BRAVA NUTRITION

Health Protocols

 

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Oxycontin addiction has many faces. It could be residing next door in the guise of your neighbor. It could be present in the mailroom clerk at your office. Oxycontin addiction could be hiding behind the angst of your teenager or even in your own reflection in a mirror.Known by a number of names like "OC" or "Oxy," Oxycontin is a powerful narcotic that relieves severe pain. And, like many other narcotics, this drug can be highly addictive if used inappropriately.

Following a doctor's instructions is paramount in avoiding an Oxycontin addiction. No one starts taking this potent painkiller with the intentions of abusing it and becoming addicted. The destructive cycle starts innocently enough. The physical pain is a little more than can be handled, so someone figures, what could it hurt to just take one extra pill to cut the edge off?

Pretty soon, the person is caught in a cycle that is tough to break and excuses are created as to why a refill is needed from the doctor such as "My medicine was accidentally thrown away" or "I left it at my hotel on vacation." If the person's own doctor won't prescribe it anymore, they might seek doctors across town or in another city to get a new prescription. They are now caught in a full-blown Oxycontin addiction.

Whether you or a loved one is caught up in the addiction, it is important to be aware of the side effects. Seek help if you recognize these symptoms in yourself or in a loved one who you suspect is taking Oxycontin:

  • Physical pain beyond what the Oxycontin was prescribed for like muscle twitching, cramps and joint pain
  • Dilated pupils, unfocused vision and confusion
  • Seizures, slow or shallow breathing or passing out
  • Sick to stomach, clammy skin and dizziness

All of the indicators listed above can signify an Oxycontin addiction. These symptoms are more prominent when the addict has not been able to get their fix. People who normally are upstanding citizens of the community and caring people lose themselves to this addiction and sometimes commit illegal offenses like theft, actions that they normally would never do, all for the sake of getting their hands on the addictive Oxycontin. Remember Rush Limbaugh's charges of doctor shopping?

Because the drug can be easily abused, the withdrawal process is often compared to that of morphine or heroin withdrawal. It is a tough addiction to break and almost impossible to overcome alone. Rehab centers and strict doctor supervision is necessary to beat the cycle of Oxycontin addiction safely and for good.

 

SUBSTANCE WITHDRAWAL (PAIN/OXYCONTIN ADDICTION)
Nutritional Support Protocol


Lifestyle Recommendations:

1. Practice good sleep habits and get between 8-9 hours of sleep a night.Take the "Tests Your Sleep IQ" at the National Institutes of Health http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov and follow the Insomnia Nutritional Support Protocol if needed.
2. Participate in a regular balanced exercise program that includes wearing a pedometer to ensure that you collect steps and move more. High intensity short bursts (20-60 seconds) of activity during the day is recommended to enhance growth hormone release. Also engage in resistance training that works all major muscle groups (work each group at least 2 times a week).
3. Meditate and practice breathing exercises to calm the emotional centers of your brain to encourage a more relaxed, happy state.
4. Keep a mood log to monitor your progress.
5. Healing relationships enhance mood and calm anxiety. Continue to build positive relationships in your life; practice clear communication, cooperation and forgiveness.


Dietary Recommendations:

1. Choose lean, clean quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef,
fish (especially salmon and tuna), eggs and whey protein.
2. Eat 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily OR add one heaping tablespoon of PaleoGreens and PaleoReds to your favorite drink.
3. Avoiding gluten containing foods especially flour products (bread, bagels, pastries, pasta, cereals, etc.). Gluten is also found in oats, barley and rye.
4. Avoid all known allergic foods including those that show up on the CMP Food Sensitvity panel.
5. Increase the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet (i.e. large cold water fish, flaxseed, walnuts & pumpkin seeds). Limit or avoid trans fatty acids (hydrogenated vegetable oil, margarine and shortening). Cook with olive oil.
6. Drink at least 64 ounces of filtered, bottled or non-chlorinated water every day. In addition, drink 2-3 cups of naturally decaffeinated green tea daily.
7. Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and other potentially neurotoxic compounds like aspartame and MSG.


Supplement Recommendations:

In addition to the core nutrient program recommended by your Health Care Professional and/or from the results of your most recent Designs for Health Metabolic Profile:

StressArrest: 1 capsule morning and night, 2 per day
Tyrosine Powder: 1 tsp. in water before each meal
Inositol Powder: 1 tsp. in water before each meal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for the use of physicians and other licensed health care practioners and intended for physicians and other licensed health care providers to use as a basis for determining whether or not to recommend these products to their patients. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this web site is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a medical evaluation. If you feel that medical interventions are necessary, please check with your physician, licensed health care provider, and www.fda.gov Dietary Supplements for further nutritional supplements information.