help of sunlight), rather than solely relying on food sources to get enough. Why Do We Need Vitamin D? Here are some of the benefits associated with vitamin D: Contributes to bone health by aiding in calcium absorption into the bones, as well as other vitamins and minerals that contribute to skeletal health, including magnesium, vitamin K and phosphorus. Supports the immune system and may help prevent prolonged or excessive inflammatory responses, plus some viruses and infections. Can help support healthy cell replication and may play a role in protecting against the development of autoimmune conditions. Promotes cardiovascular health and helps regulate blood pressure, cholesterol levels and inflammation. Helps manage blood sugar levels and works with calcium to regulate insulin secretion. May help prevent depression and mood disorders, especially during the winter. Seems to play a role in preventing obesity. Studies show deficiency is tied to greater volumes of fat, serum, liver and muscle mass, although the relationship is still being researched. Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms What happens when your vitamin D is low? According to scientific studies and reviews, the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include: fatigue osteoporosis heart disease and high blood pressure cancer autoimmune diseases depression and mood disturbances poor skin health, including redness, inflammation and dryness insomnia arthritis and joint pain diabetes trouble concentrating asthma hair loss multiple sclerosis chronic muscle or bone pain psoriasis fibromyalgia Causes/Risk Factors/Health Risks Why do some people develop a deficiency in this vitamin? It’s believed that one of the biggest reasons that vitamin D deficiency is now a public health problem is because of our modern, primarily indoors lifestyle. Below is more about the common causes of vitamin D deficiency: 1. Lack of Sun Most children today spend unprecedented hours inside — watching television, playing video games and surfing the internet. Similarly, most adults work indoors, exercise inside gyms and spend their free time inside their homes where they are sheltered from the sun. With all this time indoors, it’s no wonder we don’t get enough of the “sunshine vitamin” and that vitamin D deficiency affects over a billion people worldwide. 2. Frequent Use of Sunscreens As the risk for developing skin cancer has also risen in recent years, doctors strongly encourage the use of sunscreen for children and adults, even through the winter months and when sun exposure is generally limited. Alarmingly, some research shows that when you wear sunblock SPF 8, you reduce your body’s ability to make vitamin D by 90 percent. If you choose a sunblock with a higher SPF of 30 (which is the number normally recommended by doctors), you reduce your body’s ability by up to 99 percent. This results in further deficiencies because even though we spend time outdoors, the sunscreen doesn’t allow our bodies to convert vitamin D from the sun. Other vitamin D deficiency causes and risk factors include: Underlying health conditions — Research shows that certain health conditions, such as abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and hypertension, also increases a person’s risk of vitamin D deficiency. Having darker skin — According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the newest statistics demonstrate that more than 90 percent of people with darker skin pigments (including African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians) living in the United States now suffer from vitamin D insufficiency, while 75 perfect of the white population is deficient. Certain occupations — A 2017 study recently revealed that occupation can also play a big role in levels of this vitamin. Researchers found that shift workers, health care workers and indoor workers are at a high risk of developing a deficiency due to reduced outdoor time. Being overweight — As the population of overweight and obese adults and children has risen steadily over the past several decades, so has the incidence of vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Sadly, research shows that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with increased risks of developing common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and various infectious diseases, too. Is vitamin D deficiency serious? Public health experts tell us that it can be, and it’s now linked with a growing number of health conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and mood-related problems. Here are some of the potential health risks that may be associated with vitamin D deficiency: Weakened bones — A deficiency in vitamin D can result in the softening of your bones, which is called osteomalacia, or a bone abnormality called rickets. Additionally, a deficiency increases your risk for developing osteoporosis and experiencing fractures or broken bones. This is an especially big risk among older adults. Susceptibility to infections and viruses — Low levels have been linked with higher incidence of some serious infections, including those that affect the lungs and respiratory system. Mood disorders — Because it acts like a hormone within our bodies and affects brain function, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk for mood disorders, including depression, seasonal affective disorder and severe mood problems experienced during PMS, insomnia and anxiety. Hormone imbalances — Low levels can interfere with proper testosterone and estrogen production, leading to imbalances that can result in many unwanted symptoms. Can lack of vitamin D cause weight gain? It’s possible. Some studies show that lower levels may be linked to weight gain in older adults, but the weight gain is usually relatively small. There’s more to learn about this connection, but it’s speculated that this vitamin may affect where fat cells shrink or get bigger. Cognitive/mental health problems — Researchers indicate that deficient adults may perform poorer on standardized exams, may have poorer decision-making skills, and may have difficulty with tasks that require focus and attention. Some research has demonstrated a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk for developing schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis. Susceptibility to some cancers — Vitamin D deficiency symptoms have been correlated with increased risks for cancer development, especially breast, colon and prostate cancers. According to research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, D vitamin plays a role in factors that influence tumor growth, cell differentiation and apoptosis. Research shows that it can affect the risk of breast, colon and ovarian cancers, possibly due to its role in the cell life cycle or its ability to block excess estrogen. Treatment/Prevention How can you increase your vitamin D level? While some foods provide vitamin D, exposure to sunlight is still the best way to get the amount you need in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency symptoms. However, research suggests that eating foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium also helps you acquire more, so try adding high-quality, natural sources into your diet regularly. Importance of Sunlight Exposure: Most experts recommend getting about 10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily, without wearing sunscreen, if you are fair- to medium-toned. If you have dark skin, you likely need more time outdoors to make enough vitamin D because you naturally have more protection against effects of UV rays. Some experts recommend that darker-toned people spend about 40 minutes to one hour in the sun daily if possible. If it’s the winter, you need to double the recommended time to allow enough vitamin D production to occur. Here is a good rule of thumb to know that your body is making vitamin D: You want to look at your shadow and see that it’s shorter than you are. This tells you that the UV index is high enough. Between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is usually when the UV index is highest. If you are worried about not wearing sunscreen and worried about skin cancer, try applying sunscreen to your face and hands but not on your limbs right away (assuming your limbs are exposed). This leaves enough unexposed skin to properly create the vitamin D you need. Overall, increase your levels naturally through the following practices and foods: Sunlight exposure: Aim to spend 10–20 minutes in the sun daily Cod liver oil (take about one tablespoon daily) Halibut Carp fish Mackerel Eel Wild-caught salmon Whitefish Swordfish Rainbow trout Sardines Tuna Pastured eggs Beef liver Raw milk Caviar Fortified milk and dairy products Fortified milk alternatives, such as nut-based milks Maitake and portobello mushrooms (when exposed to UV light) How can you raise your vitamin D level quickly? For people who have low levels, vitamin D supplements are available, which come in two forms: D2 and D3. D3 from animal products (specifically from the cholesterol within these products) is closest to the type humans produce. Vitamin D3 is therefore the more active form and believed to convert much faster than D2. How Much You Need The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is 600 to 800 international units per day for adults. However, getting significantly more, around 5,000 IU per day, may be more effective — especially since there is little risk in over-supplementing in most cases. Keep in mind that this is a general recommendation, and there is no way to know the exact amount that’s best for you without a blood test. You may need a higher or lower amount and should speak to your doctor. Here are more recommendations based on age: Dosage Recommendation for Children: 1–3 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) 4–8 years: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) For Older Children and Adults: 9–70 years: at least 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Older adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg/day) Pregnant and breastfeeding: 600 IU (15 mcg/day) Testing The only way to know if you are deficient is to have your doctor perform a test, called a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test. This will tell you if, and how severely, you are deficient. When your doctor performs a blood test and gives you the results for your vitamin D levels, keep these numbers in mind: 50+ equals a good level. A 25(OH)D level of >50 nmol/L is now considered the “primary goal.” 30–50 means you want to supplement with vitamin D, work on spending more time in the sun and/or add vitamin D foods into your diet. Less than 30 means you are very deficient and definitely want to take immediate action to bring those levels up. When to See Your Doctor Researchers suggest that anyone with the health conditions below should be tested for vitamin D deficiency, especially if they experience a number of deficiency symptoms described above: Ongoing muscle weakness Chronic fatigue Depression, especially during the winter (which can indicate seasonal depressive disorder) Trouble sleeping Anxiety Weak or broken bones Weakened immune system Inflammation and swelling Conclusion Between 40% and 80% of adults in the U.S. may suffer from vitamin D deficiency symptoms, which can lead to major health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease and cancer. Two major causes of vitamin D...

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Green Light Therapy Benefits for Migraines & Pain Management

AHA Publisher — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:00:44 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Light therapy involves the use of different wavelengths of light in order to have therapeutic effects related to pain, sleep and mood regulation. Green light therapy is one emerging light treatment that may be capable of decreasing migraine intensity and pain due to conditions such as fibromyalgia. While more research is needed to confirm how effective green lighting is, there’s also reason to believe it may help improve sleep quality and moods. The best part? Studies so far suggest that use of green light exposure is very safe, especially compared to long-term use of pain-killing medications, and it’s affordable too. What Is Green Light Therapy? Green light therapy is exposure to green light, which is a narrow wavelength of light. Green light has been shown in some research to be less aggravating than other light wavelengths (such as blue, red, white and amber light) that can sometimes trigger migraines and possibly worsen pain. Does light therapy really work? According to a Harvard Medical School specialist in headache research named Rami Burstein, treatments using green lighting can be helpful for many people who deal with headaches and other types of chronic pain. Burnstein is responsible for helping create the “Allay lamp,” which uses a narrow band of green light that seems to have soothing effects on the brain. Ordinary green light bulbs emit light in a wide wavelength range between 490–565 nanometers. To be even more effective, Bernstein believes that green light must be in an even more narrow band of light between 510 to 530 nanometers. In order to benefit from green lighting, someone must be exposed to this specific, narrow band of green light from a special lamp or device, ideally while also blocking out other light wavelengths that can have the opposite effects on pain-modulating systems in the brain. Benefits for Migraines and Pain What is green light therapy used for? Recently it’s been recommended most for people who suffer from migraines. Research suggests that photophobia, or extreme sensitivity to light, is involved in more than 80 percent of migraine attacks, yet green lighting seems to have a neutral or positive effect on the brain compared to other light wavelengths. How does green light help migraines? Light affects things like your pain tolerance and mood via the visual cortex by activating receptors in the eyes that send signals to the brain. Light wavelengths travel from the retinas in the backs of the eyes into the part of the brain where neurons are found that can contribute to issues including headaches. Because certain types of light, including blue and white light, can trigger headaches in some people some who are sensitive to these wavelengths, some now choose to wear migraine glasses to block some light from reaching their eyes, while others experiment with using green light exposure to counteract the effects of other types of light. Certain studies suggest that green light seems capable of impacting pain-modulating systems in the brain, which can help prevent exacerbation of migraine headaches and potentially ease photophobia among migraine sufferers. It’s thought this is due to green light producing smaller electrical signals in the eyes and brain compared to other wavelengths. Experts also believe that green lighting can stimulate release of endogenous endorphins and stimulate the cannabinoid system, which results in improved moods and higher pain tolerance. What else can green lighting be used or? Other potential uses of green light therapy include: Helping reduce discomfort among people dealing with chronic pain, such as those with fibromyalgia. Potentially having mood-boosting effects and even helping treat depression. Contributing to better sleep (unlike blue light emitted from electronic devices, which tends to disrupt sleep). Supporting skin healing. According to the Allay Lamp website, “green light targets dark circles, pigmentation, broken capillaries and sunspots, and as a result could have an impact on skin pigmentation. It also calms irritated or over-stimulated skin.” Research is still underway to determine how different forms of light, including green, blue and white light wavelengths, may impact the amount of pain people feel after surgery or when dealing with fibromyalgia. So far, the few studies that have been done using humans and animals suggest that green light entering the eyes may help people cope with pain better, although there’s still lots more to learn. An ongoing 2018 randomized, clinical trial involving fibromyalgia patients and those with regular migraines is being conducted to determine whether the use of LED green light strips at home every day for three months can have positive effects on pain and quality of life. The investigators’ hypothesis is that participants exposed to green and blue light will have less use of analgesics and will have better life quality. According to researchers involved in the study: investigators have shown green and blue Light emitting diode, (LED) light produced antinociception (analgesia) and reversed neuropathic pain associated with several models of chronic pain… the analgesic effects seen are mainly due to systemic effect through the visual system. Preliminary experiments on rats suggest that this effect is mediated through the endogenous opioids and cannabinoid system. Green light also seems to have a beneficial effect on sleep and moods, according to studies done by Steven Lockley, Ph.D., a researcher in the Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. How often should you do light therapy? This is still being determined based on going study results. Some people have reported using green light devices when they feel a migraine coming on, while others take preventive measures and choose to use one daily for about an hour or more. In the clinical trial mentioned above, patients with pain are being treated with green light by sitting in a dark room for two hours daily over the course of three months. Other Complementary Therapies If you’re someone who struggles with intense headaches, recurring aches and pains, or depression, some of these complementary therapies are likely to be beneficial: Consider light-blocking glasses — While exposure to natural lightbenefits most people, such as by helping them maintain normal vitamin D levels and by promoting synthesis of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin, some people may be sensitive to bright light and experience headaches as a result. Special types of light-blocking sunglasses may be helpful in this case. You can look for migraine glasses sold online or ask your doctor for a recommendation. Avoiding headache triggers such as bright lights indoors, loud noises, dehydration, over-exercise and sleep deprivation is also important for managing symptoms. Red light therapy — Depending on the cause of someone’s pain, red light therapy may help reduce discomfort by decreasing inflammation and promoting healing. Red light is a low-light wavelength that penetrates through the skin and is thought to naturally jump-start the process of tissue recovery and other forms of rejuvenation. It’s now being used to reduce swelling and chronic joint disorders; promote healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves; and treat neurological disorders and chronic pain. Stress reduction — Chronic stress can worsen muscular tension, headaches and sleep quality. However, there are many steps you can take to keep stress under control. Here are some stress-relieving activities to experiment with: Keeping a journal to identify patterns and track symptoms. Exercising daily. Getting enough sleep each night, and sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Relaxing before bedtime by taking a warm bath, reading, stretching, taking a walk outside or listening to soothing music. Avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol. Trying meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and tai chi. Visiting practitioner who specialized in massage therapy or biofeedback therapy. Risks and Side Effects The use of green lighting to help prevent and treat pain seems to be relatively low-risk and is also somewhat affordable compared to many other treatments. It’s possible to buy green light bulbs for under $10 at hardware stores, although they aren’t as effective the Allay lamp mentioned above, which costs about $200. According to some experts who have been involved in preliminary studies, practically no one has reported any negative side effects so far due to green light therapy. However, at this time most experts feel that reliable research on the topic of green light is still lacking. Green light therapy still needs a large, placebo-controlled trial before it will be prescribed by most doctors, but preliminary findings do seem promising. Conclusion Green light therapy involves the use of green lighting, a narrow wavelength of light, that seems to help manage migraines and other types of pain. Studies conducted so far suggest that green light can reduce migraine/headache intensity, decrease chronic pain due to conditions such as fibromyalgia, and potentially increase positive emotions and sleep quality. For those who regularly deal with headaches, exposure to green lighting may soothe areas of the brain that make pain worse, while “migraine glasses” that block out disrupting light may also be helpful. This form of light therapy, which is considered to be very low-risk and affordable, also seems to have a wide variety of potential uses related to improvements in moods and decreased depression, as well as improvements in skin health.

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2400 Units of Vitamin D a Day for Fibromyalgia

AHA Publisher — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 08:00:38 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Fibromyalgia, one of the most common joint and muscle diseases, afflicting millions of Americans, is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue. The medical profession used to think it was all in people’s heads, “but today there is irrefutable evidence” that it is indeed a disorder of the body and not just the mind. Back in 2003, an influential paper was published out of the Mayo Clinic in which a shocking 93 percent of fibromyalgia-type patients were found to be vitamin D deficient, so the researchers concluded that all such patients are at high risk of severe vitamin D deficiency. Wait a second, said the skeptics. There was no control group, and where’s the Mayo Clinic located? Minnesota. Maybe 90 percent of everyone in Minnesota is deficient in vitamin D. When controlled studies were done, some did indeed find that those suffering from these kinds of pain syndromes were significantly more likely to be D deficient, but other studies did not find this. Even if all the studies did have the same findings, though, that doesn’t mean that low vitamin D levels cause fibromyalgia. Maybe chronic, widespread pain disorders like fibromyalgia cause low vitamin D. After all, it’s the sunshine vitamin, and perhaps fibromyalgia patients aren’t running around outside as much as healthy controls. To know if vitamin D is contributing to the disease, you have to put it to the test. Various studies found that the majority of those with pain syndromes and low D levels appeared to benefit from vitamin D supplementation, and clinical improvement was evident in up to 90 percent of patients. But these studies weren’t controlled either. Maybe the subjects would have gotten better on their own without the supplements, or maybe it was the placebo effect. There are many examples in the medical literature of treatments that looked great in uncontrolled trials, like hyperbaric oxygen therapy for multiple sclerosis, but when put to the test in randomized controlled trials, they failed miserably. And, that’s what seemed to happen in the first randomized controlled trial of vitamin D for a fibromyalgia-type syndrome in 2008. As you can see at 2:55 in my video The Best Supplement for Fibromyalgia, researchers saw no significant difference in pain scores, though the study only lasted three months, and, in that time, the treatment was only able to get the vitamin D blood levels up to about 30. Unfortunately, no controlled study had ever been done pushing levels any higher, until 2014. As you can see at 3:23 in my video, fibromyalgia patients were given up to 2400 units of vitamin D a day for 20 weeks and their D levels rose up to about 50. Then, once they stopped the vitamin D, their levels came back down to match the placebo. That was reflected in their pain scores: a significant drop in pain severity while they were on the D and then back to baseline when they came off of it. The researchers concluded “that this economical [in fact, over-the-counter] therapy with a low side effect profile may well be considered in patients with FMS [fibromyalgia syndrome].” To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Greger click here.

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How CoQ10 Can Improve Mental, Brain, and Physical Health

AHA Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 07:00:24 +0000

Dr. Will Cole via Dr. Caroline Leaf – The supplement world is vast. The amount of beneficial nutrients is ever expanding due to our growing knowledge surrounding our health. But knowing where to start is another thing. By educating ourselves on the importance of various nutrients, we can better prioritize what makes the most sense to incorporate into our wellness routines since each person’s individual requirements are going to be different. One of the supplements I often find myself recommending to my patients in my functional medicine telehealth clinic is CoQ10 for its ability to naturally help elevate certain areas of health that are important to have optimal health. What is CoQ10? CoQ10 stands for coenzyme Q10 and is a type of coenzyme that helps your enzymes work more efficiently and is found in every cell in the body – specifically in the mitochondria of the cell. In order for your body to utilize CoQ10, it needs to convert the inactive form ubiquinone, into ubiquinol which is the active form of this nutrient. It acts as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals to help protect your cells and DNA from damage. Too many free radicals in the body can contribute to chronic inflammation and lead to a variety of inflammatory health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. CoQ10 Health Benefits 1. Lowered inflammation In multiple studies, CoQ10 was shown to reduce levels of the inflammatory compounds CRP and TNF-a as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This is most likely due to its ability to inhibit production of the inflammatory protein NF-kB. 2. Migraine relief Those who struggle with frequent migraines are also more likely to have lower levels of CoQ10. But research has shown that regular supplementation can help alleviate migraine severity and frequency. 3. Fibromyalgia This autoimmune disease affects millions of Americans and is characterized by chronic inflammation and pain throughout the body. In cases of fibromyalgia, CoQ10 is unevenly distributed throughout the body which contributes to higher oxidative stress – which is important since increased oxidative stress is a contributor to inflammation and chronic pain. This makes regular supplementation important for those struggling with this condition. 4. Stabilized blood sugar By improving insulin resistance, supplementation of CoQ10 can help reduce blood sugar levels for those with higher than normal levels. 5. Enhanced cardiovascular health Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in America with 1 person dying every 37 seconds. But studies have been looking into the effects of CoQ10 supplementation and its ability to significantly improve these statistics. 6. Improved Brain Health One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that in 18 people with depression found that 400 to 800 mg/day CoQ10 for a month decreased the severity of depression symptoms and significantly improved symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and difficulty concentrating or brain fog. CoQ10 Sources While your body produces half of the CoQ10 we need, we need to get the rest from outside sources. Some of the best food sources of CoQ10 include grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, and wild-caught seafood such as sardines, shrimp, and scallops as well as dairy and eggs. Our CoQ10 levels also decrease as we age so it’s important to be even more mindful as we get older. Additionally, those taking statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) and those with disorders of the mitochondria should be mindful of their levels as these can also contribute to low CoQ10. But since CoQ10 has poor absorption rates, supplementation may be necessary in cases of deficiency when food isn’t enough. CoQ10 is considered fat-soluble meaning it is best taken alongside a high-fat meal to increase absorption. However, bioavailability of this nutrient is still low regardless of how it is taken in, so long-term supplementation may be necessary for certain individuals. Up to 1,200 mg per day has been proven safe for long-term use. CoQ10 Side Effects While CoQ10 is generally safe for most people, if you are taking blood thinners it may decrease their effectiveness. It’s important to talk with your doctor before adding in supplements to avoid any possible interactions. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Leaf click here.

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Not Getting Better with Treatment? Time to Target Biofilms

AHA Publisher — Sun, 03 May 2020 07:00:05 +0000

Isaac Eliaz, MD, MS, LAc via Dr. Axe – As an integrative, holistic physician, it’s not uncommon to see complex patients who have been “failed” by conventional medicine. They’ve tried every option to address their condition, with no success. Standard drug protocols and alternative therapies have proven futile, leaving doctors scratching their heads — and patients feeling powerless. Often, they’re struggling with some sort of mystery illness causing vague symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and digestive complaints for years. However, groundbreaking research in a fast-growing field of medicine may have an answer — offering critical insights into the increasing problems surrounding “mystery illnesses” and “treatment resistance.” Most importantly, new findings have identified a critical therapeutic target that can reverse this potentially life-threatening situation — allowing drugs therapies and the body’s own immune cells to do what they’re supposed to: Heal us. From chronic Lyme disease and drug-resistant MRSA, to atherosclerosis, chemo-resistant cancer and undiagnosed mystery conditions, patients who are struggling to find solutions may share a common thread: Biofilms within the body. The Matrix Revealed Biofilms are physical barriers that form around infections, tumors and other areas of injury and illness in the body. In some respect, they represent one of the body’s survival strategies: To isolate problem areas so they don’t spread. But, paradoxically, biofilms create a type of shield that prevents drugs, therapeutic agents and the immune system from reaching the affected area. This is why, despite aggressive treatments, many patients don’t get better — until biofilms are addressed. Many biofilm structures in the body are formed by colonies of different harmful microbes as their own protection — a key survival strategy of these organisms themselves. Common offenders include H. pylori, species of Candida and other fungi, E. coli, dental plaque and other microbial and parasitic species, including Lyme disease. Many of us live with them unknowingly, attributing vague symptoms to other causes. These microbes secrete a gel-like substance which binds to sugars and proteins, heavy metals, minerals and other substances in the body to form a sticky, tenacious, pro-inflammatory armor behind which toxins, bacteria, fungi and parasites can hide. Biofilms interfere with detoxification and nutrient absorption, promote and protect co-infections, create arteriosclerotic plaque, and give cancer cells a place to hide. Imagine the slime trails left by slugs and add in calcium, heavy metals and toxins, and other components to create structural strength. Tiny canals within the matrix allow nutrients and messages to pass between organisms, which signal to each other to make complex decisions that promote their growth and survival. Organisms enmeshed in a biofilm community are much more resistant to antimicrobial therapies than their free-living counterparts. They are also able to sense what’s going on in their surroundings and become more invasive when their host is weak. Galectin-3: The Backbone of Biofilms There is one protein in our body that contributes significantly to the formation of biofilms: The pro-inflammatory protein called galectin-3 (Gal-3). This sticky binding protein gets expressed into the circulation in response to illness, infection, injury, stress, aging and other factors, but subsequently, it becomes a driver of chronic inflammation, tumor growth and metastasis, fibrosis and immune suppression. Gal-3 has a unique shape that allows it to bind to itself and form pentamers, which then bind to other pro-inflammatory compounds to create dense lattice structures. These Gal-3 lattices are what form the backbone of biofilms. Tumors can also use Gal-3 to shield the tumor microenvironment, allowing the cancer to protect itself from drug treatments and immune surveillance. Strategic Success: Addressing Biofilms Addressing biofilms represents a key strategic approach to resolving persistent infections as well as cancer and other chronic, inflammatory conditions. The best way to address biofilms is with specific antibiofilm agents and detox therapies that are shown to help to break up the biofilm structures and allow other treatments — conventional or complementary — to reach their target tissues. Modified Citrus Pectin The most important natural detox and protection supplement that’s proven to block Gal-3 is a form of modified citrus pectin (MCP) — a clinically researched ingredient derived from regular citrus pectin and modified for a high degree of bioactivity against numerous conditions. I use MCP extensively in my practice to address Gal-3 in cancer, cardiovascular and kidney disease and many other conditions. This MCP is the only known agent able to bind and block the pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and cancer-promoting actions of Gal-3 and is shown through extensive research to halt and reverse the impacts of Gal-3 in critical illnesses. Because this MCP binds and blocks Gal-3 and interrupts its biofilm lattice formations, it’s been shown in multiple studies and clinical application to synergistically enhance the effects of other drugs and therapies — from chemotherapy to antibiotic treatments. It’s also a powerful detoxification and heavy metal binder often used in biofilm protocols as a “mopping agent” to clean up the byproducts of disrupted biofilms and microbes. Heavy metal toxicity is often linked to biofilm formation and chronic infection, which makes MCP another key element in the success of these protocols. Certain Edible Mushrooms Research shows that certain edible mushrooms may offer important antibiofilm and antibacterial activities, inhibiting the formation of biofilms by common bacteria, and preventing them from adhering to tissues and forming complex colony structures. Of the varieties tested, Trametes versicolor mushroom — one that I use extensively in my practice — showed the highest antibiofilm and antibacterial activity Alginates from Kelp Additional research shows that alginates, derived from kelp seaweed, have the ability to break up biofilms formed by gram-negative bacteria. Low molecular weight alginates are often used in GI health protocols, and I also use them in my clinic as part of detoxification formulas to help remove toxins and microbial infections in the GI tract. Enzymes and Probiotics Advanced enzyme formulations are often used to break down and dissolve the biofilm matrix. The enzymes are usually given on an empty stomach, prior to giving a specific antimicrobial therapy — either pharmaceutical agents, botanicals or both. Probiotics are given separately; they exert their own protective effects to support digestive health and help restore balance to the digestive system. Final Thoughts on Biofilms By incorporating specific agents to strategically address the issue of biofilms, treatments become more effective and easier to tolerate. Successful treatment of biofilms in the body can allow practitioners and patients to finally triumph over persistent, health-robbing infections and conditions. Chronic infections are often a looming factor behind complex disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Biofilm treatment is showing promising success with these and other conditions, including integrative Lyme treatment, particularly when combined with other targeted nutrients and compounds to restore health and vitality. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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