My answer to the question posed by the title of this article is yes.  Before proceeding I want to make something clear.  There are many approaches available to people who have psychological and/or substance use issues.  These approaches offer varying degrees of relief to individuals that last different amounts of time.  One of the most important factors which contributes to someone’s ongoing successful management of symptoms is the extent of their willingness to take responsibility for their recovery.  However, there is another component of recovery that, if successfully addressed, could help people to experience long-term solutions.   

These seemingly elusive component involves addressing the underlying factors which could be contributing to existing symptoms rather than solely treating the symptom itself.  It is my belief that chemical/nutritional imbalances fuel psychological/substance use distress.  Thus, assisting the body/brain to perform at its optimal functioning level by giving it the fuel (i.e., nutrients) it needs can provide the so called missing link to achieving a long-term solution.

To illustrate this point let’s consider the following example.  Imagine the situation in which someone  regularly drinks alcohol.  This substance is broken down into a simple sugar in the body.  Generally speaking, ongoing use of sugar contributes to the craving of simple carbohydrates and sugar.  Ongoing consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar has been shown to correlate with the existence of a medical condition called diabetes.  It is not unusual for a doctor to give someone who is showing diabetic tendencies suggestions about foods to eat and foods to decrease.  This advice might come directly from the doctor or from a referral made by the doctor to a trained profesional.  The doctor’s objective would be to help his “patient” prevent the development of the need to take insulin in the future.  This same rationale would apply to someone who already has the diagnosis of diabetes.  Eating less sugar and simple carbohydrates could affect the individual’s needed insulin dose.  Based upon this line of reasoning, helping to manage ”sugar cravings” could then help someone abstain from the use of alcohol.

I welcome your thoughts and questions.            

Stress affects each of us everyday to varying degrees.  The important issue is not related to the fact that we all have stress in our lives.  It is our ability to deal with stress that determines, or at least contributes, to someone’s current state of health.  Therefore, it is useful to know what we can do that will allow us to manage the stress in our lives as effectively as possible.

How our experiences affect us is related to our overall state of health which includes mental, emotional, physical and spiritual functioning.  Whatever compromises any of these areas creates an extra challenge to our ability to manage stress effectively.  If any of these areas are overly stressed then that area is the “weakest link” and is the most likely area to be adversely effected.  This, in turn, will put extra stress on the other areas and result in additional difficulties over time.

Consider an individual who is experiencing stress related to work and finances.  Over time his/her mental and emotional state will be affected.  If this person resorts to smoking cigarettes, using drugs or alcohol to manage the stress physical health as well as other areas of functioning will be influenced.  In a sense, this person will have resorted to indirect and inefficient ways of dealing with the existing stressors that will eventually result in additional problems.

Consider someone else who is experiencing the same scenario I just described.  However, this person eats healthy, exercises, takes time to relax and has some spiritual practice (e.g., attends religious services, prays, meditates, does volunteer work, etc.).  This way of life provides a foundation of strength and health that will help minimize the negative effects of stress over time.  Therefore, it is important for each of us to identify our “weakest links” and to develop a strategy for managing our stress that takes our individual values and strengths into account.

I welcome your questions and comments.            

People give a variety of reasons for wanting to be in a relationship.  For some it is an escape from loneliness.  For others it is to have a family.  Many people talk about wanting to find their soulmate.  What many people do not realize initially is that they have very little idea of what they will experience in a relationship.

The early stages of a relationship tend to be a honeymoon period.  This is the time when the hormones are flowing and expectations are high.  We tend to be carefree and our troubles are few.  At some point we start to become concerned about some of our partner’s traits and begin to question if this is the person with whom we want to spend our life.

Just because the infatuation stage does not last and we feel disappointed what follows is not necessarily a sign that we made a bad decision.  Very often it is just the natural progression of a relationship that reflects someone else’s character traits that can be a mirror showing us what needs to be changed in ourselves.  This is a common experience for many couples.

This is what I refer to as the spiritual aspect of a relationship.  It is the aspect of a relationship which reveals the lessons we are here to learn and what we might need to change about ourselves.  Of course there are some things like being abused or being disrespected that are not reasonable ways to be treated over time.  However, if you are able to identify certain patterns that consistently occur in your life this might be a sign that something about you needs to change.    

I welcome your comments and questions.

During the past three weeks I have written about the function of our digestive organs, what happens when something goes wrong with one or more of them and suggested some beneficial products.  By taking this perspective I did not mean to imply that any of our body’s systems (e.g., digestion, circulation, etc.) operate in a vacuum.  The reality is that they are all interdependent upon one another.  

To illustrate let’s consider the pancreas.  This organ secretes digestive enzymes.  If this does not occur as needed the result can be incomplete food digestion.  According to Anthony Cichoke, DC this can contribute to adult-onset diabetes, food allergies and pancreatitis.  People with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar leves and are at risk for developing problems with circulation.  Unstable (i.e., low blood sugar levels) have been associated with depression.  Serious circulatory challenges can result in decreased mobility and social interaction with friends and family.   

When we have a problem with any aspect of our health it is important to identify the cause and not just treat the symptom.  If someone experiences low blood sugar eating candy or drinking orange juice would be an example of treating the symptom.  Determining the reason for the low blood sugar (e.g., over production of insulin) and treating it is an example of treating the cause.  An accurate identification of the cause is essential.  The next step would be to identify available treatment options and to choose the one with the fewest risks and most benefit.

I welcome your questions and comments.   

In this last article on improving digestion I will discuss the digestive roles of the liver and the large intestine.  I will identify the adverse factors which affect each of them.  I will also suggest beneficial approaches to provide nutritional support in response to the adverse factors.

The liver metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  It also detoxifies hormones, toxins and drugs and manufactures bile.  The bile is secreted into the small intestine or stored in the gallbladder.  Bile is important in the digestion of fat and fat-soluble vitamins and keeps the small intestine free from harmful organisms.

When we overly burden our livers with excessive use of alcohol and drugs this can interfere with its daily functions.  A compromised immunne system can lead to liver Infection and also compromise optimal organ performance.  Beneficial approaches include the use of whole food supplements that provide nutritional support to the liver and herbs such as milk thistle, artichoke and dandelion.  In general, these herbs are reputed to protect against toxicity and/or increase the production of bile.

The large intestine’s principle functions are to concentrate, store, and excrete food wastes through absorption of water and electrolytes.  A small amount of nutrient absorption also occurs.  A section of the large intestine, the colon, contains friendly flora (i.e., bacteria) which produce enzymes that break down remaining food from the small intestines. 

An important aspect of good colon health is to maintain its healthy environment.  This can be accomplished by eliminating toxic bacteria, maintaining healthy flora (e.g., lactobacilli & others), identifying and avoiding any food sensitivities and getting an adequate amount of fiber.  Good intestinal health contributes to overall physical functioning.

I welcome your comments and questions.        

Last week I wrote about the role the stomach and small intestine play in digestion as well as the adverse factors which could affect each one.  Beneficial approaches were also identified.  In this article I will address the digestive roles performed by the pancreas and gallbladder.

The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine including lipase, amylase and protease.  Lipase and bile helps to digest fats.  Amylase break down starch molecules into smaller sugars.  Protease breaks down protein into smaller amino acids.  According to Anthony Cichoke, D.C., in his book Enzymes and Enzyme Therapy, a lack of pancreatic enzymes can prevent up to 50% of the carbohydrates and proteins as well as a majority of fats entering the small intestine from being absorbed.  In addition, Dr. Cichoke also believes a lack of enzymes can contribute to adult-onset diabetes, food allergies and pancreatitis.  Beneficial approaches include supplementing with enzymes and/or taking herbal tonics.  Depending on the condition of the pancreas herbal tonics can result in an over stimulating effect.

The gallbladder holds bile for the liver and digestive juices in the duodenum signal the gallbladder to secrete bile.  Gallstones can occur when the chemical composition of the bile is disturbed.  Beneficial approaches for inflammation include the use of dandelion and wild yam.  Tumeric acts as a gallbladder stimulant.

Next week we will look at the digestive roles played by the liver and large intestine.

I welcome your questions and comments.        

It is not just what we eat that influences our health, it is also how well our bodies absorb nutrients.  The significant aspects of digestion involve our digestive organs.  It is important to understand how each digestive organ functions and what can be done if a problem exists.

The stomach is primarily responsible for digestion of proteins and ionization of minerals.  The only substances fully absorbed by the stomach are water and glucose; the rest are broken down and absorbed by other digestive system organs.  Two common stomach problems are deficient gastric acid secretion and absence of gastric secretions.  These conditions are often indicated by bloating, belching, burning and flatulence after meals, as well as by indigestion, diarrhea and constipation.  Beneficial approaches include taking hydrochloric acid, herbs and/or enzymes.

The small intestine is the part of the digestive system where the greatest amount of digestion and absorption occurs.  Food and digestive juices (called chyme) are released from the stomach into the duodenum.  The small intestine then signals secretions from the pancreas, gallbladder and liver.  Problems related to the small intestine include gluten intolerance, food allergies, and intestinal infections.  Factors which can adversely affect the small intestine and cause malabsorption include abnormal bacteria in the gut, vitamin A deficiency, decreased hydrochloric acid, gut inflammation, viral and bacterial intestinal infections.  Beneficial approaches include taking acidophilus, hydrochloric acid tablets, vitamin A, herbs and natural laxatives.

Next week we will look at the digestive roles played by the pancreas, gallbladder and liver.    

I welcome your questions and comments.

The stereotype of the “skid row bum” as the “alcoholic” or “drug addict” gives a narrow impression regarding substance use.  Alcohol and drug use exists across all socio-economic levels.  In fact, many executives and professionals also struggle with alcohol and drug use every day.  The basic reasons for drinking alcohol or using drugs does not vary across socio-economic levels.

It is important to understand the distinction between why people use substances and the reasons people give for using substances.  People usually start using substances because of peer pressure, seeing family, friends or role models using, experimentation and/or curiosity, and to manage their stress.  People give many reasons for using including:  “it relaxes me”, “it does not really affect me”,  and ”it’s hot outside and a cold beer will satisfy my thirst”.

People continue to use because the initial “sought after physiological and/or psychological effect” does not usually last forever and tolerance develops.  This means more of the substance has to be ingested to attain the desired effect.  Ongoing use generally creates many additional problems.  However, the main point to keep in mind is that substance use occurs across all socio-economic levels.

Professionals and executives have to deal with specific issues related to their substance use.  For some people drinking alcohol is part of “entertaining” potential and/or existing business contacts.  Drinking alcohol and/or using drugs helps some people ”to better manage” the long hours and financial pressures of their jobs.  In effect, substances are used to help to minimize the negative effects of stress.    

The first step that needs to be taken towards resolving any existing stress related issues is to determine if and how you want your life to be different.  Either harshly Judging yourself or denying the possibility that you have a substance use issue will not serve you well over time.  The next step is to recognize that your continuing reliance on alcohol and/or drugs is actually part of the problem.  Being completely honest will allow you to have a clear mind and will give you the best opportunity to identify your sources of stress and effective solutions.     

I welcome your comments and questions.

All of our life’s experiences tend to be viewed as occurring somewhere along a continuum.  The continuum can be called good or bad, right or wrong, in addition to any other words which contain an element of judgement. We can also see our experiences in descriptive, objective terms (e.g., I got drunk, I got high, I smoked a pack of cigarettes, I gained weight, I went shopping and spent alot of money).  Regardless of the behavior and the identified judgement what really matters is our wanting to change the way we do things because of unwanted negative consequences.  The more judgemental we are about our behaviors the more difficult it becomes to alter them.

What we think becomes our reality.  If we think we can accomplish something and commit to it the goal is achieved.  Having reasons or excuses for something not changing helps to maintain that reality.  When our thinking (i.e., psychological functioning) is hindered by depression, anxiety or disturbed thought processes (e.g., anger, sadness, misperceptions, difficulty focusing or concentrating) our choices become difficult to manage.

From the perspective of physical health hypothyroidism (i.e., underactive thyroid) can be related to depression and hyperthyroidism (i.e., overactive thyroid) can be related to anxiety.  An overly stimulated autonomic nervous system (e.g., being in sympathetic mode) can be related to being in a “fight or flight” way of relating and an under stimulated autonomic nervous system (e.g., being in a parasympathetic mode) can be related to being tired or sluggish during the day.  While many factors can contribute to these states the point I’m making is that our physical and mental health are related and they can adversely affect our behaviors. 

I believe that what we think or do is affected by our food and beverage choices.  When we ingest foods and beverages that initially raise and eventually lower our blood sugar (e.g., sugar, caffeine, refined carbohydrates, soda) there is an initial increase in alertness that is followed by an energy slump.  Eating this way over time creates a rollercoaster effect on our thoughts and emotions.  In addition, this can also adversely affect our glands (e.g., pancreas) and contribute to the onset of hypoglycemia (i.e., low blood sugar) and/or diabetes.   

Good nutrition is an important aspect of physical and mental functioning which can affect recovery efforts from compulsive behaviors.  It is also important to refrain from judging ourselves too harshly.  An important aspect of successful recovery is to identify what we want to change and to give ourselves the best chance of accomplishing our goals by managing all aspects of our health as completely as possible.

I welcome your questions and comments.   

Traditional recovery approaches incorporate a variety of solution-based strategies to help people to improve their psychological and physiological functioning.  These solution-based strategies include:  medication; psychological counseling (e.g., behavioral management techniques and motivational interviewing); attending self-help groups; and nutritional counseling which focuses on good food choices.  Self-help groups like AA, NA and others contain a spiritual context.

Based on my readings and past experiences I have learned that spirituality can make a valuable contribution towards helping people to attain and maintain recovery.  What is a required is a clear understanding of your true goals and a reasonably consistent commitment to achieve them.  Spirituality, within this context, refers to having positive intentions in all your thoughts and actions with the primary intention being to “do no harm” to self or others.

It is important to realize that how you relate to others is a direct reflection of your feelings of self-worth and how you think or feel you deserve to be treated.  These feelings and thoughts can be affected by your physical health and level of psychological functioning.  Your physical health is related to family genetics and what you put into your body.  Your psychological functioning is also related to what you put into your body as well as genetics and your life’s experiences.

The role that spirituality plays in each of our lives depends, to some extent, on our beliefs about our purpose in being here.  Do you believe in destiny and/or free will?  Do you believe in an afterlife?  Do you believe in reincarnation?  Do you believe your life has a purpose?  Your answers to these questions impact how you interact with others on a daily basis.

How you treat yourself and what you believe about your life’s purpose are closely related to what you are capable of accomplishing in your life which includes recovering from psychological and/or physiological challenges.  Living a satisfying and fulfilling life is possible for anyone who is willing to seek the answers they need and to be conscious of the choices that are available to each of us on a daily basis.  Our lives reflect patterns which we can choose to change.  The potential for positive change exists in all of us.  The challenge is to believe it exists, to seek it and to choose it.

I welcome your questions and comments.