Wednesday, April 15, 2009

DLPA: The Bodies Mood Elevating And Pain Relieving Amino Acid

DLPA is a remarkable supplement which may be ideal for those suffering from chronic pain of many kinds as well as depression. DLPA (DL-phenylalanine) is available without prescription at health food stores and some pharmacies around the world. Phenylalanine is structurally related to dopamine, adrenaline, and L-tyrosine essential amino acids and hormones of the body. DL-Phenylalanine is labeled as a nutritional supplement which has impressive anti-depressant activity.

Recently, DL-phenylalanine has been getting attention throughout the United States for its ability to reduce chronic pain and depression. What if, instead of pumping drugs into our bodies to relieve pain, we could use the natural substances that have zero side effects? DLPA has been found to be most useful in these areas. Chronic pain might include back pain, arthritis, pain due to diseases such as cancer, and, headache pain. Studies conducted on this amino acid have shown that it effectively blocks arthritis pain and joint inflammation in many patients.

The essential amino acid DL-Phenylalanine is a natural compound that protects against the breakdown of enkephalins, a neurotransmitter that act as your body’s own pain reducer. Phenylalanine comes in two forms which are mirror images of each other L-phenylalanine which has a nutritional value, and D-phenylalanine which has pain killing and depression alleviating value which is attributed to its ability to block the breakdown of enkephalins, the brains natural pain killer neurotransmitter.

Phenylalanine is not the sweetener Aspartame but in its natural form, is an essential amino acid of tremendous nutritional importance. Phenylalanine is one of the amino acids which the body cannot manufacture itself, but must acquire from food; most vegetarians are low in this amino acid due to the lack of meat consumption.

Exercise can also help release the body's natural painkillers such as endorphins. Many herbs on the market have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric and boswellia which greatest affect on the body to promote a healthy inflammation response and reduce pain. DLPA also helps relieve discomfort by prolonging the activity of enkephalins, the body’s own pain-blocking process. A combination of turmeric, Boswellia, and DLPA can yield an impressive pain relieving response in the body that rivals even prescription drugs.

As discussed earlier L-phenylalanine is associated with elevated levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which may alleviate symptoms of depression, and D-phenylalanine works to block pain signals. DL-Phenylalanine is also involved in the release of (PEA), phenyl ethylamine, a neurotransmitter closely related to norepinephrine (adrenaline), and which can sensitize endorphin receptors to endorphins, and aids in the relief of depression and the regulation of mood as well as pain.

DLPA is also effective in lessening cravings like hunger or smoking as well as lessen irritability. Phenylalanine activity is enhanced by additional Vitamin B 6, especially in studies on depression. The D-form of phenylalanine cannot be converted to tyrosine, but it can be converted to another compound called phenyl ethylamine which may have effects in elevating mood, treating depression and altering pain sensation.

DLPA also helps the body release serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, and when it's low it may leave you with a bad mood, poor concentration, and a headache. Serotonin is our natural mood stabilizer, sleep promoter, and mind-focusing chemical if we have enough of all four, our emotions are stable.

Drugs like Prozac are called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) because they keep whatever serotonin we have active. Before there were SSRI’s, the amino acid L-tryptophan was commonly used to increase serotonin levels. Vitamin B6 is the cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to adrenaline. So, a person who has a functional deficiency in serotonin could experience depression. Taking tryptophan can help those who are on drugs like Prozac or those who are depressed.

In conclusion, Phenylalanine can in fact aid in depression and pain management naturally. It is found naturally in foods such as eggs, milk, and bananas. Phenylalanine is also found in foods that are high in protein, such as beef, chicken, legumes, soy, whole grains, and nuts. Phenylalanine is known to be the antagonist of tryptophan and then serotonin in the body. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids, meaning that everybody must get it from their diet and if you are not then supplementation of this vital amino acid is imperative.


Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Serequel - Help for Anxiety and Depression

More people in our society suffer from anxiety and depression than we realize. The medication Serequel is an effective way for many of them to have as normal of a life as possible. Sometimes it is even given to help with Schizophrenia and bipolar as well but only as a secondary drug and not as a primary source of medication. It can be difficult for the right combination of medications for effective treatment to be determined for such mental health concerns.

Serequel is effective for such mental health disorders as it helps to stabilize moods so that they don't shift from one extreme to the next. Due to the risk factor of suicide being noted, this particular medication isn't given for those under 18 years of age. Individuals approved to take it have to do so only under strict supervision of their doctor. Most of the time it won't be offered to anyone under 24 years of age except in very particular situations.

A complete assessment is offered before Serequel will be prescribed to make sure it is safe. This includes a medical exam, blood work, and an assessment of their mental well being. Anyone with suicidal thoughts isn't a good candidate for this particular medication. It is important that individuals with dementia don't take Serequel as it can result in death. This is a condition that mainly affects the elderly and it results in them forgetting.

Individuals with liver problems, kidney damage, heart disease, seizures, or diabetes shouldn't take Serequel. It can result in further damage to the body and that can even result in death if it is left untreated. Make sure you are completely honest with your doctor about your medical history so that you aren't given medications that will be harmful rather than helpful.

There are some common side effects associated with the use of Serequel. The severity of them will depend on the individual. Generally these side effects subside within a couple of weeks. A person can experience only one of them or a handful of them. They include headaches, nausea, and insomnia. If you feel that you are more aggressive when you use Serequel or you have unhealthy impulses you need to stop taking it immediately and notify your doctor.

It is important to only take Serequel as directed. If you skip medication you won't get the full benefits that it can offer. If you take too much of it you risk your overall health. It also won't help with your mood any more than just taking the regular dose. It is vital that you keep all of your scheduled appointments with medical professionals while taking Serequel. It can take up to three months of use before you are able to see a significant improvement.

Author : Tanesha
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Serequel-Help-for-Anxiety-and-Depression/1065312

How To Recognize Dog Depression Symptoms

It is not unusual for dogs to become depressed. Usually, such a behavior is related to someone they feel attached to, as their masters. If that certain someone leaves for a period of time, you will notice how the dog will stay for hours staring at the door, or spending there the entire day, without moving or doing something else. In such cases, the depression disappears when the master turns home.

Which are the signs?

Dog depression symptoms can be recognized. If the dog refuses to eat or refuses to play or go outside, you will know that this is depression. The dog may even stop drinking enough water. As you may well see, they are not so different from us, in that matter. Also, our pets can develop some serious conditions due to the lack of water or food in the body.

What causes dog depression?

When something bad happens to them, the dogs can get depressed. If they had another dog to play, and this one dies, then they will not forget that easily.

Other changes can affect the dogs condition. For instance, if you move into a new home, the dog may not recognize the environment, and with this lack of familiarity, depression may occur.

There is a certain chemical balance in our brains and the dogs brains as well. When something damages this balance, depression may appear, as a result of the imbalance that occurred.

Even changes in weather conditions may affect a dog, in the same way that they affect humans. You may have heard that, usually, animals know when a storm approaches or there will be severe weather changes.

Which are the treatments?

You may treat your dog for depression, if you want to. There is a medicine, called Prozac for dogs, that can be applied; it is a canine anti-depressant.

If you involve your dog in activities, you can help it get rid of depression. Just take it out for a walk, or play with it.

In case that the dog depression was caused by the disappearance of another dog that it was used to play with, try make it other canine friends. You may even buy another puppy, so they can keep each others company.

Which is the conclusion?

It is not unusual for dogs to suffer from depression, in the same way as humans do. You can treat your dog with drugs, or you can involve a little and see what you can do for it. After all, your pet is a friend of yours.

Author : Balva Rudick
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-To-Recognize-Dog-Depression-Symptoms/1028987

Situational Depression: What Is It And What Can Be Done?

Everybody gets down every once in a while and the fact is pretty much expected as is. Still, situational depression that is simply brought on by life should not be taken lightly as it can lead to other, more severe conditions, like clinical depression or manic depression.

What is situational depression? This type of depression is caused by the events that we experience in everyday life. It is nothing out of the ordinary, as no person on the face of the earth can isolate from life itself altogether.

Unfortunate events are part of our lives. The loss of a person we love, a divorce, getting fired from work, these are all events that change our lives for the worse, so it is no wonder why no one is able to take them lightly. Situational depression occurs, as a result, and it is something that we have to deal with, if we do not want more serious things to happen to us.

Situational depression has different causes for different people. While, as a mature human being that is required to follow some medical treatment that results in gaining a lot of weight, you may not feel nothing but the relief that you will get out of this alive and healthy, for a teenager, this can be ground shaking. So, there are different aspects that can determine the occurrence and the intensity of situational depression.

The verse �if you worry, you make it double' has a lot of sense when it comes to situational depression. If you think that the situation is very bad, you make nothing but prolonging it. Sometimes, the situational depression can last for many years, if a serious event took place.

It is hard to tell whether a situational depression won't evolve into clinical depression, as the symptoms are very much the same. When going to the doctor for help, the first steps they will take will be to determine what kind of depression the patient suffers from. The doctor will try to discover if the patient experienced something very bad recently.

You can even make this type of introspection yourself. Ask yourself what happened to you lately. If you reach the conclusion that you have dealt with a life changing situation that cause you to feel bad, you will have the answer to your question.

As said earlier, situational depression is not to be taken lightly, as it can develop into a serious condition. Try to find a remedy or a cure to your state of being, as you deserve to live a healthy happy life.

Author : Pearle Tsuji
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Situational-Depression-What-Is-It-And-What-Can-Be-Done-/1060965

Nervousness - What Causes It And How To Cure It

Lots of people use the words "stress" and "anxiety" interchangeably, but they are actually two separate conditions. Stress is a response to a stimulus, which can be external or internal. You may feel stress when you are frustrated with something (like waiting in line behind a slow person) or when you are worried that you won't meet expectations (such as missing a deadline at work).

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a sense of dread, or nervousness and fear. It can be brought on by negative expectations and thoughts, or as a response to stress. You may experience feelings of anxiety all of the time and not understand why, or your feelings may be a response to something you are nervous about, such as an upcoming test.

Abnormal levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain can cause generalized anxiety. Some research indicates that anxiety can be brought on by genetics. Anxiety can also stem from environmental conditions, as when a child whose father or mother is often anxious learns to be an anxious person by observing the parent. But frequently, the root cause of anxiety is simply the thoughts that a person is thinking!

Anxiety and stress are subjective conditions. Different people may feel stressed about different situations, and different people may respond to their anxiousness in very different ways. Symptoms of anxiety can range from the mild, such as sweaty hands and tense muscles, to the severe, such as anxiety attacks, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting.

Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety once in awhile. All of us have felt the dry mouth and vague sense of dread before a test or public speaking engagement. But when does it become harmful to your health? Studies have revealed that prolonged anxiety can make us vulnerable to sleep disorders, high blood pressure, depression, and relationship problems

For sufferers of long-term untreated anxiety, there may be negative health consequences that have yet to be fully explored. Some studies have found a link between generalized anxiety disorder and a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, respiratory illness, arthritis, cancer, and thyroid disease. Chronically anxious people may even be more likely to suffer a fatal cardiac attack.

If you suffer from what seems like an overwhelmingly high amount of anxiety relative to the situation, or if you feel anxious nearly every day, you may actually have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are chronic conditions characterized by one's inability to function normally because of constant anxiety. Anxiety disorders are serious conditions that should be treated to reduce the risk of long-term negative health effects.

Anxiety treatment has long been the subject of much discussion in the medical community. Some medical professionals feel that medication is the best way to handle chronic anxiety. However, anxiety medications often produce harmful side effects that are just as bad or even worse than the initial condition.

There are many natural ways to control negative emotional reactions. Exercise is an often overlooked option, but it is extremely effective. Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting and pain-killing chemicals. With regular aerobic exercise, you may begin to experience a decrease in negative emotional reactions to situations that would have previously made you very anxious.

The most effective way to cope with worry and tension is to control it from within. Stress management and stress relief techniques are very valuable tools in managing day-to-day stress. These techniques can teach you to calm yourself and relieve your tension. You make a conscious effort to slow your breathing, release the worry, and maintain a peaceful state of mind. Meditation is a form of tension relief in which you practice mindful relaxation and deep, calming breathing.

However, if you want a proactive solution to relieve yourself of anxiety, hypnosis is the best form of treatment. When a person undergoes hypnotherapy, their emotional responses and reactions to events are changed at the core. This allows them to cope with typical anxiety-inducing triggers without the typical fear and nervousness.

Hypnosis can be performed by a licensed hypnotherapist in a series of regular treatments. More commonly today, hypnosis takes the form of self hypnosis programs which are available in the form of DVDs, CDs, or MP3s for personal home usage. No special skills are necessary to perform self hypnosis. All you need is a device to play the hypnosis program and a quiet space where you can relax and listen.

Another successful method of anxiety treatment is Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP. NLP is a form of therapy that can help you condition your mind and body to naturally respond to situations in a more positive manner. You can consciously decide to remain calm rather than anxious, meaning that you always maintain control over your own feelings.

It is evident that it is very important to be able to manage our negative emotional responses in order to remain healthy. Understanding how to deal with nervousness and fear may even extend your life. To treat long-term anxiety, the best course of action is to use hypnosis to change your attitudes and reactions at the core. Then, it becomes easy to use stress management techniques as necessary to keep calm in everyday situations.

Author : Alan B. Densky
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Nervousness-What-Causes-It-And-How-To-Cure-It/994639