Hormones – From regulating our digestive system to our bowel movements and reproductive organs, hormones play a vital role in ensuring our well being.

But our erratic lifestyle and age have a significant impact on balancing the hormones. When unbalanced, they can make the body functionality go haywire. Hormonal imbalance, for example, low testosterone level can result in unexplained loss or gain of body mass, infertility, hair loss. Similarly, a high estrogen level not only affects the body internally but externally and psychologically as well, leading to weight gain, overgrowth of body and facial hair, mood swings, panic attacks, etc.

But courtesy of the advancement in medical technology, hormonal imbalance can now be diagnosed and treated at the right time before the condition gets worse. One such treatment for balancing the hormones is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy(BHRT).

So what is BHRT?

A therapy wherein plant-derived estrogens are used to make hormones and replicated into estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Available in the form of pills, injections, creams, BHRT is beneficial in enhancing the levels of hormones that have dropped with age or lifestyle. It eases menopause symptoms, giving relief from hot flashes, mood changes, weight gain and more. All in all, it helps in improving the overall well being and quality of life.

But the limited knowledge of this therapy has led to the inception of concerning misconceptions that need to be immediately discussed so that you if you need, you can go ahead with the procedure without any apprehension:

• BIOIDENTICAL AND SYNTHETIC HORMONES ARE SAME:

Synthetic hormones are engineered compounds while bioidentical hormones are plant derived. Also, synthetic hormones pose a significant threat to the human body ads their potency level is beyond what the body needs and can tolerate. Synthetic hormones pose a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in women. Contrary to this, bioidentical hormones which are structured to function like the naturally produced hormones helps relieve the body of hormone related issues.

• BHRT LEADS TO BLOOD CLOTS:

When HRT was still in its infancy, the treatment was not customized for every individual woman, which gave rise to this myth. But, the technological advancement in the medical field has improved the BHRT process, which no longer poses any threat of blood clots as it is customized for individual body and functionality.

• BHRT IS ONLY FOR WOMEN:

Men with low testosterone can also undergo BHRT. Low testosterone levels lead to fatigue, increased body fat, insomnia and in worse cases, men have hot flashes, lower sperm count and decrease sex drive. With BHRT, the hormones get regulated, and natural testosterone level is achieved, helping men get back to their healthy and happy self.

Now that the air regarding BHRT has been cleared, if you are thinking of going ahead with it, consult an acclaimed treatment center that provides comprehensive BHRT. From consulting to screening, to lab test to treatment, the sessions should be tailored per the respective women’s problem. Go for a therapy program which includes periodic monitoring to keep a tab on how you’re doing with the therapy and the prescribed treatment.

Call now for a free screening session!

Exploring different treatment options is an integral part of the recovery process for adolescents and their families. Typically, depending on location, there are a variety of residential treatment programs for youth that are designed to help young people find the tools they need to change the way they think about food, nutrition and body image. But the idea of leaving home to complete treatment can be stressful for teens and their loved ones. Not only do residential treatment programs often require teens to leave school, but they can be disruptive to their home life, social events and other commitments. However, common eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa should be taken seriously and won’t simply go away over time. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of residential treatment services for adolescents and the programs available at Clementine’s residential treatment centers.

What Is Residential Eating Disorder Treatment?

Typically, residential treatment programs for eating disorders are the most comprehensive, intensive and structured recovery programs available. With this level of care, adolescent clients are able to address the underlying issues related to their eating disorder and plan for any ongoing treatment needs after completing counseling at residential treatment centers. Adolescents in this level of care should be medically stable, with no need for intensive medical intervention. However, they may be considered psychiatrically impaired and unable to respond to the type of care available in outpatient care of partial hospital treatment.

Residential treatment centers help to create a nurturing environment that provides necessary structure and support so that teens can stabilize mentally, work towards changing their disordered behaviors surrounding food and regain control of their lives. They may also work with a network of professional caregivers ranging from medical doctors and nurses, psychologists and counselors, nutritionists, yoga instructors and more.

Individual and group counseling sessions are also common practice in residential treatment programs for youth. Additionally, many residential treatment centers include family counseling as part of their adolescent recovery program. Being able to rely on a strong support system at home is essential for many young people with eating disorders. Life after completing residential treatment is often one of the more challenging aspects of recovery, so having people that they can lean on when things get tough is vital. At Clementine, we understand the importance of family and friends to the recovery process and have a variety of resources available to help educate and involve loved ones while teens are in treatment.

Additional Treatment Options

Depending on their individual needs, adolescents may also benefit from other types of eating disorder treatment, including:

• Intensive Outpatient Care
• Inpatient Treatment
• Partial Hospital Care

Who Can Benefit from Residential Treatment Services?

Research shows that early intervention is a significant factor in long-term eating disorder recovery. But having access to a reliable support system both in and out of treatment is also very important. Residential eating disorder programs are great for offering adolescents a safe and controlled space to gain the tools needed for life after recovery. In this type of setting, adolescents can focus their time and energy on making positive changes in their lives and how they plan to continue this work after completing treatment.

The goal of most residential eating disorder centers is to prepare adolescents for the everyday stressors and challenges they may face once they leave treatment. In addition to these new coping skills, adolescents will learn how to handle mealtimes at school and work, balancing their academic and social commitments post-recovery and the benefits of maintaining structure in their lives as they move forward through high school and on into young adulthood.

Contact Clementine Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, residential treatment may be the best option to help you begin on the road to recovery. Interested in learning more about our adolescent eating disorder treatment programs? Call us today at 1.855.900.2221 and be sure to speak with one of our compassionate admissions specialists.

Doctors make a bulimia nervosa diagnosis when patients present symptoms of uncontrollable overeating episodes followed by self-induced vomiting (purging) immediately afterward. Other signs of bulimia nervosa include abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics and excessive exercise to avoid gaining weight. Health problems such as malnutrition, tooth decay, and anemia often affect people with bulimia nervosa as a consequence of purging after meals before food can be absorbed by the intestines. Like other eating disorders, bulimia nervosa causes involve multiple biopsychosocial factors interacting negatively during a person’s childhood and adolescence.

Types of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa treatment programs differ according to a patient’s symptoms. For example, the purging type of bulimia involves overeating, purging and abusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas. The non-purging type involves compensatory behaviors like excessive exercise and fasting without the purging and use of over-the-counter medications to prevent weight gain. Nearly 70 percent of bulimia nervosa patients are diagnosed with the purging type of bulimia.

Bulimia Nervosa Causes

Psychological factors, genetics, and sociocultural influences all play key roles in the development of purging and non-purging bulimia nervosa. Examples of psychological disturbances experienced by teens and adults presenting signs of bulimia nervosa include:

• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Generalized anxiety
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Personality disorders (specifically, obsessive-compulsive and borderline personality disorders)

Society, Culture and the Media

Sociocultural reasons for the beginning of an eating disorder primarily involve the pervasive Western world’s idea of the perfect body–that of being thin and “healthy-looking.” The dual pathway (sociocultural) model of eating disorders theorizes that pathological internalization of this thin ideal will lead to extreme dissatisfaction of the body, recurring dieting behaviors and an eventual, full-blown eating disorder like bulimia nervosa. However, the dual pathway model does not examine the reason why some teens internalize sociocultural influences to the point of needing bulimia nervosa treatment.

Genetics of Bulimia Nervosa

Signs of bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are thought to be moderately heritable. Twin studies of purging, dietary restraint, and self-induced vomiting indicate these behaviors are between 45 and 72 percent inherited via genetic markers. In addition, fixation on weight, food and body dissatisfaction further support heritability of an eating disorder. Although molecular genetic research into the development of eating disorders is just beginning, certain genes have already been identified as possible markers for bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, specifically the estrogen receptor ß gene, the UCP-2/UCP-3 gene, and the 5-HT2A receptor gene.

The Role of Serotonin in Bulimia Nervosa

Anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviors frequently accompany eating disorders. Reduced serotonin levels in the brain are known to be partially responsible for numerous psychological problems involving mood, sleep, appetite, and motivation. Evaluation of patients given a bulimia nervosa diagnosis have found significantly lower levels of blood serotonin content which could promote the development of signs of bulimia nervosa.  However, researchers have not determined that only serotonin dysregulation is a primary cause of bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.

Bulimia Nervosa Treatment Methods

Following a clinical bulimia nervosa diagnosis by doctors specializing in eating disorders, treatment may involve the following:

• Psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behavior therapy)
• Psychosocial interventions
• Nutritional education/rehabilitation
• Family therapy
• Group therapy

Patients entering residential treatment for bulimia nervosa often require some level of medical stabilization before they can begin psychotherapies. Physical signs of bulimia nervosa can be severe enough to warrant emergency medical services. Long-term, self-induced vomiting often causes callusing and unhealed abrasions of the fingers and knuckles, periodontal disease due to stomach acids eroding teeth and gums and esophageal bleeding. Symptoms of moderate to severe malnutrition include dehydration, heart arrhythmia, absence of menstrual periods in women, fainting and even shock.

Signs of binge eating disorder (BED) include eating large amounts of food at one time, an inability to control how much food is consumed and deliberately concealing episodes of binge-eating from family members. People with BED eat until they are uncomfortably full and no longer hungry. Powerful feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression overwhelm them following BED episodes–guilt over eating too much, anxiety about being overweight and depression over failing to control their compulsion to overeat.

Is Binge Eating Disorder an Eating Disorder or an Addiction to Food?

Ongoing research into binge-eating disorder causes has consistently demonstrated that consuming sugary, high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods actually elicit changes in the brain similar to changes seen in people with a drug or alcohol addiction. In particular, when someone with binge-eating disorder eats large amounts of food they specifically crave, the neurotransmitter dopamine floods the brain and stimulates the brain reward system. This is exactly what happens when somebody abuses opioids or stimulants and becomes addicted to them.

With new research suggesting that signs of binge-eating disorder may develop as a result of brain chemical responses mimicking the same responses seen in substance abusers, overcoming binge-eating disorder may eventually include therapies currently applied to people with addictions to heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine.

Neuroimaging scans further support the theory that binge-eating disorder is a type of food addiction. Brain scans of people with BED show evidence of sensitivity to “reward” cues and greater reactivity in a brain area called the medial orbitofrontal cortex when compared to control groups. Additionally, activation differences in the ventral striatum (neural networks involved in decision-making, motivation, and reward) and the amygdala (regulates memory, emotions and survival instincts) were detected in overweight adults with BED compared to overweight adults without BED. Neuroscientists think this suggests BED patients have greater, more enhanced visual processing and motivational sensitivity to palatable foods than people without signs of binge-eating disorder.

Given that behavioral and brain similarities appear to exist between substance abuse and binge-eating disorder, the theory that BED is partly a severe dependence (addiction) on food accompanied by mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and guilt is being thoroughly investigated and more commonly accepted by eating disorder psychiatrists.

Binge-eating Disorder Causes not Associated with Food Addiction

While stimulation of the brain’s reward center appears to play a key role in the development of binge-eating disorder, other causes have also been clinically validated, such as a genetic component, low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, sociocultural influences, personality disorders and medical problems involving the hypothalamus, a brain organelle controlling appetite. With so many factors possibly involved in the origin of a binge-eating disorder, individualized treatment programs for overcoming binge-eating disorder could feasibly include educational courses about the genetics of BED, how the media and culture shape our view of physical attractiveness and the science behind neurotransmitters, emotions and thought processes.

Are Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa Considered Food Addictions?

Individuals with anorexia nervosa may severely restrict their food intake. However, a common symptom of anorexia nervosa is an obsession with how much food is consumed. An individual exhibiting this eating disorder may read food labels, count the number of bites they take and weigh food portions to avoid gaining weight.

Individuals with bulimia nervosa may eat large amounts of food regularly, but may make themselves throw up or exercise excessively to prevent weight gain. Abuse of diuretics and laxatives is also a common symptom of bulimia nervosa.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of binge eating disorder, call today for immediate, professional help.

We all want to look our best every day. However, this task is easier said than done due to various challenges. To help with this, this article lists four CBD based supplements that will improve your body functions and help you achieve your goal of looking and actually feeling like a million dollars.

1. CBD Flaxseed Extract Capsules:

CBD capsules are enriched with Flaxseed extracts in combination with naturally grown CBD. These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These Capsules are free from chemicals or preservatives and provide us the purest and natural CBD product

These are 100%organic.

It is not meant for expecting mothers or those who are planning to embrace motherhood.

This is to be kept in mind that this diet supplement is not meant to treat or cure some disease. Always consult your doctor for medical advice before consuming these capsules. Also, for once refer to all additional warnings and instructions

2. Hemp Antioxidant Facial Serum

Your face is never left alone and uncared with this gem of a product. It is a great moisturizer that works with all skin types. It is light in consistency so it is easy on the face and at the same time, it contains essential nutrients, proteins, and minerals. Thus, it is a complete package that is guaranteed to deeply moisturize your skin.

How to use: After cleansing and toning, take a pea-sized amount of this serum onto your fingertips. Rub it between your hands for a while such that it warms a little and then apply it gently on your face. Take care to spread it evenly all over the face by using upward circular motions.

The serum acts fast and is absorbed quickly under five minutes leaving your skin feeling ultra soft. However, if your skin feels a tad bit oily and it feels like you have put a mask on your face, then this means that you have used too much of this product. The facial serum is highly concentrated and it is advised to use small quantities to avoid over-application.

You can then apply cream or lotion after applying this serum to keep your fresh rejuvenated always.

3. Hemp Butter Scrub

Combining the extremely nourishing properties of sweet almond oil and organic aloe leaf, this scrub is the perfect product for beautiful and radiant skin. It contains hydrates and exfoliates that are very soothing and remove the dirt and dead skin cells very gently from your face. Due to the presence of Shea Butter as a key ingredient, it is richly moisturizing in nature.

How to use: Take an appropriate sized amount on your fingers and gently apply it on wet skin. Use your fingers to slowly massage the face in circular moves. After this, rinse your face and pat your face dry to reveal clear and glowing skin.

4. CBD infused Gummies

CBD infused gummies are natural source of CBD obtained from industrial hemp and there is no THC. These gummies are infused with hemp oil.

Through gummies, high quality CBD is consumed made from organic hemp. These also serve purpose of snacking. These are good for hair and skin

Conclusion:

In addition to above supplements, there are many CBD capsules meant for other purpose such as CBD capsules for weight loss, CBD and turmeric capsules, CBD bamboo extract capsules etc. Also in shower category, you have CBD infused bath bomb drops in many flavours.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been making waves lately as something that could cure a whole lot of problems. Let’s take a look at ten medical conditions you can treat naturally with CBD:

Arthritis

CBD oil has amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is very effective at relieving joint pain. It can interact with receptors in the human brain that cause a change in the perception of pain. Hence it is widely used to treat Arthritis. Oral and topical methods are both quite effective and used sparingly. Patients have reported great relief after treatment with CBD.

Insomnia

CBD helps to calm the body and reset the internal body clock to its natural state, hence promoting a healthy sleep cycle. It helps prevent any sleep disorders.

Epilepsy

CBD has been used to treat epilepsy from 2018. A drug called Epidiolex gained the approval of the Food and Drug Administration for its use in treating two forms of epilepsy. CBD Oil helps in subduing the seizures and various other neurological disorders.

Anxiety and Depression

CBD is a very good treatment for anxiety and depression. This stems from the fact that it interacts with serotonin receptors present in our brain to alter our mood. It has also been seen to change the shape of a receptor known as GABA-A receptor, which helps in spreading a sense of calm in the human body. Thus, it works like a charm to combat anxiety and depression.

Diabetes

It has been observed that CBD oil helps reduce diabetic nerve pain that is often experienced by diabetic patients. A study done on rats showed that it has lowered the incidence of diabetes and controlled the pain related to diabetes.

Multiple Sclerosis

It’s a condition of the human body in which the immune system of the human body starts attacking its own nerve cells. This leads to degeneration of the neurological system that often leads to paralysis. CBD has been seen to offer relief to patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. 

Heart Health

According to studies, CBD has been observed to have a very positive effect on the heart. They showed that it reduced blood pressure in patients suffering from high blood pressure. It also improved overall heart health.

Osteoporosis

When the bones of the human body lose some crucial minerals and become weak and fragile, it is termed as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis may lead to fractures that may take time to heal especially in the elderly. CBD Oil prevents inflammation and strengthens the bones, thus helping prevent osteoporosis. Research showed that it may help with quick bone recovery in case of a fracture. 

Addiction

Surprisingly, CBD has been seen to help combat addiction by preventing relapse. In a study, CBD helped patients overcome withdrawal symptoms associated with a particular medication. Thus, CBD could be a helping hand to people fighting addiction and trying to quit something.

Acne and skin conditions

CBD oil works wonder for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its antimicrobial properties. It helps in fighting acne and controls it excellently. Further, it has also been shown to reduce itching and inflammation in patients suffering from eczema and psoriasis.