ARCHIVE

 

Do you have intrusive thoughts that keep looping in your head? Do you check the stove 20 times before you can head out the door to go to work? It could be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). An estimated 2 to 4 million people struggle with OCD, a condition that is characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsions that can be debilitating. Just look at how they were making Gail’s life spin out of control.

Gail’s OCD Obsessions and Compulsions

On the surface, it seemed like she had it all. Married to her high school sweetheart, she had a couple of kids and a good job. But every night after work, Gail spent hours obsessively cleaning her house. If she saw anything out of place, she would scream at her family and become hysterical. She also felt compelled to wash her hands over and over and over again and insisted that her husband and kids wash their hands at least 10 times a day. Gail’s OCD was ruining her life and seriously impacting her family.

What Gail’s OCD Brain Scan Showed

To get an accurate diagnosis, Gail underwent a leading-edge brain imaging technique called SPECT. Her brain scan showed marked increased activity in the Anterior Cingulate Gyrus, an area involved in shifting attention. When there’s too much activity in this area, it causes people to get stuck on thoughts and actions.

Gail’s OCD Brain Scan: Note increased activity in an area called the Anterior Cingulate Gyrus (arrow).

Healthy Active Brain Scan:

Within six weeks on a targeted treatment plan, Gail was much more relaxed, greatly reduced her ritualistic hand-washing behavior, and stopped making her kids wash their hands every time they turned around. Her husband couldn’t believe the change and said Gail was more like the woman he had married.

If you have similar symptoms as Gail, you may have OCD like Gail, and you can get unstuck too.

5 Ways to Reduce OCD Symptoms

Here are 5 simple things you can do to minimize obsessive thoughts and decrease compulsions.

1. Notice when you are stuck.

Becoming aware of looping thoughts is essential to learning how to stop them and gaining control over OCD. Whenever you notice intrusive thoughts, imagine seeing a traffic stop sign in your head and silently say to yourself, “STOP. THIS IS MY BRAIN GETTING STUCK!”  For some people, the more they actively stop these thoughts, the more control they develop over them.

2. Distract yourself.

When you notice you are getting stuck, get up and do something else. If you actively distract yourself from repetitive thoughts or ritualistic compulsions, they will gradually begin to lose their control over you. Try any of the following to distract yourself:

3. Focus on foods that boost serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can help calm the overactive parts of the brain. Eating complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and garbanzo beans, is a healthy way to boost serotonin. Avoid consuming simple carbohydrates, such as pasta, bread, cookies, pretzels, and popcorn. Although they boost serotonin, they also contribute to increased feelings of anxiety, which is common in people with OCD.  

4. Get moving.

Exercise can be very helpful in calming intrusive thoughts and can help shift your attention when compulsions arise. Exercise works by increasing serotonin in the brain. In addition, it may distract you from obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behavior and compulsions.

5. Consider supplements that boost serotonin.

Helpful supplements that raise serotonin and calm overactivity in the brain include 5-HTP.

Since 1989, Amen Clinics has helped thousands of people, including Gail, get an accurate diagnosis and overcome OCD with targeted solutions that are proven to produce higher than average success rates.

If obsessive thoughts or compulsions are controlling your life and holding you back, don’t wait to seek professional help. Schedule a visit today or call 888-288-9834 to get a comprehensive evaluation.

 

In 2008, 4-year-old Joey was diagnosed with autism. His mom Jacqueline was very pro-active and began a variety of therapies and counseling to help her son. Despite all the treatments, Jacqueline couldn’t help but think she could be doing more for him. She used to joke, saying, “If we could just look inside his head, we could figure out our Joey.” About 10 years after his initial diagnosis, she took Joey for a brain scan using a technology called SPECT, which helped doctors target his treatment more effectively. As Jacqueline knows, having a child with autism can be frustrating. You want to help but may not be sure what you can do. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered the fastest-growing developmental disability, with an estimated 1 in 59 births affected. The condition is characterized by communication problems, abnormal social skills, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems—all ranging from mild to severe.

Here are 5 things that can help minimize autism symptoms:

1. Get an accurate diagnosis.

Brain imaging studies called SPECT show that autism is not one thing, it’s probably 8 to 10 things. In brain scans of people with autism, the front part of the brain often works too hard (but not always). Conversely, the cerebellum in the back of the brain, as well as the right side of the brain, often don’t work hard enough. Knowing the underlying biology of your child’s brain is critical to finding the most effective treatment. Joey’s mom Jacqueline said, “It gives you the medical facts, it gives you the medical science that you lack when you’re just trying different therapies.” Joey’s brain scans showed that not only did he have autism, but he also had an infection that was affecting his moods and behavior. With this new information, Jacqueline was able to get a clearer blueprint to treatments that are now helping Joey and the whole family.

2. Consider going gluten-free.

Gluten is the name given to proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Research shows there is a connection between autism and an increased risk for gluten sensitivity. Some parents of children with autism have reported that when they feed their child a gluten-free diet, they see significant improvements in behavior and speech symptoms. A blood test called the celiac panel can offer insights into gluten-related health problems.

3. Supplement with vitamin D3.

Did you know that low levels of vitamin D (and particularly, vitamin D3) have been linked to autism? Vitamin D plays an essential role in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and is important for brain development. Research in the journal Pediatrics showed that core symptoms of autism improved significantly in a 32-month-old boy after vitamin D3 supplementation. Other supplements may help too. Click to see 10 supplements to improve autism symptoms.

4. Avoid dairy.

Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese contain a protein called casein. During the digestion process, casein contributes to the production of exorphins that bind to opiate receptors in the brain and can lead to problems with concentration, feelings of spaciness, and fuzzy thinking. For some people with ASD, eliminating dairy leads to more talking and reduced hyperactivity.

5. Seek help early.

The sooner a child with autism gets help, the more effective treatment will be. Early intervention can help with your child’s overall development and decrease symptoms as they grow up. At Amen Clinics, we have seen more than 1,000 people with ASD (including Joey) and have used brain imaging in combination with lab work as part of a comprehensive evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis and provide targeted treatments that minimize symptoms. If your child is struggling with autism, schedule a visit or call 888-288-9834. Sleep is one of the absolute necessities in life, but some of us tend to sleep less than others. Over 70-million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, and for many, this may be due to parasomnia. Healthy sleep is a hallmark of a happy lifestyle, and parasomnia treatment could make a major impact on your life.

What is Parasomnia?

All of us have experienced uncontrolled movements during sleep, but not to the degree of parasomnia. Parasomnia definition: A set of sleep disorders caused by dysfunction in the brain and marked by abnormal, uncontrolled and repetitive nighttime movements. Most parasomnia types occur during deep sleep and they are more common in children. Sleep disorder specialists have found some parasomnia during REM sleep may be an early sign of serious illness such as Parkinson’s. In parasomnia, the mind triggers the body to move in various ways. Insomnia treatment is related to parasomnia treatment, as parasomnias cause you to lose an excessive amount of quality sleep.

Parasomnia Types

To treat sleep disorders, six main types of sleep disorders have been identified as well as five types of parasomnias. One of the most common sleep disorders is sleep apnea while the most variety in sleep disorders comes from parasomnias. Your body may experience a range of motor activities due to parasomnia. These types may also overlap where you experience more than one at a time.

1. Sleep Disorders of Arousal

Forced arousal during sleep may cause you to appear awake but in a confused state when speaking, or maybe a mixed state of both asleep and awake where you have not yet begun dreaming.

2. Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking symptoms may include your significant other not being able to wake you while you move, sitting up in bed and possibly leaving the bed, waking up unsure of how you left your bed, an inability to communicate while you appear to get out of bed, or talking and walking while still asleep.

3. Sleep Talking

Sleep talking may happen with one’s eyes open, appearing to others that you are awake, and is typically called confusional arousal. The meaning behind sleep talking is not clear and is typically not as serious as other parasomnias.

4. Sleep-Related Eating

Sleep-related eating can lead to obesity and many additional health concerns. This sleep disorder is strongly related to other sleep disorders, such as sleepwalking or may even be due to chronic pain preventing you from sleeping and turning to eating instead.

5. Sleep Terrors

With sleep terrors, your “fight or flight” response may cause dramatic movements, such as fighting and shouting in your sleep. All parasomnias are complex and may be due to brain abnormalities preventing you from a restful night’s sleep. Therefore, Amen Clinics is unique in conducting brain SPECT imaging for our patients. We believe it is of the utmost importance to view what is happening in the brain to aid in the diagnosis of brain disorders and mental illness. Each patient is evaluated through The Amen Clinics Method starting with your specific biological, psychological, social and spiritual influences. We apply neuropsychological testing, brain SPECT imaging at rest and during concentration, and conduct lab tests when necessary.

Parasomnia Treatment

For all parasomnias, Amen Clinics offers parasomnia treatment tailored to the individual. Our clinics focus on natural therapies first for the least toxic method of treating your parasomnia, and we sometimes recommend medication when necessary. Our goal is to offer you restful sleep without the use of sedatives or sleeping pills. In some cases, the parasomnia may be caused by a seizure, and in others, it could be triggered by sleep apnea. The parasomnia treatment will greatly depend on the individual’s root cause. One of the most common causes of parasomnias is sleep deprivation (quantity or quality of sleep), and this can be corrected by identifying and treating the underlying causes of disrupted sleep/insomnia. Sleep disorder specialists at Amen Clinics have access to many treatments and therapies to help treat your parasomnia. • Sleep cognitive and behavioral coaching • Hormone Replacement Therapy • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy • IV Nutrient Therapy • Neurofeedback • Nutrition Counseling • Psychotherapy • Supplements and Medication • Hypnotherapy To learn more about parasomnia treatment with Amen Clinics, call us now at 888-288-9834 or make an appointment online. See the video below to hear more from Dr. Shane Creado, a sleep disorder specialist at Amen Clinics Chicago. Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and complex brain disorder causing shifts between manic and depressive phases, requiring bipolar disorder treatment. The patient may feel out of control of their lives and unable to participate in daily activities. Episodes of bipolar disorder can lead to dramatic changes in the person’s life, such as a lost job, failure in school, damaged friendships, or even jail time. Those with bipolar disorder are often hospitalized for their mental illness when experiencing an episode. The disorder can be difficult to diagnose as there are not many tests to offer a true diagnosis. The cyclical emotional state of the patient and vital information based on brain SPECT imaging are the two main factors Amen Clinics uses to diagnose and recommend bipolar disorder treatment.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is found to run in families despite not having a single cause, and three out of five patients with bipolar disorder are women. The brain disorder affects around 4% of Americans as a fairly common illness. Unfortunately, those with bipolar disorder are 15 times more likely to attempt suicide when compared to the general population. There are four distinct types of bipolar disorder:
  1. Bipolar I
  2. Bipolar II
  3. Cyclothymic disorder
  4. Bipolar disorder otherwise not specified
Bipolar I is typical bipolar with classic symptoms of extreme mood shifts lasting between weeks and months. Bipolar II indicates the patient has experienced less intense manic moods and may experience more depressive moods when compared to bipolar I. Cyclothymic disorder is similar to Bipolar I but with less extreme shifts over shorter periods of time. Symptoms of “manic” states include: Symptoms of “depressive” states include: Those with bipolar disorder may also fall into psychosis where they detach from reality. This symptom can sometimes mimic schizophrenia, a brain disorder marked by a withdrawal from reality. Oftentimes, people are diagnosed with bipolar disorder but have the traumatic effects of a brain injury. This is why proper assessment of bipolar disorder is essential to identify the root cause of the brain disorder for treatment.

Treatment and Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Those with bipolar disorder experience unique struggles and require highly customized treatment. Here at Amen Clinics, we’ve found brain SPECT imaging is vital to identifying the root cause of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is sometimes identified with co-existing problems, such as brain injury, and as many as 50% of those with bipolar disorder also have ADD/ADHD. Brain SPECT imaging gives patients a direct view into the physical nature of their brain, destigmatizing any fears they might have against treatment. The emotional toll of finding help for this brain disorder can be lifted once the patient understands the physical nature of their illness. While this condition is difficult to diagnose due to bipolar disorder’s many types and tendency to overlap with other brain disorders, it is a serious psychiatric condition requiring expert care. Many patients with bipolar disorder fall into continuous episodes because they do not follow through on their bipolar disorder treatment, believing there is no longer a problem once treatment starts or that there never was a problem. Amen Clinics is committed to offering personalized bipolar disorder treatment options that take into consideration all aspects of the patient’s life. When enrolling with Amen Clinics to treat you or your loved one’s bipolar disorder, we use a four-pronged approach to first assess your case by taking the following steps:

How to Manage Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Patients with bipolar disorder can go through a variety of troubling experiences while battling their illness. There is currently no cure for bipolar disorder, but treatment can give patients control of their lives. A new daily regimen focused on nutrition, exercise, supplementation, talk therapy, and other bipolar disorder treatments specified by your doctor, must be followed. Exercises for meditation, gratitude, and positive thinking to rid thoughts of ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts) may be recommended. Strengthening one’s sense of community also plays an important role in relieving stress and building resilience.

Find a Clinic to Treat Your Bipolar Disorder

Make an appointment by calling 888-288-9834 today or scheduling online, and review our locations to find the nearest clinic to your home. Take a close look at yourself in the mirror. If your skin seems dry, you reach for the moisturizer. Spot a pimple and you dab it with a bit of acne medication. Notice a few split ends and you call the hairdresser for a haircut. Basically, whenever you see a problem with your body, you try to fix it yourself or get professional help to take care of it. But most people never consider the health of their brain because they can’t see it. Many of us walk around with brains that need help, but we don’t realize it, so we don’t do anything to address the issue. That’s at the heart, or should I say brain, of the problem. Understanding and optimizing your brain is often the missing link to being successful in your quest for a better body.

Follow these 10 basic principles to love and nurture your brain so that you can have the best body possible:

Your Brain is Involved in Everything You Do

As the executive control center of your entire body, your brain controls everything you do. The moment-by-moment functioning of your brain is responsible for the way you think, feel, eat, and exercise. The impact of the brain on your body is at the core of your health and well-being. The decisions your brain makes can steal or add many years to your life!

When Your Brain Works Right, You Work Right

A healthy brain makes it so much easier for you to have your best body possible. When your brain is working at optimal levels, you are more likely to stick to a diet, follow an exercise routine, and adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors. On the other hand, a troubled brain often leads to bad decisions that can steal your health. Your brain can either help or hinder your efforts to have a better body.

The Brain is the Most Complex Organ in the Universe

Your brain only weighs about 3 pounds, but it’s more powerful than even the most sophisticated supercomputer. Even though it represents only about 2 percent of your body’s weight, your brain uses about 25 percent of the calories you consume. It’s estimated that there are more connections in your brain than there are stars in the universe! Your brain is heavily involved in making you who you are…so respect it.

Your Brain is Soft and is Housed in a Hard Skull

Composed of about 80 percent water, the brain’s consistency is somewhere between raw egg whites and Jell-O. The brain is housed in a hard skull and is filled with fluid. Inside your brain skull are a number of bony edges and ridges. Your brain wasn’t made to endure the punishment of soccer headers, tackle football, or boxing. Brain injuries not only damage your brain, they can ruin your body.

The Brain Only Has So Much Reserve

Brain reserve is the cushion of healthy brain function we have to deal with stressful events or injuries. The more reserve you have, the better you can cope with the unexpected. The less you have, the harder it is for you to handle tough times and injuries. Enhance your reserve by maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle.

Specific Parts of Your Brain Are Involved in Certain Behaviors

There are many parts of the brain and each area can influence your behavior positively or negatively. Trouble in a specific part of your brain can cause certain behavior problems. Each brain system plays a major role in your ability to make good decisions for the health of your entire body. Understanding your brain can help you optimize it.

Many Everyday Activities Help/Hurt the Brain

You may be surprised to learn that common, everyday activities and behaviors are often the source of brain drain. Things that hurt the brain include: drugs/alcohol, obesity, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, dehydration and excessive TV/video games. Common practices that can help your brain are: diet, exercise, supplements, quality sleep, relaxation and meditation. Do you want a healthy or unhealthy brain? The choice is yours.

Brain Imaging Gives Great Insight into Healing

With the help of imaging, we’ve learned that conditions such as obesity, depression, anxiety, and addictions are not single or simple disorders and that one treatment doesn’t fit everyone. Imaging helps us understand individual patients so that we can develop treatment plans specifically tailored to you. Depending on your individual situation, your brain may need to be stimulated or it may need to be calmed down. If we never look at your brain, how can we know the best way to treat you?

It’s Crucial to Know How Your Brain Functions

Since we are all unique individuals, we need to understand how our brain functions. From a brain imaging perspective, there isn’t just one type of ADD/ADHD, anxiety or depression. Understanding your individual variability is critical to getting the right treatment, whether it’s to help your mood, focus, weight or overall health.

You Can Change Your Brain and Body

By targeting specific interventions and lifestyle changes, you can improve your brain and your body. This is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in medicine. Working to enhance your brain can be the answer if you’ve been struggling with diets your entire life, have never been able to stick with a fitness routine, have been trying to quit smoking for years, or want to improve your overall health. To get the body you want, you need to believe in your ability to change your brain. Knowing how your brain works is critical to getting the help you need. One of the best ways you can change your brain and body is with brain SPECT imaging. SPECT helps people understand the underlying psychological or medical reasons for their conditions. Our Full Evaluation of your biological/psychological/social/spiritual history, coupled with two brain SPECT imaging scans (in concentrating and resting states), cognitive testing, and clinical assessment is designed to address unique needs and offer targeted treatment options. At Amen Clinics, we’re committed to treating our patients with the least toxic, most effective regimen. For more information on how SPECT imaging can help provide a customized treatment plan to help heal your brain and body, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. When you hear the word “addiction,” the first thing that pops into your head is probably drugs or alcohol. Gambling or sex addictions might also register as types of negative habits. Or perhaps even the digital obsession many have with their devices. But video game addiction? Is there really such a thing?

Is It Really an Addiction?

Most people would agree that video game binges or all-night marathons aren’t beneficial to your health, either physically or mentally. But is there a time limit that should be observed by gamers? Is there a way to know for sure when video game playing becomes excessive…or even addictive? The World Health Organization recently evaluated the harmful effects of spending too much time playing video games. Based on scientific evidence, the WHO has classified “gaming disorder” as a serious addiction. However, the agency claims that the condition only affects 3% of gamers. Although the American Psychiatric Association hasn’t labeled excessive gaming as a mental health condition, the organization does admit that the disorder warrants further clinical research.

Addiction Begins in the Brain

The brain is the supercomputer that runs everything in your life. It plays a central role in your vulnerability to addiction and your ability to recover and maintain sobriety. Understanding the brain’s role in addiction, prevention, and treatment is the key to helping people break free from their addictions. Until then, they will continue to fuel their addictions with daily habits and actions that pollute the brain and make it even harder for them to break free from those addictions. One way to help identify addiction in the brain is with SPECT imaging. Overloaded work schedules, not getting enough sleep, and living with strained relationships all can lower brain function, and make it more difficult to fight addiction. Eating a fast food diet, guzzling sugary sodas, and gobbling unhealthy snacks deprives the brain of proper nutrients, which decreases your ability to think clearly and make good decisions. Isolating yourself from family and friends to hide your addiction also has a negative effect on your brain that can further intensify your addictive behaviors.

The Brain’s Reward System

Your motivation to either commit or quit harmful acts is tied to the biological makeup of your brain and your brain’s reward system. This system is an intricate network of neurotransmitters that are critical to human survival. Your self-control circuit is comprised of: 1. the brain systems that drive you to seek out things that bring you pleasure and, 2. the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which applies the brakes when you’re about to engage in risky behavior. In the addicted brain, the underactive PFC can create an imbalance in the reward system and cause you to lose control over your behavior. When this happens, you’re more likely to fall victim to your cravings. Having low activity in the PFC often results in impulse control problems and poor internal supervision.

ADHD and Video Game Addiction

Many individuals with ADHD, who can barely spend ten minutes doing mundane tasks such as paying bills or preparing their taxes, can easily lose themselves for hours on end playing video games. The stimulation, novelty, and excitement grabs and maintains their interest. Without these stimuli, they can be apathetic, fatigued, or spacey. A recent study found that gamers with ADHD symptoms may be at a greater risk for developing video game addiction. Up to 23 percent of people who play video games report symptoms of addictive behavior. If you know someone who can’t put down the controller, here are some practical strategies that can help them overcome Video Game Brain:

Healthy Pleasure Centers

Deep inside the brain, your pleasure centers respond to several neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. When dopamine is depleted, depression and low motivation are much more likely to occur – it can be harder to find your sense of joy and lift yourself out of a funk. Boost dopamine naturally by engaging in meaningful and pleasurable activities on a regular basis. Do work that you love, get consistent exercise and take time to have fun with your loved ones.

Boost Your PFC

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is responsible for helping you be goal-oriented, socially responsible, and productive in every area of your life. Decreased activity in the PFC has been associated with lack of forethought and poor judgment. Exercising self-control is one of the best ways to strengthen your PFC. To develop your PFC, you can practice saying no to the things that aren’t good for you and, over time, you’ll find it easier to do the right thing. Also, supplements, green tea, and Rhodiola can increase blood flow to the PFC which can help you make better decisions.

“Then What?”

Addictions are made worse when we literally “wear out” the brain’s pleasure centers from constant exposure to highly stimulating activities, such as drugs, video games, and internet pornography. Take inventory of the adrenaline-producing habits in your life. Eliminate unhealthy ones and take breaks from activities (even good ones) that are becoming compulsive. When fighting an addiction, always keep these two words in mind: “Then what?” Whenever you think about doing or saying something that may have a negative impact on your life, consider the consequences of your behavior. This question can serve as a stop sign to impulses that are about to take you down the wrong path. Brain dysfunction is the #1 reason why people fall victim to addiction. If a loved one is struggling with any form of addiction, our method of integrative psychiatric support can help. Our Full Evaluation of your biological/psychological/social/spiritual history, coupled with two brain SPECT imaging scans (in concentrating and resting states), cognitive testing, and clinical assessment is designed to address unique needs and offer targeted treatment options. If you or someone you know is struggling with a video game addiction, call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. As a leader in the field of mental health, Amen Clinics has treated an array of psychiatric conditions over the past 30 years and has amassed the world’s largest database of brain scans at 150,000 and growing. Though many people have come to know about us due to the remarkable results we’ve seen with brain SPECT imaging, we also offer a wide range of therapy options at the nationwide Amen Clinics locations. One of the brain health and wellness services we are excited to recommend is IV Nutrient Therapy.

What is IV Nutrient Therapy?

Intravenous (IV) nutrient infusions can help replenish your body’s essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, and help to restore balanced brain functioning. IV nutrient therapy is ideal for those seeking to detoxify their body, increase immune function, reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

How Does It Work?

At the beginning of a session, a patient will enter the treatment room and sit in a comfortable chair. An IV solution (fluid of vitamins and nutrients) is then administered directly into a vein. The patient will remain seated until the IV bag has been depleted.

Who Does It Treat?

IV therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions and is ideal for individuals who are tired, dehydrated, stressed or struggling with a chronic illness. Treatments are customized based on a patient’s needs. Below are just a few of the conditions IV therapy has been used to treat: • Autoimmune and Neurological Conditions • Memory Problems/Dementia • Anxiety/Depression • Infections • Mold Exposure • Migraines • Fibromyalgia • Heavy Metal Toxicity • Parkinson’s Disease • Lyme Disease • Chronic Fatigue

What Are the Benefits?

IV nutrient therapy is a fast, effective, and natural option for improving your health and wellness. IV treatments infuse nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which allows large doses to be administered without upsetting the stomach, creating absorption issues or losing potency.

Types of IV Nutrient Therapy

Amen Clinics offers IV therapies for a variety of needs and conditions. Here are our specially formulated IVs:

CALM

Also called the Myers Cocktail, the CALM IV is a well-known and highly effective IV formulation for anxiety and relaxation that consists of high doses of B vitamins, magnesium, and other nutrients.

ANTIOX

The mother of all antioxidants, ANTIOX IV can consist of glutathione, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), or both (depending on what’s best for the patient), and can help the brain, liver, intestines and kidneys.

IMMUNE

The IMMUNE IV contains powerful doses of buffered vitamin C and is especially helpful for anyone suffering from an immune disorder or who needs a physical and mental boost.

BOOST

The BOOST IV contains high dose vitamin C and a multivitamin/mineral combination that’s great for those who are worn down by stress or illness, or just seeking to stay healthy and energized. Great for cold and flu season.

CLEANSE COMBO (CHELATION THERAPY)

The CLEANSE COMBO uses specific chelators like ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) to remove toxic metals – including aluminum, cadmium and lead – from the body.

PHOSPHOLIPID EXCHANGE THERAPY (PXT)

PXT can help a range of disorders and is an effective means of detoxifying cell membranes by replacing the bad fats and oils in a person’s membranes with good essential fatty acids, creating younger, healthier membranes.

NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is primarily used to generate energy within your cells. NAD has been used to help improve concentration, focus, memory, mood, addiction, age-related diseases and chronic fatigue.

How Many Sessions Are Recommended?

The type of IV therapy and the number of sessions will be determined by an Amen Clinics medical professional trained in IV therapy. Sessions generally last between 30 to 60 minutes.

Is it Safe?

IV therapy isn’t safe for everyone. People with some allergies, on specific medications, or with certain conditions (such as congestive heart failure) may not be good candidates. It’s critical to have a thorough medical consultation before starting IV therapy. Choosing your own concoction, without a physician’s supervision, can be dangerous. The Amen Clinics medical staff are highly trained experts in IV nutrient therapy. These administrators are licensed medical providers. Our infusions are made with 100% certified and sterile ingredients that are FDA registered. Not all services are offered at each Amen Clinics location. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or inquire on our website for availability at a clinic near you. Do you frequently fall asleep during the day? Are you tired all the time, even when you get a good night’s sleep? Have others noticed that you snore or make choking noises when you sleep? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you might have sleep apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Apnea is a medical term that refers to a pause in breathing. Those who suffer with sleep apnea stop breathing 10 to 60 times every hour and those stoppages can last between 10 to 20 seconds. Sleep apnea is characterized by the upper airways closing off during sleep, causing a brief interruption of breathing and, often, loud snoring. Frequently waking up at night from lack of oxygen can rob you of restful sleep and leave you feeling sluggish, inattentive, and forgetful throughout the day. Sleep apnea costs the U.S. economy $87 billion a year. Common symptoms include: • Loud snoring with snorts or gasps • Periods of not breathing during sleep • Morning tiredness and/or headaches • Significant daytime drowsiness • Attention and/or memory problems • Mood issues and irritability What’s particularly harmful about sleep apnea is that when air can’t reach the lungs, it also can’t circulate to the rest of the body, including the brain. Chronic lack of sleep is a serious condition that can lead to an irreversible loss of brain cells. If you have sleep apnea, you could be starving your brain of oxygen and not even know it.

Sleep Apnea Stats:

Sleep apnea affects between 12 to 18 million Americans every year. Sleep apnea doubles your risk for having a stroke and triples your risk of dementia and depression. People who are obese have four times the risk of developing sleep apnea than people who are a normal weight. And sorry guys, men are twice as likely to have sleep apnea as women. Long-term complications of sleep apnea can include an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and memory problems. Sleep problems also increase your risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Chronic sleep loss can lead to car accidents, poor job performance, low grades in school and higher susceptibility to other mental and physical conditions. Since missing out on sleep can have a devastating impact on your life, here are 5 ways to avoid the dangers of sleep apnea:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight increases your chances of developing sleep apnea since fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct the natural breathing process. One of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight is to eat a diet high in fiber and healthy fats. Also, using adaptogen herbs, such as ginseng and Rhodiola, can help with conditions that lead to weight gain (like thyroid issues, leaky gut and cellular toxicity).

Humidify Your Room

Sleeping with a humidifier in the room has been known to decrease snoring and congestion. Using essential oils in a humidifier, such as eucalyptus oil (which is an active ingredient in Vicks VapoRub), can help to open nasal passages and improve breathing while you sleep.

Avoid Substances

Don’t drink any caffeinated beverages and avoid chocolate, nicotine, and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening. One reason why people get lower-quality sleep after drinking alcohol is that it blocks REM sleep, which is often considered the most restorative type of sleep. With less REM sleep, you’re likely to wake up feeling groggy and unfocused.

Don’t Take Naps

Taking naps is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you have trouble sleeping. Daytime naps will disrupt your nighttime sleep cycle.

Adjust Your Sleep Position

Sleeping on your back tends to make snoring worse because the tongue slides toward the back of the throat. Sleeping on your side with a pillow that keeps your head slightly elevated is usually recommended to reduce snoring and the symptoms of sleep apnea. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, or if you’re not feeling refreshed after sleeping, Amen Clinics can help. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain peaceful sleep without the use of sleeping pills or sedatives. One of the best ways we can improve the quality of your sleep is with brain SPECT imaging. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of sleep apnea, find out how we can help improve the quality of your sleep. Call us today at 888-288-9834 or visit us online to schedule a visit. If you are planning on getting pregnant or are currently pregnant, there are some major things about pesticide you should know.

What Is Pesticide?

Pesticides are chemicals that are used to kill bugs, rodents, mold or weeds. You can use some pesticides in your home. Others are for use only outside or on crops. While pesticides may be helpful in keeping your home pest-free, they can cause problems for your baby if you’re exposed to (come in contact with) them during pregnancy. When you’re pregnant, stay away from pesticides.

How Are You Exposed to Pesticides?

You may come in contact with pesticides as part of your everyday life. Pesticides can be in: • Air and water • Bug sprays • Cleaning products, like bleach • Food, farmers may use pesticides on food crops • Lawn and garden products, like weed killer • Pet products, like flea and tick shampoo • Rodent poisons, like mouse or rat bait

What Problems Can Pesticides Cause During Pregnancy?

Your exposure to large amounts of pesticides like those used on crops may be harmful to your baby during pregnancy. It may lead to: • Birth defects. These are health conditions that a baby has at birth. Birth defects change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. They can cause problems in overall health, in how the body develops, or in how the body works. • Learning problems later in your baby’s life.

We put together 7 tips to help you or a loved one avoid the risks of prenatal pesticide exposure:

1. Use natural pest control in your garden and natural insect repellent when outdoors. 2. Adopt a ‘no shoes’ policy in your home. Tracked-in dirt may include pesticide residue that can be inhaled or ingested. 3. Trust your sense of smell. Sense of smell is often heightened during pregnancy. Take advantage of this biologic warning system —if it smells toxic, it probably is! 4. Educate yourself about the public areas you frequent most. Research the parks and beaches that use chemical versus natural pesticides. Check your city website for scheduled applications of pesticides and avoid these areas during the day of and several days after application. 5. If you are exposed to chemical pesticides, wash clothing immediately and separately to avoid any cross contamination. 6. Eat organic as much as you can. The increased cost will result in long-term benefits for you and your unborn child’s health. Check the EWG website for updates to the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen.” At a minimum, work to incorporate organic choices for the foods listed as having the highest pesticide residue — and ALWAYS wash your fruits and veggies before preparing and eating. 7. Be the voice of change in your community. Speak out about the dangers of pesticide use to your neighborhood association or even at your town or city council meetings. Education is the best for propelling community change. Here’s to a happy and healthy pregnancy!

We Can Help

At Amen Clinics, we can help you and your loved ones overcome the stigma and suffering associated with ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, brain injury, weight loss, addictions, memory issues, brain fog, and other emotional and cognitive issues. If you are ready to regain control over your life or help a loved one do the same, give us a call at 1-888-288-9834 or click here to ask a question. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been increasing at an alarming rate over the past 20 years. As the fastest growing developmental disability, it is estimated that 1 in every 88 births will now be affected – this equates to around 50,000 children every year. Parents, psychologists, and neurologists have been scrambling to come up with strategies to help these children.

What is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can best be described as a grouping of developmental disorders that present a range of symptoms such as: social and communication difficulties; restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities; and in some cases, cognitive delays. The autism spectrum includes: • Autism • Asperger syndrome • Rett syndrome • Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) • Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Can Going Gluten-Free Help?

Transitioning to a gluten-free diet is one strategy that has been gaining popularity in the United States, as significant improvements in symptoms such as speech and behavior have been noticed in some children when gluten is removed. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children with autism and until recently, little research has been done to evaluate if there is a true connection between autism, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease.

Autistic Children Are More Gluten Sensitive Than Their Siblings

A study evaluated: • Children with autism (with and without GI distress symptoms) • Their siblings without autism, and age-matched, unaffected healthy children as controls The researchers tested for antibodies to gliadin, a class of proteins present in the gluten of wheat and several other grains known for producing immune response in sensitive individuals. The results of the study point to a connection between autism and increased gluten sensitivity. The children with autism showed significantly higher levels of the IgG gliadin antibody as compared to their siblings and unrelated healthy controls.

Gluten Sensitivity & The Brain-Gut Connection

Scientists have hypothesized that autistic children may be more sensitive and allergic to foods containing gluten and casein (milk protein), given the strong correlation between GI disturbances and the severity of autism. Biochemical testing has confirmed that people with autism tend to have higher levels of peptides (gluten proteins) in their urine. It is believed that the incomplete breakdown and excessive absorption of gluten peptides may react with opiate receptors in the brain, leading to neurological changes that dramatically exacerbate the symptoms of autism. Even outside of the autistic community, awareness of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is becoming more common as people start to investigate why they do not feel well. It is said that anywhere from 6-50% of people may unknowingly experience gluten sensitivity while 1% suffer from true celiac disease. Gluten is poorly digested by the human intestines; this can lead to: • Inflammation • Gut damage • Malnutrition • Neurological disturbances

10 Common Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease

1. Brain fog 2. Fatigue 3. Headaches/migraines 4. GI distress such as: abdominal pain and bloating, gas, queasiness, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea 5. Weight loss or weight gain 6. Depression, irritability, listlessness, and emotional instability 7. Joint pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs, arms, and hands 8. Acne, eczema and other skin rashes 9. Hair loss 10. Hashimoto’s disease and other autoimmune disorders

What Can You Do Now?

A blood test referred to as the celiac panel can help diagnose gluten-related health problems. The test measures your body’s response to gluten by detecting 4 antibodies that your body produces against it. Speak with your primary care physician to arrange for gluten testing. The inexpensive gluten test is simply an elimination diet. If you cut ALL gluten from your diet and your symptoms go away, it’s a good indicator that you have a gluten sensitivity. Some people experience improvements very quickly (such as reduction of pain in the gut), yet for some with extreme sensitivities or celiac disease, it can take 6 months to a year for the lining of the small intestine to heal completely.

We Can Help

If you need help getting started with an elimination diet or getting your children on-board with a gluten-free lifestyle, Amen Clinics can help. Connect with us online or call us at 888-288-9834 today.