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Chasteberry and perimenapause

Hormones / /

A natural supplement that helps balance hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone What is chaste berry? Vitex agnus-castus is a plant native of the Mediterranean region. It has been used to treat a variety PMS, symptoms of menopause, infertility issues and other conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system. Perimenopause For any women going through perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), you will know how they can be really disruptive. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, PMS and even full blown depression and anxiety can be caused by hormonal imbalances. Chasteberry can be a life saver. Phytoestrogen Vitex agnus-castus contains substances called phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds. Phytoestrogens have a high tendency to bind to beta estrogen receptors which can create a hormonal balance. Study PMID: 17454163 n one study of 50 healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal women, aged 44-65 years, the effect of treatment improvements in menopausal symptoms increased over time. By 3 months there was a 73% decrease in hot flushes and a 69% reduction of night sweats, accompanied by a decrease in their intensity and a significant benefit in terms of sleep quality. Hot flushes ceased completely in 47% of women in the study group compared with only 19% in the placebo group. Study PMID: 31464546 This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in relieving breast pain intensity with or without premenstrual syndromes. Chaste Berry is known for its dopaminergic activity and its possible actions on Cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). It activates the mu-opiate receptor, reducing pain in PMS. Study: PMC6494412/ This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) resulting in decreased estrogen and increased progesterone and prolactin levels.   In conclusion Research  indicates that there are some downsides to chaste berry: It can cause acne because it increases progesterone. It also can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. It can also have negative effects on breastfeeding and pregnancy. It can also cause headaches.   One study showed that while initially it an cause pimples, it normalizes with time. Balancing hormones is a delicate see-saw of getting them all just right. Before taking supplements it might be best to get your hormone levels checked to see what hormone needs support, since it could make it worse.   Disclaimer: This article is meant as educational. Like with all supplements, including those of natural origin, it is always best to consult with your health care provider before taking them. Even natural supplements can interfere with medications you may be on and can have adverse side effects.    

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What you need to know about Dopamine

ADHD, neurotransmitters / /

Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter and a hormone. It is referred to as the “molecule of more”. It works together with Serotonin and norepinephrine. Every time you do something that provides a measure of pleasure or reward, dopamine is released which reinforces the behaviour. The brain’s memory center then stores that reward and that in turn increases motivation or the incentive to do it again. helps us to stay focused improves working memory is involved in anticipation helps us to feel pleasure can increase motivation regulates motor coordination Sometimes Dopamine does not function correctly, this produces a dysregulation which can result in either too much dopamine or too little. Associated with high dopamine: Poor muscle control delusions high libido insomnia mania obesity addiction schizophrenia competition aggression Symptoms of low dopamine: a lack of motivation getting bored easily can’t focus apathy fatigue anti-social addictive behaviour fear worry compulsive behaviour risk seeking binge eating opioid dependency Genetics in dopamine COMPT An increased COMT activity accelerates the breakdown of dopamine and may lead to lower dopamine levels. This affects executive functioning and can lead to addictive behaviour in an attempt to increase dopamine. DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4 Variations in these genetics can lead to bipolar, compulsive and risk-seeking behaviours, alcoholism and opioid addiction, and binge eating behaviour and ADHD. OPRM1 Opioid receptors help to regulate pain, reward, and addictive behaviour. Genetic variants can result in a risk for addiction to pain medication as well as nicotine, cocaine, and alcohol. DNA MIND GENETIC TEST The DNA Mind reports on variants in genes that have significant associations with mental health including risk for addictive behavior, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety and mood regulating. The test is suitable for those who are concerned about a family history of, or are personally suffering from mental illness, specifically around addiction, cognitive decline, or mood disorders. Contact me for more information on the test.  

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Food sensitivities are a symptom

Nutrition / /

A food allergy and a food sensitivity are two very different things. Food Allergy A food allergy is an IgE mediated immune response. There are three types: 1. IgE-mediated (Example peanuts, shellfish) IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms normally occur immediately in connection to certain foods. The symptoms can be hives, difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, coughing, and others. An example is an allergy to peanuts or shellfish. 2. non-IgE-mediated (Example Celiac Disease) Non-IgE mediated conditions can have delayed symptoms.A food sensitivity, on the other hand, does not involve IgE antibodies. 3. mixed IgE/non-IgE-mediated (Example: Atopic dermatitis/EOE)   IGE Skin Prick testing IgE skin prick testing is a reliable, trusted, and proven method of testing for true food allergies.   So what causes food sensitivity? A food sensitivity is the symptom of an underlying problem. Just like when you get a headache and you take a pain killer. The pill works to stop the pain, but the cause of the headache is still there. Food sensitivities indicate a deeper problem, such as: • Low stomach acid • Lack of certain digestive enzymes • Poor diversity of good gut bacteria or an overgrowth of bad gut bacteria • Intestinal permeability • Certain medications/antibiotics • The poor functionality of certain genetic variations • Mold exposure • Histamine intolerance • A combination of any of the above   IgG testing IgG tests are not endorsed or recommended by any of the well-known and trusted main allergy organizations. They are also not scientifically proven. The production of IgG antibodies to foods is a normal immunologic reaction. IgG food sensitivity tests are dangerous since they require the person to eliminate many different foods or food groups in order to “fix” the problem. However, doing so can cause further problems such as nutritional deficiencies and an unbalanced gut microbiome.       Sources: Gocki J, Bartuzi Z. Role of immunoglobulin G antibodies in diagnosis of food allergy. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016 Aug;33(4):253-6. doi: 10.5114/ada.2016.61600. Epub 2016 Aug 16. PMID: 27605894; PMCID: PMC5004213. Beyer K, Teuber SS. Food allergy diagnostics: scientific and unproven procedures. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Jun;5(3):261-6. doi: 10.1097/01.all.0000168792.27948.f9. PMID: 15864086. Hammond C, Lieberman JA. Unproven Diagnostic Tests for Food Allergy. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2018 Feb;38(1):153-163. doi: 10.1016/j.iac.2017.09.011. PMID: 29132671. Stapel SO, Asero R, Ballmer-Weber BK, Knol EF, Strobel S, Vieths S, Kleine-Tebbe J; EAACI Task Force. Testing for IgG4 against foods is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force Report. Allergy. 2008 Jul;63(7):793-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01705.x. Epub 2008 May 16. PMID: 18489614. Carr S, Chan E, Lavine E, Moote W. CSACI Position statement on the testing of food-specific IgG. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2012 Jul 26;8(1):12. doi: 10.1186/1710-1492-8-12. PMID: 22835332; PMCID: PMC3443017. https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198%2817%2930704-3/fulltext#sec2 https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/igg-food-test https://www.aacc.org/science-and-research/scientific-shorts/2022/what-is-the-clinical-utility-of-food Gargano D, Appanna R, Santonicola A, De Bartolomeis F, Stellato C, Cianferoni A, Casolaro V, Iovino P. Food Allergy and Intolerance: A Narrative Review on Nutritional Concerns. Nutrients. 2021 May 13;13(5):1638. doi: 10.3390/nu13051638. PMID: 34068047; PMCID: PMC8152468.

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