Traditional “Masculinity” May Be Obstacle to PTSD Treatment for Vets
Razi Berry To help service members perform better in the field, military training emphasizes the importance of certain traits associated with traditional masculinity, including suppression of emotion and self-reliance. But when veterans return home, strict adherence to these traits can become detrimental, leading to more severe post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and making it more difficult […]
Gene Associated with Elevated Risk of Cannabis Abuse
Razi Berry New research from the Danish psychiatric project, iPSYCH, shows that a specific gene is associated with an increased risk of cannabis abuse. The gene is the source of a so-called nicotine receptor in the brain, and people with low amounts of this receptor have an increased risk of cannabis abuse. iPSYCH shows that […]
Marijuana Found in Breast Milk 6 Days After Use
Razi Berry With the increase in legalization of marijuana, both medically and recreationally, more and more pregnant and breastfeeding women are reporting its use. Though, the general recommendation from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics is to warn against the use of marijuana for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, there is a lack of evidence […]
Can Oxytocin Help Strengthen Romantic Relationships in Times of Vulnerability?
Razi Berry Crack open your heart and let the love in If you’ve ever felt vulnerable in a relationship, you’re certainly not alone. It isn’t exactly the easiest thing to share our innermost selves with our partners. Opening up to someone else can be scary. What if someone finds out who we really are…and rejects […]
Vitamin D Associated with Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Node Smith, ND A recent study has shown that women with higher levels of serum vitamin D have significantly lower breast cancer risk.1 Vitamin D is a hormone synthesized in the skin with multiple positive health benefits Vitamin D, actually a hormone synthesized in the skin, has been associated with numerous health outcomes, from lowering […]
Higher Risk of Death with Antidepressant Use
A recent study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, has concluded that antidepressant use increases risk for all-cause mortality.1 It is generally known that most antidepressants work by affecting serotonin in the brain – inhibiting reabsorption by neurons so its activity lasts longer. However, the exact mechanisms of these drugs – serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclics […]
A New Prescription from Your Cardiologist?
Dr Alethea Fleming, ND Eating a Healthy Plant-Based Diet Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease The Journal of the American College of Cardiology normally has articles primarily about cardiovascular surgical interventions or debating different types of drug therapy. In the July 25th 2017 publication one study stands out. This original investigation is the largest exploration to […]
Sleep Disturbance as Predictor for Increased Suicide Risk
In an interesting study recently, sleep disturbances were found to be a significant short-term risk factor leading to suicidal thoughts in young adults with a history of suicidal ideation.1 Sleep changes were seen to correlate to worsening suicidal thoughts regardless of the individual’s depression severity – specifically, variations in bedtime and wake up time. Suicide […]
Breastfeeding Could Lower Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke for Moms!
A recent study shows supporting evidence that breastfeeding could impact the health of the mother in new ways; lowering stroke and heart attack risk.1 It is generally accepted that breastfeeding is superior to formula feeding of infants. After all, why else would mothers produce so much breast milk! It is the perfect mixture of protein […]