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You’re lethargic, get headaches at work, and find yourself tired and craving water. You may be experiencing symptoms of general fatigue, anxiety, or something else, but there are ways to get a fast burst of energy – namely, vitamin IV therapy. It may help you feel better, quicker than other treatments.

What is IV Vitamin Therapy?

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a delivery system that dispenses hydration, medicines, and, more recently, nutrients directly into someone’s vein. It happens when you’re hooked to an IV drip for mostly non-critical health benefits and as, some would say, a holistic treatment. IV vitamin therapy comprises a specific blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and electrolytes. The catheter, or line, is inserted into a vein in your arm or hand, and the procedure may take about an hour.

Types of conditions that benefit

People who need quick hydration may be prime candidates for IV vitamin therapy. Still, the procedure is gaining popularity for helping to foster better health and live a more balanced lifestyle. Research into its efficacy is ongoing, but many people use it to treat a variety of health-related issues, including:

• Asthma. Certain vitamins, when dispensed via IV, may significantly improve respiratory function and reduce the need for hospitalization in certain people.
• Inflammation. IV vitamin therapy may help to lower high C-reactive protein levels, an inflammation marker. 
• Certain vitamins dispensed via IV may also lower someone’s fatigue level.

Elite athletes, of course, swear by IV vitamin therapy, but it’s not just for rehydration following intense physical activity. The procedure may work for someone concerned about low energy, chronic pain relief, getting rid of a hangover, better immune system support, reducing cold and flu symptoms, and recovering faster from headaches or migraines.

Is there any danger?

IV vitamin therapy is primarily safe, with few side effects. However, side effects may happen because of antiseptic conditions or allergic reactions to some of the infusion ingredients. That’s why whoever administers the treatment should be aware of any allergies you may have before starting the procedure. Your skin may temporarily flush around your head, neck, and chest, and there may be visible but short-term redness or tenderness around the injection site.

Types of IV Vitamin Therapy

Many people interested in IV vitamin therapy invariably ask about the ingredients of the infusion liquid. Substances typically found in IV vitamin therapy may include the following: 

• Vitamin C – Studies have uncovered evidence of many benefits of IV vitamin C therapy. In some instances, it may help manage sepsis and cancer treatment,  as well as boost immunity and energy levels for people who aren’t sick. 
• Vitamin B complex and others in the group, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), vitamin B5 (dexpanthenol), and pyridoxine (vitamin B6). These vitamins are essential players in the function of hundreds of biological processes in the human body. 
• Vitamin B12, which also is known as cyanocobalamin. Another of many multi-functional vitamins, this one’s primary function is creating red blood cells. “Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen from your lungs to your body’s tissues. Your tissues produce energy with the oxygen and release a waste, identified as carbon dioxide.”
• Folic acid, which is also known as folate. Folic acid is similar to cyanocobalamin because it helps create red blood cells. 
• Everybody needs calcium. It’s one of the cornerstones for developing healthy and strong bones. Your heart, nerves, and muscles also require calcium to work properly. Some research proposes that calcium, plus vitamin D, may offer benefits apart from bone health – maybe as a defense against cancer, diabetes, and elevated blood pressure.
• Glutathione, is another antioxidant important for numerous processes in the human body.

Are there alternatives?

There are many alternatives to IV vitamin therapy. Some people have had success with ketamine therapy in treating low energy, anxiety, depression, and other conditions, while others loom for getting more vitamins and nutrients into their bodies naturally. This, of course, means adopting a healthy lifestyle – eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and limiting caffeine and nicotine use. Try these vitamin-rich foods:

• Vitamin C: Red peppers, oranges, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes.
• Vitamin B: Salmon, leafy greens, liver, eggs, milk, legumes, whole grains, meat, nuts.
• Vitamin D: Trout, salmon, tuna, mushrooms, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and certain fortified foods.

Final thoughts

There are many kinds of IV vitamin therapy that you may benefit from, but if you’re having a discussion with your healthcare provider about ways to combat low energy, fatigue, and anxiety, ask whether ketamine therapy is a possible alternative. Leading a healthier lifestyle may be easier than you thought.

 

You spend hours a day at your computer, making the same motions with your hands over and over – often leading to stiffness and pain. But you’re getting older, so maybe that’s triggering the pain following hours of repetition. Or perhaps it’s rheumatoid arthritis, but fortunately, the symptoms can be treated.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

According to MedlinePlus, “Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers.”

Women get it more often than women. RA usually begins during middle age and is widespread in older adults. It may only last a short time with occasional symptoms, but a more severe form could persist for a lifetime.

Facts About RA

• Rheumatoid arthritis harms more than 1.3 million people in the United States.
• It’s more than twice as likely in women as in men.
• There are more than 200,000 cases reported in the U.S. every year. 
• It usually happens in people between 20 and 50 years old, but young children and the elderly can also get RA.

According to a 2021 study by the World Health Organization, nearly 14 million people worldwide have rheumatoid arthritis.

Know The Symptoms

Pain and fatigue associated with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can sometimes be treated with ketamine or other pain management strategies. Common symptoms may include:

• The experience of painful, warm, swollen joints
• Joint stiffness which is usually worse in the mornings or following inactivity
• Fatigue, fever, and lack of appetite

Early rheumatoid arthritis will often affect the smaller joints initially — especially the joints that connect your fingers with your hands and toes to your feet.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

“RA is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system is supposed to attack foreigners in your body, like bacteria and viruses, by creating inflammation. The immune system mistakenly sends inflammation to your healthy tissue in autoimmune diseases. The immune system creates a lot of inflammation that is sent to your joints, causing joint pain and swelling. If the inflammation remains present for a long period, it can cause damage to the joint.”

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Don’t ignore your pain. Some degree of soreness and stiffness is not unusual. But pain that persists longer than an hour following activity or makes joints swell means the activity was too demanding. Either alter your activity level or the way you do something to avoid causing worse pain.
• Don’t get locked into a position, such as writing, doing crafts, or driving, and loosen your grip every 10 minutes or so. The same applies to watching television or computer usage – stand and move about every 30 minutes.
• Find tools and utensils designed for someone with arthritis. This may include anti-vibration gloves, bigger barrel pens, and kitchen utensils to lower the pain triggered by grasping or pinching movements.
• Don’t waste energy. Get equal amounts of rest and activity in daylight hours,  pace yourself, and add frequent short breaks to your routine. Rest before you get too sore or tired.
• Soothe the ache by soaking hands or feet in warm or cool water to relieve joint pain and rigidity. Electrical stimulation may offer temporary pain relief for some people. 
• Your doctor can provide a referral to a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist for this treatment.
• Ask about ketamine for RA.

Also, don’t forget the importance of getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and remaining as physically active as possible. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on your joints. RA sufferers who smoke are advised to quit. Talk with your medical professional for other ideas about managing your joint pain.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Getting a precise diagnosis is the first step you can take to treat RA effectively. Your primary care doctor will likely refer you to a specialist in treating arthritis (a rheumatologist), as that’s the best person to offer an accurate diagnosis, using your medical history and results of a physical examination and lab tests. You may undergo blood tests (to reveal erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor) and imaging tests like an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound to look for signs of erosion in bones and joints.

Managing RA often involves therapy and medicine for inflammation and swelling.

Final Thoughts

RA is a serious condition affecting the hands, knees, ankles, and even the eyes, heart, circulatory system, and lungs if not treated promptly. The symptoms are painful if ignored and can affect the quality of life without treatment. Ask your medical professional for treatment options, including newer ketamine therapy.

 

For years, you’ve been more than a little anxious most days. Now, fear, lack of sleep, eating problems, and avoidance have begun ruling your life. So how do you start to get better? One way is to find someone you can trust and develop ways to talk about anxiety with others.

What Is Anxiety?

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. However, it can be a normal stress reaction. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision.”

Anxiety that persists, and worsens over time, could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. But the symptoms are manageable.

Know The Symptoms

Anxiety is different for everyone, but general symptoms may include:

• Physical warning signs like fast heartbeat, fast breathing (or hyperventilation), increased or extreme perspiration, trembling or muscle twitching, weakness or fatigue, digestive, or gastrointestinal complications (gas, constipation, diarrhea)
• Nervousness, restlessness, tension
• You have feelings of anger, panic, or dread
• Trouble focusing
• Problems sleeping
• Strong avoidance tendencies
• Obsessions about particular ideas or doing something repeatedly
• Anxiety about something distressing which happened in the past

Can Anxiety Get Worse?

For most people, anxiety goes away on its own. But for others, it doesn’t and can morph into more severe anxiety disorders, which may require treatment like psychotherapy or ketamine to control the symptoms. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, studies indicate that 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders. Common anxiety disorders include:

• Panic disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
• Phobias
• Selective mutism

Risk Factors

You may be at greater risk of getting an anxiety disorder based on:

• You have a sympathetic nature and see the world as threatening
• Anxiety and in shyness childhood or adolescence
• You’re female
• Alcohol abuse
• Past trauma

While anyone is at risk of getting anxiety, the chances of developing a more severe anxiety disorder are higher due to certain illnesses or medical conditions, side effects from a particular medicine, or intoxication from alcohol, anti-anxiety medication, cocaine, and sedatives.

How Should I Talk About My Anxiety With Others?

We know that millions of people have severe anxiety disorders, but only about 36 percent get treatment. Why is that? It may be due to embarrassment, the stigma of mental illness, being afraid to see a doctor, or something else. It’s difficult for people to talk about their anxiety with someone else, but there are things that you can do to make that conversation a little easier.

• Do the research and know what you’re talking about. Do you think you have a specific disorder? What are the symptoms or triggers?
• Put pen to paper and write down your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Keeping a journal helps you understand what’s going on and may help explain it to someone else.
• Explain specific symptoms and why you think you have them. For instance, if you’re hesitant to step into a crowded elevator, is it because you’re claustrophobic? Or are you afraid the elevator will fall?
• Most people are more than happy to help someone in need, especially a loved one or close friend. If you have an anxiety disorder, give someone you trust the tools to help you. What have you done in the past to reduce symptoms of an anxiety disorder? Maybe that person can try doing the same thing. 
• Describe words or phrases which you perceive as dismissive. If someone knows what these are, they may be less likely to use them when you’re feeling anxious.
• Work on developing coping mechanisms together. Again, someone else’s perspective may be helpful.

Diagnosis & Treatment

To identify your condition, your healthcare provider will ask you to describe your symptoms as well as your personal and family medical history. You may also get a physical examination and undergo lab tests to ensure that another health issue isn’t triggering your anxiety symptoms.

If there isn’t a medical problem, your doctor may perform a psychological evaluation or refer you to a mental health specialist. In either case, you’ll be asked to describe your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and if you or a family member has a history of mental illness.

Once diagnosed, treatment may involve psychotherapy, self-help, medicine, lifestyle changes, or ketamine. 

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons people don’t talk about their anxiety with someone else – fear, stigmatization, lack of knowledge – but overcoming that hesitance may be the first step in getting better. If you can’t talk to a loved one or friend, ask your doctor for more information on controlling anxiety symptoms.

It’s easy to mistake signs of depression for something else. If you’re sad, it’s natural to think it’s because you have relationship issues, consistent job issues, or just had a bad day. But when those feelings consume most of your day every day, you may need a diagnosis and professional care.

What is Depression?

According to the experts at the Cleveland Clinic, “Depression is a medical condition that affects your mood and ability to function. Depression types include clinical depression, bipolar depression, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, and others. Treatment options range from counseling to medications to brain stimulation and complementary therapies.” It affects about 16 million U.S. adults and nearly 300 million people worldwide. The World Health Organization calls it a leading source of disability, but symptoms are treatable.

Forms of Depression

Major depression is the most well-known type of depression, a state of mental health where you’re consumed by a dark mood and lose interest in hobbies, even things you usually enjoy. Symptoms include problems sleeping, fluctuations in hunger or weight, low energy, and feelings of worthlessness. 

Persistent depressive disorder was once known as “dysthymia,” and describes a low mood that lingers for at least two years but doesn’t always achieve the peak intensity of major depression. If you, like many others, have this kind of depression, you can still function daily, but low moods and joylessness are common components of your life. You also could experience problems with your appetite, weight, sleep cycles, lack of energy, poor self-esteem, and hopelessness.

In the annals of psychiatric history, people suffered from a kind of depression referred to as a manic-depressive disorder. Today, it’s simply called bipolar disorder. People experiencing it have bouts of depression and episodes of abnormally high energy or activity. The symptoms are the opposite of depression: grand ideas, whimsically high self-esteem, diminished need for sleep, thinking and doing things at a faster speed, and engaging in reckless behavior. You may feel euphoric, but it won’t last long, and can turn into self-destructive behavior – and is normally followed by depression.

Just like clockwork, you start to feel tired and moody when the season changes from fall to winter. This is known as seasonal affective disorder. It happens when there are fewer hours of daylight in the fall and winter. Your mood change may happen because of changes in your body’s organic daily rhythms, in how sensitive your eyes are to light, or in the transmission and function of chemical messengers – neurotransmitters – like glutamate, serotonin, and melatonin. One of the reasons your healthcare provider may recommend ketamine is because it’s known to strengthen and possibly repair damaged neurotransmitters which are vital to how feelings, moods, and pain sensations are processed.

If you experience perinatal depression, you may have a type of depression that includes major and minor depressive events that happen when you’re pregnant or in the first year following delivery (sometimes referred to as postpartum depression). Perinatal depression affects one in seven women after childbirth, and can have devastating consequences not only on the mother, but also their infants and  family.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is another kind of depression that happens to women and is a severe kind of premenstrual disorder. What is the timeframe to watch for? The days or weeks culminating in a woman’s menstrual period.

Psychotic depression is another worrisome mental health condition. It’s characterized by psychotic features like hallucinations and delusions paired with a major depressive episode, even though the symptoms normally exhibit themes like death, guilt, and worthlessness.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosis depends on:

• A physical examination where a doctor may ask health-related questions and look for an underlying physical health issue causing your symptoms.
• A psychiatric assessment. Absent a medical cause, you may undergo a psychiatric exam to talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. You may be asked to complete a survey to help answer such questions and assess your symptoms.

Finally, your healthcare provider may use the results of lab tests and diagnostic procedures and will compare your symptoms to the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, antidepressants, or ketamine.

Final Thoughts

If you have depression, you’re not alone. Hundreds of millions of people – adults and children – have membership in a not-so-exclusive club bereft of happiness, good feelings, and a sense of belonging. But your life doesn’t have to be ruined. To learn more about innovative treatment options that may help you find relief, contact us today.

People who’re depressed or suffering from a mental illness may talk about suicide and dream of taking their own lives, but only a small percentage of U.S. residents actually follow through with the deed. Talking about suicide but not having a plan to follow through is called passive suicidal ideation.

Who’s At Risk Of Suicide?

Risk factors for suicidal ideation fall into three categories: family history, life events, and psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders which may contribute to suicide include anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and personality disorders. Life events can be crippling as unemployment, chronic pain and illness, divorce, and changes in standard of living all contribute to the notion of suicidal ideation. Research also has discovered family history plays a role, including having parents who’re depressed, experiencing abuse, or witnessing family violence.

Prevalence Of Suicide

“Suicide is a major public health concern. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. Based on recent nationwide surveys, suicide in some populations is on the rise,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A 2018 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationwide and costs the lives of more than 48,000 people – adults and children. 

What Is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Passive suicidal ideation means a person desires death but doesn’t have a specific plan to commit suicide. If you’re feeling passive suicidal ideation, your visions may involve dying while sleeping or having a fatal car crash. In your mind, the world would be better off if you were dead.

Passive doesn’t mean innocent. Such thoughts can make you care less about your own life and increase the risk of you trying an actual suicide attempt. 

Suicidal Warning Signs

“Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.”

Passive suicidal ideation isn’t something a person who’s depressed will advertise willingly but may give off subtle clues without realizing it. Here’s what you can watch for:

Talking About:

• Killing themselves
• Feeling hopeless
• Having no reason to live

People contemplating suicide may talk about it more openly, especially if they have come up with a plan to carry out the deed. If you know of someone contemplating suicide, you can call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get help.

Behavioral Warning Signs:

•   Increased use of alcohol or drugs
•   Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
•   Withdrawing from activities
•   Isolating from family and friends
•   Sleeping too much or too little
•   Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
•   Giving away prized possessions
•   Aggression and fatigue

Mood Changes:

•     Depression
•     Anxiety
•     Loss of pleasure or interest
•     Irritability
•     Humiliation or disgrace
•     Agitation or angry outbursts
•     Exhibiting relief in perceived sudden Improvement

Many symptoms of mental health disorders can be relieved in multiple ways, including medicine, counseling, and ketamine therapy.

Get Diagnosed

If you’re experiencing passive suicidal ideation, talking with a professional specializing in mental illness is a good first step. By diagnosing your illness, you’ll begin to understand the power it has over your life, and how you can manage the symptoms on your own, or with professional or medicinal assistance.

Treatment For Suicidal Ideation

Once suicidal ideation is diagnosed, you and your doctor or specialist can discuss treatment options. In most cases, in-person counseling is the preferred choice, but extreme cases of mental illness could necessitate a hospital stay. Medicine is always a possibility, with many doctors now referring a patient to ketamine therapy.

The Calming Influence Of Ketamine Therapy

One of the reasons ketamine therapy is popular for treating symptoms of mental illness is because it’s a powerful sedative. First synthesized as an anesthetic, the medicine was widely used – and gained acceptance – to treat wounded U.S. combat troops in Vietnam. Ketamine is fast-acting and safe when administered through a licensed clinic. It’s believed to work because it strengthens and repairs damaged neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for sending pain signals throughout the body.

Final Thoughts

Passive suicidal ideation may seem to be a less-than-major concern for someone who’s suffering from a mental illness, but it’s a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Ketamine therapy may help reduce the symptoms driving a person toward suicide but is only one of many care options available worth discussing.

Like other mental health disorders, anxiety and OCD have overlapping symptoms which sometimes make diagnosis and treatment difficult. The good news is both have their own diagnosis criteria now, giving doctors and mental health professionals another tool to wage war. New treatments like ketamine may be an option worth considering.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health illness that can harm anyone and happens when a person gets trapped in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are undesirable, intrusive images, thoughts, or urges which trigger intensely disturbing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors someone engages in while trying to rid themselves of the obsessions or limit his or her suffering. Diagnosis depends on symptoms being long-lasting and extreme to the point they disrupt daily life.

What Is Anxiety?

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope.” Increased energy and focus are temporary, but fear lasts and can be overwhelming.

What Causes OCD?

We don’t know what causes OCD, but something in the brain and genes of people with OCD could hold a clue. Researchers believe OCD involves problems in communication between deeper structures of the brain and the front part of the organ. Both structures use a chemical messenger (a neurotransmitter) called serotonin. Ketamine is believed to be useful in repairing or strengthening damaged neurotransmitters, making it easier for them to communicate with others throughout the brain.

What Causes Anxiety?

The cause of anxiety is mysterious. Issues like brain biology, chemistry, genetics, stress, and environment may play a role. Researchers and mental health professionals believe anxiety can also be influenced by medical problems (like heart disease, diabetes, drug abuse, chronic pain). It also could be triggered by certain medications, or an underlying medical condition in the absence of personal or family history of anxiety or avoidance tendencies, for instance, or the presence of risk factors.

Similarities Between OCD And Anxiety

Until several years ago, the American Psychiatric Association classified OCD as an anxiety disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but upgraded it in 2013 (in the publication’s fifth edition, or DSM-5) so OCD now resides in its own section called “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Conditions.” While OCD was long considered a generalized anxiety disorder, mental health professionals were seeing extreme symptoms which fell outside the boundaries of anxiety, hence the new classification.

But there are similarities between the two, with the main difference being the severity and duration of symptoms. Generally, their symptoms have some overlap and intermingling. For instance, a mental health professional assessing a patient’s condition may draw parallels between an anxiety symptom of anxious beliefs or thoughts which are hard to control, and the OCD symptom of constant unwanted images, thoughts, or desires. It’s not unreasonable to make that leap in the early stages of diagnosis.

Anxiety disorders also feature symptoms where the person may experience changes in behavior, which is like someone experiencing the generic OCD symptom of losing control. Thankfully, many people who suffer from either disorder have a variety of treatments to choose from, including perhaps the newest therapy available, ketamine treatment.

According to the DSM-5, it’s not unusual for people experiencing generalized anxiety disorder to meet the benchmarks for another psychiatric diagnosis during their life, or even at the same time. The most generally co-occurring problem is depression, but there is a substantial subgroup of people  who battle with co-occurring generalized anxiety disorder and OCD.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Only a trained mental health professional or a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry can accurately diagnose OCD and anxiety, and even then, there are no guarantees. A medical doctor may perform a physical examination and run tests and lab work to rule out or confirm an underlying cause. A mental health evaluation, on the other hand, involves the patient being asked about thoughts, behavior, feelings, and personal or family history of mental illness. In either case, a variety of tools are used for diagnosis (the DSM-5, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Check List and Scale, and Managing Social Anxiety: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach). 

The most widely accepted form of treatment for either condition, historically, has been talk therapy paired with prescription medicine as needed. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that ketamine therapy may also help you control symptoms of OCD or anxiety and regain some control over your life.

The opioid epidemic has reached epic proportions—and continues to wreak havoc on millions of people’s lives.

In 2016, medical professionals wrote about 214 million opioid prescriptions for pain. That is 66.5 scripts per 100 people. More than 11 million of those patients ended up addicted to or abusing those drugs. And the worst part? A new study indicates that opioids are essentially useless for treating non-cancer related chronic pain…

HealthDay News wrote an article summarizing the surprising results of about 96 clinical trials on the use of potentially addictive opioids to treat chronic pain issues. In conclusion, opioids may work “only slightly better than placebos.” Shocking.

“Opioids should not be a first-line therapy for chronic, non-cancer pain,” said lead researcher Jason Busse, of the Institute for Pain Research and Care at McMaster University in Canada. The trajectory towards addiction generally looks something like this: patient’s tolerance to medication increases; prescription dosage is increased…and this cycle continues, usually until a patient is dependent. The long-term side effects of opiate use can be devastating to your nervous system and health. Learn more »

There are several alternatives to opioids when it comes to treating chronic pain. Busse’s team notes that opioids were no more effective than traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. There are also non-pharmaceutical options to help alleviate chronic pain, including: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy, or acupuncture.

However, one of the most effective chronic pain treatments available today is ketamine. Ketamine infusions can help to reset neural connections in the brain and spine, and act as a potent anesthetic to decrease pain. Ketamine is not a physically addicting substance, and is not provided as a take-home prescription in most cases. Rather, it is administered by highly experienced physicians in a clinical environment. For some patients, ketamine relieves the symptoms of chronic pain for up to 11 months at a time.

Contact Renew Ketamine

One of the leading ketamine clinics in the greater Chicago area, Renew Ketamine offers ketamine infusions for chronic pain, as well as for psychiatric disorders. If you are suffering in pain—if you have tried everything, but nothing has worked—request a free consultation at our ketamine treatment center. Ketamine infusions may be the chronic pain management solutions you’ve been looking for.

For people who suffer from bipolar disorder, relief may be found with the use of ketamine therapy when conventional treatments options have failed. Ketamine continues to be an effective drug for mood disorders, including this hard-to-treat condition.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness that is characterized by intense mood swings and changes in energy levels that affect a persons ability to function day-to-day. Alternating periods of mania and depression are the key episodes experienced by all diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Sufferers may feel extremely happy and euphoric during the manic stage but then fall in to a period of deep sadness and hopelessness during the depression stage. This disorder presents differently in every patient, where some will experience only mild mood swings and others are subjected to frequent and extreme mood variations.

Treatment Options

Approximately 4% of the US population is affected by bipolar disorder. The age of onset is usually mid-20’s but can occur later in life or be identified in the teenage years. The cause of bipolar disorder could be one of many, including genetic factors or imbalances in the brain.
Because bipolar disorder symptoms can vary drastically between person to person as well as the fact that it manifests similarly to other mental health problems, it can be very difficult to diagnose. Once diagnosed, it also takes time to find the right treatment options. Medication and psychotherapy are most commonly used in conjunction with each other for patients suffering with bipolar disorder. For medication, patients are usually prescribed a combination of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics and anti-depressants to address the range of symptoms experienced.

Ketamine Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Many people fail to find relief and restore balance in their lives when it comes to traditional treatment options for bipolar disorder. Unlike antidepressants and other commonly prescribed medications which take time to work, ketamine can provide relief in a matter of hours. This relief also comes without the unwanted side effects that conventional medications can have.
Ketamine therapy has been an extremely viable option for those with bipolar disorder where they experience treatment-resistant symptoms. After undergoing ketamine infusions, these individuals have often been able resume a happier more productive life.
If you or a loved one are suffering from bipolar disorder, consider ketamine therapy as a treatment option. Contact our office today to learn more about the benefits of ketamine therapy.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S, affecting at least 40 million adults. During this time of COVID-19, anxiety disorders are more prevalent than ever. Anxiety is treatable, but most people who suffer will not seek treatment. Without treatment, anxiety can be debilitating with major implications to a person’s daily life.

Here are 6 tips to help successfully navigate through episodes of anxiety:

1. Get an anxiety journal: Set a specific time each day to write down your worries. Don’t think about it until the time comes and then write it all out in a journal. Try to see if your worries are based on evidence, and then challenge those beliefs.

2. Breathing: Deep belly breathing has been used as a way to help calm the body. Lie down on the floor, put one hand on your belly, and then take deep long breaths and remember to exhale for a few seconds.

3. Exercise: Working out is one of the best ways to naturally boost your mood. The endorphins from the workout will immediately make you feel better. Even going for a walk outside has been known to boost moods.

4. Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods: Processed foods and sugar can increase inflammation and affect your mood and energy levels. Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods will give you more energy and help take care of your gut. Take a note the difference you feel when eating a home cooked meal vs. eating out at a restaurant.

5. Having friends and family to visit and have around: Your family and friends will support you when you feel down and lift your mood when you see them—even if via Zoom meeting or other virtual technology. Having “dinner” with them can even distract you from your anxiety for a little while!

5. See a therapist: Professional help is one of the most effective ways to treat anxiety disorders. A good mental health professional can treat the underlying cause of your anxieties by using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy. Your therapist can help you change your thoughts, which leads to changing your feelings. Most therapists are offering counseling sessions via Telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are still offering in-person appointments on a limited basis.

For many, these treatments aren’t enough to alleviate chronic symptoms of anxiety. For those who have resisted these and other pharmacological interventions, ketamine infusion therapy may be a lifesaver…literally. Ask your primary care physician about ketamine, or contact our ketamine treatment center in Chicagoland for more information and to learn if you’re a candidate. Just complete the brief form below and a member of our team will contact you for a free phone consultation.

Contact Renew Ketamine

Renew Ketamine is Chicagoland’s leading provider of ketamine infusions for depression and pain. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out if you or a loved one is a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.

The body and mind are closely connected, which means the food we put in our mouth directly affects the health of our brain.

Our brain uses more than 20% of our caloric intake to function everyday. In fact, scientists who have researched such diseases as Alzheimer’s and dementia have discovered that these conditions start developing years before symptoms occur, caused by the inflammation of brain cells. Nutrition for mental health —and the connection between what we eat and how we feel—is scientifically proven and impossible to argue against.

Our nutritional intake directly impacts not only the inflammation of our brain cells, but the inflammation of cells throughout various systems in our body.

Nutrition for mental health and foods that are considered good for brain functionality and health include:

1. Whole, nutrient-dense foods: foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and legumes provide essential nutrients, like protein, vitamins and fiber for your body and brain.

2. Plants: plants produce phytochemicals, which are anti-inflammatory and provide natural antioxidants.

3. Fiber: Fiber also makes you feel fuller for longer, which helps with not overeating!

4. A healthy nutrient-dense diet: eating nutrient-rich foods can help fight diseases and infections, and boost our mood and brain activity.

5. A Mediterranean diet: A diet rich in healthy fats and oils has been shown to help reduce cardiovascular disease. Studies show that it can also improve executive function and memory, and lower the risk factors leading to diabetes and stroke.

Which foods can have a negative impact on brain health? Be careful to avoid these:

1. Processed grains, refined sugars, processed oils and fats, chemical additives and preservatives. These foods are highly inflammatory.

2. Highly processed sugars, like sodas and sports drinks. Foods that contain large quantities of sugar can cause the body to produce a rush of insulin. Over time, this excessive sugar consumption can make our body insulin-resistant and lead to diabetes.

3. Processed grains that are stripped of nutrients, like pasta and unbleached flour. These foods leave behind starches, which are absorbed quickly into the gut—like sugar. Over time, it can lead to similar chronic inflammation and weight-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

During this time of quarantine, you may not be getting all the nutrients you normally do. Food options are limited, and even though you may be doing your best to eat a healthy, well-rounded diet…stress is also high, and “food therapy” may be coming into play. Consider supplementing your diet with nutrient-rich IV vitamin infusions at Renew Ketamine. Contact our office for a consultation today, or complete the brief form below.

Contact Renew Ketamine

Renew Ketamine is Chicagoland’s leading provider of ketamine infusions for depression and pain. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out if you or a loved one is a candidate for ketamine infusion therapy.