Invega (Paliperidone) is considered a newer spin-off of the antipsychotic Risperdal in that it contains the same active metabolite, but is thought to have fewer side effects and drug interactions. It was initially approved in 2006 for the treatment of schizophrenia and was since granted approval for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder in 2009. While …
Despite the fact that pharmaceutical companies continue to promote the concept of “chemical imbalances” as the root cause of depression, this is a vast oversimplification of an infinitely more complex condition. While a chemical imbalance may be one of the primary contributing factors to a person’s depression, what causes the chemicals (neurotransmitters) to become imbalanced …
While people will always be in search of specific diets to help them lose weight, in recent years there is an increasing interest in how certain foods affect the human brain. It is estimated that there are currently over 5 million individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and dietary …
Anyone living in a big city that has taken a vacation to experience nature (e.g. a cabin in the woods) can often detect a stark contrast in air quality. In the big city, the air you’re breathing in often smells dull and polluted, and you may sense that it’s taking a toll on your health. …
Depression is a growing epidemic that affects the lives of nearly 15 million Americans. The number of individuals diagnosed with depression will continue to grow as a result of population growth, poor diet, environmental toxins, genetic polymorphisms, and other unique neurophysiological factors. As a result of depression, it is estimated that nearly 1 out of …
We’ve all heard the media-driven dogma that everyone needs at least 8 hours of sleep per night for optimal neurophysiological performance. Striving for 8 hours of sleep is generally a healthy rule of thumb [for most people], but shouldn’t be considered a utopian amount for everyone. Many individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) sleep …
A ketogenic diet involves consumption of foods with high fat (80%), moderate protein (15%), and low carbohydrates (5%). Consistent intake of high fat, moderate protein foods, with simultaneous avoidance of carbohydrates, allows the body to transition from using glucose (sugar) as a primary source of fuel, to using ketone bodies (commonly called “ketones”). During ketosis, …