How Does Caffeine Affect Your Brain Function?

Every day, billions of people drink caffeine. Their reasons for this differ. Either they are relying on it to wake up, or to get through an afternoon slump, or maybe a night shift.

Caffeine is a well-known natural stimulant and is one of the most widely-used ingredients globally (1).

One of the main reasons caffeine is popular is its negative effects on the brain, including anxiety and sleep. But then, several studies have commended its many health benefits.

This article examines the effects of caffeine on your brain, as well as how it affects your sleep and your health in general.

How caffeine can affect your nervous system.

What is Caffeine?

It is a natural stimulant widely found in coffee, cacao, and tea plants. It stimulates the central nervous system and the brain and helps you to remain alert while also preventing fatigue.

According to history, the very first tea was brewed in 2737 BC (1).

It was discovered by a shepherd in Ethiopia who observed that it gave his flock extra energy. And then, in the late 1800s, caffeinated soft drinks came on board, followed by energy drinks.

Currently, over 80% of the global population takes at least one caffeinated product each day. In North America, over 90% of adults take caffeinated products daily (1).

How Does Caffeine Affect Your Brain?

After caffeine is consumed, it is absorbed from the digestive system into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it moves to the liver and is metabolized (broken down) into elementary compounds that can affect your organs and how they function.

However, the main effect of caffeine occurs in the brain. Caffeine blocks adenosine’s effects. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that causes your brain to relax and gives you that tired feeling (2).

Normally, the adenosine levels in your body build up over time, causing you to feel tired and give you that sleepy feeling.

But caffeine will keep you mentally alert and awake by binding to adenosine receptors but without activating them. This will block adenosine’s effects, thus reducing tiredness (3).

Caffeine also increases the level of adrenaline in the blood and the activities of norepinephrine and epinephrine in the brain (3).

This stimulates the brain and triggers a state of alertness, focus, and arousal. Caffeine is classified as a psychoactive drug because of its potential to affect your brain. Also, caffeine is “quick-acting.” For example, the amount of caffeine present in a cup of coffee can reach your bloodstream within 20 minutes, while its full effects can be felt within an hour of taking it (1).

Foods that Contain Caffeine

Caffeine is found naturally in nuts, leaves, or the seeds of certain plants. These sources are then harvested and processed, resulting in the production of caffeinated beverages and foods.

Below, we have the amounts of caffeine you may get per 240ml serving of some beverages (1):

• Coffee: 102–200mg
• Espresso: 240–720mg
• Energy drinks: 50–160mg
• Yerba mate: 65–130mg
• Chocolate milk: 2–7mg
• Cocoa beverage: 2–7mg
• Decaffeinated coffee: 3–12mg
• Soft drinks: 20–40mg

You can also find caffeine in some foods. For example, an ounce (28g) of milk chocolate contains 1–15mg, while an ounce of dark chocolate will provide 5–35mg (4).

Caffeine is also present in some over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs like pain, allergy, and cold medications. It is also used in weight loss supplements.

Cerebral Palsy and Foundational Correction

Photo Credit: By piter2121

Cerebral palsy (CP) is more than one condition. The term cerebral palsy describes a group of conditions sharing similar symptoms. It is a neurological condition that usually shows up during infancy, leading to body movement and muscle coordination issues. The symptoms of cerebral palsy may be due to brain damages or abnormalities to the brain that affects the child’s ability to maintain the correct posture, balance, or movement.

Does cerebral palsy have specific symptoms? If yes, what are they? Can the nervous system function be improved? Is there a way to restore the body’s ability to control the muscles? We’ll learn about this and more in this article.

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What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect the muscles' coordination and movement. In most cases, hearing, sensation, and vision are affected.

When you hear the word cerebral, what comes to your mind? Well, cerebral refers to the brain. “Palsy,” on the other hand, means “problems” with the movement of the body or “weakness.”

Most childhood motor disabilities are caused by cerebral palsy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report shows that globally, 1.5–4 of every 1000 children are affected by this condition.

Symptoms of cerebral palsy

The symptoms of this condition vary. It may be mild in some people and very severe in others. Some cerebral palsy patients may have difficulty sitting and walking. Other cerebral palsy patients may find it hard to grasp objects.

The severity of the symptoms reduces over time. Symptom severity also depends on which part of the brain was affected.

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Common signs of CP include:

· Stiff muscles (spasticity)

· Involuntary movements of tremors

· Variations in muscle tone

· Late attainment of motor skill milestones, like sitting up alone, crawling or rolling over.

· Difficulty walking

· Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling

· Neurological conditions, like intellectual disabilities, blindness, and seizures

· Lack of muscle coordination (ataxia)

It is important to note that many children are born with cerebral palsy. However, the symptoms only show up after some months or years. The symptoms usually show up before the child attains the age of 3–4.

You should consult your doctor if you think that your child has cerebral palsy. Effective treatment depends a lot on early diagnosis.

What causes cerebral palsy?

Well, cerebral palsy is mostly caused by injury to the brain or abnormal development of the brain. Damage to the developing brain can affect the brain region that controls posture, coordination, and body movement.

Damage to the brain usually occurs before the child is born. However, it may also happen during the first year of life. Most of the time, the exact cause isn’t known.

Photo Credit: irissca

Factors that may cause cerebral palsy include:

· Jaundice in the child

· Genetic mutations that cause poor development of the brain

· Maternal infections, like herpes simplex or German measles

· Asphyxia neonatorum (lack of oxygen during delivery)

· Head injuries due to falls, automobile accidents, or child abuse

· Bleeding into the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)

· Brain infections, like meningitis and encephalitis.

Who is at risk for this condition?

Several factors may increase a child’s risk for cerebral palsy. Prominent among these include:

· Low birth weight

· Premature birth

· Rh incompatibility

· Breech birth (a condition where the baby’s feet or buttocks comes out first)

· When the mother is exposed to toxins like methylmercury during birth.

How does upper cervical chiropractic help with cerebral palsy?

Chiropractic is Greek for “practices by hand.” There are different types of medical doctors with specialties; there are different types of chiropractors who focus on other specific conditions besides pain management.

Most chiropractors take the traditional approach and do an EXCELLENT job at it, too. However, this type of care falls under symptom relief or symptom management, otherwise known as “band-aid” care.

In my office, Foundation Chiropractic, we have a non-traditional approach to chiropractic. We focus on Foundational Correction with an emphasis on the upper cervical spine or the top of the neck. We fix the primary condition and correct the spine back to normal without ever twisting, cracking, or popping. And adjust the neck without any popping or cracking.

Atlas Displacement Complex (ADC)

There have been several studies published that have shown how upper cervical chiropractic care may be effective in naturally treating cerebral palsy. One of the studies involved a 5-year-old boy. He suffered seizures, blindness, and chronic ear problems. As a result, he was confined to a wheelchair. Upon consulting an upper cervical chiropractor, a Foundational Shift was discovered.

The chiropractor set to work, and after two adjustments, the vocal drone (which was characteristic of the boy’s voice) became an occasional moan. The boy was able to clap, and his seizures reduced. After four weeks of treatment, the vocal drone seized completely, and he could sit and stand on his own.

Within 5 weeks of treatment, the central vision was restored, as confirmed by an ophthalmologist, confirming a significant improvement in his cerebral palsy.

It is important to note that specific upper cervical chiropractic adjustments can reduce some symptoms of cerebral palsy. For instance:

· Correcting Foundational Shifts can help those who experience sleep disorders, hypertonic musculature, and personality disturbances.

· Corrections can also help with cranial dysfunction in the sphenobasilar junction, especially in children who suffered birth trauma.

Takeaway - Foundational Correction Can Help Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Evidence shows that Foundational Correction using upper cervical chiropractic care can help reduce some of the cerebral palsy symptoms naturally.

If your child suffers from this condition, or you know anyone that does, advise them to schedule a complimentary consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor that focuses on Foundational Correction. The doctor will examine the patient using advanced diagnostic imaging and testing. The objective testing will help the doctor determine if they can or cannot help the patient. If there’s a shift in the upper cervical spine, the Foundational Chiropractor will use the advanced imaging to give a precise, targeted adjustment — restoring the brain-body connection and allow the nerves to function to their full potential.

If you’re interested in Foundational Correction and would like to learn more, you can call my office at 813–578–5889 or visit our online scheduler to book your complimentary consultation.

Remember, at Foundation Chiropractic, our consultations are simply a conversation without any commitment whatsoever needed. We look forward to meeting you and explaining the Foundational Difference.

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References

Hawk C. (2016). The Use of Chiropractic by Special Populations. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 21(2), 83–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216635345

Kachmar, O., Voloshyn, T., & Hordiyevych, M. (2016). Changes in Muscle Spasticity in Patients with Cerebral Palsy After Spinal Manipulation: Case Series. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 15(4), 299–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2016.07.003

Erectile Dysfunction and Foundational Correction

 

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Erectile Dysfunction and Foundational Correction

Many men are not comfortable talking about erectile dysfunction. But the truth remains that it is a major problem in the present society. What’s more? It has a huge impact on the lives of people who are affected by it.

When a man has erectile dysfunction, he cannot achieve an erection or maintain one firm enough to have satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction may occasionally occur, especially during stress. However, when it occurs frequently, it might be a sign of underlying health conditions requiring treatment. Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of relationship or emotional difficulties, which can only be handled by a professional.

How does a person achieve an erection?

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by problems occurring at any stage of erection. A person achieves an erection when blood flows to his penis. The blood flow to the penis is stimulated by physical stimulation of the male organ or by sexual thoughts.

Sexual stimulation of the male causes the penile muscles to relax. This enhances the flow of blood to the arteries in the penis. The chambers in the penis fill up, and the organ becomes rigid.

Contraction of these muscles causes the accumulated blood to flow out via the veins of the penis, thus bringing the erection to an end.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may be a singular condition (occurring on its own), or in some cases, caused by an underlying medical condition. Common medical conditions that may contribute to erectile dysfunction include:

· Sleep disorders

· Heart disease

· High blood pressure

· Tobacco use

· Multiple sclerosis

· Parkinson’s disease

· Alcoholism

· Obesity

· Diabetes

It is, however, important to note that nerve inflammation is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction. The central nervous system controls the nerves that supply the genital area. These nerves are, in turn, connected to the spinal cord.

Any Foundational Shift of the spine can impede blood flow and disrupt communication between the brain and the body via the nerves that supply the genitals. The impeding of blood flow and disruption of communication cause erectile dysfunction and other conditions.

It is also important to note that the health of one’s central nervous system can cause psychological issues, and some of these issues can impact erectile dysfunction. Psychological factors trigger the ability to be aroused or excited, and a misalignment of the spine can affect these factors. Stress, depression, mental health concerns, and anxiety are linked to spine health. They can cause erectile dysfunction or worsen pre-existing conditions.

How does upper cervical chiropractic help with erectile dysfunction?

The goal of Foundational Correction is to correct the primary cause of nervous system dysfunction. As such, it is a recommended method of naturally treating erectile dysfunction. Not only does Foundational Correction using upper cervical chiropractic care decrease the physical symptoms, but it also improves the psychological factors that contribute to it.

Atlas Displacement Complex (ADC)

Several studies are ongoing with regards to the efficacy of Foundational Correction for erectile dysfunction (ED). A particular study showed that upper cervical chiropractic held great promise for ED improvement. A 53-year-old male patient underwent chiropractic care for chronic lower back pain and erectile dysfunction in one of the studies. After a few weeks, the patient experienced an immense improvement in his back pain and ED.

If you want to learn about the impact that Foundational Correction can have on your health, life, and wellbeing, contact my office at 813–578–5889 or visit our website to schedule your complimentary consultation today. We will be happy to discuss with you and put you back on the path to optimal health and wellness.

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References

Hadley, H., Hadley, H. “Reduction in Frequency and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction and Chronic Low Back Pain in a 53-year-old Male Utilizing the Gonstead Technique: A Case Study.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2016 Dec 5; 137–152.

3 Reasons Why You've Been Wasting Your Money On Fish Oils

[Read Time: 2-3 minutes]

There are just a few supplements on the market that are essential for living a healthy lifestyle. Fish Oil is one of them, but you've been wasting your money this whole time.

Wasting my money? What does that even mean?

Hate to tell you this, but you should just throw away what you have in the fridge as what you have maybe rancid and causing your body more harm than good.

You see, fish oil is BIG business for supplement companies. When you have hundreds and hundreds of brands that compete against each other on the price, the overall quality of the fish oil is reduced to help with costs. This doesn't benefit you, the consumer.

Let's learn why you've been wasting your money:

#1. Your fish is in the ethyl ester form, and you had no idea.

Most of the fish oil you see on store shelves is in the ethyl ester (EE) form instead of the natural triglyceride (TG) form, which is the most beneficial and most bio-available for us. In processing and removing the toxins from the fish oil, the TG is broken into EE. 

This type does not exist in any food source in the world as it is biochemically altered. It is expensive for companies to convert the EE back to the natural TG form so this step is almost always skipped. Nature knows best, so converting it back to the natural form is essential. Always, always, always look for Triglyceride Form on your fish oil bottle. If it isn't there, then DON'T BUY IT!

#2. Your fish oil is under-dosed and won't even benefit a toddler.

A common trick most supplement companies use is boldly printing 1,000 mg on the front of the bottle. Then you go to flip it over and discover there's only 300 mg of EPA/DHA, and the rest is 700 mg of soybean oil. This is unhealthy and definitely not good to consume.

Also, the EPA/DHA isn't even broken down, so you don't have the correct ratio that is needed.

Correct ratio?

Yes, there is a correct ratio, and it should always be 3:2. Nowhere in all the vast oceans of planet earth will you find a high DHA fish swimming around or even a high EPA one. This is yet again another clever marketing technique by companies to maximize profits. How so? Well, they make more money if they can sell three separate products as opposed to just one with the correct EPA/DHA.

#3. Lastly, you get fish burps and think it's normal.

Wrong. Just wrong. Believe it or not, you don't have to go through life with daily fish burps. Just take quality fish oil that isn't rancid. That's right rancid, rotten, spoiled. You see, fish oil is very easily oxidized, which means it can spoil very quickly. That explains why you will never see anyone cooking with it.

Next time you go fishing, try this experiment: reel in the fish and leave it sitting out in the sun for a couple hours and report back to me on how it smells. If you bought cheap fish oil at a CVS/Walgreens and got a case of the nasty fish burps, then you got yourself a bottle of rancid fish oil. Probably explains why it was $9.97.

Rancid fish oil actually promotes inflammation which is the exact opposite of what we wanted in the first place! By saving a few bucks, you literally paid to cause your body harm. So, take this post with you when you go shopping and invest in real fish oil.