Posts Tagged ‘Addiction’

Kudzu and Alcoholism

August 24, 2015 Written by JP

Alcohol abuse is a major health care and societal issue in the United States and around the world. Fortunately, there is greater awareness about alcoholism than ever before. And, consequently, there are now many treatment options available for those who are ready to seek help. But, even willing alcoholics sometimes find that conventional therapies aren’t sufficient to keep them “dry”. That’s where evidence-based, alternative and complementary options can make a big difference.

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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 5 Comments & Updates

Motivating Yourself and Others

March 25, 2011 Written by JP

Over the past month or so I’ve engaged in a sort of experiment on Twitter. In addition to the topical health information I normally post, I started including thought provoking quotations from historical and modern figures. My thinking was that we all could benefit from taking momentary breaks from daily life to reflect on grander issues. A sentence or two echoed from revered men and women affords us a simple way to take a step back and contemplate greater goals and issues.

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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health | 5 Comments & Updates

Best of NAC for Mental Health

February 17, 2011 Written by JP

A common theme found in naturopathic medicine is that a substance used for one purpose often ends up benefiting other seemingly unrelated conditions. When this occurs, scientists generally scramble to determine how in the world such a turn of events is even possible. There’s certainly a great deal of value in identifying the underlying mechanisms by which a “medicine” works. But if the body is viewed as a whole, rather than in isolated parts, then the concept of broad spectrum healing tends to make more sense. One example is a rather obscure supplement that reduces the ill effects of oxidants in the body while also promoting a healthier environment in the brain.
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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 5 Comments & Updates

Addiction Alternatives

August 2, 2010 Written by JP

It’s hard to imagine any community that isn’t profoundly touched by addictive and/or compulsive disorders. The specific behaviors and substances involved vary but the end results are predictably ruinous, unless an effective intervention takes place. Alternative therapies are rarely used as primary treatment options for serious addictions which frequently lead to incarceration or permanent health consequences. However, a relatively new string of scientific studies do point to the utility of complementary approaches as an adjunct to conventional treatment. My Healthy Monday tip of the week is to consider mind-body techniques and natural remedies as part of a holistic treatment regime for addictions and compulsive behavior. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 22 Comments & Updates

Natural Health Bargains

February 2, 2010 Written by JP

There’s a chain of high-end health foods stores in the United States called Whole Foods. It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re interested in gourmet foods, all-natural personal care items and the trendiest supplements known to mankind. But cheap it is not. Some people even joke that Whole Foods should be renamed Whole Paycheck because that’s often what you end up spending there. This can be rather disheartening for those who are interested in natural living, but can’t afford to shop in this manner. If you’ve ever felt that way, please be advised that the vast majority of holistic lifestyle choices aren’t cost prohibitive. The trick is finding creative ways to derive the same benefits that normally come with a hefty price tag. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 5 Comments & Updates

NAC for Mental Health

November 4, 2009 Written by JP

A common theme found in naturopathic medicine is that a substance used for one purpose often ends up benefiting other seemingly unrelated conditions. When this occurs, scientists generally scramble to determine how in the world such a turn of events is even possible. There’s certainly a great deal of value in identifying the underlying mechanisms by which a “medicine” works. But if the body is viewed as a whole, rather than in isolated parts, then the concept of broad spectrum healing tends to make more sense. One example is a rather obscure supplement that reduces the ill effects of oxidants in the body while also promoting a healthier environment in the brain. Read more »


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Posted in Alternative Therapies, Mental Health, Nutritional Supplements | 84 Comments & Updates

Sugar and Mental Health

December 14, 2008 Written by JP

The world of nutrition was rocked this past week by a seemingly innocuous little study. It came in the form of a scientific presentation by Professor Bart Hoebel from the Princeton Department of Psychology. Dr. Hoebel and his team, which included members from the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, revealed findings that suggest that sugar can indeed be addictive. Read more »


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Posted in Mental Health | 2 Comments & Updates