ADDICTION: RECOVERING IN A WHOLE WAY

Adddiction, Blog, Holistic Health, Integrative Medicine, Integrative Mental Health, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, Mental Health, Nutritional Psychiatry

Addiction: Recovering in a Whole Way

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. You may be aware of the obvious harms chronic alcohol use can cause on the brain and liver, but do you know about the connection between alcohol addiction and gut health? The damage alcohol inflicts on the digestive system can be equally significant and often overlooked.

Understanding the Impact of Alcohol on Gut Health

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex ecosystem teeming with trillions of bacteria, responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and even immune function. This delicate microbiome requires balance to function properly and is highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Long term alcohol consumption can disrupt your gut health, leading to a spectrum of GI issues, ranging from mild discomfort to severe health complications.

According to Dr. Nicole Lewis, ND, one of the most common problems is gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining caused by alcohol’s irritation. Over time, this can lead to peptic ulcers, potentially causing bleeding and perforations. Alcohol consumption also throws your gut bacteria, known as microbiota, into disarray. This imbalance, called dysbiosis, can manifest as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/ or increased susceptibility to infections. Studies show that dysbiosis reduces beneficial bacteria while allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. This weakens the intestinal barrier, potentially causing “leaky gut,” where toxins leak into the bloodstream. Not only does the liver work to break down alcohol, but certain gut bacteria also play a role. This interaction can affect how vulnerable you are to alcohol-related gut problems and metabolic disorders.

The Integrative Approach to Addiction Recovery

While the damage may seem daunting, there is a path to healing that can be taken in a whole way. Seeking professional help is crucial. At Wholeness Center, we offer an integrative approach to recovery that goes beyond sobriety. We address the underlying causes of your addiction while promoting gut health for a more complete recovery.

Take a look at the integrative approach Wholeness Center offers:

Comprehensive Support: We have both naturopathic and medical doctors as well as mental health professionals to ensure an integrated and effective team approach to your recovery. We not only look at the physical symptoms of your addiction, but we also work with you to understand and cope with the underlying mental health factors that contribute to alcohol dependency.
Nutritional Guidance: Because alcohol interrupts a healthy gut/ brain connection, it’s important to focus on nutritional deficiencies as a result. Transitioning to a diet focused on replenishing B vitamins can be a crucial step in supporting recovery from alcohol dependence, according to Mary Rondeau, ND, RH (AHG).
Mind-Body Therapies: Alcohol addiction is a complex and multifaceted disorder that can wreak havoc on both the body and mind. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances such as ketamine in addressing various mental health conditions, including addiction. Learn more about how our Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy program can be useful for those recovering from addiction.
Wholeness Academy: Explore our comprehensive gut health program to learn more about your digestive system and how to support it naturally as you work towards recovery from alcohol addiction.

Nutritional and Mind-Body Strategies for Comprehensive Recovery

By prioritizing your gut health and seeking integrative care, you can take proactive steps towards lasting recovery. Our mental health team at Wholeness Center understands the challenges of alcohol addiction. We are here to guide you on your journey to heal body, mind, and spirit – one step at a time. You are not alone.

The Wholeness Center serves Northern Colorado and Ft. Collins. Please contact the Wholeness Center at 970-221-1106 to learn more about the innovative programs the Wholeness Center has to offer.

GET TO SLEEP AND STAY ASLEEP

Blog, Holistic Health, Integrative Mental Health, Nutritional Psychiatry, Seasonal Wellness, Sleep

Go to Sleep and Stay Asleep

With shorter days and longer nights, many of us find ourselves battling the winter blues. Shorter daylight hours can disrupt our sleep patterns, leaving us feeling tired, sluggish, and even more susceptible to seasonal depression. At Wholeness Center, promoting healthy sleep habits is a cornerstone of good mental health, especially during the winter months.

Understanding the Impact of Winter on Sleep

Our bodies rely on a natural internal clock called the circadian rhythm. This 24-hour cycle regulates various bodily functions, including sleep-wake cycles. During the winter, with less natural sunlight, our circadian rhythm can become dysregulated. Which may cause difficulty falling asleep, waking up feeling unrested, and experiencing daytime fatigue.

Sleep isn’t just about catching some zzz’s; it’s necessary for our physical and mental well-being. Adequate sleep strengthens our immune system, boosts cognitive function, improves mood, and enhances emotional resilience. When sleep-deprived, we become more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Holistic Approaches to Enhancing Sleep Quality

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve your sleep quality and combat the winter blues:

Light Therapy: Winter’s decreased sunlight can disrupt the hormone production of melatonin that regulates sleep-wake cycles. To counter this, consider light therapy by using a light box in the morning for 15-30 minutes. This exposure to artificial light helps regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting deeper sleep at night.

Embrace the Power of Darkness: While light exposure is crucial in the morning, creating a dark, sleep-conducive environment at night is equally important. Possible solutions might be to purchase blackout curtains or a nighttime eye mask to block out any light sources.

Temperature Matters: Aim for a cool bedroom temperature, ideally between 60-67°F. As your body temperature naturally dips during sleep, a cooler environment facilitates this process and promotes better quality sleep.

Digital Detox: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can suppress melatonin production. Avoid using these devices for at least one to two hours before bedtime. Opt for a good book, warm bath, or practice relaxation techniques before sleep.

Fuel Your Body, Not Your Nightmares: Avoid heavy meals, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine prior to bedtime – they are known to disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to restless nights. If you need a late-night snack, opt for something light and balanced, like a small portion of yogurt with fruit and nuts.

Prioritize Relaxation: Create a consistent bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Consider a warm bath, practicing light yoga, or reading a book. Journaling before bed can also be helpful, allowing you to clear your mind of worries and set intentions for the next day.

Seek Professional Support: If you continue to struggle with sleep problems despite implementing these tips, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Wholeness Center, our team of experienced professionals can offer personalized support and guidance in achieving restful sleep and improving your overall well-being.

Personalized Support at Wholeness Center

We provide a comprehensive assessment program and a dedicated team of professionals who will work with you to get to the root of your symptoms. You are not alone, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Please contact the Wholeness Center at 970-221-1106 to get started.

Remember, prioritizing sleep is an act of self-care. By implementing these integrative practices, you can reclaim your sleep, combat the winter blues, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the season. Please visit the Wholeness Academy for more information on the necessity of sleep and additional tips for restful nights.

NUTRITION AS A TOOL FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Blog, Integrative Medicine, Mental Health, Nutritional Psychiatry

Nutrition for Mental Health

Have you ever noticed the food you crave on a bad day? When you’re in a good mood, do you seem to make healthier choices? It’s no coincidence. Mental health and nutrition are intricately linked, with each influencing the other in profound ways. At Wholeness Center, we believe in an integrative approach, where addressing your mental health needs also means being aware of your relationship with food.

When you experience depression or anxiety, it can manifest in changes to your dietary habits, and conversely, nutritional imbalances can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health conditions. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial for promoting holistic health and well-rounded treatment strategies.

Dr. Suzanne Blaising PhD, gives the following ways that nutrition and mental health impact and influence each other:

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How to Stop Sugar Cravings

Integrative Medicine, Mental Health, Nutritional Psychiatry

How to Stop Sugar Cravings

What To Do About Sugar Cravings?

It’s officially the start of “sugar season” as the cooler weather sets in and holiday fun begins! It may start with a cookie at work, a latte with extra whipping cream or a piece of pumpkin pie. And these “bonus sugars” are in often addition to the health sugars or carbohydrates that you consume in your daily diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Before you know it, you are addicted to an extra daily serving of a sugary food.

Having a “sweet tooth” is joked about, but is no laughing matter. An occasional indulgence in a sweet treat is not the problem, but over-consumption is a problem. According to the American Heart Association, the average American tends to eat 22 teaspoons of sugar a day! This excess of sugar intake is linked to diabetes, obesity, chronic yeast infections, leaky gut syndrome and a whole host of other maladies. The recommended limit is about 6 teaspoons a day for woman and 9 teaspoons/day for men. (more…)

Nutritional Psychiatry