Six questions that can change your life!!

1.) Does NAC (N-AcetylCysteine) help us control Trich?

The answer is a resounding Yes! The article below talks about success with Trich specifically and there is much more research about NAC helping other Impulse Control Problems.

Recent research from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine regarding NAC and Glutathione click here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...
Conclusion: "This study, the first to our knowledge that examines the efficacy of a glutamatergic agent (production of glutathione) in the treatment of trichotillomania, found that N-acetylcysteine demonstrated statistically significant reductions in trichotillomania symptoms. No adverse events occurred in the N-acetylcysteine group, and N-acetylcysteine was well tolerated. Pharmacologic modulation of the glutamate system may prove to be useful in the control of a range of compulsive behaviors."  More Info here on how NAC works: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-n-acetylcysteine-works.html NAC works best in combination with other Amino Acids, read how it works. If you go to http://www.pubmed.gov/ and type in N acetyl cysteine in the search box you will find other good articles.

NAC, SAMe, Inositol… etc, all of these natural approaches influence the body’s methylation process and this is why they help in many cases.

2.) Why would an Amino Acid Supplement that raises our antioxidant levels and improves Methylation (which is responsible for Neurotransmitter Balance, Efficient Detoxification and Efficient Cellular Energy Production more here) help us with Trich? Isn’t this problem STRESS related?
 
Effects of Chronic “Perceived Stress” on the Immune System include:
- Increased sympathetic (fight or flight) activity decreases cellular immunity
- Immune cells migrate to different parts of the body and can worsen autoimmune and allergic conditions
-Over time, the positive acute mobilization of immune cells in response to challenge is suppressed.
(Reference: McEwan BS. Protective and Damaging effects of stress mediators. New England Journal of Medicine. 1983;338(3):171-179) 

Related research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11499335

 3.) Does it make sense that you could increase the effectiveness of NAC or even mimic its effects with diet and exercise changes?  

 Another resounding YES!! More here: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/20...
 

You can enhance the effectiveness of NAC with lifestyle changes. Conversely, you may interfere with the effectiveness of NAC by making lifestyle choices that are counterproductive.

4.) Does a poor diet and poor lifestyle choices play as large a role in the activation of Trich symptoms as our perceived stress level?
  
Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise will affect your cellular environment in exactly the same way as chronic stress and in other ways that also decrease your body’s ability to adapt to your environment. Watch Food Matters!! You can watch here for FREE until 10/08/2011 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...

5.) Why haven’t I heard any of this from my Dr?

Because most Doctors have studied abnormal physiology (aka Pathology) all of their professional life and they do not understand normal human physiology at the level needed to help you. He/She was not adequately educated in nutrition at school and they get most of their information from drug companies. Drug companies are not interested in teaching anyone about the importance of lifestyle changes and how they can affect various conditions. They also have no interest in recommending a $14 nutritional supplement (NAC), that you can get from any health food store, even though it has PROVEN to be EFFECTIVE through research. Understand how NAC works http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-n-acetylcysteine-works.html and watch the movie above!!

6.) Are you truly serious about stopping Trichotillomania?

If the answer is yes, Take Action! http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/20... Because of what I’ve learned through the study of normal human physiology, I no longer concern myself with redirecting my behavior. After 24 years, I’ve taken action to stop the urge to pull and eat my hair in the first place. I am 100% convinced that you too can make lifestyle changes and find significant relief.

I’m launching a web based version of my support group. It will be a FREE webinar style forum with open communication between members. Current Support Group info here: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/20...

Please contact me if you are interested in joining and I will keep you posted on dates and times. I’m hoping to launch in December. What I have to say may not be popular but you deserve to know the truth. Join the group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/9154627482/#!/groups/kickthetrich/

Much love, Christian

"There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to accept what is true." ~ Soren Kierkegaard   

Watch this video and gain a solid understanding of Epigenetics!!

 

More research from PubMed on Epigenetics. "The early life environment and the epigenome": http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19364482 and also "Shaping adult phenotypes through early life environments": http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19960543

Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner! It will be the best trip to the doctor you have ever made. If you live in Central Florida click here, visit us at Be Well. Watch the video below, Functional Medicine explained at TEDMED.

FAQ's and More Info

Why is Trich (and other Impulse Control Problems) so Enjoyable?

It’s enjoyable because, (for whatever reason), our brains have hooked the release of “feel good” neurotransmitters to the action of both pulling the hair and performing the post pull sensory activity… (All impulse control issues stem from the same type of neurotransmitter imbalance, I'm not sure why our physiology chooses different forms of expression.) We have basically adapted a way to mentally “Check Out” of our environment, but the result of this adaptation is devastating to the lives of almost all who suffer. Where Trauma is involved, therapy and CBT can really help us find the event or chain of events that we are escaping. (Maybe you already know or maybe it doesn’t feel like Trauma at all from your current perspective.) Maybe Your Cause is not trauma related at all; Maybe your body is trying to escape a Physiological State of Being (ie: state of health) or maybe you are trying to escape a combination of both “micro traumas” and the physiological state you’ve set for yourself over time. Find YOUR reason (or reasons) your mind/body has a need for this escape and you will be able to address it and overcome it. Physical Trauma, Emotional Trauma, Cellular Toxicity and/or Deficiency; all of these reduce immune system function; they suppress mitochondrial activity which depresses the cell’s ability to produce energy efficiently. All of these stressors hinder our ability to adapt to our environment. Some of us will experience relief with therapy alone but most of us need a much deeper evaluation. CBT and Therapy alone does not hold an answer for all those who suffer and medication on its best day functions as a band-aid and at worst screws up everything…
If I were to start all over again, I would ask my doctor to look into metabolic
testing, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/DHFMetabolicProfile.pdf
and if I were female I might have the need to ask the doctor to follow up with an expanded female hormone panel, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/diagnostechfemalehormonepanel.pdf
It's all connected; we have to stop treating the parts and start addressing the whole. ;-)

If you have tried NAC before and did not experience relief, the most common reasons for this are the following: (You should minimize this problem by using NAC or equivalent protocol under the supervision of a professional.) 1.) Remember that NAC is most effective when combined with other Amino Acids and Nutrients. (We use a modified version of this protocol at Be Well: https://www.bewellnsb.com/DFH28DayDetox.pdf  2.) Remember that it can take up to one month of consistent use for you to notice relief. (Could take up to two months if you are working against yourself.)  3.) Effective dose is usually between 500 – 1500 mg three times per day (in divided doses). Read this Page! http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-n-acetylcysteine-works.html
More info here http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/walshMP.htm#Met on Methylation/Production of Glutathione.  

All body systems work together. It’s absolutely ridiculous to treat one aspect of one body system and expect to “fix” anything…  Listen to Dr. Donielle Wilson, ND. “Seven Essential Indicators for Optimal Women's Wellness: Digestion, Sleep, Energy, Mood, Cycle, Diet, Stress” Healing cannot take place until you start asking the right questions.
http://ww.bewellnsb.com/OptimalWomensWellness.mp3

More Research:
Inositol works by supporting all neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Effective dose of Inositol by itself has shown to be between 3 and 6 grams three times per day, (9 grams - 18 grams total in divided doses), which is a lot of inositol... Keep in mind when reading research that the point of research is to isolate the nutrient in question to see if it really has an effect on a particular condition. Unfortunately, this can result in extremely high doses; this is shown to be true in looking at both NAC and Inositol. In clinical settings, clinicians know that Nutrient Synergy is very important. When you combine nutrients like NAC and Inositol with other synergistic nutrients you can use less of any one particular substance.

Research regarding Inositol for treatment of Trichotillomania and Skin Picking specifically: http://www.healthrising.com/stories/trich.htm more info here: http://www.ocdrecoverycenters.com/about/prot_inositol.html

How N-Acetylcysteine Works

NAC is an Amino Acid supplement, (AKA: N-Acetylcysteine). Supplementation boosts Glutathione levels and Glutathione is an extremely important antioxidant! Cellular glutathione is the backbone of our antioxidant system and plays a crucial role in DNA Methylation. NAC works by increasing your cellular ability to detoxify. You can help this process along by decreasing your exposure to toxic foods and chemicals. Also, keep in mind that NAC is only one amino acid used in Amino Acid Protocols. It can be used more effectively if combined with other amino acids and nutrients. (NAC is not the only way to boost Glutathione. There are alternative methods for those who are pregnant/breast feeding or children that are too young for AA Protocols/NAC. You can boost Glutathione levels and regulate Methylation most effectively through diet change. Read Action Steps: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2010/11/action-steps-to-overcoming-sensory.html and Contact Be Well, www.bewellnsb.com if you have questions).

Recent research from the Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota School of Medicine regarding NAC and Glutathione click here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19581567.
Conclusion: "This study, the first to our knowledge that examines the efficacy of a glutamatergic agent (production of glutathione) in the treatment of trichotillomania, found that N-acetylcysteine demonstrated statistically significant reductions in trichotillomania symptoms. No adverse events occurred in the N-acetylcysteine group, and N-acetylcysteine was well tolerated. Pharmacologic modulation of the glutamate system may prove to be useful in the control of a range of compulsive behaviors." Go to http://www.pubmed.gov/ and type in N acetyl cysteine in the search box... other good articles available. Related research: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11499335

If you have tried NAC before and did not experience any relief, the most common reasons for this are the following: (You should minimize this problem by using NAC or equivalent protocol under the supervision of a professional.) 1.) Remember that NAC is most effective when combined with other Amino Acids and Nutrients. 2.) Remember that it can take up to one month of consistent use for you to notice relief. (Could take up to two months if you are working against yourself and dosage may need to be increased.) 3.) Effective dose is usually between 500 – 1500 mg three times per day.
[FYI: I didn't use NAC to stop Trich; I was already pull free when NAC came to my attention. As explained in the Action Steps post, I used personalized dietary controls including whey protein and physical exercise to achieve the same but better and Lasting Methylation Balance. I also included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy exercises in order to address every aspect of the problem. (Free CBT Program Here: http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome/new/splash ) We now know that it is best to combine AA protocol/NAC with Lifestyle Changes and CBT. That is why I like the Designs for Health Detoxification Protocol. A modified version of their Protocol, (link here https://www.bewellnsb.com/DFH28DayDetox.pdf ), is used at Be Well. It combines the speed of relief NAC and other AA’s/Nutrients can provide with the lifestyle education needed to make the relief you experience permanent. Make the most of Amino Acid Supplementation! That is why NAC should be discussed with your Doctor or natural health expert. More info here http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/walshMP.htm#Met on Methylation/Production of Glutathione. Links to additional Amino Acid Research at the bottom of this page. (ie: Carnitine, 5-HTP)Over methylation vs Undermethylation here: http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/pfeiffer.htm]

I talk at length about Amino Acid Therapy Protocols in my Support Group and I do believe NAC and other Amino Acids to be very effective but I do not write much about AA Therapy protocols because I do not believe you should prescribe one to yourself. That said, most sources suggest that the effective dose for Amino Acids, like NAC, should start at 100mg three times per day and should be increased from there. Most people respond to daily doses of 500mg-1500mg three times per day. When taking NAC alone, it could take up to a month (two max depending on your "cellular state") to notice the full effects. Amino acids are most effective when taken with water on an empty stomach, especially the larger amino acids. More info here about AA Therapy protocols, Chapter 4 of this book http://www.scribd.com/doc/56428903/Clean-and-Sober-Full-Text (free read).

Recent studies indicate that higher amounts of whey protein offers major benefits to health! Research supports whey protein as a complete way to boost Glutathione levels "long term". I drink a whey protein based shake every morning that contains a mix of Amino Acids (including cysteine, the C in NAC) and whole food nutrients that is designed to maximize Glutathione levels.
More Info here: http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/whey_boosts_production_of_key_glutathione_antioxidant/

More research on the importance of Increasing Glutathione Levels from the Journal of Biological Chemistry:  http://www.jbc.org/content/286/24/21865.long

If possible, you should find a Functional Medicine Doctor

(watch video and click here for more info http://www.bewellnsb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=99).

If this is not possible find a Counselor/Therapist that specilizes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and combines therapy with an Amino Acid based detoxification program. (I like this protocol and it is widely available https://www.bewellnsb.com/DFH28DayDetox.pdf ask the expert about possibly adding a product from the same company called CraveArrest, Inositol, and possibly additional NAC if needed.) Knowing what I know now, this is exactly where I would have started. This approach will bring you significant relief and if you make what you learn during the program a permanent part of your life, you could experience complete resolution.
[You might say, “I pull because of the stress in my life… How could an antioxidant supplement like NAC help in my case? 
Effects of Chronic Stress on the Immune System include:
- Increased sympathetic (fight or flight) activity decreases cellular immunity
- Immune cells migrate to different parts of the body and can worsen autoimmune and allergic conditions
-Over time, the positive acute mobilization of immune cells in response to challenge is suppressed.

(Reference: McEwan BS. Protective and Damaging effects of stress mediators. New England Journal of Medicine. 1983;338(3):171-179)]

It's all connected!! Treat the whole body not just one aspect!!
Read Action Steps and Be Empowered! http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2010/11/action-steps-to-overcoming-sensory.html

Watch the video below to learn the science behind why your cellular environment matters. 

Watch PBS's, "Science Nova" on Epigenetics!

Join the support group on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/kickthetrich/

Support Group Information and FAQ's:

http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/06/support-group-information-and-faqs.html

FAQ's and Other Info:

Why is Trich (and other Impulse Control Problems) so Enjoyable?

It’s enjoyable because, (for whatever reason), our brains have hooked the release of “feel good” neurotransmitters to the action of both pulling the hair and performing the post pull sensory activity… (All impulse control issues stem from the same type of neurotransmitter imbalance, I'm not sure why our physiology chooses different forms of expression.) We have basically adapted a way to mentally “Check Out” of our environment, but the result of this adaptation is devastating to the lives of almost all who suffer. Where Trauma is involved, therapy and CBT can really help us find the event or chain of events that we are escaping. (Maybe you already know or maybe it doesn’t feel like Trauma at all from your current perspective.) Maybe Your Cause is not trauma related at all; Maybe your body is trying to escape a Physiological State of Being (ie: state of health) or maybe you are trying to escape a combination of both “micro traumas” and the physiological state you’ve set for yourself over time. Find YOUR reason (or reasons) your mind/body has a need for this escape and you will be able to address it and overcome it. Physical Trauma, Emotional Trauma, Cellular Toxicity and/or Deficiency; all of these reduce immune system function; they suppress mitochondrial activity which depresses the cell’s ability to produce energy efficiently. All of these stressors hinder our ability to adapt to our environment. Some of us will experience relief with therapy alone but most of us need a much deeper evaluation. CBT and Therapy alone does not hold an answer for all those who suffer and medication on its best day functions as a band-aid and at worst screws up everything…

If I were to start all over again, I would ask my doctor to look into metabolic
testing, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/DHFMetabolicProfile.pdf
and if I were female I might have the need to ask the doctor to follow up with an expanded female hormone panel, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/diagnostechfemalehormonepanel.pdf
It's all connected; we have to stop treating the parts and start addressing the whole. ;-)
Join our "colsed" facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-Well-A-Chiropractic-Wellness-Community/114241455256159#!/groups/kickthetrich/

Research:

Research regarding Inositol for treatment of Trichotillomania and Skin Picking specifically:  http://www.healthrising.com/stories/trich.htm more here: http://www.ocdrecoverycenters.com/about/prot_inositol.html

Inositol is a B-vit. and works by supporting all neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Effective dose of Inositol by itself has shown to be between 3 and 6 grams three times per day, (9 grams - 18 grams total in divided doses), which is a lot of inositol... Keep in mind when reading research that the point of research is to isolate the nutrient in question to see if it really has an effect on a particular condition. Unfortunately, this can result in extremely high doses; this is shown to be true in looking at both NAC and Inositol. In clinical settings, clinicians know that Nutrient Synergy is very important. When you combine nutrients like NAC and Inositol with other synergistic nutrients you can use less of any one particular substance.

Other Amino Acid Research:

5-HTP and Serotonin

Immune Response to Dietary Protein

L-Carnitine Reduces Fatigue

Carnitine for ADHD Symptoms

These are all helpful when used in protocol but you do not want to take all or any of this stuff on a long-term basis! Eat, Move and Think in ways that are genetically congruent! http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/01/wellness-and-prevention-paradigm.html  

More on NAC from WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1018-N-ACETYL%20CYSTEINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=1018&activeIngredientName=N-ACETYL+CYSTEINE

More Research here:
http://www.futurescience.com/nac.html
What is Lifestyle Based Chiropractic and how can it Help?
http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-is-wellness-based-chiropractic-and.html

More on Glutathione froeHow.com:
“Glutathione is an important antioxidant. As a natural antioxidant produced by cells in the body, it provides protection from toxin damage and supports many essential biological functions. It is important to keep glutathione from becoming low, because low levels are associated with a variety of diseases. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is derivative of the amino acid cysteine. NAC can be used to boost levels of glutathione, and this article will show how to boost glutathione with NAC supplementation”

Read more: How to Boost Glutathione With NAC | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5788474_boost-glutathione-nac.html#ixzz1BtUnJOet

Support Group Information and FAQ's

This support group is open to anyone struggling with Impulse Control related problems and it is Absolutely Free of Charge! We meet at Be Well, (www.bewellnsb.com), on the third Tuesday of every month, 6:30pm US-Eastern Time.  Join our "closed/private" group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kickthetrich/]
 
The “Kick the Trich” group is very different from a traditional 12 step support group. There’s nothing wrong with 12 step type of programs, they are very helpful to many people. Unfortunately, they leave a great number of us feeling completely hopeless. This group is based on a program developed at Be Well in New Smyrna Beach, FL. It involves a series of “Action Steps” based on a scientific understanding of human physiology. Our “Action Steps” start out easy and fairly general; as you progress, the steps become more specific and personalized. The interesting thing we’re finding is that each person responds very differently to lifestyle changes; there is no way to know at what point in the process an individual will respond. The purpose of the group is to help you adopt a Prevention, Health and Wellness mindset. In order to do this you must focus your energy on creating a Present and Future Self and No Longer focus energy on Eliminating a Past Self. This group is our best attempt to create an environment that allows you to focus on solutions rather than problems. Trying not to pull hair or pick skin and trying not to think or act a certain way does not exist in a “Wellness Paradigm”. It is completely ineffective for us to think this way! By thinking this way we are re-enforcing a focus on existing negative neural pathways rather than placing emphasis on new positive neural pathways. (More on this here).  

This group is designed to support each individual through their own personal journey. This is how it works: “Action Steps” are divided into three categories: “Eat Right, Stay Active and Think Well.” (“Think Well” involves affirmation and self-esteem exercises to help you rebuild self-image. I like the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy exercises from Australian National University called MoodGym and it is a FREE Program! Click here.)

Each month you focus on ONE step in EACH of these three categories. In this group we do not focus on stopping the behavior/disorder; we use techniques to help you break the “ritual” involved and we take positive action to stop the URGE in the first place. With the completion of each “Action Step” you become one step closer to freedom! Your mind/body is a feedback loop that has become dependent on a “stimulus” to produce a temporary feeling of pleasure, (it’s a problem in the “reward system” of the brain).  To put it as simply as I can, you can take steps to break this feedback loop and actually reset your neurology and physiology to accept a new state of being. (Click here for a list of “Action Steps to Overcoming Trich & Impulse Control Disorders Naturally”)    

In the support group we also discuss treatment options that are designed to help you accelerate progress. These treatments are fantastic tools but they are in no way a substitute for the lifestyle changes we focus on in group. In group, I only discuss non-pharmaceutical therapy options because in the vast majority of cases, pharmaceuticals only further complicate problems like Trich. The treatment options I recommend to supplement lifestyle changes are Chiropractic Wellness Care (How can Chiropractic Help? Click here), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (free program here from Mood Gym: http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome/new/splash), "Focusing", Amino Acid Therapy (Neurotransmitter Therapy), Auricolotherpy and/or Acupuncture. These treatments affect us at the most primitive level, (the limbic part of the nervous system), we can actually use these treatments to help us increase immune function and regulate the reward center of the brain. Simply put, they help us “re-set” our nervous system to accept a new state of being. Therapies can help you feel more at ease, less anxious, less depressed and will generally increase your sense of well being; but, they are no substitute for making appropriate life changes. You must provide your body with the raw ingredients it needs to express a new physiology!

What I mean is that you may experience some or complete relief through one or a combination of the treatment options discussed in group; but this relief will not last without making appropriate lifestyle changes! For instance, I get a lot of questions about NAC and it’s not uncommon for those with Trich or related conditions to experience significant relief with Amino-Acid Therapies. You’ve most likely read where someone has taken the amino acid supplement NAC (N-Acetylcysteine or related AA supplement) As a result, they’ve experienced significant relief or even complete resolution of Trich or related disorder symptoms. This happens commonly; (though NAC is only one of many amino-acids used in a true AA therapy protocol. NAC works best in combination with other Amino Acids and Nutrients. It works because it boosts Glutathione levels but it's not the only way to increase cellular Glutathione.  More on NAC, Inositol and other AA's below: http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-n-acetylcysteine-works.html)

NAC and Inositol are fantastic tools but the underlying cellular toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and movement deficiencies must be addressed! This is the only way to naturally balance neurotransmitter levels on a long term basis. (Without the precursor AA’s from diet we cannot make the appropriate proteins and regular body movement is essential in this process.) Think about it this way, if you have a plant and you gave it just sunlight and no water or just water and no sunlight or both sun and water but soil that is completely nutrient deficient… In any of these circumstances, not only would the plant fail to thrive but it would eventually die. The same is true of humans; we are a living, walking, talking ecosystem! Unfortunately, most people are un-intentionally forcing their 70 Trillion “Cellular Citizens” to function and reproduce in a completely toxic and deficient environment.  If you wish to experience lasting relief, you must start asking yourself the right questions, address chronic lifestyle problems and take steps to rebuild your self-image. This is where a good support group can be extremely beneficial!!   

I understand how hopeless and dissolute you may feel but I know you can make changes, take control and find relief. I know this because after 24 years of hair pulling, I have found peace. You can do this, start taking “Action Steps” today! (You can read about my struggle with Trichotillomania here)

If you are looking for a doctor, find a Functional Medicine Practitioner! It will be the best trip to the doctor you have ever made. If you live in Central Florida click here, visit us at Be Well. Watch the video below, Functional Medicine explained at TEDMED.

More Resources:

All body systems work together. It’s absolutely ridiculous to treat one aspect of one body system and expect to “fix” anything… 

Listen to Dr. Donielle Wilson, ND. “Seven Essential Indicators for Optimal Women's Wellness: Digestion, Sleep, Energy, Mood, Cycle, Diet, Stress” Healing cannot take place until you start asking the right questions.http://ww.bewellnsb.com/OptimalWomensWellness.mp3

At the most basic level, a cellular imbalance causing dysfunction in the brains "Reward System" is what we're dealing with! (Dopamine, Serotonin and other Neurotransmitter imbalance)

This video does a good job of explaining how the reward system works but the research is located here: http://www.lifeskillsu.org/campus/campus_key/rdj/reward_deficiency.html

Understanding Epigenetics & Taking Action is how you fix it! If you are ready for help, find a Doctor who practicies Functional Medicine.

Join the group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_109906699074260&ap=1

[If you are struggling with any of the information I provide here please read “The Wellness and Prevention Paradigm” or watch the videos here:  http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/01/wellness-and-prevention-paradigm.html]

What is Wellness Based Chiropractic and how can it Help? http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-is-wellness-based-chiropractic-and.html

Epigenetic Involvement                                                                
http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2010/11/allow-me-to-clarify.html

What is N-Acetylcysteine (AKA: NAC) and how can it help?
(More on How NAC Works here:  http://kickthetrich.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-n-acetylcysteine-works.html)

I talk about Amino Acid Therapy Protocols in the Support Group and I do believe NAC and other Amino Acids to be very effective but I do not write much about AA Therapy protocols because I do not believe you should prescribe it to yourself! Amino Acid Supplementation should be discussed with your natural health expert or Dr. (FYI: Most sources suggest that the effective dose for Amino Acids, like NAC, should starts at 100mg and can be increased from there. Most people respond to daily doses of 500-1500 mg in divided dosages two or three times per day. Amino acids are most effective when taken with water on an empty stomach, especially the larger amino acids.) More info here about AA Therapy protocols, Chapter 4 of this book http://www.scribd.com/doc/56428903/Clean-and-Sober-Full-Text (free read).

From eHow.com:
“Glutathione is an important antioxidant. As a natural antioxidant produced by cells in the body, it provides protection from toxin damage and supports many essential biological functions. It is important to keep glutathione from becoming low, because low levels are associated with a variety of diseases. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is derivative of the amino acid cysteine. NAC can be used to boost levels of glutathione, and this article will show how to boost glutathione with NAC supplementation”
Read more: How to Boost Glutathione With NAC | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5788474_boost-glutathione-nac.html#ixzz1BtUnJOet

I get a lot of questions about "The Urge" and "Is the urge still there?" I treat Trichotillomania at the cellular level, where the urge originates, using Functional Medicine Principals. That is why what I have to share helps all people with Impulse Control Problems not just those of us with Trich. The best way I can explain how I experience the urge is that it has faded away over time…  Rather than the urge to pull being this drive that cannot be ignored, at first it becomes a smaller voice that is easier to control and then a smaller voice yet until it’s hardly heard at all. I can’t say that I never get the urge to pull anymore but I can say that I hardly ever experience it; when I do the urge is so very insignificant that has become easy to control. More info on Functional Medicine here: http://www.bewellnsb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=99

Why is Trich (and other Impulse Control Problems) so Enjoyable?

It’s enjoyable because, (for whatever reason), our brains have hooked the release of “feel good” neurotransmitters to the action of both pulling the hair and performing the post pull sensory activity… (All impulse control issues stem from the same type of neurotransmitter imbalance, I'm not sure why our physiology chooses different forms of expression.) We have basically adapted a way to mentally “Check Out” of our environment, but the result of this adaptation is devastating to the lives of almost all who suffer. Where Trauma is involved, therapy and CBT can really help us find the event or chain of events that we are escaping. (Maybe you already know or maybe it doesn’t feel like Trauma at all from your current perspective.) Maybe Your Cause is not trauma related at all; Maybe your body is trying to escape a Physiological State of Being (ie: state of health) or maybe you are trying to escape a combination of both “micro traumas” and the physiological state you’ve set for yourself over time. Find YOUR reason (or reasons) your mind/body has a need for this escape and you will be able to address it and overcome it. Physical Trauma, Emotional Trauma, Cellular Toxicity and/or Deficiency; all of these reduce immune system function; they suppress mitochondrial activity which depresses the cell’s ability to produce energy efficiently. All of these stressors hinder our ability to adapt to our environment. Some of us will experience relief with therapy alone but most of us need a much deeper evaluation. CBT and Therapy alone does not hold an answer for all those who suffer and medication on its best day functions as a band-aid and at worst screws up everything…

Understand Neuroplasticity; You Can Change Your Brain!

Dr. Oz’s Disease Detectives

"Dr. Oz hand-picked this panel of disease detectives with the power to heal. They are pioneers in a new field called Functional Medicine, which focuses on looking beyond symptoms to treat the actual cause of your condition. Learn about their cutting-edge treatments for diabetes, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease and menopause." You should treat Trich or your form of ICD the same way, find the interference and remove it. Stop treating symptoms and get to the CAUSE!
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-1
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-3
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-4
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-5
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-oz-s-disease-detectives-pt-6

Bottom Line: If I were to start all over again, I would ask my doctor to look into metabolic testing, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/DHFMetabolicProfile.pdf  and I would ask to add a panel looking at Vitamine D levels. If I were female, I might have the need to ask the doctor to follow up with an expanded female hormone panel, something like this http://www.bewellnsb.com/diagnostechfemalehormonepanel.pdf  It's all connected; we have to stop treating the parts and start addressing the whole. The biggest problem we have is finding and affording GOOD help for problems like Trich. That is why this group exists!  ;-)

“The Wellness and Prevention Paradigm”

If you are struggling with what I talk about on this blog,  please read "Wellness and Prevention Paradigm” at the link below and watch these videos. Treatment protocols at Be Well are rooted in evidence brought to light by experts like Dr. James Chestnut,  Dr. Dan Murphy and Dr. Mark Hyman. 

Dr. Chestnut's new book is fantastic and filled with scientific evidence supporting the topics discussed on this blog. You can read excerpts for free here: http://www.thewellnesspractice.com/downloads/The_Wellness_and_Prevention_Paradigm.pdf

Start with PBS's "Science NOVA" on Epigenetics. This video explains the Basic Science supporting the information on this blog.

 

Find a Functional Medicine Practitioner! It will be the best trip to the doctor you have ever made. If you live in Central Florida click here, visit us at Be Well. Watch the video below, Functional Medicine explained at TEDMED.

More Below:

Listen to these Audio Files:

All body systems work together. It’s absolutely ridiculous to treat one aspect of one body system and expect to “fix” anything… Listen to Dr. Donielle Wilson, ND. “Seven Essential Indicators for Optimal Women's Wellness: Digestion, Sleep, Energy, Mood, Cycle, Diet, Stress” Healing cannot take place until you start asking the right questions.

http://ww.bewellnsb.com/OptimalWomensWellness.mp3

Listen to Julia Ross, MA explain why neurotransmitter balance is so important and how Balance can be achieved through Lifestyle Change and Amino Acid Supplementation. The audio below will explain why the Be Well Approach is so powerful. Click the link to listen:

http://www.bewellnsb.com/howneurotransmitterswork.mp3

Also Listen to:

Challenges of Patient Resistance and Compliance - Combining Nutrition with Psychology
Featuring: Marla Friedman, PhD Click link:

http://www.bewellnsb.com/nutritionwithpsychology.mp3

Understand how food allergy and sensitivity differ. Listen here:
 http://www.bewellnsb.com/FoodasMedicine.mp3  



 

Now, watch "Feed Your Genes: Express Your Health and Performance Potential!"

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

Part Five:

Part Six:

Part Seven:

Part Eight:

If you would like to purchase “Wellness and Prevention Paradigm” here is the link, http://www.thewellnesspractice.com/

From his website:

"This book is the most easily understood, evidence-based, undeniable argument ever put forward regarding the indisputable facts that:

1. The era of addressing the effects of illness (symptoms and risk factors) has never worked, will never work, costs millions of lives, costs trillions of dollars, is destroying healthcare, and must come to an end. 
2. The new evidence-based era of addressing the cause of illness (chronic lifestyle and environmental stressors) will save millions of lives, will save trillions of dollars, will save healthcare, and must begin."

Please know that our only motivation is to help everyone understand normal human physiology and why we experience abnormal behavior/symptoms. Be Well receives no proceeds from the sale of this book. Dr. Chestnut has written many books but they have all been intended to teach his approach to other Practitioners. This new book has been written in lay terms and is a must read for anyone needing a more in deapth understanding of the evidence supporting the Be Well approach.

Dr. James Chestnut's Blog: The Wellness and Prevention Paradigm

https://www.wellnessandprevention.com/index.cfm/2011/3/24/The-Wellness--Prevention-Paradigm

Support your Normal Human Physiology! Watch "Born to Survive"

More Research:

Toxins & Health

Toxic Fat, Inflammation & Importance of knowing levels of Insulin and Omega-3's

What can we learn from studying wild animals in captivity? Animals struggle with similar problems and for the same reasons… more here.
http://www.ehow.com/about_6133644_animal-behavior-captivity.html

What is “Wellness Based Chiropractic” and how can it help?

This post has been expanded with more video here: check out The Science of Chiropractic Wellness.

At Be Well, we explain Chiropractic as “Removing Interference from the Nervous System.” This is a very simple way to explain how Chiropractic works but it is certainly oversimplified. For some people, “Removing Interference” doesn’t provide enough substance. Everyone wants to have confidence in the treatment option they choose; it’s the only way to justify the expense. For over 100 years, Chiropractic has helped millions of people overcome a multitude of problems, but only in the last 10 years have we begun to truly understand how it works. In this “information era” people are ready to truly understand Chiropractic Wellness Care and how it supports normal human physiology.

(The Technology featured in this video is utilized at Be Well.)
 

Today's Chiropractor is an Expert in Normal Human Physiology. The more we learn about the nervous system and how the brain functions the better we understand Chiropractic. Chiropractic can help all people manage stress and is especially helpful for those suffering from Impulse Control like Trichotillomania or Sensory Processing Problems. Chiropractic Adjustments have a direct affect on the limbic system (the Motor Learning - Motor Pleasure Pathway of the brain). Activation of Neurotransmitters at the limbic system (AKA: the brain reward cascade) and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord help to regulate immune function and result in feelings of well-being when operating properly. If an imbalance impedes the normal flow of the cascade, feelings of anxiety, anger, fear or cravings for substances or actions (like Trich) that alleviate negative emotions, manifest. Disruption of this brain reward cascade results in a "Reward Deficiency". The stimulation provided by Chiropractic is Proprioception and Afferentation. This limbic system stimulation, while not fully understood, provides the underlying framwork for how Chiropractic will help you balance Reward Deficiency/Impulse Control.

Simply put, Chiropractic Adjustments send positive messages into your limbic system helping you balance “Interference” or “Lifestyle Stress”.  It would be wise to view Proprioception and Afferentation as essential nutrients. There are ways you can feed these pathways without Chiropractic Care, but the spine is rich in mechanoreceptors (relay centers for Proprioception/Afferentation) which makes Chiropractic a highly effective way to help you break stress patterns making any lifestyle change much easier. Because of this, Chiropractic is a great tool!! I recommend that you see a Chiropractic Wellness Specialist that understands Chiropractic to be only one piece of the puzzle. A "Lifestyle Based" Chiropractor will help you develop a plan for change. They will help you stay accountable while supporting you along your journey. Regular Chiropractic Care is One Thing everyone can do to help balance lifestyle stress and the only responsibility it takes on our part is to stay dedicated to care! Visit www.BeWellNSB.com for more information.

How Can Chiropractic Affect of the Immune System?

(from Dr. Dan Murphy; http://danmurphydc.com/)

Other Resources and Research:

http://www.torquerelease.com/research.htm

http://www.spinalresearch.com.au/Portals/4/Uploads/PDFs/Wellness%20and%20Chiropractic...perfect%20marriage.pdf

http://www.thewellnesspractice.com/downloads/The_Wellness_and_Prevention_Paradigm.pdf

Video Resources:

Chiropractic Documentary Full Length
(Featured on Discovery Health)