Anxiety can be defined as feelings of persistent worry that interferes with an individual’s ability to achieve and maintain relaxation.1(2) Such feelings are particularly prominent among children and adolescents, especially as they relate to social anxiety disorder (SAD).2,3 As mentioned in this author’s previous posts, common drugs used to manage anxiety include anti-depressants, serotonin-specific reuptake […]
Read MoreAnxiety is a is a mental disorder affecting several million people, worldwide, and such a condition is characteristically difficult to diagnose and treat due to the inherent complexity of the central nervous system. To date, the most prevalent intervention uses anti-depressants/serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors/benzodiazepines though such pharmacological approaches are often ineffective and replete with unwanted side-effects.1(2) […]
Read MoreAD is characterized by an increase in beta-amyloid plaque deposition and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins along neurons of the brain, in addition to increased inflammation from oxidative stress.1(2) Left unmitigated, neurodegeneration from the above mechanisms slowly degrades communication, writing, and reading while also destabilizing both physical and emotional control in the most severe stages of AD.1(7)2 […]
Read MoreMigraines are disabling conditions often characterized as persistent and recurrent headaches on one side of the head, which is associated with varying degrees of intensity.1 Such a condition has been considered as the 6th most prevalent disease and a primary cause of disability, worldwide, among middle-aged women and young adults.1(S109) Thus, determining causes of said […]
Read MoreConsistent sleep quality and duration are cornerstones of both health and quality of life. Humans require appropriate sleep, each night, in order to synthesize hormones, repair tissues, grow tissues, and maintain cognitive function, memory, and mood.1 Thus, disruptions in sleep quality and duration can induce aberrations in health and homeostasis, demanding interventions to help restore […]
Read MoreThe prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is common within the elderly population; between 10-40% of individuals in advanced age are diagnosed with inadequate levels of said micronutrient.1 As such, it is imperative to restore B12 levels back to optimal ranges. However, inappropriate consumption of B12 can induce deficiency or potential toxicity. As a means of appreciating […]
Read MoreAs has been discussed in this author’s previous posts, consistent and optimal sleep quality and duration are paramount in maintaining health and homeostasis. Sleep hygiene, to include consistent sleeping times, dark rooms, cool temperatures, and the use of blue light-blocking glasses were covered as low cost/low risk interventions. However, when necessary and where indicated, an […]
Read MoreChronic diseases continue to grow in number, now extending their reach into developing countries who have adopted Westernized foods and habits.1 Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), stroke, osteoarthrosis, obesity, autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are but a sample of conditions associated with Westernized foods and culture, which have now migrated into other […]
Read MoreSleep is a critical, yet often underappreciated, constituent of health and homeostasis. In many industrialized societies, however, a trend towards less hours of sleep per night has become more prevalent.1 Seven hours or less of sleep has been attributed to factors such as greater time associated with leisure activities and longer work schedules.1(148) Ultimately, such […]
Read MoreMigraines are a form of headache which lasts between 4-72 hours and presents with, at minimum, two of the following: moderate/severe pain intensity, unilateral localisation, further aggravation by movement, pulsating feeling, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (light sensitivity), and phonophobia (sound sensitivity).1 Migraines are deemed chronic when lasting 4 hours a day/in excess of 15 days per […]
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