How brain works (I)

Physiologically, the function of the brain is to exert centralized control over the other organs of the body either by generating patterns of muscle activity or by driving secretion of chemicals called hormones.

The brain is made of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. The forebrain consists of the cerebrum, thalamus and hypothalamus (part of the limbic system).

 

The cerebrum or cerebral cortex is the largest part of the human brain, associated with higher brain function such as thought and action. Its wavy structure enables the brain to function more efficiently,  because it can increase its surface area and the amount of neurons within it - estimated to contain 15–33 billion neurons each connected by synapses to several thousand other neurons.

Frontal Lobe- associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movement, emotions and problem solving.  A damage can lead to changes in sexual habits, socialization and attention as well as increased risk-taking.

Parietal Lobe- associated with movement, orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli.  A damage can result in problems with verbal memory, an impaired ability to control eye gaze and problems with language.

Occipital Lobe- associated with visual processing.  A damage can lead to problems with memory, speech perception and language skills.

Temporal Lobe- associated with perception and recognition of auditory stimuli, memory and speech. A damage can cause visual problems such as difficulty recognizing objects, an inability to identify colors and trouble recognizing words.

Brain damaging habits

+  People who skip breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration. It also causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power. 

+  Smoking causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease. 

+  Excessive sugar consumption interrupts the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development. 

+  The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in its efficiency. 

+  Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term sleep deprivation accelerates the death of brain cells.

+  Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decreases concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects. 

+  Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness and damage the brain. 

+  Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage. 

+  Intellectual conversations do promote the efficiency of the brain and vice versa if talk rarely.

Differences of two sexes’ brains

In 2001, researchers from Harvard found that certain parts of the brain were differently sized in males and females, which may help balance out the overall size difference. The study found -

+ Parts of the frontal lobe, responsible for problem-solving and decision-making, and regulating emotions, were larger in women. 

+ In men, the parietal cortex, which is involved in space perception, and the amygdala, which regulates sexual and social behavior, were larger.

 

+ Men seem to think with their grey matter where nerve cells make up this surface of the cerebrum, filled with active neurons. Women think with the white matter, where fibers underneath carry signals between the neurons and other parts of the brain and body. In this way, a woman’s brain is a bit more complicated in setup, but those connections may allow a woman’s brain to work faster than a man’s. Some women even have as many as 12% more neurons than men do.

Knowing about the differences in male and female brains could open up tremendous opportunity in diagnosing and treating brain disorders. For example, depression and chronic anxiety occur more often in women as one study conducted showed that women produce only about half as much serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to depression) as men and have fewer transporters to recycle it. Another plausible explanation is the female brain being more responsive to emotions and pain. On the contrary, men are more likely to be diagnosed with autism, Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia and schizophrenia.

 

PROTECT your brain cells (II)

 

This picture illustrates the vital component cell and connectivity in our brain - the neuron or nerve cell.  An average human brain contains about 100 billion of such neurons which are connected at about one trillion points known as synapses. The signals that form your memories and thoughts move across the neurons as minute electric charges. When these charges reach a synapse, they trigger the release of the brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to enable signals to transmit to other nerve cells in progression.

Inadequate supply of neurotransmitters can render the mind to malfunction, resulting in a temporary blackout, loss of memory or permanent failure.


Functions of the brain

The brain weighing a mere 1.5 kg is the focal point of our thinking, feeling and behavior, that defines the characteristics of human nature – personality, temperament and impulses. Found within, the master gland known as pituitary gland, plays a vital role in regulating all the other functions of the hormonal glands in our body.

This explains why such a small organ consumes about 80% of available energy daily. This includes 15% of cardiac output, 20% of all oxygen consumption and 25% of total body glucose utilisation (glycogen is brain food). 

Hence, a disruption to the brain’s blood supply can impair its functioning and cause behavioral and personality changes at time.

Knowledge of brain-behavior relationships, the core basis of a scientific discipline named neuropsychology, plays a pivotal role in understanding the role reasons for some unusual behaviour associated with some mental disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson disease, schizophrenia, autism, depression, down syndrome and mania.

Unique features of the brain

Our brain pieced together with the spinal cord and peripheral ganglia, constitute the nervous system. With the exception of neural stem cells and a few other types of neurons, neurons do not undergo cell division and thus no regeneration of cells.

Note the peculiarity of our brain in that it is usually utilised up to 10% of capacity because most areas are channeled for storage purpose and random use only. People who use their talent to focus on a specific area tend to gain a stretch of the portion of the brain reserved for that purpose. For instance, Einstein registered at 27% widening of that section of his brain cut out for creativity.

Brain structure

A human brain is grossly divided into the interconnected left and right hemispheres, each with four functionally distinctive regions normally working concurrently: temporal (language processing and memory), occipital (vision), parietal (somatic or bodily sensations) and frontal (executive functions and planning).

Downsizing to cellular level, every neuron is surrounded by a plasma membrane, a bilayer of lipid molecules with many types of protein structures embedded in it – an important one is lecithin containing unsaturated fats, choline, glycerols and phospholipids. Basically it acts as a powerful electrical insulator.

A number of specialized types of neurons exist:

- Sensory neurons respond to touch, sound, light and numerous other stimuli affecting cells of the sensory organs that then send signals to the spinal cord and brain.

- Motor neurons receive signals from the brain and spinal cord, cause muscle contractions, and affect glands.

- Interneurons connect neurons to other neurons within the same region of the brain or spinal cord.

A neuron is made up of 4 parts:

+ Cell body or soma
The soma is the central part of the neuron. It contains the nucleus of the cell, and therefore is where most protein synthesis occurs

+ Dendrites
Thin structures that branch out in multiples from the cell body, often extending for hundreds of micrometres giving rise to a tree-shaped complex

+ Axon
An axon is a special cellular extension that arises from the cell body in single form at a site called the axon hillock (the part of the neuron that has the greatest density of voltage-dependent sodium channels) and travels for a distance, as far as 1 m in humans or even more in other species, giving rise to hundreds of branches along the way. It is often possible for severed peripheral axons to regrow but take longer time.

+ Axon terminals
At the tip of the axon, the axon terminal contains synapses, specialized structures where neurotransmitter chemicals are released to communicate with target neurons.
Communication is usually passed on when signals are sent from the axon of one neuron to a dendrite or soma of another. Exceptions do happen eg. neurons that lack dendrites or have no axon; synapses that connect an axon to another axon or a dendrite to another dendrite.

Communication within….

Imagine the cell as our earth encrusted with an ozone layer and the core where major activities take place.

The interior of the neurons are electrically active where ion channels are found that discharge electrical ions to flow across the membrane, and ion pumps that actively transport ions from one side of the membrane to the other.

Most ion channels are permeable only to specific types of ions and some are voltage-gated, meaning that they can be switched between open and closed states by altering the voltage difference across the membrane. Others are chemically gated, meaning that they can be switched between open and closed states by interactions with chemicals that diffuse through the extracellular fluid.

The interactions between ion channels and ion pumps produce a voltage difference across the membrane. This voltage has dual functions: first, to provide a power source for an assortment of voltage-dependent protein machinery that is embedded in the membrane; second, to provide a basis for electrical signal transmission between different parts of the membrane.

Signal out…..

Neurons communicate by chemical and electrical synapses in a process known as synaptic transmission. The fundamental process that triggers synaptic transmission is the action potential, a propagating electrical signal that is generated by harnessing the energy generated on the membrane of the neuron.

Imagine axons as the wire cables. Thin neurons and axons require less metabolic effort to produce and carry the action potentials, but thicker axons convey impulses more rapidly. To minimize such metabolic expense while maintaining rapid conduction, many neurons have insulated myelin sheaths around their axons to aid in speeding up than in unmyelinated axons of the same diameter.


What can go wrong?


With increasing age, the brain undergoes a number of changes that affect its functionality:


+  Certain areas of the brain actually shrink, including the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which are involved in memory, learning and other complex mental activities.


+  Not only neurons shrink, the connections between the neurons also deteriorate and become less extensive, causing the level of neurotransmitters to decrease.


+  The aging brain undergoes a gradual reduction in blood flow and may accelerate the process of inflammation within. In a stroke incident, the blood supply to a certain region of the brain is interrupted due to blockage or rupture of blood vessels. Lacking blood supply for a short intermittent period can lead to irreversible cell death and half functioning in that specific region. The patient can lose expressive speech, voluntary control of the arms and legs, or emotional control.


+  The deteriorating effect is worsened with free radical attacks from external sources.


+  One’s brain cells can die gradually if they are underutilised for prolonged period or lack of nourishment. Hence, it is advisable to keep the mind alert by thinking hard, interact with more people daily and avoid too much idling moments like watching soap operas on television.


Other associated disorders -

+ Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that results from demyelination of axons in the brain and spinal cord. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation which occurs when the body’s own immune cells attack the nervous system, commonly linked to a virus or genetic defect, or a combination of both. Most sufferers are women in the age group 20-40.

+ Dementia is the medical term used to describe a group of symptoms consisting of memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation and behavioral changes, which are of sufficient severity to cause loss of function. It is not part of normal aging, although the elderly are more susceptible to becoming demented. In our modern societies school children and working adults under stress can be victims of dementia too. A simple test to conduct is to replay all happenings for the last 3 days. If you failed to recall most matters, beware that dementia is developing within.

+ Alzheimer’s disease is a neuro-degenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. The most striking early symptom is loss of short-term memory (is like memory full), which usually manifests as minor forgetfulness that becomes steadily more pronounced with illness progression, with relative preservation of older memories. As the disorder progresses, cognitive (intellectual) impairment extends to the domains of language, skilled movements and recognition, and functions such as decision-making and planning become impaired. A dissection of the brain tissue will show brownish patches of protein plaques and a shrinkage of brain size.

+ Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer’s motor skills and speech. It belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders, characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms are the results of decreased stimulation of the motor cortex by the basal ganglia, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high level cognitive dysfunction and subtle language problems. It is both chronic and progressive.

Preventive measures

Proper nutrition, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices are important in sustaining mental clarity.

+ As we grow older, it is important to participate in stimulating activities, thus keeping our minds active. In fact, aging process has little, if any, bearing on the ability to recall information.

+ Having a rich accumulation of life experiences – education, marriage, socializing, a stimulating job, language skills, a purpose in life, physical activity and mentally demanding leisure activities, keep the brain going if are able to score on high cognitive reserve, says David Bennett, M.D., of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center.

+ Alcoholics and drug addicts often suffer a great deal from memory loss.

+ Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect the brain function as it requires the level of glucose in the blood to fall within a very specific narrow range.

+ Medications can be prescribed to slow the progress of senility and other degenerative brain diseases, but success is often coupled with unwanted side effects, particularly in the elderly patient. If medications had to be applied, they should be used in conjunction with psychiatric or behavioral therapies.

VIVA corner

One reason why many people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. Blood is the life giver, feeding and nourishing every cell within our bodies. The brain is surrounded by a protective envelope known as the blood-brain barrier, which allows only certain substances to pass from the bloodstream to the brain. Do not let this area be clogged or nutrient-rich blood cannot reach the brain cells and become malnourished.

+ The precursor of lecithin, choline is a neurotransmitter that sends message to and from the brain and is shown to have a significant effect in delaying the deterioration of memory and deceleration of the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. The protective sheath surrounding the brain and the interior of nerve cells also contain lecithin for proper central nervous functioning. VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains much lecithin precursors.

+ Vitamin B complex enhances immunity, involved in dopamine production and aids in the formation of neuron transmitters to keep a healthy nervous system. Expect to see relieve symptoms caused by stress and improve memory, response and thinking process. Viva B-easy offers the easy solution with all the entire range available in one, concentrated from yeast, in meeting our daily requirement.

+ According to scientific studies, DHA is the main component of human cerebral cortex (about 80%)and thus sufficient intake of DHA is important for brain development, especially in protecting brain tissue and reducing brain tissue injury. VIVA Omega 3 offers high EPA and DHA content extracted from high concentrated deep sea fish body oil in a more absorbable triglyceride form.

+ The major function of the gingko biloba leaf is to increase blood circulation to the brain, enhance nervous transmission, delay the aging process of the temporal and limbic lobe in the brain that responsible for memory management. Senile dementia patients suffer from poor blood circulation to the brain causing those cells to shrink in size due to the lack of oxygen. It works for people suffering from migraine, memory loss and cold limbs. Basically, gingko works well in penetrating through tiny capillaries and dilate blood vessels to improve peripheral circulation. VIVA Liquick Gingko is a highly concentrated extract from the gingko leaves in the ratio of 50:1.

+ Our brain cells are made up of protein building blocks known as amino acids. With passing time the master (pituitary) glands secretes lesser and lesser hormones, leading to degeneration of brain cells and neurotransmitters. Coupled with insufficient intake of nutrients, premature aging sets in readily. VIVA Ageguard is a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids that act as natural HGH releaser to defy aging process.

Yellow GOLD – Lecithin

   

The word lecithin comes from the word lekithos, which is Greek for egg yolk.  The name was derived when lecithin was first discovered in 1805 by the French scientist Maurice Gobley who isolated the compound from an egg yolk.  Its ability to emulsify well puts it a popular choice in the commercial sector as an emulsifier, preserving the texture of foods and enabling them to be more shell stable.

Then in the mid 1930s, lecithin was recovered from the waste products of soybean processing, a discovery that changed the whole outlook of commercial lecithin. Today, most of the commercial lecithin we find in the market is sourced from soybeans.

Sources

Lecithin are produced in certain amounts throughout the major organs of the body (such as the heart, liver and kidney) and transports throughout the nervous and circulatory systems. It can thus be found in the 75 trillion cells in our body, including the 15 billion nerve cells of the brain and the protective sheath at a concentration of about 17-31%.


Lecithin comprises four vital components - unsaturated fatty acids, choline, glycerols and phospholipids.


The precursor of lecithin  – choline is an ‘essential‘ nutrient which bodies cannot manufacture and have to derive externally from food sources, including soy, beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower and oranges, where B vitamins, phosphoric acid, linoleic acid and inositol are also found.


Functions

Lecithin aids in absorbing fats to create cell membranes and structures, as well as prevents the hardening of cell membranes as they are a critical part in monitoring a cell's intake and output. This first level of defence is essential for healthy body functioning in maintaining the resistance to many diseases.

Choline is a neurotransmitter that sends messages to and from the brain and is necessary for the proper functioning of the liver and gallbladder.

Benefits

1. Aging and overall health

Phospholipid (fat-based) enhances the body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K and is a key building block of cell membranes – to stay semi-permeable and non-hardened, and facilitate the movement of fluids inside and outside the cell. Hence, it is useful in the prevention of aging and various diseases, as well as maintenance of health and beauty.

2.  Metabolic and cardiovascular health

As a component of bile, lecithin keeps fats emulsified. You have noticed how fats work under certain conditions. When exposed to low temperature, they tend to turn white and go into a semi-solid state.  Conversely, when exposed to high temperature, they turn completely liquid. Imagine what would happen to the body if our fats or lipids, are subject to the slightest change in temperature. That is why one of the benefits of lecithin is its emulsifying action – keeping fats properly balanced and maintained.

By coating on the cell membranes it can act as a protective wall or sheath throughout the body to protect and strengthen the linings and prevent detrimental debris from sticking. The lubrication provided creates a slippery lining on which it is difficult for large, fatty deposits to specific regions of the body, which are then transported to the liver to be metabolized and converted to energy. At the same time, choline helps to transport both cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to other parts of the body where they are needed. As such, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides are reduced, and good cholesterol (HDL) is increased. Both choline and folate can convert homocysteine into less harmful substances, which otherwise contribute to the development of heart and blood vessel diseases as well.

Improved circulation can be observed to help in preventing blood clots and maintaining the health of vital organs. Those who wish to lose weight can include lecithin in their diet too.

3.  Liver health

Choline is known to be effective against fatty liver and impaired liver condition. Research showed that a lack of choline in mice caused a rapid accumulation of fats in their liver cells within 2-3 hours, which in turn led to the inflammation and swelling of the liver. After treated with lecithin, drastic improvement was seen and the condition of the liver returned to normal. It can also fix up liver damage caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or other toxins.

4.  Mental health

Choline is crucial for nerve functioning, including aiding in nerve signaling and maintaining the membranes of brain cells and thus plays an essential part in brain development and growth.

When our body is short of choline, our brain function is impaired and can lead to the deterioration of memory and learning ability. Thus, the benefits are promising to patients suffering from various psychological and neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Note that improved memory and recall is a sign of a brain's overall standard of health.

5.  Endocrine health

Owing to hormonal imbalance and changes in metabolism, most women will experience uncomfortable symptoms such as depression, backache, hot flush etc.  Lecithin helps to regulate hormonal secretion, thus alleviating symptoms of menopause.


6.  Healthy pregnancy


Pregnant women need much more choline than others as this macronutrient is rapidly used by fetuses whilst their brains, cell structures and nerve channels are forming. Some studies have shown that high choline consumption result in a child's better chance of later having healthy, sharp brain functioning and a lower risk of brain abnormalities. On the contrary, choline deficient can cause neural tube defects and developmental problems.

Breastfeeding is most ideal for infants, as it provides the essential nutrients most needed for rapid developmental growth. Kids who are breast-fed tend to have better immunity, lessen allergic reaction and lower rate of new-born diseases like lung and intestinal disorder. Feeding mums who increase

Lecithin intake during the lactation period sees higher production of breast milk as it reduces blockages of the milk duct, breast congestion and inflammation. This way it alleviates the pressure inflicted and soothe the breasts feeding process. A direct benefit for such mums is contraction of uterus, faster post-delivery recovery and lower incidence risk of breast cancer.


Not to be missed given that lecithin is a vital nutrient to promote infant's mental and nerve development, it is added to most infant formulas.

Frequency of use

+  Lecithin can be used as a tool to help the body recover from previously identified conditions or shortcomings, as well as for preventive purposes. Individuals with a history of any neurological or cardiovascular condition may take lecithin as a supplement to lessen their chances of a recurring issue.


+  Dosage can be increased with choline deficiency symptoms such as low energy levels, memory loss, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, muscle aches, nerve damage and mood changes.

+  As choline is present in animal products, vegetarians are more prone to experience a deficiency. Given the fact that folate and choline take on complementary roles, obtaining more folate from foods like leafy green vegetables and certain grains can compensate for the reduced intake of choline.

+  For more consistent results, it can be supplemented on a regular basis.  Recommended daily dosage of choline as follows:


Infants & babies - 125-150 mg
Kids ages 1-8: 150-250 mg
Teens ages 8-13: 250-375 mg
Ladies above age 14: 425-550 mg
Men above age 14: 550 mg


+  Excessive dosage is not fatal but can cause some negative reactions including nausea, bloating, constipation, skin rashes, abdominal pain and other digestive problems.

Viva corner

Lecithin is available in VIVA Biolecithin. In addition, it is one of the main ingredients in VIVA LipoGuard and VIVA Smartee.

VIVA Biolecithin is formulated based on scientific grounds and contains large amount of lecithin precursors that boost the body to naturally produce the purest form of lecithin.  Easy to take, the powder can be sprinkled onto soup, porridge, cereals, salad or other food.

VIVA Smartee with fish oil concentrate (DHA & EPA), glycerin, gelatin, soy lecithin (enhance memory power), natural vitamin E, natural beta-carotene oil suspension is a great booster for a child’s growth and development.

Multiple Sclerosis

  

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive, degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system comprising the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord.

The effect can be inflammation and scarring on the myelin sheaths of the brain and spinal cord. Once replaced by hard scar, it results in improper neuron function and jerky shaky movements. The nerve fibers can then be affected by the scar tissue and lead to total incapacitation for severe cases. Overall, it has very little effect on a patient’s life span.

This is a disease hard to predict as its course and symptoms vary with individuals. However, the chance of getting it is high for people with the following profile:

+ Women

+ Diagnosed before age 35

+ Have long intervals between relapses and complete recovery from relapses

+ Have relapses with sensory symptoms (such as numbness and tingling), rather than symptoms such as tremor or spasticity

A relapse (can be exacerbation, flare or attack) is either a worsening of symptoms that you experienced previously, or the appearance of new symptoms.  The types are as follows:

+  Relapsing-Remitting MS: The majority (about 85%) of people with MS receive an initial diagnosis with definite periods of relapses, then a remitting of symptoms, eventually recovers entirely or almost entirely.
+  Secondary-Progressive MS:  The symptoms steadily worsen for those who failed to recover.

+  Primary-Progressive MS: 15% of sufferers with the disease but no relapses or remissions, rather a steady course of progression.
+  Progressive-Relapsing MS: Only 6-10% of people receive this diagnosis where the disease follows a steady course of progression, but there is no relapse of acute symptoms.


Causes

 

-  The medical community believes this to be an auto-immune disorder, with the body’s immune system malfunctioning and producing antibodies to attack the myelin sheaths connecting the brain and spinal cord. It can also be invoked by a viral attack.

-  Controversies about the use of artificial sweetener with aspartame being a causative agent. As excitotoxins comprise 40% of its molecular structure, excessive exposure can damage the myelin sheath producing cells causing MS. Further combined with monosodium glutamate (MSG), this level is elevated several fold higher than normal. As a result it can convert a patient with benign, subclinical condition into full-blown clinical MS.

-  Other likely causes are: the environmental factors, infectious diseases and genetics.

Symptoms

There are over 50 known symptoms linked with MS, all which can vary in severity, duration and associated disability. The most common ones are:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Bladder dysfunction (severe cases)
• Numbness and/or tingling
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bowel dysfunction
• Pain
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Spasticity
• Tremor
• Vision problems
• Cognitive impairment
• PARALYSIS (advanced cases)

Diagnosis

Basing on symptoms alone may not be accurate as they also manifest in many other diseases and disorders. Other related issues are:

• Too many symptoms involved
• Symptoms may appear in isolation or combination
• Symptoms can vary in severity
• Symptoms can disappear suddenly

Beside checking on medical history, neurologists are likely to conduct combined tests like MRI scans, neurologic exam, lumbar puncture and blood test.

Treatment

MS is not curable. However, there are treatment that are showing great promise for slowing down the progression of the disease.

+  One example is medications prescribed for the disease-modifying therapies on progression to secondary-progressive MS that work to slow down the damage and symptoms caused by MS by preventing relapses.

+  Doctors may prescribe medications to address most symptoms or for behavioral or dietary modifications, physical therapy (to regain lost skills) or psycho-social therapy.
-  Exercise and massage reduce spasms and help maintain optimal condition of unaffected muscles.
-  Avoid stress and fatigue.
-  Avoid exposure to extremes of heat and cold
-  Infection to be treated promptly
-  Not overweight which can put stress on already weakened muscles

 

+  For relapse treatment, high-dose corticosteroids are usually applied intravenously to reduce inflammation in the central nervous system,  to shorten the duration and severity of relapses.

Source: http://ms.about.com/od/multiplesclerosis101/a/ms_intro.htm

Viva corner

Other than good nutrition for a MS patient, some supplementation can help to bring improvement.

+  As this is likely an auto-immune disorder, VIVA germanium can help to put the immune system in order and reduce pain.

+  VIVA Omega3 contains DHA that can protect brain tissue and prevent further injury.  Its EPA content can enhance the immune system and reduce inflammation.

+  An important component in VIVA Biolecithin – choline provides the link to send messages to and from the brain and thus crucial for strengthening the nervous tissue.

+  Antioxidants found in VIVA C complex and Vivashield are important in protecting cell membrane and DNA from oxidative damage, especially in relapse progression.

Migraine attack again!

             

Overview


A migraine is a severe throbbing headache or a pulsing sensation, usually on just one side of the head. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and tremendous sensitivity to light and sound. Just snapping your fingers or clapping around them can cause excruciating pain to be disabling. An attack may occur anywhere from once a week to once or twice a year, lasting for hours to days.

Bio-chemistry


Traditional research has described migraine as vascular headaches involving excessive dilation or contraction of the brain's blood vessels.

Recent studies viewed the source from within. Though a scan performed shows a visible inflammation in the meninges (brain’s outer covering), it is not the source of the pain. The throbbing pain comes from activated nerve surrounding the skull, blood vessels and head muscles. It starts off with chemical imbalances in the brain, especially when the chemical serotonin (vital for sleep, mood and appetite) drops during a headache. This triggers an impulse along the nerve to blood vessels in the meninges. The stimulated nerve releases substances called alcitonin gene-related peptides which both induce inflammation and send messages to pain receptors in the meninges.

Causes

+  A large study on 50000 samples taken in Finland, Germany and the Netherlands has discovered a genetic risk factor associated with common migraines arising from a build-up of this chemical glutamate, known to affect also those with Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s Disease and glaucoma. The typical profile of a migraine sufferer is a woman who is hardworking, productive perfectionistic, rigid and meticulous with family history of migraine. These women should avoid birth control pills to or may encounter precipitate attack or severe complications. On the other hand, men are usually the victims of cluster headaches occurring on both sides of the brain with high pain intensity on each round lasting 15 mins - 3 hours.

* Glutamate is one of the ordinary 20 amino acids which are used by the body to make proteins and other typical metabolic functions like energy production and ammonia detoxification.  It is required only in small amounts by the nervous system, to perform the role of transmitter and assist in normal brain function including cognition, memory and learning. However, presents in high concentrations this compound can be toxic but it is commonly used as a food enhancer (best known as “monosodium glutamate” or “MSG”).
--  Another food additive - aspartame is also capable of triggering migraine.

+  Both headaches and migraine can be induced by food intolerance, particularly those that contain high level of amine compounds such as coffee, chocolate, aged cheese, oranges and red wine, or nitrates (eg. bacon, hot dogs and salami) commonly used in salty and processed foods.

+  Low blood sugar level can also trigger headache as sugar is the food of the brain cells. The lower the sugar level, the more severe the attack. Similarly, skipping meals or fasting can induce an attack.

+ The one-sided headache can affect women having their menstrual periods with low levels of estrogen, mostly occurring in their age group 20-35 which tends to decline with age. It can be so extreme to cause limb numbness, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting. Others have an increased tendency to develop migraines during pregnancy or menopause. Hormonal medications, such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, may find comfort for some women whilst others experience worsening effect.
+  Dizziness and vertigo often occur when the sufferer has migraine with aura. The sensations are actually related to the inner ear, leading to problems like sound sensitivity, hearing loss, ringing in the ears and coordination difficulties.

+  Personal factors include stress, poor nutrition intake, allergies, constipation, inadequate sleep, emotional changes and lack of exercise.

+  External factors such as environmental factors, pollution and bacterial infection (cold).

+  Liver damage can cause severe headache and detoxification must be quickly carried out.

Warning signs 


For most sufferers, a day before the onset of a headache, there may be noticeable changes in mood, speech and memory problem. Come the actual moment, some sufferers may see flashes or patterns of light, blind spots and/or experience numbness of the hands, feet or on one side of the face due to decreased blood circulation.  This is followed by a headache affecting either one or both sides of the head and feeling nauseated that may linger on even when the headache dissipates. Poor appetite due to slow food absorption and extreme tiredness put the sufferer into sleep easily.

Treatment

+  Migraine attack can be ended if the sufferer breathes slowly and deeply into a bag, inhaling his expired air to raise the carbon dioxide level of circulating blood.  The arrest can be done in 10-30 mins.
 
+  A drug Sumatriptan provides quick relief to acute migraine attacks by increasing the serotonin in the brain but has common side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety and malaise. Other drugs listed below can also treat the problem but have disastrous results such as coronary artery constriction and hypertension.


+  A better alternative is to take food which can raise the level of tryptophan in the brain as this substance processes serotonin, leading to a calming effect. It is particularly plentiful in chocolate, oats, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, bananas and peanuts. Also note high protein foods promotes the production of dopamine and norepinephrine (both are neurotransmitters) which promotes alertness.

+  Other choices are taking caffeine with its calming effect and soy-based product lecithin for better nerve transmission.

+  Listening to soothing music and practise other relaxation techniques.

VIVA corner:

VIVA Green Barley can help to stabilise blood sugar level. Together with VIVA Cleanse Tea, can help the body to rid the pollutants piled up as we are living in a virtual sea of chemicals these days. Viva B-easy provides the full range of Vitamin B needed for a healthy nervous system and helps to increase the blow flow to the brain.

VIVA Biolecithin contains choline, which assists in the function of nerve transmission and strengthening nerve tissues. VIVA CalMag & Magnesium helps to regulate muscular tone and to transmit nerve impulses throughout the body and the brain.

VIVA Liquick Gingko enhances cerebral circulation and draws back oxygen and nutrients.

Parkinson's disease

 

About 3 in every 1000 adults (both sexes) above the age 50 develop Parkinson's Disease. Whilst rare, it can also affect children who have less dopamine-sensitive nerves. (read below)


During the early stages of Parkinson's disease, there is little or no facial expression, arms may not swing when walking and speech may become soft or slurred. Symptoms manifest progressively on either one side or both sides of the body to require special attention. Some early warning signs are:
-  The slowing of movements can impair your ability to perform daily chores
-  With the balance problems, you may fall easily
-  Rigidity results in contracted muscles in any part of your body limiting your range of motion and cause you pain
-  With the tremor, you hand or foot goes in a back and forth movement estimated at 4-6 beats per second in the resting mode


Causes

Parkinson’s involves the degeneration of the cells (damaged or lost) affecting neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger), involved in signal transmissions within the brain that coordinate movement and coordination. As PD progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.

The exact cause is still unknown. One hypothesis is that brain cells are destroyed by toxins that the liver is unable to filter out, metabolise or detoxify as this vital organ loses its functionality with increasing age. Exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals can be severe in some instances.

By the time the disease is diagnosed, most patients may have lost up to 80% of their dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. This significant drop causes communication problems between the brain and muscles, hampering movement and muscle function.


Remedies


Although Parkinson's disease cannot be reversed, there are ways to improve the condition:


+  Medications may help to improve some symptoms.


+  Between the start of the disease and the diagnosis, the brain is already adapting, responding to new experiences and learning new motor skills. Physiotherapy can significantly improve walking speed, functional mobility and balance. To reap maximum benefits, the exercises performed have to be specific and targeted to where there are deficits.


+  In occasional cases, surgery may be recommended to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve your symptoms.


+  Taking the right diet and supplements help in a big way to reduce the disease severity. For example:


--  Reduced levels of Vitamin D put them at risk of bone thinning or osteoporosis, increasing the chances of falling. A diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium help to maintain the skeletal strength.
--  Half of all patients experience slow down bowel movement and constipation with the poor response of dopamine cells lying in the colon. A high fiber diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps to mitigate the problem. Doing frequent exercise and taking plenty of fluids to keep hydrated can also improve the condition.
--  Fish rich in Omega3 DHA can improve the brain function.
--  To avoid complication keep to a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease. 


VIVA corner

Both VIVA B-easy and Biolecthin contain Vitamin B most essential for brain functioning and enzyme activity - a lack of which can cause depression, nerve damage and a reduction of neurotransmitter level. Vitamin B6 is mostly involved in dopamine production. Vivashield contains four potent antioxidants vitamin A, C, E and selenium which can clear free radicals and thus retards the progression of the disease.


VIVA Liquick gingko helps to increase blood circulation to the brain, enhance nervous transmission, delay the aging process of the temporal and limbic lobe in the brain that are responsible for memory management. Viva CalMag and D is important for proper bone and muscle development, maintaining regular heartbeat and assists in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Why DEPRESSED?

            

Life has its ups and downs and is normal to feel down at times. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks and disappointments.  However, when sadness develops into a sense of emptiness and despair, or for some men in particular may turn into anger, aggressiveness and restlessness, the sufferer may be facing an impending doom.

More than just the temporary “blues” the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like before. Things around may no longer be appealing and one’s energy level runs at low ebb all the time that can put a toll in pulling through each passing day.  The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness can be so intense so to engulf the person leaving little to be reprieved.

The next time you sink into a bout of depression, ask yourself why you are overly paranoid.  There may not be good justification to be so negatively affected, especially over trivial issues or surmountable problems.  Before seeking any external help, find out the cause that is bothering you so much and may be your own challenge to overcome which can involve simply a change of behavioral pattern.

Signs and symptoms

Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It is important to recognise these symptoms as inevitable part of life.  However, the more symptoms you have, the stronger and longer they manifest, the more likely it is that you are dealing with depression.  Once they become overwhelming and disabling, is time to seek professional help.  Beware of the followings:

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook where nothing will ever get better and there is nothing you can do to improve your situation.
• Loss of interest in daily activities.  No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You have lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
• Appetite or weight changes.  Significant weight loss or weight gain like more than 5% of body weight in a month.
• Sleep changes.  Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping
• Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, with short temper and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
• Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or recalling things.
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide as witnessed by celebrities dying at the peak of their careers which often is beyond our comprehension.  The deep despair and hopelessness that go along with depression can make suicidal attempt the only way to escape the suffering for them. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so do take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously as the person attempting suicide is crying for help.

Who are the sufferers?

Depression is taboo to speak about in most conservative societies which prevent people from seeking psychological consultation.  Many associate it wrongly with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion.

+  Men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.


+  Rates of depression in women are twice as much as men due in part to hormonal factors, especially when it comes to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat and gain weight.  Also they are more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

+  While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. Irritability, rather than depression is frequently the predominant symptom in them. A depressed teenager may turn hostile, grumpy or short-tempered. Unexplained aches and pains can occur, which if left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. Given help, teenage depression is highly treatable. Note that a poor diet, especially with a lot of junk foods can be a common cause or worsening factor.

+  The difficult changes that many older adults face like bereavement, loss of independence and health problem can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.

How to help yourself?

For some sufferers, the disorder is uncontrollable due to heredity.  However, for most, lifestyle changes though not easy to make, can have positive impact on depression.  Such changes that can be very effective include:

• Cultivating supportive relationships
• Keeping an active mind, getting regular exercise and sleep
• Eating healthily with diet comprising mainly raw fruits and vegetables to naturally boost mood.  Omit wheat products, high saturated fats, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods.
• Managing stress
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Changing mindset and challenging negative thinking pattern

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm

Our comments

It may come as a surprise that depression tends to affect people living in a mature economy drawing high incomes.  It is a common fallacy that those living in a less developed society are presumably deprived economically and politically marginalised to reap any social benefits.

A recent study conducted by the World Health Organisation using standardised surveys to assess depression involving 89000 people across 18 countries showed a stunning result.  It found most participants in advanced countries like France and USA being depressed. (a curse on modern societies?)

The key attribute to note the difference lies in EXPECTATIONS.  Maslow’s infamous theory – THE HIERACHY OF NEEDS delves on level of differing needs of individuals.  People in poorer countries have basic expectations such as food, clothings and shelter that, when met, create immense satisfaction.  On the other hand, people in richer countries are a less contented lot who usually take things for granted.  Their high aspirations are difficult to meet, and can lead to great frustration.  Over time, and aggravated by personal difficulties, this uneasy feeling can develop into a state of depression.

How can one overcome the danger of falling into this trap? 

+  Depression is rather complicated, not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain to be cured with medication. Is scary to note that 10% of Americans are diagnosed as suffering from General Anxiety Disorder and prescribed anti-depressant drugs.  Long term medication to treat symptoms without understanding their cause(s) can destroy a patient’s life.  For instance, the most popular anti-depressant drug, Prozac works effectively to increase the levels of the brain chemical serotonin. 

However, research found that mentally ill patients have normal functioning brain chemicals till several weeks later after taking such drug.  Most of these drugs are hastily pushed into the market with very short-term studies.  Big pharmaceutical companies lure psychiatrists with big bucks to manipulate their diagnostic methods.  Hence say NO to anti-depressant drugs as a long-term cure.

+  Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.  A positive way to handle this problem is for the person to self-examine lifestyle choices, relationships and coping skills matter to judge the specific risk factors more vulnerable to depression.

+  Do not overindulge in keeping unrealistic expectations.  Most people are blinded by materialism and too preoccupied with achieving possessive pursuits.  Such happiness is transient and the urge for more and better is never-ending.  Everlasting happiness can be obtained by working towards a productive and purposeful life, closely akin to the society at large.

+  If a person can extend his life to serving a community, he or she has no time for loneliness and idle notions.  Volunteerism makes one feels important in the life of others.  This rejuvenating force can be so compelling so to redefine the purpose of a giver’s life.  It holds the key to the door of HAPPINESS!!!

The American Psychiatric Society estimates that 80-90% of depression cases treatable but majority do not receive help needed.  Caring for oneself and others are so important in our coexistence to make this world a better place to live in.

+  Those who are not eating right have to be aware that it can lead to depression as well. The level of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, which regulate our behavior, are controlled by what we eat, which in turn is linked to our mood, namely dopamine (helps to relax), serotonin and norepinephrine (promotes alertness). Those who are low in serotonin tend to suffer from depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. 


By taking the amino acid tryptophan found in complex carbohydrate, more serotonin can be produced in the brain.  On the other hand, high-protein foods aid in the production of dopamine and norepinephrine.  Also foods high in saturated fats interfere with blood flow, especially to the brain and should be avoided.

Good news for chocolate lovers – dopamine, tryptophan and serotonin are all found in chocolate products! 


VIVA corner

VIVA Omega3 and Liquick gingko aid in the transmission of nerve impulses, vital for normal brain functioning. Viva B easy offers full B complex essential for normal functioning of brain and peripheral nervous system.

VIVA Calmag & D – has a calming effect on the nervous system.  Most sufferers have various disturbances in calcium metabolism.
VIVA Dailyguard, a strong multivitamins for those who are not eating right.

Stressed to KILL

  

Stress has become a worldwide epidemic. Each week, about 1/3 of all Americans suffer from some stress-related symptoms for which medication is required.  Over in Asia, the situation is not any better. Cases like sudden death at workplace, family violence, teenager suicide due to schoolwork pressure are prevalent in most developing countries.

Causes

Stress is a state of tension that is created when we respond to a physical, mental, social or emotional stimulus that requires a change in the way we think, act or feel usually coming from work, family and other external sources as well as those that are internally generated from self-imposed demands, obligations and self-criticism.

Change is stressful and most people do not like changes.  As change is inevitable in life, learning to cope with stress is vital for our well-being.  Some people have better stress-tolerance and see little impact on their emotional or physical health whilst others can be impacted negatively.

Symptoms

Stress is both addictive and cumulative to reach a crisis level over prolonged period. It can manifest psychologically as irritability, anxiety, impaired concentration, mental confusion, poor judgment, low self-esteem, withdrawal, frustration and anger.  It may also appear as physical symptoms like muscle tension, hair loss, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic headaches, tooth-grinding, shallow breathing, cold hands, low back pain, insomnia and high blood pressure.

Unattended, these symptoms take the toll on the immune system and can lead to physical illnesses and sudden death if stress persists for prolonged periods.

During economic crisis, majority of the people are heavily stressed emotionally of financial woes especially on family and job demands.  The worst case is stress self-inflicted where there is undue worries.  Critical psychological imbalance can lead to high anxiety, depression and insanity.

Health consequences

Researchers estimate 80% of all illnesses are contributed by stress, including cardiovascular disease (with more fats and sugars released from stores thickening the arteries), diabetes, cancer and skin disorders. No wonder WHO wants to classify stress as a disease.


We understand that some stress keep us alert as our adrenaline gets pumped up and thus is a treat for the heart occasionally.  However, excessive stress is detrimental to our health.  Why?

During a stressful moment, the body reacts to a perceived threat and signals the pituitary gland to increase its production of adrenocorticopic hormone (ACTH) which in turn stimulates the release of adrenaline (both cortisone and cortisol) and immune hormones that make your blood surge towards the saving muscles by as much as four folds. With either the ‘fight or flight’ response, you are energised to fight it out or take a quick escape route. 


Hence, constantly keeping our adrenalin pumping affects its regularity and taxes the body which can result in nutritional deficiency.  This process entails a surge of energy produced by higher metabolism of proteins (excreting amino acids), carbohydrates (excreting glucose), fatty acids, and, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium from the tissues into circulation. If this sudden burst of chemicals created are not eliminated through physical exertion, and continue to remain in the bloodstream for extended period, the body may develop a host of metabolic diseases including -

*  Obesity – Higher chronic stress induces storing fats for more demanding moments. The body boosts the blood levels of cortisol — the “fight or flight” hormone by encouraging belly fat in two ways:

+  triggers cravings for sugary, high-fat comfort foods.
+  signals the body to store more fat in your abdomen.

*  Diabetes – High cortisol levels make the body less responsive to insulin, impairing its ability to manage glucose – a high tendency for type-2 diabetes.
*  Slower brain response - Slower memory on constant high cortisol levels.
*  Lower immune response – Stress promotes the formation of free radicals that can become oxidised and damage body tissues, especially cell membranes.
*  Prostate cancer – High cortisol is found to promote a rare form of prostate cancer.
*  Digestive disorders such as ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome.

Management

Each individual must learn how to cope with his or her stress to minimise the negative impact on own body.

+  Exercise helps to burn-off the stress-related harmful chemicals left in the bloodstream.  Our body produces endorphins the ‘feel good’ chemicals to create the sense of euphoria when we are in relaxed mode.  Doing repetitive exercise like walking gives the brain some breathing space and forget the stress for one moment.  Other useful activities are meditation, listening to light music, swimming, aromatherapy or pursuing a hobby.

+  Having healthy relationships with family and good friends can reduce stress.

+  Adjust your diet:

-  Eat a diet comprising 50-75% of raw foods.  Fresh fruits and vegetables supply abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can scavenge and neutralise dangerous free radicals.

- Exclude from the diet processed foods and stress-related foods such as artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, dairy products, chocolate, red meat, sugar, white flour products, preservatives or heavy spices.

-  Extra carbohydrates boost the production of serotonin - a natural stress reducer.  Dutch researchers exposed stress-prone people to tense situations found that those on a high carbohydrate, low protein diet had a 14% lower cortisol response than those on heavy protein, low carbohydrate.

-  Abstain from alcohol, coffee, tobacco, harmful drugs and medications.  Coffee and alcohol dehydrates the body and put it in emergency mode, thus raising the cortisol level.

+ Vitamin B-Complex:  The leading Anti-stress Vitamin

According to medical research, Vitamin B complex can reduce stress. When our body is in a state of fight or fright, it burns up essential B Vitamins to release more energy to cope with stress.  As this Vitamin is water-soluble, intake has to be gradual.  Its advantages include boosts the energy level, elevates our mood, bolsters our metabolism (note for those who want to slim or tend to overeat under stress)  and breaks down homocysteine (linked to cardiovascular disease).

+ Think positive and learn to let go.  Turn a negative event into a positive energy giver.  In life many things are not within our control.  Stop stressful events and move on before it saps our energy level and causes a burn-out or other irreparable damage.

+  Research showed that men who were deprived of sleep had 45% higher cortisol level, and those who slept only 4 hours had cortisol levels 37% higher than men who got a full 8 hours of good sleep.  Deep sleep promotes more secretion of the human growth hormone (HGH) that can prevent the loss of muscle mass caused by cortisol. Do not miss the golden hours from 11 pm-2 am where HGH is secreted at maximum level.

Conclusion

Stress taxes our immune function by creating an imbalance to our equilibrium.  By identifying the stress factor and deflate the negative emotion, we create a harmony within the body and the big environment. Channel our energy into adopting a well-balanced mental positive attitude towards reinforcing our beliefs, values and self-image is definitely a big step towards managing stress to a tolerable level.

VIVA corner

VIVA Dailyguard provides the full range of nutritional requirement by the body, especially crucial for those facing quick depletion under heavy stress attack.  Stress also promotes the formation of free radicals that can become oxidised and damage our body tissues, especially cell membranes. Vivashield offers the protection to preserve the cell integrity with its potent antioxidant properties.

VIVA B-easy is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and of certain electrolytes, which are depleted by the body’s stress response. Thus, it boosts the energy level, enhances metabolism and aids in de-stress. VIVA Calmag & D replenishes the calcium and magnesium lost in stressed individuals.  A deficit often results in anxiety, fear and even hallucination.