Resilience: Overcoming Adversity with Success

Have you been bullied, rejected, criticized or traumatized?  When I was a child, my grandmother shared her wisdom of bouncing back despite the harsh reality of the suffering in life.  Although she would describe her life as a series of tragic events, those events not only shaped her resilient character but impacted mine as well.  Despite losing her parents and being bullied as a child and undergoing years of raising a family in internment during the war, she was able to persevere like the Daruma doll that held a place on her dresser before she developed dementia and passed.  Her stories of overcoming the odds continue to give me hope and inspiration.
Nana korobi yaoki | Fall down seven times, Get up eight
This Spring set of posts have been designed to bring awareness to overcoming just a few challenging life experiences (e.g., self-injury, alcoholism, dementia, cancer).  We all have our own challenging life experience to share that shapes our character.  This article presents some resiliency strategies to bouncing back from major adversity or trauma. Developing resilience is a personal journey. People do not all react the same to traumatic and stressful life events. An approach to building resilience that works for one person might not work for another. People use varying strategies. The recommendations presented should not replace the role of a qualified health care professional.  If you are struggling through difficult times, it is important to have a strong support network which should include your health care provider.  Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Relationships that create love and trust, provide role models and offer encouragement and reassurance help bolster a person's resilience.

What is resilience?

After the Civil War and following the death of three of his children to spinal meningitis, Dr. Andrew Still, the founder of osteopathy, made it his life work as a physician to discover why certain people succumb to illness while others don't when confronted with the same attack, injury, or exposure to a tragic event.  He found the orthodox medical practices of his day ineffective, and sometimes harmful. Amidst the grieving of his own children as a physician, Dr. Still evolved his medical practice to include the following discovery regarding resilience: the body contains all the elements to maintain health if properly stimulated.  Being resilient doesn't mean going through life without stress or pain but rather being able to work through these difficulties in a healthy manner.  The key is to identify ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.

Connect with Self & Others

Encourage a positive self-image.  Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems occurs through willingness to fail before succeeding.  Trusting your instincts and appreciating your gifts and strengths helps build resilience.
Be willing to self-discover. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and heightened appreciation for life.
Make connections with trusted individuals. Healthy relationships with close family members, friends or others are important. Accept help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations, or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.

Harmonize with Healthy Values

Avoid seeing adverse events as hopeless problems. You can't change the fact that we all have our challenges and problems arise, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these experiences. Resilience involves adapting to future similar situations by learning from past struggles. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult events.
Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.

Integrate Change in your Lifestyle

Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.
Accept that change is a part of living.  Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Maximize your potential by accepting circumstances focusing on circumstances that you can alter.
Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"

We can all be the change we want to become.  

It is just a matter of having the strength and courage to rise to the challenge knowing there will be struggles and obstacles along the way.  In order to succeed, we must be willing to fall down and get back up.

Exercise with Control

Physical activity is critical for overall health at every age and the benefits to daily exercise far outweigh the risks. Moderate intensity exercise is safe for most people, even those that have had previously sedentary or unactive lifestyles. Exercise, however, is not always without its risks. 
Many people are unaware of the high incidence of injuries that occur while exercising at home. According to data collected by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 460,000 people were sent to the hospital in 2012 for injuries related to exercise equipment, the vast majority involving a treadmill. An estimated 428,000 of these injuries were treated and released for their injuries—but the remaining 32,000 needed to be hospitalized for further careor even worse - were dead on arrival. The US CPSC further reports “about 19,000 people went to the emergency room from treadmill related injuries in 2009, including almost 6,000 children”. Most recently, Survey Monkey Chief David Goldberg passed away from a head injury acquired from falling on his treadmill at home. For these reasons, it is important to take the proper precuations to decrease your risk of injury. 
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2008 offers these guidelines for staying safe while exercising
1. Start with activities that match your fitness level: When you begin a new exercise program, it is a good idea to ease into a workout so as not to push your body too far and put yourself at risk for injury. 
2. Warm Up & Increase activity gradually. Moderation is the key to safe exercise. Gradually build up in intensity, frequency, and duration. Protect yourself by warming up to prepare for exercise. Warming up will get your heart rate and blood flow going, and loosen up your muscles, joints, and ligaments so they are ready for action. 
a. Use the proper equipment – Make sure you are wearing the proper footwear and loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that is breathable and will release excess body heat. 
b. Pay attention to the weather – If the weather is hot outside, make sure to hydrate and wear breathable clothing. Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. Drink 1 pint of water 15 minutes before you start exercising and another pint after you cool down. If exercising in cold weather, dress in layers to keep your body warm. 
3. Take your Time. During stretches or strength training, move through the full range of motion. Never stretch to the point of pain or beyond what is comfortable. Remember to breathe regularly to make sure your heart, brain, and lungs are receiving adequate blood flow and oxygenation.
4. Rest. Listen to your body. Take days off from exercise when you are feeling fatigued. 
5. Let your doctor know about your chronic medical conditions or if you are pregnant: Your doctor can help you tailor a fitness plan that is safe for you. 


Resources 


Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

By Mana Baskovic, Osteopathic Physician Candidate 2016

You have CANCER! Arguably, one of the most frightening statements you can find yourself on the receiving end of. This one word can, within seconds, cast a shadow of fear, uncertainty, questions, anger, and sadness upon a person and their entire family. But, we now also live in an age where perhaps many cancers can be cured or treated. Women with breast cancer are now living well beyond the five-year time-point, where at five years you are considered to be in “remission” and cancer free (where the risk of the cancer returning is reduced to single digit percentages). So with all of the remarkable advances in cancer treatment, why is it that we find remnants of the disease that persist long after the cancer is removed; case in point, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. 

What is Peripheral Neuropathy? The term “peripheral neuropathy,” “polyneuropathy,” and “neuropathy” are used interchangeably, even though each describes a unique entity of neurological disorders. Broadly, the terms refer to a generalized process affecting many of the peripheral nerves, while distal nerves are more greatly affected, specifically the nerves providing sensation to the fingers and toes. 

What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy? While there are numerous factors that can cause peripheral neuropathy, some of the more common culprits include platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, long-term diabetes, alcohol abuse, and less common neurological accidents and/or disorders. 

How Do I Know If I Have Peripheral Neuropathy? The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy usually include symmetrical loss of sensation, tingling, burning, and/or weakness. The symptoms are most prevalent in the fingers/hands and toes. However, some patients report having nerve symptoms in other locations as well.  The symptoms can lead to difficulty walking, as we rely on our toes for movement, and trouble with daily activities that require intricate use of our hands, for example typing, opening containers, combing hair, etc. The pain and discomfort of peripheral neuropathy are often times accompanied by sleep and mood disturbances, fatigue, and difficulties carrying out everyday life activities. 

Connect With Your Nerves

The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. Information is transmitted to and from the central nervous system via nerves, similar to telephone wires. These “telephone wires” are called “peripheral nerves” in the human body. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized as any disorder that prevents the proper functioning and transmission of information through nerves. This damage can lead to decreased sensation or over-sensitization where the smallest stimuli, that may normally be painless, can cause severe debilitating pain.

 What is Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)? Commonly used chemotherapy drugs that have been linked to CIPN include ixebepilone, the vincaalkaloids (vincristine and vinblastine), the taxanes(paclitaxel and docetaxel, and platinum-based regimens (cisplatin, oxaplatin, and carboplatin). While some patients with CIPN appear to recover after treatment is discontinued, the same is not true for patient treated with platinum-based drugs. Researchers have found that 30-40% of patients undergoing chemotherapy go on to develop signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. CIPN generally begins to rear its ugly head after the first dose of chemotherapy and the symptoms tend to worsen with each additional treatment/cycle, simply put the symptoms and damage become additive. The unfortunate reality of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs is that the damage that is caused to the peripheral nerves is usually long lasting, if not permanent. 

What are Possible Preventative Measures? According to the National Cancer Institute, the following preventative measures have shown promise in limited clinical trials. 
Glutathione | Low levels of glutathione have been found in “wasting and negative nitrogen balance,” as observed in diseases such as cancer. Glutathione acts as an antioxidant reducing and eliminating reactive oxygen species. 
Intravenous Calcium and Magnesium | In recent studies, researchers have found that only 4% of patients treated with IV calcium and magnesium, before and after each chemotherapy treatment, had to discontinue treatment due to neurotoxicity, compared to 33% that were treated with placebo only. Also, the same study found that of those patients treated with calcium and magnesium who went on to develop CIPN, the onset of symptoms was often delayed and lesser in intensity. 
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) | IL-6 in the human body is secreted to stimulate the immune response, ie. during infection or other tissue damage (cancer therapy). In recent animal studies, IL-6 has been found to prevent peripheral nerve damage. 

What are Possible Medical Treatment Options?
Gabapentin (Neurontin) | A medication used for both prevention of seizures and pain management. This drug is currently FDA-approved for use in seizure disorders and neuropathic pain following shingles. However, off-label use of the drugs has become common place in treatment of CIPN. 
Valproate (Depacon) | This drug is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication used in the treatment of many disorders including anorexia, panic disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar, and migraines. This drug is also prescribed “off-label” for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and hence why it has also been used in CIPN. 
Antidepressants | Another off-label use includes that for the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor) used in the treatment of CIPN. However, it is uncertain whether the drug actually combats the damage to the peripheral nerves or if the anti-depressant effects play the larger role. 


Harmonize With Your Body

What lifestyle changes can help? 
Stay Active | It has long been proven that patients who are active, within reasonable means, before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment tend to do better overall. The thought is to “move your body every day,” even if it is a short walk, gentle stretching, or anything with reasonable intensity. Listen to your body. 
N-Acetyl Cysteine | This supplement can help your body produce more glutathione, which as mentioned, is an incredible antioxidant that helps to detoxify your body as a whole. 
Alpha Lipoic Acid | This antioxidant in most natural health stores is found to be effective in CIPN prevention. 
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | This powerful antioxidant found in fish, but also available in tablets, reduces inflammation throughout all of the tissues of the body. 

Integrate Complimentary Integrative Medicine

What can be expected during an osteopathic manipulative treatment? 
Your osteopathic physician will begin by assessing your symptoms, both from a medical and lifestyle perspective. The physician will increase lymphatic circulation with various maneuvers to encourage elimination of waste and proper cleansing of the tissues.  Strain patters will also be addressed and released to allow increased blood supply and nerve conduction to various tissues. Another technique that can be of benefit is myofacial release of strains in the fascia (connective tissue below the skin), muscles, and joints. 

References:
1. http://www-uptodate-com.proxy.westernu.edu/contents/overview-of-polyneuropathy?source=search_result&search=neuropathy&selectedTitle=1%7E150#H3
2. https://www.columbianeurosurgery.org/conditions/peripheral-nerve-disorders/
3. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/002908-pdf.pdf
4. https://www.caring.com/articles/peripheral-neuropathy-treating-it-the-natural-way





Ulcerative Colitis

By Raksha Pradhan, Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2016 and Dr. Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S.


Have you had issues with frequent diarrhea?  Do you feel like your going to the bathroom a lot more often than normal?  Do you have recurrent stomach cramps?  Is there blood in your stool?  All of these are very important questions to consider if you think you have an inflammatory bowel disease called Ulcerative Colitis.

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the large intestine, which is also called the colon.  To simply break down the name of the disease, “ulcerative” means that the disease creates ulcers and “colitis” means inflammation of the colon.  The inflammation of the lining of the colon can eventually develop into ulcers.  These ulcers can flare up (just like a stomach ulcer) which causes the diarrhea that may contain blood.  The source of the blood is from the bleeding ulcers.  Ulcerative colitis is typically a long-term issue.  The disease develops over time.  The first sign may just be an increase in number of bowel movements each day.  This can be accompanied with “crampy” abdominal pain.  While an occasional episode of diarrhea is not too concerning, multiple episodes of diarrhea accompanied with blood definitely is a big concern.  Blood in the stool should prompt you to visit your doctor right away.  Other symptoms that are important to recognize are fever, shortness of breath, a sensation that the heart is racing, loss of appetite, and unintentional weight loss.  While ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease, it is definitely manageable.  There are a group of medications that help to reduce the inflammation of the colon and prevent the development of ulcers. It is important that you collaborate early with your doctor and understand the importance of treatment.

CONNECT WITH YOUR COLON

The colon is the last part of the digestive tract.  The primary responsibility of the colon is to reabsorb water and nutrients.  When the colon becomes inflamed, it becomes more difficult for the colon to reabsorb things.

What is the treatment?

The main goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation of the colon.  This can be done with a variety of medications that includes steroids and antibiotics.  Antibiotics are needed when there is an infection in the colon.  There are also medications that can reduce the occurrence of ulcers. Depending on the extent of inflammation, surgery may be indicated.  However, your doctor will be able to better determine this after taking a thorough history.

What can you expect when you visit your doctor?

If you are experiencing symptoms that may be suggestive of ulcerative colitis, your doctor will want to get a detailed history.  The doctor will want to know about the timing of the symptoms and if there is anything that triggers the symptoms such as foods, allergies, stress, etc.  The doctor may ask you to describe the pain and to show the location of the pain.  While it may be uncomfortable or embarrassing to discuss, your doctor may also ask you to describe your stool.  This is especially important to discuss if you have blood in your stool.  These types of questions will help the doctor to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

What tests can be expected?

You can also expect to have some laboratory tests.  This will help the doctor to determine if there are any other clues to the diagnosis.  It is common with persons experiencing frequent diarrhea to have abnormal lab test results.  Your doctor may also want to collect a stool sample to make sure there is no infection of your colon with bacteria or parasites.  It is not uncommon for doctors to order imaging tests to get a better look at what is going on inside the abdomen.   If you are 50 years or older, it is recommended that you have a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.  Ulcerative colitis is considered a risk factor for the development of colon cancer.  Therefore, it is important to begin treatment early and to follow up with your doctor regularly.

HARMONIZE WITH YOUR COLON

How does nutrition influence the Ulcerative Colitis?

Due to the loss of appetite caused by UC, many individuals may not get the nutrition and calories needed to meet the body's energy demands.  In addition, persistent diarrhea that often results from UC can cause the malabsorption of important nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and most importantly water. As a result, proper nutrition plays an important role in management of UC.

Some recommended dietary modifications include:

  • Eat smaller meals more often.  This allows the colon to become more stabilized and less irritable. 
  • Drink plenty of liquids.  Maintaining a good hydration status is key to good health and overall well-being.  
  • Take multivitamin supplements.  Since the colon is irritated, it is more difficult to reabsorb nutrients compared to a normal, healthy colon.   to meet all the nutritional requirements.  

Ulcerative colitis is not caused by any particular foods, but certain foods can trigger a flare-up and cause further inflammation and irritation to the colon.   There are a select group of foods that is best to limit or avoid.

  • Dairy products, especially for those that are lactose intolerant.
  • High-fat foods, these can make your diarrhea worse
  • High-fiber foods 
  • Spicy foods
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

What Lifestyle Modifications can help?

Stress Reduction.  Although stress is not considered a cause of ulcerative colitis, it can trigger the inflammation so it is important to manage stress levels.
Increase Exercise.  Studies have shown that exercise is an excellent stress reducing activity that can also help relieve depression.  Research has also found that exercise can help normalize bowel function and promote regularity in bowel movements.
Start relaxation exercises and breathing techniques.  Popular relaxation exercises that incorporate breathing techniques include yoga, pilates, and meditation.

INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE METHODS

What to expect from your Osteopathic physician?

It is important when treating any disease to consider the body as one single harmonious unit.  While the problem may be localized to the colon, it is important to look beyond that part of the body.  The colon is a large organ that has an intricate involvement of nerves and muscle.  The same nerves that supply information to the colon can be localized to a source along the spinal cord.  As osteopathic physicians, we use the vertebral column as anatomic landmarks for these nerves.  The nerves that innervate the colon originate from the thoracic vertebrae and extend downwards to the lumbar vertebrae.  Having this knowledge helps physicians to provide alternative treatment options to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by ulcerative colitis.

What other alternative remedies are available?

As with many other medical conditions, there are popular alternative remedies for ulcerative colitis. The fennel seed is a popular spice used in Southeast Asian cuisine.  It not only provides a vibrant flavor to foods, but it also is a great digestive aid.  The oils released from the seed stimulates the lining of the digestive tract, promoting better motility of the small and large intestines.  Improved motility means that nutrients can be easily absorbed and stool can pass through the colon more efficiently.  The fennel seed oil also reduces the spastic reaction the colon has to the inflammation. Decreased spasticity of the colon reduces the stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Are there any dangers of eating fennel seeds?

The fennel seed is considered to be gentle and safe.  However, like any other foods, there is a risk of allergic reaction.  Make sure to discuss your allergy history with your doctor before deciding to try this home remedy.  Also, keep in mind that everything should be taken in moderation.  Too much of the fennel seed oil can become toxic.  For ulcerative colitis, it is recommended to use the whole fennel seed rather than the essential fennel seed oil.  Do not consume fennel seeds if you are pregnant.

Simple Recipe for Fennel Seed Tea

  • 1-2 teaspoons of whole fennel seeds
  • 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
  1. Crush the whole fennel seeds to release the oil.
  2. Use 1-2 teaspoons of crushed seeds for 1 cup of boiling water
  3. Add the crushed seeds to the boiling water and allow to brew for 5-10 minutes (the longer you brew the tea, the stronger the flavor)
  4. Strain the seeds and serve hot
  5. Enjoy the tea!

Other Resources

  • http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis
  • http://programs.rmei.com/knowyouribdvl/Understanding_Colitis/index.html
  • http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/plant-based-dietary-tips-for-those-with-ulcerative-colitis/
  • http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/definition/con-20043763
  • http://www.herbaleducation.net/fennel

Memory Loss

By Charlotte Zhong, Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2016


Memory loss is often attributed to the natural process of aging; therefore, this symptom can be easily disregarded by many patients as a fruitless concern. However, patients and their families should be made aware of the fact that there are reversible causes of memory loss that are easy to treat. If you are experiencing memory loss, a healthcare professional can help evaluate the cause of the problem and guide you through the proper steps of management. Although mild forgetfulness is not considered an alarming symptom in adults, it is important to visit a doctor if the onset of memory loss is sudden, severe, accompanied by personality changes or focal neurological deficits such as slurred speech, weakness, etc. 

CONNECT WITH YOUR BRAIN

What are common causes of memory loss?
Medications
Many common medications can interfere with memory: antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, and pain medications are a few. 
Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
Excessive alcohol use has been shown to cause memory impairment in many ways. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain. Illicit drugs can cause chemical imbalances within the brain that impair its function. 
Sleep deprivation
Getting too little or poor quality sleep can lead to fatigue, which interferes with the brain’s memory-encoding mechanisms. 
Stress
Tension and anxiety can overstimulate or distract the mind which can impair the ability to remember. 
Depression

Being depressed can make it difficult to pay attention and concentrate. Pseudodementia is a term used to describe depression presenting as memory loss. Depression (including thoughts of suicidality, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, decrease in energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, agitation, sleep disturbance) should be brought to the attention of a doctor.
Nutritional deficiency
A balanced diet with high-quality proteins and fats help keep brain cells healthy. Lacking certain vitamins like vitamin B1, B12, and E can also affect memory.
Other
Other possible causes include: an underactive thyroid gland, infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and dementia.

HARMONIZE THE MIND & BODY & SPIRIT

How does nutrition influence memory loss?
Brain cells and nerves all throughout the body require good fats, proteins, and vitamins that help keep their signaling pathways smooth. 

 A balanced diet includes:
Healthy fats
olive oil, nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans), avocados, fish (salmon, tuna)
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Common dietary sources include cereal grains, oatmeal, brown rice
Vitamin B12
found in most animal derived foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, and milk
Vitamin E
olive oil, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables
Water

Dehydration causes brain fog, irritability, fatigue, and various other symptoms. Keeping hydrated is essential for optimal delivery of nutrients to the brain and for removing toxins.

What lifestyle modifications can help
Know your own body’s reaction to medications. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing any side effects to medications. Consider collaborating with your physician on alternative methods of treatment rather than continuing medications with unfavorable effects. 
Consider decreasing or stopping alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.  These chemicals are harmful to the brain. Let your doctor know if you are interested in quitting and to learn more about resources are available to you.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress.  Find time to partake in activities that relax you. This differs for everyone; it can include yoga, meditation, drawing, singing, boxing, cooking, cleaning, and more.  Studies have shown that the endorphins released during exercise are a potent stress reducer which can also help alleviate symptoms of depression. 
Exercise good sleep hygiene. Minimize distractors before bedtime.  Avoid watching TV or use of other electronic devices right before bed. Exercising late at night can also be counterproductive to falling asleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for the brain to rest and recharge. 

INTEGRATING COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE METHODS

What can you expect from your osteopathic physician?
Osteopathic physicians are trained to incorporate the mind, body, and spirit when evaluating the patient as a whole. Psychological, physiological, and outside causes of memory loss will all be screened for. Osteopathic physicians can also incorporate their knowledge of neuromuscular medicine to help manually treat problems such as acute or chronic pain that would otherwise need medications. Furthermore, addressing any physical tension may relieve psychological stress and improve mood and quality of sleep. 

What other alternative remedies are available?
Taking appropriate amounts of multivitamins are encouraged by a majority of physicians if daily values are hard to meet with food alone. As with other medical conditions, there is a popular rise in the pursuit of alternative medicine. The following is a list of popular herbs used in homeopathic medicine to prevent and treat memory loss. Gingko Biloba, ginseng, rosemary, sage, and green tea all contain antioxidants to combat free radicals that contribute to health disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia.Studies have shown that some of these herbs can also enhance memory. Blueberries are also shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that play vital roles in improving brain function, slowing cognitive decline, and in preventing memory loss that normally comes with aging.

Alcoholism Awareness


By Eric Kim, Candidate for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 2016


Do you feel you need to cut down on drinking alcohol?
Do you feel annoyed when criticized about how much you drink?
Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
Do you need an eye-opener — or a morning drink to get your day started?

If you answered ‘yes’ to two or more of the above questions, you may be suffering from alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is a debilitating condition that negatively impacts your health, friendships, and family. A health care provider can discuss different approaches on how to best reduce your alcohol intake. The content discussed below is not meant to substitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a health care provider. It is important to seek counsel from a physician if you suspect you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism. 

How is alcoholism diagnosed? 

In addition to binge drinking, improper use of alcohol can range from mild to severe. Severity is determined by how many symptoms the patient has, like craving alcohol or drinking more than expected. 

Is alcoholism the same for everyone? 

Medical research has revealed different subtypes of alcoholism. Some are multigenerational and thus more likely seen in family members. Others have increased risk of an underlying mood disorder, like depression or anxiety. A patient’s willingness to seek help can also vary by subtype. 

What is the link between anxiety and alcohol?

A common thought among medical providers is that some patients ‘self-medicate’ with alcohol to manage underlying anxiety. Current literature shows that these persons are at increased risk for persistent alcohol dependence. 

How does alcoholism affect my health? 

Alcohol is broken down and removed by our liver. This decreases our stores of vitamins and other important nutrients, which can lead to fatigue, depression, and tremors. Alcohol can affect many different body systems, including our brain, heart and blood. The table below lists a few of the possible vitamin deficiencies and resulting symptoms.

Vitamin Deficiency
Affected Organs
Symptoms
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Brain 
Memory loss, eye weakness, difficulty walking
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Blood
Fatigue, depression
Retinol (Vitamin A)
Eyes, Skin
Night blindness, dry skin

Alcohol abuse can lead to life-threatening conditions like pancreatitis or delirium tremens. Quality of life decreases due to impotence, depression, and cancer. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to liver failure, which may require a liver transplant. 

Alcohol abuse also affects the health of your loved ones. In the U.S., 35 percent of parental child abuse cases involved consumption of either alcohol or drugs.

CONNECT WITH YOUR BODY

What are suggested lifestyle changes for patients recovering from alcoholism?

Recovering from alcoholism may need a multiple system approach. In addition to receiving medical and nutritional care from a physician, it is important to have a strong social network to provide mental and emotional support. Some patients may join a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. Others find strength with spirituality and religion. 

Given the link between alcohol and vitamin deficiency, it is important to have a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Plan a balanced diet with three scheduled meals per day. Your physician may recommend important vitamin supplements as well.

Vitamin 
Suggested Foods
Pill dosages for adults
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Oatmeal, watermelon
1.1 mg daily
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Papaya, grapefruit, bananas
400 mcg daily
Retinol (Vitamin A)
Leafy greens, yams
700 mcg daily for women
900 mcg daily for men

INTEGRATE COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Please remember to always inform your physician before you attempt to quit alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or fatal unless managed by a medical provider.  

How can osteopathic medicine help patients recovering from alcoholism? 

An osteopathic physician can use a range of specialized musculoskeletal techniques to relieve stress and immobility in the body. This approach can address complications associated with alcoholism. For example, research has shown osteopathic treatment is associated with reduced hospital stay in patients with pancreatitis. In addition, an osteopathic physician may use gentle lymphatic drainage techniques in patients with cirrhosis, or liver disease. 

What are some alternative approaches for patients recovering from alcoholism? 

Stress management is important to break the cycle of anxiety, depression, and alcohol. Yoga and meditation are holistic methods to tap our inner relaxation processes and help the body heal itself. Some patients may also find acupuncture, which is both natural and drug-free, helps to restore metabolic balance. 

What are some homeopathic options for patients recovering from alcoholism?

Some symptoms associated with alcohol use can be improved with homeopathic remedies. Your specific symptoms will help determine which homeopathic remedies are best for you. The chart below shows some available options. 

Treatment
Effect
Sulphur
To reduce alcohol cravings
Lachesis
To reduce violence and agitation after alcohol consumption
Stramonium
To reduce visual hallucinations
Arsenicum
For anxiety
Nux vomica
To reduce ethanol intake; For nausea and vomiting

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