The Rise of Unconventional Approaches for Optimal Health

In an article titled Unconventional Medicine in the United States - Prevalence, Costs, and Patterns of Use, David M. Eisenberg, Ronald C. Kessler, Cindy Foster, Frances E. Norlock, David R. Calkins, and Thomas L. Delbanco define unconventional approaches as medical interventions not taught widely at U.S. medical schools or generally available at U.S. hospitals. Examples include acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy (1993). Many additional unconventional approaches have been identified since this article was written and these approaches include, but are not limited to: reflexology, pastoral counseling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, journaling, biofeedback, support groups, homeopathy and much more. All of these approaches are more clearly defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as mind-body medicine. Mind-body medicine involves behavioral, psychological, social, and spiritual approaches to health. (2004).

David Eisenberg and his colleagues (1993), conducted a national telephone survey focusing on 16 interventions that represented unconventional approaches used commonly in the United States to improve their understanding of the use of unconventional approaches. Their study focused on the following questions: What is the extent of use of unconventional therapy in the United States? How much is spent annually on these therapies, including out-of-pocket and third party payments? What sociodemographic factors distinguish users of unconventional therapy from nonusers? For what medical conditions do people most commonly use unconventional therapy? And to what extent are medical doctors responsible for or informed about the use of unconventional approaches by their patients? 

Through this extensive study David Eisenberg et al. found that unconventional medicine has an enormous presence in the U.S. health care system. An estimated one in three persons in the U.S. adult population used unconventional therapy in 1990. The estimated number of visits made in 1990 to providers of unconventional therapy was greater than the number of visits to all primary care medical doctors nationwide, and the amount spent out of pocket on unconventional therapy was comparable to the amount spent out of pocket by Americans for all hospitalizations. Roughly 1 in 4 Americans who see their medical doctors for a serious health problem may be using unconventional therapy in addition to conventional medicine for that problem, and 7 of 10 such encounters take place without patients' telling their medical doctors that they use unconventional therapy (1993).

This study not only pointed out the rising use of unconventional approaches and modalities, but it also showed that more people are using them than we are aware of. If conventional medicine met all of the needs of the patient, then unconventional approaches would not be necessary, however, that is not the case. More often than not, the need for unconventional approaches coupled with conventional medicine is exactly what the patient needs to reach optimal recovery.

Living Waters Ministry via the TBI Hope branch of the ministry considers themselves as an unconventional approach for individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and family members. TBI Hope understands the need for alternative, unconventional approaches to fully meet the needs for those in the TBI Community. For this reason TBI Hope is hosting a conference called: Unconventional Approaches- Wellness Focused.  

The purpose of this conference will be to educate providers and survivors alike by introducing them to methods that are available to them outside the basic "medical model' or standard recommended treatments following a traumatic brain injury. Many times survivors will find themselves without services or with limited options due to their insurance coverage or other factors. Due to this overall nutrition and wellness after a TBI tend to be overlooked rather frequently. With the understanding that every brain injury is different, we also understand that sometimes there are different presenting problems that need to be addressed in a more unconventional manner. The purpose of this conference is to provide hope for the survivor and those that provide them with services by demonstrating to them that there are many options out there and that the options are not as unattainable as assumed. The following experienced and credible experts in their field will be speaking on different subject matters pertaining to Wellness, Chiropractic Neurology and other topics: Dr. Greg Goode, Dr. Tom Gross, Kat Spinks and April Grant.

Unconventional approaches are not just a growing trend they are a necessity for overall well being and optimal health. No matter what stage of life or what medical condition one may face, to be educated on what is available for one’s unique condition is part of taking control and ownership of one’s overall well being. To learn more about the upcoming conference scheduled for January 20^, 2012 at the Living Waters Retreat facility email: Livingwaters.tbihope@gmail.com or visit our website at: www.tbihope.com. 

This article was written by: Jessica Felix Jager, MSW/CBIS, and the Program Director of TBI Hope and can also by viewed at: http://nutraspace.com/a/index.php/easyblog/entry/the-rise-of-unconventional-approaches-for-optimal-healt

References

Eisenberg, D.M., Kessler, R.C., Foster, C., Norlock, F.E., Calkins, D.R. & Delbanco,  T.L. (1993). Unconventional medicine in the United States: Prevalence, costs, and patterns of use. New England Journal of Medicine, 328:246-252. Retrieved November 29, 2011 from http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199301283280406#t=articleBackground

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2004). National Institute of Health. Retrieved November 29, 2011 from http://your-doctor.com/patient_info/alternative_remedies/overview_alternrx.html

Setting Healthy Boundaries

“Let your yes be simply yes, and your no be simply no; anything more than that comes from the evil one." - Matthew 3:7

"But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil" - Proverbs 1:33.

In order to dwell in safety, you must first learn how to live with boundaries. A safe place is established by boundaries. People who have never learned how to set boundaries will find themselves in unsafe places being hurt over and over by unsafe people. You must first learn to identify where the safe boundaries are and live inside them.

Webster’s Dictionary: bound·ary- something that indicates or fixes a limit or extent

Results of a Lack of Boundaries

The most destructive result of a lack of boundaries is physical and emotional abuse. As an adult, a person who has not learned how to set healthy boundaries will be repeatedly controlled and even injured by others. People learn they can take advantage of you if your “no” doesn’t mean “no.”

Establishing Boundaries 

People who grow up in physically or emotionally abusive homes are more likely to fall into abusive relationships as adults. If the “don’t talk” rule was practiced in the home and the abuse was not addressed the child will grow up feeling guilty, (this is false guilt). As an adult they may be drawn to abusive relationships and remain in these relationships out of false guilt or shame. A person with false guilt is always apologizing thinking everything is their fault.

 

When do you set boundaries?

 

·       When another persons actions are hurting you

·       Another person continues to violate you

·       Another person does not respect you

 

Accountability in Setting Healthy Boundaries

A person that has lived with little or no boundaries will need accountability to establish and keep boundaries. When one acquires a TBI, this skill of establishing boundaries often times needs to be re-learned or re-gained and the need for accountability in this area increases as social interactions and knowing how to relate to people can difficult for a TBI Survivor. Having and learning how to set healthy boundaries will help protect your TBI survivor from being taken advantage of and can prevent them from getting into unhealthy relationships. As a family member or caregiver of your TBI Survivor, you can help by setting the example of what a healthy boundary looks like.

This article was written collaboratively by Denise Boggs and Jessica Felix Jager, MSW

Nutritional Foods and Supplements that Protect Memory Problems

Memory problems are considered the most disabling consequence of brain injury according to The Essential Brain Injury Guide (Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), 2007). Impaired memory affects a person’s ability to learn, retain, and use new information and may significantly affect a person’s ability to live independently (BIAA, 2007). The exact location where the brain was injured plays a significant role on what brain functions were subsequently impaired. If the temporal lobe area was injured, changes will often be seen in the following areas: memory, hearing, receptive language and organization and sequencing.  When one struggles to remember or recall information that is being processed, the every day tasks that need to be accomplished become more difficult. When memory problems are present, one may feel scattered, unsure, not knowing where to begin and overwhelmed.

Conveniently, there are ways one can utilize the kitchen, garden, and dining room to help reduce memory problems. When natural foods and spices supplement one’s medication regiment, optimal results can be reached. Studies have found a variety of foods that aide in preventing memory problems, boost concentration or increase overall brain function. Michael Castleman author of The Healing Herbs recommends using the healing herbs bacopa, eleuthero, ginkgo, and ginseng to help with memory improvement (2009). For the purposes of this article we will focus primarily on the foods that Dr. James Duke author of The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods, found to support in the prevention of memory problems. These foods include, but are not limited to: black-eyed peas, plant oils, citrus fruits, grapes, pomegranates, sage, turmeric, blueberries, celery, garlic and ginger (2008).

Black-eyed peas are rich in B6, B12 and folate. Folate is a B vitamin also known as folic acid. Memory loss has been deemed as one of the earliest symptoms of B12 deficiency. To counter memory loss due to B12 deficiency, one can increase their B12 intake via vitamins or intake of vitamin B12 enriched foods. According to Dr. James Duke, consuming a variety of plant foods rich in folate and B vitamins may offer protection against memory loss (2008). There are other plant foods that can be consumed in addition to black-eyed peas that are rich with folate and B vitamins and these include: lentils, avocados, sunflower seeds, spinach, asparagus, and orange juice. Suggested food sources of B12 include: clams, beef liver, fortified cereal and trout (Duke, 2008).

Research has shown that diets higher in monounsaturated and polysaturated fats and lower saturated fats are linked to improved cognitive performance (Duke, 2008). Improved cognitive performance can help strengthen the presenting memory problems. Unsaturated fats have been found to have a protective effect on memory. Eating healthy fats found in olive, canola, peanut and sunflower oils along with avocados, peanut butter, nuts and seeds, can not only protect one's memory, but also keep cholesterol levels at bay.

In his book The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods, Dr. James Duke discusses a study done in Baltimore at the Johns Hopkins University that found that those that took supplements of vitamins C and E were 64 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s (2008). These odds are worth looking into. The study found that if one implements a vitamin-enriched diet into their daily regiment, the odds of combating memory problems specifically found in Alzheimer are increased. Consuming fruits and vegetables such as: papaya, orange juice, cooked broccoli, strawberries, kiwifruit, raisin bran cereal, canned tomato paste, sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach have powerful antioxidant effects is far better than taking only supplements of vitamins C and E. Foods richly filled with vitamins are the better choice when trying to ensure proper vitamin intake in one's diet.

Having increased mental function can help one stay on task, remain focused and have the needed mental capacity to use compensatory skills in the areas where memory is weak. Studies have shown that resveratrol reduces free radicals that result from a buildup of the element that creates cell-killing plaques in the brain (Duke, 2008). Resveratrol is a polyphenol that can be found in grapes. Pomegranites also contain polyphenols along with salicylate, ellagic acid, and many other chemicals that act against inflammation and oxidation. Studies done on mice have demonstrated that drinking pomegranate juice may lead to better mental function (Duke, 2008). These studies suggest that increasing one's intake of juices filled with polyphenols as found in pomegranite juice could essentially produce the same results as found in the studies that were done.

Michael Castleman author of The New Healing Herbs, pointed out that John Gerard may have been on to something when he wrote that sage “quickeneth the memory” (2009). The word sage when translated from Latin means, “to save.” Sage can help save memory! If one is slowly losing their memory, it may be time to look into ways to save what can still be saved. Sage has been found to have an effect by blocking enzymes that break down a particular neurotransmitter in the brain. It may also help protect the brain by discouraging the creation of free radicals and counteracting inflammation (Duke, 2008). Sage can easily be added into one's diet by incorporating it as a seasoning in common daily dishes.

Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice taken from a root and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may counteract the inflammation and oxidation found in Alzheimer’s disease (Duke, 2008).  Michael Castleman has found from research and evidence, that Turmeric is a powerfully medicinal herb that stimulates the immune system and reduces risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, ulcers, colitis, arthritis, cataracts, scabies, liver damage, food poisoning, and irritable bowel syndrome (2009). Counteracting inflammation is not only important for those struggling with Alzheimer's, it is also important for prevention for those in the early stages of memory loss. Ginger is another spice taken from a root that can offer helpful ways to protect your memory as it contains two dozen antioxidants and two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds.

According to Joe and Terry Graedon, James Josephs from Tufts University who is a leading neuroscientist and expert on the effects of berries and brain function, found that blueberries produced cognitive benefits in the tests that he ran (2011). Additional studies have shown that blueberry extracts may improve mental performance.  A strong, healthy brain with stable mental performance is essential for overall functioning. If one wants to increase his or her physical strength and overall performance, he or she must invest the time and discipline to train the body to build up the desired level of strength. Likewise, if one wants to increase mental performance and a healthy brain, discipline in one's diet and vitamin intake is needed so that optimal results can be achieved. According to Dr. James Duke, it is possible that the powerful antioxidants in blueberries could help keep your brain healthy (2008).

Prevention is key to most, if not all diseases or health related issues. If a method for prevention is an option for one's condition, it is wise to heed the advice and take preventative measures. Celery and flax seed have both been found to prevent memory loss. Both celery and flax seed contain luteolin, which is a component that lowers levels of plaque-forming proteins in the brain. This counteracts risk factors associated with memory loss and Alzheimer’s by decreasing atherosclerosis, inflammation and oxidative damage (Duke, 2008). Garlic has also been found to be beneficial with preventing memory loss as it works as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and cholesterol production.

Whether one is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Survivor, battling with dementia, Alzheimer or simply facing early stages of memory loss due to age, there are ways one can utilize the natural resources around to help reduce memory problems. There is no risk involved in bettering one’s overall well-being and health. The fact remains that when natural foods and spices supplement one’s medication regiment, optimal results can be reached. So aim high and reach for optimal change!

This article was written by Jessica Felix Jager, MSW/Program Director of the TBI Hope Department in Living Waters Ministry. This article was also posted on the TBI Hope Nutraspace blog site, a networking site designed to bring nutritional awareness concerning different health issues from leading experts. To see the article or join Nutraspace, visit: www.nutraspace.com

References

Brain Injury Association of America (2007). The Essential Brain Injury Guide (4^th ed). Ypsilanti, MI: Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers, Inc.

Castleman, M. (2009). The new healing herbs. New York, NY: Rodale, Inc.

Duke, J.A. (2008). The green pharmacy guide to healing foods. New York, NY: Rodale, Inc.

Graedon, J. & Graedon, T. (2011). The people’s pharmacy: Quick and easy home remedies. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Books.