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A Comprehensive Approach To Managing PTSD: The Role Of Integrative Medicine And Nutrition

© Provided by The Financial Express Further, there are numerous references to public health and the State's function in providing healthcare to citizens in the Indian Constitution.

By Dr. Vivek Srivastava

The popularity of Integrative medicine has been on the rise due to its holistic approach to healing, which combines conventional Western medicine with complementary/alternative therapies. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. It is characterised by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviour which can significantly impact a person's quality of life.

While conventional treatments like medication and talk therapy can be effective, an increasing number of individuals with PTSD are turning to a more holistic approach that includes nutrition as a complementary therapy. This integrative approach is said to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatment methods. PTSD is a significant public health concern in India, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Studies suggest that the prevalence of PTSD in India is approximately 32.4%, with mild and moderate depressions affecting 14.4% and 6.4%, depending on the population studied and the type of trauma experienced.

Some of the most common causes of PTSD in India include witnessing natural disasters, violence, and conflict. However, it is noteworthy that PTSD remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated in India due to a lack of awareness about the disorder, limited mental health resources, and stigma surrounding mental illness.

Integrated medicine approach

Integrated medicine is a healthcare approach that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. This approach is being adopted increasingly in the treatment of PTSD due to its ability to address multiple dimensions of the condition. Historically,PTSD treatment methods have involved proven psychotherapies and medication. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in using

integrative health practices such as art therapy, exercise, nutrition, and mind-body interventions to address PTSD and other stress-related mental health conditions.

A range of complementary therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga have been found helpful in building a comprehensive approach to dealing with PTSD. According to recent studies, acupuncture, massage therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with PTSD. A randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry showed that adding acupuncture to standard PTSD treatment resulted in a greater reduction of PTSD symptoms compared to standard

treatment alone.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that massage therapy provided significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, such as decreased hyperarousal and improved sleep. Mindfulness meditation and yoga have also been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD through multiple research and impact studies. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that mindfulness meditation reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression and a similar study found that yoga provided significant reductions in PTSD symptoms such as hyperarousal and re-

experiencing.

While integrative medicine approaches can be beneficial for individuals with PTSD, it is important to note that these therapies should not be used as a replacement for conventional treatment. Rather, they should be used as a complementary approach to conventional treatment. It is also essential that individuals seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals who can provide individualised recommendations based on their unique needs and medical history.

A nutritional approach to Managing PTSD Better

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the management of PTSD, as diet can impact brain chemistry and neurotransmitter function, which in turn, can affect mood and behaviour. A balanced diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the essential nutrients necessary for optimal brain function. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, around 90% of people with PTSD have coexisting conditions that require nutritional intervention, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Research suggests that certain nutrients may be particularly beneficial in the management of PTSD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Individuals dealing with PTSD also tend to have higher levels of inflammation, which can be impacted by diet. Therefore, an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may be beneficial in managing PTSD symptoms. It is also suggested to increase multivitamin and mineral intake, probiotic and probiotic consumption as well as omega-3 supplement and rational intake of magnesium.

Limiting or avoiding the consumption of foods and substances that can negatively impact mental health, such as alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods, is also critical. A sugar rich diet will also cause insulin fluctuation, which in turn can make emotional responses and moods feel more intense. Processed foods such as biscuits, cakes, and sweets are quick to be broken down by the body into glucose, which causes a sugar spike. Equally there is research that suggests eating too much sugar decreases our B vitamins. Therefore, it is to be kind to yourself and support oneself to swap momentary pleasure to a more sustaining healthier diet which could help regulate mood. Therefore it is important to cut down on sugar and processed foods and replace them with more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, porridge or brown rice.

It is helpful to eat what is called a low Glycemic Load (GL) diet that avoids sugar and refined carbohydrates. Ensure your diet includes whole grains, seeds, nuts and berries with lots of green leafy vegetables and salads. Good sources of protein are important too, such as lean chicken or fish. Equally, it is not necessary to avoid fats, just eat the good ones, such as those found in avocados, walnuts or oily fish. Mindful eating could help too, as it involves slowing down the act of eating and being aware of your food, increasing enjoyment of all the healthy things you are eating. Nutritional approach can complement other forms of treatment and can be an effective strategy for promoting overall health and well-being in individuals with PTSD.

A holistic approach to complement PTSD Treatment

A holistic approach that incorporates integrative medicine and nutrition can complement traditional PTSD treatment approaches, thereby providing a more comprehensive and personalised approach to managing the condition. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, individuals with PTSD can improve their overall quality of life and enhance their ability to cope with the challenges of the condition. It is important to work with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide individualised guidance and support to create a holistic treatment plan that meets the unique needs and goals of each individual.

(The author is a Senior Vice President: Innovation -Business Strategy and Scientific Affairs, Zeon Lifesciences. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.Com.)

MDMA Expected To Be Approved To Treat PTSD By October: Study

MDMA is thought to dampen the flight-or-fight response, allowing people to confront their trauma. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images

"I don't think there'll be tricky questions or anything, the results are great," Rick Doblin, the founder and president of MAPS, said.

Doctors currently try to treat PTSD using psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or prazosin to help improve symptoms,

according to Mayo Clinic.

However, these drugs are not extremely effective for patients with severe PTSD, as results can be short-lived and fade over time.

MDMA is thought to dampen the flight-or-fight response, allowing people to confront their trauma. While PTSD therapies ask people to recount a traumatizing event, potentially re-traumatizing them, MDMA should bring out positive emotions and allow patients to make otherwise not obvious connections.

MDMA, also known as ecstasy and molly, is a popular drug in rave culture, with people taking it to connect with the music and dance the night away.Shutterstock

In February, Australia approved the use of MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, although it will be highly restricted.

Scientists hope that the shift toward psychedelic therapy will open the door for more therapeutic psychedelics to be used in the future, such as ketamine, ayahuasca, LSD and psilocybin — the active ingredient in "magic" mushrooms.

New Treatment For PTSD And Anxiety Is Changing Lives

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

Many people lightheartedly joke about "having PTSD" (posttraumatic stress disorder) after unpleasant life experiences. But those who live with this debilitating condition know that it's anything but a joke.

The American Psychiatric Association states that PTSD "is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury."

Symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with everyday life. They include feelings of shame, fear, self-destructive behavior, intrusive thoughts, aggressive behavior, distressing dreams, trouble sleeping and more.

If you're part of the 3.5% of the U.S. Adult population that suffers from PTSD, perhaps you've tried a variety of treatments but these symptoms keep cropping up, lessening your quality of life.

Well, now a new treatment is offering hope to many who thought relief was impossible.

Photo: Radharani/Shutterstock.Com Understanding the brain's fight-or-flight response

When your brain perceives that you're in danger, it activates the fight-or-flight response, which is also known as the acute stress response. Verywell Mind states that this danger might be something physical, such as a barking dog, or it may be psychological, like preparing to give a big presentation. Sometimes it can be triggered by something that isn't a true threat, but your brain thinks it is. (Phobias are a good example. Someone with claustrophobia — the fear of confined spaces — may feel their heart start to race while riding in an elevator, for instance.)

While this can serve as a good defense mechanism to protect yourself in harmful situations, some people — including those with PTSD — may suffer from an overactive fight-or-flight response.

According to WebMD, "PTSD causes your brain to get stuck in danger mode. Even after you're no longer in danger, it stays on high alert. Your body continues to send out stress signals, which lead to PTSD symptoms. Studies show that the part of the brain that handles fear and emotion (the amygdala) is more active in people with PTSD."

If this has been your experience, it's time to finally break the cycle.

How a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) can ease your troubled mind

For decades, doctors and researchers have been working to find a good solution for people who suffer from PTSD. But developing an effective treatment that's safe and fast-acting (with few side effects) has proven difficult. One study published on PubMed Central reports that "success rates of PTSD treatments are generally variable, with remission rates that range from 30% to 40%." But now a new treatment called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is showing promising results and might just offer the relief people are looking for.

SGB is a simple outpatient procedure involving an injection into the base of the neck, where the stellate ganglion — a collection of nerves — is located. Since this is connected to the amygdala (the part of the brain that handles fear), it can temporarily subdue the fight or flight response.

RTI International launched a randomized, controlled trial of SGB in 2014 and concluded in 2019 that the treatment "is indeed effective" after monitoring patient health outcomes for eight weeks after injections. The study also showed improvement in depression, distress, anxiety, pain and physical and mental functioning.

"SGB is a true breakthrough in PTSD treatment," states the nonprofit research institute. "It is a powerful new option for people suffering from PTSD—one that may be more readily accepted by military service members and veterans, for whom the stigma associated with mental healthcare is often a deterrent to seeking treatment. We hope that our study is the first step to healing for millions of veterans and others for whom PTSD symptoms have long been a barrier to a better life."

A different PubMed Central study concluded that SGB "is a minimally invasive procedure with an excellent safety profile that may provide sustained relief of PTSD symptoms. The procedure may also provide benefit for those who are resistant to psychotropic intervention."

So far, the outlook is positive that SGB can be a safe and effective alternative for PTSD and anxiety treatment. The best way to find out if it's right for you is to consult a medical professional.

Why it's important to seek treatment right away

If you or someone you know suffers from PTSD or severe anxiety, it's important to get medical help as early as possible. Apart from the toll this condition takes on a person's mental health, it can also cause serious physical harm to the brain. WebMD states that PTSD can cause the hippocampus (the area that controls your memory) to get smaller over time.

Early treatment improves your quality of life in both the short and long term, so don't put off getting the help you need! Schedule an appointment with Aspen Orthopedic Pain and Spine and take back control of your life.

Aspen Orthopedic Pain and Spine

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