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CAUTION:
The following material regarding vitamin, mineral, amino acid and other dietary supplements is presented for purposes of
information only, and is in no way intended to supersede advice from a qualified health care professional. Unless
you have in-depth knowledge of these supplements and know what you are doing, it is strongly recommended that you consult your
pharmacist or physician before attempting to medicate yourself. The Brain Chemistry Plan
describes each supplement, its actions, uses, and contraindications - all of which are beyond the scope of this synopsis.
Responses to vitamin and mineral supplements can be highly idiosyncratic. In elevated dosage, for example, niacin (nicotinic acid) causes histamine release, resulting in cutaneous
vasodilatation and increased blood flow, with symptoms of flushing, itching and tingling sensations, an increase in skin temperature, and increased
motility of the stomach. These effects are transient, usually occurring a few minutes after ingestion and lasting up to an hour. Adverse reactions may include
severe generalized flushing, decreased glucose tolerance, activation of peptic ulcers, abnormalities of hepatic function tests, jaundice, gastrointestinal disorders,
dry skin, keratosis nigricans, pruritis, hyperuricemia, toxic amblyopia, hypotension and transient headache. When properly used, however, in conjunction with a high-protein diet,
niacin is extremely effective.
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If I had to choose only one vitamin [in] my repertoire for improving mood or guarding against the blues,
[niacin] is the one I'd probably pick. (p.71)
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- Refined foods
- White flour
- Sugar, especially white
- Caffeine and other stimulants
- Nicotine
- Alcohol (p.292)
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Several organic factors can cause, exacerbate, or maintain anxiety, and as many as possible should be ruled out
before deciding on treatment. These factors include:
- Migraines
- Copper excess/zinc deficiency
- Caffeine
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Anemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Vitamin deficiencies (especially
[vitamin B1] Thiamin,
vitamin B12 [Cobalamin],
[vitamin B3] Niacin)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Withdrawal from alcohol or drugs (including amphetamines and cocaine, as well as caffeine)
- Sympathomimetic agents, like ephedra
- Heavy metal poisoning (especially mercury, arsenic, and lead)
- Other psychiatric disorders (including depression, mania, and schizophrenia)
- Cardiac conditions
- Adrenal dysfunction
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Vestibular dysfunction
- Seizure disorders
- Pheochromocytoma
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Did you know that you can find benzodiazepines - which are used as tranquilizing drugs that
commonly combat anxiety - in many common foods? You'd have to eat more than humanly possible at any given time to get the equivalent
of one dose of Valium. But you might try emphasizing these foods in your diet to get some benefits.
- Lentils
- Soybeans
- Rice
- Corn
- Cherries
- Mushrooms (p.293)
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| Cardiovascular disorders |
| Pulmonary disorders |
| Endocrine disorders |
| CNS |
| Substance-related disorders |
| Psychiatric disorders |
| Other |
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