3rd SEMESTER

READING 11: COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES

A.                DEFINITION:

Every available approach to healing that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine. The boundaries of alternative medicine are constantly changing as different types of care are becoming more accepted by doctors & more requested by patients.

Some alternative medicine practices are homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture & herbal medicine. Alternative medicine is often associated with complementary medicine using the term CAM (Complementary & Alternative Medicine).  Therefore, both herbal remedies & meditation, as well as other treatments, fall under the heading of CAM.

 B.                 HOW CAM DIFFERS FROM TRADITIONAL MEDICINE?

Alternative therapy is frequently described with holistic methods, which means that the doctor or practitioner treats the “whole” person & not just the disease or condition. In alternative medicine, many practitioners address patients’ emotional & spiritual needs as well. This “high touch” approach differs from the “high tech” practice of traditional medicine, which tends to concentrate on the physical side of illness. 

C.                TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE CARE:

1.                  MIND-BODY MEDICINE: This includes practices such as meditation, prayer, Tai Chi & music therapy, which are intended to develop the mind’s ability to affect physical symptoms.

2.                  BIOLOGICALLY BASED PRACTICES: These include substances such as herbs, foods, vitamin dietary supplements. Herbal remedies include a variety of plants used for medicine or nutrition. They are available in grocery stores, over the Internet, in health food store or through herbalists.

3.                  MANIPULATIVE & BODY-BASED PRACTICES: These practices are based on the manipulation or movement of body parts. It includes methods like massage therapy & therapeutic touch, which manipulate & realign body parts, to help alleviate symptoms.

4.                  ENERGY MEDICINE: This area of medicine is based on the theory (which has not been proved scientifically) that certain energy fields surround and penetrate the body. It also includes therapies based on bioelectromagnetics – the theory that electrical currents in all living organisms produce magnetic fields that extend beyond the body.

1^ST HOMEOPATHY:

Every person has an energy called a vital force or self-healing response. When this energy is disrupted or imbalanced, health problems develop. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s defense mechanism & processes so as to prevent or treat illness.  

Homeopathic treatment involves giving extremely small doses of substances, called remedies, that produce the same or similar symptoms of illness in healthy people when given in large doses. Most homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals or animals. Remedies are sold in liquid, pellet & tablet forms. Treatment in homeopathy is individualized (tailored to each patient). Homeopathic practitioners select remedies according to   a total picture of the patient, including not only symptoms but also lifestyle, emotional, mental states & other factors.

2^ND CHIROPRACTIC:

“Chiropractic is a heal care discipline which emphasizes the power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs & surgery” (Chiropractic College).

The chiropractic perspective on health & disease emphasizes 2 fundamental concepts:

1.                  The structure & condition of the body influences how the body functions & its ability to heal itself.

2.                  The mind-body relationship is instrumental in maintaining health & in the healing process.

A healthy, well-aligned spinal column moving with full range of motion allows the nervous system to perform properly, which is vital because it controls every function of your body. The brain & the nerve systems assemble & transmit information necessary to ensure the proper coordination of the body. The spinal system, consisting of the vertebras, the spinal cord & the spinal nerves, carries this information from the brain to all parts of the body.  

Chiropractic philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach (total person) to healing which combines elements of the mind, body & spirit. It maintains that health depends on obedience to natural laws & deviation from such laws can result in illness.

Despite debate about the effectiveness of chiropractic, it seems to be most effective for acute low back pain & tension headaches. Upper cervical spinal manipulation may be beneficial for certain types of hypertension.

3^RD HERBALISM:

1.                  DEFINITON:

Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants & plants extracts. Many plants synthesize substances that are used for preserving health in human & animals. Human also use many herbs & spices as season food. The scope of herbal medicine is also extended to include fungi & bee products, as well as minerals, shells & certain animal parts.

2.                  ROLE OF HERBAL MEDICINE IN MODERN HUMAN SOCIETY:

The use of herbs to treat diseases is almost universal among non-industrialized societies. Herbal medicines are a major component in all traditional medicine systems & a common element in homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese medicine & native American medicine. Herbal medicines, such as opium, aspirin digitalis & quinine have been used since ancient times.  The use of, & search for, drugs & dietary supplements derived from plants have increased in recent years.

3.                  SOME PLANTS WITH THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS:

Here are some well-known plants whose therapeutic effects are usually recognized.

a.      Artichoke: Traditional use as well as recent clinical studies continue to verify the multi-beneficial effects of the artichoke leaf extract including lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, hepato-protective; as well as aiding dyspepsia & abdominal pain where the stomach, gallbladder, liver & pancreas are primarily affected.

b.     Soy: Rich in vitamins & minerals. Soy may lower risk of prostate, colon & breast cancers as well as osteoporosis & other bone health & menopause problems.

c.      Feverfew: Sometimes used to treat migraine.  It should be avoided for pregnant women or patients taking blood-clotting medications.

d.     Garlic: Lowers cholesterol, improves blood flow, fights bacteria & viruses.

e.      Green tea: Lower chances of heart diseases & certain types of cancer.

f.       Lemon grass: Lower cholesterol levels.

g.      Valerian root: Used against sleeping disorders, restlessness & anxiety. Also used as a muscle relaxant.

h.     Papaya: Used for insecticidal purposes (killing ice, worms).

4.                  RISKS CONNECTED TO THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES:

Many consumers believe that herbal medicines are safe while many interact with synthetic drugs causing toxicity to patients. Some herbal remedies may have the potential to cause adverse drug interaction when used in combination with various prescription & OTC pharmaceuticals.

      Therefore, proper double-blind clinical trials are needed to determine the safety & efficacy of each plant before they can be recommended for medical use.

READING 12: DEPRESSION – COMMON DISTURBANCE IN THE MODERN WORLD

A.                DEFINITION:

Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, or miserable. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer.

B.                 POSSIBLE CAUSES & RISK FACTORS:

The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe that it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. This may be due to a problem with your genes or triggered by certain stressful events. Some types of depression run in families but depression can also occur if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even kids.

The following may play a role in depression: Alcohol or drug abuse - Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer or long-term pain - Certain medications such as steroids - Sleeping problems - Stressful life events (Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend; Failing a class; Death or illness of someone close to you; Divorce; Childhood abuse or neglect; Job loss; Social isolation, especially common in the elderly).

C.                SYMPTOMS:

Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life and those around you. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way. This feeling is totally dangerous if not treated immediately with the right method or medication because the patients may develop more terrible reactions: self-torture or even, commit suicide.

Symptoms of depression can include: Agitation, restlessness, and irritability - Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss - Very difficult to concentrate - Fatigue and lack of energy - Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness - Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt - Becoming withdrawn or isolated - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed - Thoughts of death or suicide - Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping - Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.

D.               MEDICATIONS FOR DEPRESSION:

In general, treatments for depression include: Medications called antidepressants - Talk therapy, called psychotherapy.

Drugs used to treat depression are called antidepressants. Common types of antidepressants include: Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Other medicines used to treat depression include: Tricyclic antidepressants - Bupropion - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

WARNING: Children, adolescents, and young adults should be watched more closely for suicidal behavior, especially during the first few months after starting medications.

If you do not feel better with antidepressants and talk therapy, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Lithium and thyroid hormone supplements also may be added to help the antidepressants work better.

CHANGES IN MEDICATIONS: Sometimes, medications that you take for another health problem can cause or worsen depression. Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take. Your doctor may recommend changing your dose or switching to an alternative drug. Never stop taking your medications without first talking to your doctor. Women being treated for depression who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop taking antidepressants without first talking to doctors.

TALK THERAPY: Talk therapy is counseling to talk about your feelings and thoughts, and help you learn how to deal with them.

Types of talk therapy include:

•   Cognitive behavioral therapy: Teaches you how to fight off negative thoughts. You will learn how to become more aware of your symptoms and how to spot things that make your depression worse. You'll also be taught problem-solving skills.

•   Psychotherapy: Can help you understand the issues that may be behind your thoughts and feelings.

•   Joining a support group of people who are sharing problems like yours can also help. Ask your therapist or doctor for a recommendation.

E.                 PREVENTIONS:

Do not drink alcohol oruse illegal drugs. These substances can make depression worse and might lead to thoughts of suicide. Take your medication exactly as your doctor instructed. Ask your doctor about the possible side effects and what you should do if you have any. Learn to recognize the early signs that your depression is getting worse.

The following tips might help you feel better: Get more exercise - Maintain good sleep habits - Seek out activities that bring you pleasure - Volunteer or get involved in group activities - Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling - Try to be around people who are caring and position.

READING 13: BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOPHARMACEUTICALS

A.                DEFINITION:

Biotechnology is a technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science & medicine. Or: “Any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or its derivatives, to make or modify products or processes for specific use” (UN Conventions on Biological Diversity). The term BIOTECHNOLOGY is used to manipulate & modify organisms & in applying biological research techniques to the development of products that improve human health, animal health & agriculture.

B.                 BIOPHARMACEUTICALS:

Biopharmaceutical refers to complex biological medical products manufactured by biotechnology methods/ processes. Biopharmaceuticals can treat human diseases that may not be accessible to traditional medicines. A patient is typically dosed with a small molecule via a tablet while a large molecule is typically injected. Small molecules are manufactured by chemistry but living cells, such as those found in the human body (bacteria cells, yeast cells, animal or plants cells) create large molecules.

Biotechnology is also commonly associated with landmark breakthroughs in new medical therapies to treat hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cancers, arthritis, hemophilia, bone fractures, multiple sclerosis & cardiovascular disorders.   

C.                TRANSGENICS:

Nowadays, biotechnology refers more & more to the production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO). This potentially controversial method means producing biopharmaceuticals involving transgenic organisms, particularly plants & animals that have been genetically modified to produce drugs. This also has some risks: the failure to produce the required organism or the disapproval by the government due to the perceived risks & ethical issues.  

READING 14: DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

A dietary supplement (or food supplement) is a preparation intended to supply nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids or amino acids) that are missing or not consumed in sufficient quantity in a person’s diet. Some countries define dietary supplements as foods while others view as drugs.

Dietary supplement pyramid:

1.                  Special needs: vision, healthy heart, joint flexibility, menopause, sports nutrition.

2.                  Antioxidants (such as vitamins E & C): Cell protection & repair.

3.                  Calcium supplements: Building & keeping strong, healthy bones.

Multivitamin with minerals with 400mcg folic acid: Foundation of a supplement plan for everyone.