As we deal with global uncertain times, our way of life has shifted dramatically and stress levels are at an all-time high. The disruption of our routines and the uncertainty of what’s to come is undoubtedly stressful, and for some, spiked stress levels can disrupt the hair’s natural growth cycle, which may lead to excessive shedding and hair loss.
Hair loss can be caused by an imbalance in hormone levels. Cortisol is one of the hormones often identified with hair loss. Understanding how hormones and hair loss are connected and how to regulate the effects can help lead to healthier hair.
WHAT IS CORTISOL?
Cortisol is a steroid hormone, one of the glucocorticoids made in the cortex of the adrenal glands which is released into the blood and transported throughout the body. Most cells contains receptors for cortisol which can have many different actions depending on which sort of cells it acts upon. These effects include controlling the body’s blood sugar levels and thus regulating metabolism, acting as an anti-inflammatory, influencing memory formation, controlling salt and water balance, regulating blood pressure, and helping foetal development during pregnancy. All of these functions make cortisol a crucial hormone to protect overall health and wellbeing.
HOW HORMONES AND HAIR LOSS ARE CONNECTED THROUGH STRESS
Extended stress leads to longer periods of high cortisol levels. While the adrenal glands are busy making extra cortisol, they make less of the hormones which support healthy hair growth. Sustained high cortisol levels can also lead to other health problems, including a decrease in cell regeneration, impaired mental function, decreased metabolism, and a weakened immune system.
Cortisol is known to affect the function and cyclic regulation of the hair follicle. During periods of stress, cortisol dysregulation can disrupt cell signaling, and oxidative stress can disrupt the normal transitions of the hair growth cycle. In-vitro studies have demonstrated that proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF?), interleukin (IL)-1?, and IL-1?, cause the formation of vacuoles within hair matrix cells as well as abnormal keratinization of the inner root sheath and follicle bulb and inner root sheath. These cytokines have also been shown to disrupt follicular melanocytes and promote the formation of melanin granules within the dermal papilla. They can disturb the hair cycle, which may cause premature arrest of hair cycling. Specifically, these molecules can prevent the hair growth cycle from moving from the telogen phase to the anagen growth phase.
There are three types of hair loss which can all be associated with high stress levels:
- Telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), where a significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase. Within a few months, affected hairs might fall out suddenly when simply combing or washing hair
- Trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), an irresistible urge to pull hair out from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of the body. Hair pulling can be a way of dealing with negative or uncomfortable feelings, such as stress, tension, loneliness, boredom, or frustration
- Alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh) is when the body’s immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. This is thought to be caused by a variety of factors, possibly including severe stress
TESTING FOR STRESS-RELATED HAIR LOSS
Dried Urine Cortisol testing is a non-invasive collection method. It is used as a diagnostic tool to identify chronic stress disorders and may also be useful in understanding stress-related hair loss. This testing is part of the DUTCH Complete™ panel offerings.
The DUTCH Plus® uses four dried urine samples and five saliva samples. These samples are collected over the course of one day, from waking to bed time, and includes three Cortisol Metabolites and the diurnal pattern of Free Cortisol and Cortisone, including the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) with a saliva measurement.
If you are a male, you have likely heard or read about declining testosterone (low T). Testosterone production does decrease with age, but it can also decrease faster from poor lifestyle choices, chemicals in the environment, and conditions such as obesity and diabetes. This creates a host of symptoms such as low sex drive, poor sexual function, decreased muscle mass or the inability to increase it, anxiety, slow healing, low motivation, and more.
While declining testosterone in men is definitely a problem, we also know oestrogen can be just as important when it comes to hormone balance as a man ages. Researchers have discovered that just as women go through menopause due to a dramatic decrease in oestrogen product, middle-aged men also undergo oestrogen-related changes in body composition and sexual function.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine was conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) which found that a diagnosis of male hypogonadism (a drop in reproductive hormone levels high enough to cause physical symptoms) is traditionally made based on blood testosterone levels. However, there is little understanding of the levels of testosterone needed to support certain functions.
ACCORDING TO THE STUDY AUTHORS, A SMALL PROPORTION OF THE TESTOSTERONE MADE BY MEN IS USUALLY CONVERTED INTO OESTROGEN BY AROMATASE, A TYPE OF ENZYME, AND THE HIGHER THE TESTOSTERONE LEVEL IN A MAN, THE MORE TESTOSTERONE IS CONVERTED INTO OESTROGEN.
If the aromatase enzyme is upregulated, a man will become oestrogen dominant. The major clinical signs of oestrogen excess in men are gynaecomastia (breast development), testicular atrophy, erectile dysfunction, depression, and infertility (1). Another potential effect includes a significantly increased risk for type-2 diabetes (2, 3). We know excess oestrogen also causes water retention (less frequent urination) in both men and women, which can lead to excessive sweating, blood pressure spikes or high blood pressure, insomnia, hot flushing around the ears or on the face, night sweats, and brain fog.
On the flip side, what if men do not have enough oestrogen? Oestrogen is required for the activation of testosterone receptors and, in the presence of very low oestrogen this triggers, a loss of testosterone receptors. This decline in the number of testosterone receptors can have a dramatic impact the body because testosterone will not have anywhere to bind and create action. In the same study referenced above, authors developed a testing method using various combinations of testosterone, oestrogen, anastrozole, and goserelin acetate and found that “oestrogen deficiency primarily accounted for increases in body fat, and both contributed to the decline in sexual function” (4). This data confirms that testosterone is not the only important player when it comes to men’s sexual and overall health. Another study shows cortical bone is depleted when oestrogen levels are low (5). This puts men at risk for osteoporosis.
Once again, it is the balance of testosterone and oestrogen that is important! For a long time medical professionals have thought oestrogen is detrimental to a man’s well-being, but we now know that is not entirely true.
Men should test their hormone levels to detect and correct imbalances associated with symptoms. Testosterone and its metabolites and oestrogen metabolism are all reported on the male sex hormone pages of the DUTCH Test®. This allows practitioners to fully evaluate the androgens such as DHEA-S, testosterone, 5a-DHT, 5a and 5b-androstanediol, etiocholanolone, and androsterone. In addition, the three main oestrogens (oestrone, oestradiol, and oestriol) plus oestrogen metabolism will show if a male patient is oestrogen dominant or oestrogen deficient and how his oestrogen detoxification is working. Better patient outcomes can be achieved when evaluating these two hormone sections in tandem.
Image: The pathways of Oestrogens and Androgens and associated metabolites in the DUTCH test.
References
[1] Estrogen and the Male, Judy K. Lee, Julianne Imperato-McGinley, in Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases, 2004.
[2] Diabetes Care. 2013 Sep; 36(9): 2591–2596. Published online 2013 Aug 13. doi: 2337/dc12-2477.
[3] Circulating Estrone Levels Are Associated Prospectively With Diabetes Risk in Men of the Framingham Heart Study, Guneet Kaur Jasuja, PHD,1,2 Thomas G. Travison, PHD,3,4 Maithili Davda, MPH,3 Adam J. Rose, MD,2,5 Anqi Zhang, PHD,3 Mark M. Kushnir, PHD,6 Alan L. Rockwood, PHD,6 Wayne Meikle, MD,6 Andrea D. Coviello, MD, MS,3,7 Ralph D’Agostino, PHD,1,2 Ramachandran S. Vasan, MD,7,8 and Shalender Bhasin, MD3
[4] Gonadal Steroids and Body Composition, Strength, and Sexual Function in Men, Joel S. Finkelstein, M.D., Hang Lee, Ph.D., Sherri-Ann M. Burnett-Bowie, M.D., M.P.H., J. Carl Pallais, M.D., M.P.H., Elaine W. Yu, M.D., Lawrence F. Borges, M.D., Brent F. Jones, M.D., Christopher V. Barry, M.P.H., Kendra E. Wulczyn, B.A., Bijoy J. Thomas, M.D., and Benjamin Z. Leder, M.D., N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1011-1022 September 12, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1206168.
[5] Serum estradiol levels are inversely associated with cortical porosity in older men. Vandenput L1, Lorentzon M, Sundh D, Nilsson ME, Karlsson MK, Mellström D, Ohlsson C.,J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):E1322-6. doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-1319. Epub 2014 Apr 2.
[6] The effect of estrogen and androgen on androgen receptors and mRNA levels in uterine leiomyoma, myometrium and endometrium of human subjects. Fujimoto J1, Nishigaki M, Hori M, Ichigo S, Itoh T, Tamaya T., J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1994 Aug;50(3-4):137-43.
[7] The role of estradiol in male reproductive function, Michael Schulster,1 Aaron M Bernie,1 and Ranjith Ramasamy 2 J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):E1322-6 doi: 10.1210/jc.2014-1319. Epub 2014 Apr 2.
Chronic stress is all too prevalent and it can be a significant impediment to disease prevention and optimal health.
Stress increases cortisol which may have a profound impact on the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and metabolome, selectively decreasing beneficial bacteria and secretory IgA (sIgA). Thus, it is not surprising that clinical interventions implemented to resolve GI symptoms may not be completely successful if stress is not considered as a potential root cause.
Chronic stress directly effects our gastrointestinal health via hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Stress can adversely affect GI bacteria and secretory IgA (sIgA), which may influence intestinal permeability, and selectively decrease beneficial bacterial species.
CHRONIC STRESS WILL DOWN REGULATE FAECAL sIgA, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF GI INFECTION
Animal models have provided insight into stress and its effects on the GI microbiome. Stress caused by maternal separation of rhesus monkeys changed their microbiome via decreased Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Rat pups separated from their mother exhibited decreased Lactobacillus levels which was maintained for an extended period of time. As such, acute and chronic stress may lead to the development of intestinal dysbiosis and chronic low grade inflammation. Gastrointestinal dysbiosis and chronic low-grade inflammation have been implicated in IBS and depression.
Chronic stress weakens the intestinal mucosal barrier and permits paracellular bacterial translocation from the lumen. This stimulates the activation of the inflammatory meditators, resulting in activation of the HPA axis.
OUR MODERN LIFESTYLES OFTEN LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC STRESS AND FURTHER SYSTEMIC SYMPTONS IN THE FORM OF INCREASED HPA AXIS ACTIVATION, INCREASED FAECAL SIGA, DISTURBANCES IN THE GI MICROBIAL COMPOSITION AND INCREASED INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY.
Clinicians can evaluate levels of faecal sIgA, the GI microbiota, and intestinal permeability to gain insight into potentially confounding roles of stress on GI and systemic symptoms. Testing HPA axis function and neurotransmitter secretion can be an important tool in helping to address the imbalances that can result from long term chronic stress. Stress management should be considered as part of a comprehensive clinical intervention.
The interplay between stress, the HPA axis and the gastrointestinal system is complex and intricate, while the impacts on human physiology are vast.
– By Julia Malkowski, ND, DC
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Functional & Genetic Testing
DNA - MTHFR - HORMONAL - HAIR
Functional Medical Testing
Functional medical testing investigates and covers a variety of areas such as functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status of a patient. It is advantageous by providing a greater understanding of the patient’s health and helps to identify issues which provide explanation as to why the patient isn’t improving based on conventional treatment. It enables practitioners to understand the root cause of disease more.
- Bloods Tests
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Specialty Tests
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A Little About Iridology
Do you see eye to eye with your doctor? If he or she practises iridology, you may.
Practitioners of iridology may use it to assess the tissue strength of the various organs and systems in the body. It is both the science and the art of analyzing body conditions through an examination of the iris, the coloured part of the eye.
Many people consider iridology a diagnostic tool, but that is not how I employ it. Iridology does not diagnose disease. But it does help determine the condition of various tissues and organs, and more importantly, it assists with directing questions and dialogue with our clients.
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A Cosmopolitan Field
Practitioners from around the world have spent the past century examining the correlation between certain iris features and human psychology and physiology. I have attended conferences on iridology in Germany, where more than 6,000 medical doctors discussed their use of iridology in its various forms.
Iridology is also widely used by herbalists and homeopathic doctors to assist them in discovering an individual’s predispositions to various health conditions. One could spend a lifetime studying the iris of the eye, and many scholars have.
- Poor digestion/poor food combining.
- Weakened immune system.
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Bowel and Liver toxicity
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Increased cholesterol & crystal formations.
- Poor circulation.
- Heavy metal accumulation.
- Presence of parasites / fungi / bacteria.
- And much more ………….
Iridology is a procedure of analyzing the eyes in greater detail to gather information about the terrain, the immune system and the nutritional status of the patient.
It usually takes approx. 30 – 45 minutes to perform the test.
Depending on the irregularities found in Iris analysis can reveal the following:
- Immune System Function
- Early Recognition of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
- Essential Fatty Acid Deficiencies
- Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
- Digestive Disorders
- Low Iron/Anaemia
- Atherosclerotic Plaque
- Allergies Tendencies
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Uric Acid Crystal & Risk for Gout
- Kidney/Liver/Spleen Stress
- Chemical/Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Degenerative Disorders
- Parasites
- Dehydration
- Poor Blood Circulation
- Clotting Abnormalities
- Bacterial Imbalances
- Yeast/Fungal Tendencies
A True Holistic Tool
Iridology provides a picture of the state of the whole body at a glance. This view helps determine if one area of the body is negatively affecting another. For example, a tipped uterus could be caused by a prolapsed transverse colon which, in turn, might be caused by a weak lower back and abdominal muscles. If we knew only that the person had a tipped uterus, our suggestions for improving their health might be focused in the wrong area. To be able to see a pathway for such problems takes a thorough knowledge of the eye chart and plenty of practice.
Another form of analyzing the iris is called Rayid. While iridology focuses on the physical characteristics of the body, Rayid focuses on the emotional, mental, and even spiritual aspects of the individual. By combining iridology with other tools, a well-trained prac-titioner can paint a thorough picture of health issues facing a person.
Window on Health
Iridology charts are used by trained practitioners to aid in developing a picture of a patient’s overall state of health. Each colour, pattern, fibre, and defect in the iris is thought to have a reflex correlation with a disease manifestation or organ system malfunction. The left eye is believed to correspond with the left side of the body and the right eye to the right side.
In this chart of the iris of the right eye, developed by Dr. Bernard Jensen, a well-known American iridologist, the upper quadrant represents the higher organs while the lower organs are represented at the bottom.
In the Beginning
The use of iridology is mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates (4th century BC) and in those of the revived medical school of Salerno (11th century AD). It was rediscovered by Dr. Ignatz von P?ely of Hungary and Pastor Nils Liljequist of Switzerland, who both claim to have discovered it independently in 1857.
Dr. Bernard Jensen is recognized as making iridology popular in North America, beginning in the late 1940s. Dr. Jensen was my mentor and I studied with him and worked at his Hidden Valley Health Ranch in Escondido, California, in the early 1970s.
Who benefits from seeing Benjamin?
- People who have tried to heal chronic physical or emotional/mental imbalance and are seeking a new approach.
- People who want to feel more integrated and whole in their lives.
- People who want to help a family member.
- Those who are looking for someone with a gentle approach in assisting you to a greater understand of personal health.
- Benjamin also works with some General Practitioners and would sometimes refer patients for bloods and or other medical needs.
Book your Appointment Now
Benefits of Visiting Benjamin May Help with Some of the Following.
- Clarity
- Peace of Mind
- Acceleration of your personal evolution
- Healing of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Healing of Depression
- Healing of Chronic Pain including injuries
- Help with Emotional Problems including stress & anxiety
- Healing of Many Chronic Diseases
- Accelerated Recovery after surgery
- More Life Energy in your body and mind
Highlights
- Oxalates are a potentially harmful compound found in many foods (such as leafy greens) otherwise known as healthy.
- Too-high levels may lead to a range of conditions including kidney stones and systemic inflammation.
Introduction
Green smoothie for breakfast, tofu salad with nuts for lunch, and baked potatoes and grains for dinner. As healthy as this meal plan sounds, there is one potentially harmful compound that such a meal plan is extremely high in – and that is oxalates.
What are Oxalates?
Oxalates and their acidic form oxalic acid is one of the most acidic compounds in the human body. Found as part of cellular reactions, a by-products of yeasts and fungus and other microorganisms, oxalates also enter the body through food.
When do Oxalates Become an Issue?
Oxalates may become an issue for those with a diet high in plant-based foods. Oxalates can form crystals throughout the body including in bones, joints, blood vessels, lungs, thyroid, and even the brain. These crystals are sharp in nature, and very high levels may result in increased pain and inflammation throughout the body.
High levels of oxalates are considered to be especially dangerous for those with a history of kidney stones as they can result in the formation of a certain type of stone. However, ongoing research has linked high levels of oxalates to a range of other health conditions.
Where are they found?
Oxalates are found among a wide range of foods including:
How to reduce oxalates?
- Diet Modification – Low oxalate diet
- Hydration – Drinking enough liquids helps eliminate oxalates from the body.
- Fat Digestion – Excessive fats in diet may lead to increased oxalates. Supporting fat digestion can help reduce overall oxalate load.
- Omega 3s – Increase intake of essential omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil and cod liver oil, which reduces oxalate problems. High amounts of the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid, are associated with increased oxalate problems. Meat from grain fed animals is high in arachidonic acid.
Testing for Oxalates
The Great Plains Laboratory Organic Acids Test (OAT) test for multiple markers connected with oxalates including Glyceric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Oxalic Acid. Message me here to order an OAT test
Treating High Oxalate Levels
- Antifungal Medications – Use antifungal drugs to reduce yeast and fungi that may be causing high oxalates. Children with autism frequently require years of antifungal treatment. Arabinose, a marker used for years for yeast/fungal overgrowth in the Organic Acids Test is correlated with high amounts of oxalates.
- Calcium and Magnesium – Supplements of calcium and magnesium citrate can reduce oxalate absorption from the intestine. Citrate is the preferred calcium form to reduce oxalate because citrate also inhibits oxalate absorption from the intestinal tract.
- Glucosamine – N-Acetyl glucosamine supplements can stimulate the production of the intercellular cement, hyaluronic acid, to reduce pain caused by oxalates.
- Chondroitin – Chondroitin sulfate can prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.
- B6 – Vitamin B6 is a cofactor for one of the enzymes that degrades oxalate in the body and has been shown to reduce oxalate production.
- Taurine – Excessive fats in the diet may cause elevated oxalates if the fatty acids are poorly absorbed because of bile salt deficiency. If taurine is low, supplementation with taurine may help stimulate bile salt production (taurocholic acid), leading to better fatty acid absorption and diminished oxalate absorption.
- Probiotics – Probiotics may be very helpful in degrading oxalates in the intestine. Individuals with low amounts of oxalate-degrading bacteria are much more susceptible to kidney stones. Both Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis have enzymes that degrade oxalates.
- Other Nutrients – Supplements of vitamin E, selenium, and arginine have been shown to reduce oxalate damage.
Abstract
Background: We aimed to investigate the link of vitamin C status with vitality and psychological functions in a cross-sectional study, and examine their causal relationship through a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Methods: We first conducted a population-based cross-sectional investigation of healthy young adults (n = 214, 20–39 years), and analyzed the associations of serum vitamin C concentrations with vitality (fatigue and attention) and mood status (stress, depression, and positive and negative affect) using Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Next, we performed a double-blind RCT in healthy subjects whose serum vitamin C concentrations were inadequate (< 50 umol/L). Subjects were randomly allocated to receive 500 mg of vitamin C twice a day for 4 weeks (n = 24) or a placebo (n = 22). We assessed vitality, which included fatigue, attention, work engagement, and self-control resources, and measured mood status, including stress, depression, positive and negative affect, and anxiety. ELISA determined serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and a Stroop color–word test evaluated attention capacity and processing speed.
Results: In the cross-sectional data, the serum vitamin C concentration was positively associated with the level of attention (r = 0.16, p = 0.02; standardized B = 0.21, p = 0.003), while no significant associations with the levels of fatigue and mood variables being found. In the RCT, compared to the placebo, the vitamin C supplementation significantly increased attention (p = 0.03) and work absorption (p = 0.03) with distinct tendency of improvement on fatigue (p = 0.06) and comprehensive work engagement (p = 0.07). The vitamin C supplementation did not affect mood and serum concentrations of BDNF. However, in the Stroop color–word test, the subjects supplemented with vitamin C showed better performance than those in the placebo group (p = 0.04).
Conclusions: Inadequate vitamin C status is related to a low level of mental vitality. Vitamin C supplementation effectively increased work motivation and attentional focus and contributed to better performance on cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02656-3
Extreme Fatigue
Extreme Fatigue refers to lack of energy or tiredness of whole body. There are many causes of Extreme fatigue such as alcohol and other drugs.
EXAMPLE CASE STUDY:
A 37-year-old female presented with digestive complaints, carb cravings, ‘overwhelming fatigue’, trouble concentrating at work, and unable to play with her daughter after work due to feeling tired all the time.
She couldn’t remember feeling ‘normal’ since before she had her daughter 6 years ago. She did not have difficulty falling asleep and often went to bed as early as 8pm. However she often woke during the night and could not fall back asleep due to ‘over-thinking’.
She had also been struggling to reduce her weight and had actually been gaining weight for the past 6 years. She complained of reflux, heaviness and discomfort after meals, especially those containing fat (which she has long tried to avoid in her diet), explaining that this may have something to do with her having her gall bladder removed a few years prior.
Treatment
She was prescribed a compounded mixture of 1,500 mg of Taurine (to assist with bile flow, metabolism of fats, support for detoxification & potentially weight management), and 200mg of 5-HTP (to support her sleep & appetite cravings).
The patient was also supported to cut out take-away/junk foods & sugary drinks, and advised not to consume caffeine after 12 pm.
She was also advised to quit her after-work wine habit and exercise every morning (yoga, walking).
Outcome
After just 2 weeks of treatment, the patient reported that although the first few days of changing her habits was hard, she had started feeling a lot better after just 1 week. After 2 weeks, not only did she have more energy, she reported getting a ‘rumbly tummy’ once again whenever she got hungry, and felt that she digested food more completely, feeling ‘lighter’ and more regular. She also reported better sleep.
As her digestive capacity had improved she was prescribed a daily teaspoon of Arctic Cod Liver Oil (divided into half at breakfast and dinner, to help supply natural Vitamin A and D as fat-soluble nutrients she was deficient in, from her long standing fat malabsorption) and continuation of another batch of the compounded Taurine/5-HTP formula mixture.
After 4 weeks, her improved fat-soluble detoxification may have assisted with the increased energy she felt, as well as her self-reported ‘hormonal balance’.
offered to ‘boost’ her next script of compounded formula with some added Acetyl-Carnitine, to provide even further support for fat metabolism on a cellular level (helping mitochondria break down fat for energy).
She is excited to continue making more changes in her life thanks to the great improvements in her wellbeing that she has experienced, and is starting to plan a holiday with her young family.
Mechanisms of Action
Taurine
Taurine is a substrate for Bile Synthesis, fat metabolism and Phase II conjugation directly.
(Key to those seeking to support liver health, as well as assisting those working on hormone and toxin excretion, as well as better assimilation of Omega 3 EFAs, Vitamin D and A from the diet and supplements.)
Taurine may also assist in body fat reduction by reducing central adiposity and increasing insulin sensitivity, providing key support in type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Supplementing Taurine can have a calming effect on nervous system allowing better nervous system balance and rest (by increasing activity of the GAD enzyme responsible for decreasing Glutamates, and can directly stimulate GABA receptors). Taurine deficiency in neuronal cells will therefore make them more prone to over-excitation.
5-HTP
5-HTP is an intermediate precursor to Serotonin in the body. It is used clinically to support balanced neurotransmitters, mood, sleep (by increasing the length of REM sleep), & appetite (by managing carbohydrate cravings, satiety and digestive regularity).
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are increasing in the whole world very fast. There are a lots of symptoms such as feeling upset, sad, depressed and hopelessness etc.
EXAMPLE CASE STUDY:
A 35 year old woman presented with ongoing depression for the last 5 years. She continuously experienced strong feelings of apathy and sadness, with a persistent belief that nothing good occurred in her life. She indicated that these feelings and her lack of energy inhibited her ability to improve her diet or undertake any exercise.
Her psychologist had recommended that she improve her diet, and she was seeking support in how to achieve this. The patient was not currently on any medications.
Treatment
After the initial consultation, the patient was compounded a nervous system formula to support her neurochemistry. This was prescribed ahead of planned lifestyle and diet changes, to allow the patient to feel an elevated mood and state of energy.
- Magnesium Threonate – 2.5 grams (200 mg of elemental Magnesium per day)
- 5-HTP – 200mg/day
- DL-Phenylalanine – 3 grams/day
Outcome
After two weeks of treatment, the patient experienced a significant improvement in energy, stating that it was “just easier to get up and move about”. She said that she continued to experience sadness, however the feelings had significantly reduced and her increased energy allowed her to overcome these feelings and begin an exercise regime.
The patient continues therapy with her psychologist as well as work with her nutritionist in shifting more towards a whole-foods diet and regular exercise regime.
Mechanism of Action / Related Compounds
Mg Threonate
Suboptimal levels of Magnesium can often result in a range of nervous system abnormalities. Specific to depression, Magnesium deficiency is theorised to result in over activation and opening of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) coupled calcium channels, resulting in potential neuronal injury and neurological dysfunction – which may contribute to depression. Magnesium deficiency has also been correlated with lowered serotonin levels.
5-HTP
5-HTP is the direct precursor to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter with a diverse range of effects on mood, sleep, and appetite, among many other actions. Increasing low levels of serotonin has been the major form of treatment of depression by conventional medicine.
DL-Phenylalanine
DL-Phenylalanine is a precursor to Tyrosine and the neurotransmitter Dopamine, the primary neurochemical compound that regulates motivation, focus and the reward centre in our brain. Dopamine has often been found to be low in patients with depression.
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I invite you to make an Appointment with me today
Benefits of Visiting Benjamin May Help with Some of the Following.
- People who have tried to heal chronic physical or emotional/mental imbalance and are seeking a new approach.
- People who want to feel more integrated and whole in their lives.
- People who want to help a family member.
- Those who are looking for someone with a gentle approach in assisting you to a greater understand of personal health.
- Benjamin also works with some General Practitioners and would sometimes refer patients for bloods and or other medical needs.
Benefits of Visiting Benjamin May Help with Some of the Following.
- Clarity and More Life Energy in your body and mind
- Peace of Mind
- Acceleration of your personal evolution
- Healing of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Healing of Depression
- Healing of Chronic Pain including injuries
- Help with Emotional Problems including stress & anxiety
- Healing of Many Chronic Diseases and Accelerated Recovery after surgery
- Avoiding cross contamination of massage creams by using single use containers and spatulas.