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Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Run?

Stomach Hurt

Running with abdominal pains is never nice, but there are techniques to reduce or eliminate the agony – or perhaps prevent cramping entirely.

The common side stitch, according to specialists, is produced by the exertion of running and jumping forces within the abdominal walls. As your feet hit the ground, your abdomen and other organs, such as the spleen and liver, collide, stretching connective tissue around the nerves and generating discomfort. This connective tissue is also connected to the diaphragm, which aids in breathing. This ache commonly occurs on the right side, slightly beneath the ribs. The side stitch is commonly caused by activities such as running, horseback riding, and sit-ups.

Causes Of Stomach Pain While Running

Blood flow that would ordinarily be routed to the digestive tract is redirected to the cardiovascular system when you run for an extended period.

This can irritate and upset your digestive system. As a consequence, you may feel compelled to remove whatever is stuck in your intestines. The runner’s stomach can occur due to multiple reasons. Some of them are as follows.

  • Side Cramps

This cramp occurs in the side, or the lower abdomen, as the name suggests. According to Jeff Galloway, an Olympian, it’s mostly due to shallow breathing, or not breathing properly from the lower lung. He’s a seasoned runner who has coached over 200,000 runners and walkers, as well as running a marathon-training program. “The side ache is a small alarm,” Galloway adds, alerting you to your breathing. According to Pete McCall, an excess of blood electrolytes in your body may also play a role.

  • Stomach Cramps

According to Galloway, this could be tied to how you breathe. It could also be a result of whatever you eat or drink prior to your workout. Galloway explains that if you have too much water or foodstuff in your belly, you won’t be able to take a deep breath. Stomach cramps can also be caused by imbalanced salt, potassium, and calcium levels, according to McCall.

  • Lead Poisoning

Unfortunately, lead poisoning is a highly dangerous health condition that can have some extremely unpleasant side effects. The longer you wait to realize that’s what you’re up against, the worse it gets.

We hoped we could tell you that things were different. However, lead is still present in many homes around the United States. Perhaps you haven’t been able to get an expert to come with an XRF analyzer to check if the paint that was applied earlier in the day is still in good condition. As a result, you’ve been inhaling small lead flakes for quite some time. It could be one of the reasons why your stomach hurts when you run.

  • Muscle Cramps

The sole reason behind muscle cramps is found to be dehydration.

  • Stomach Ulcer

Long-term usage of anti-inflammatory medicines, stressful lifestyles, and other factors can lead to stomach ulcers. When you run without drinking enough water, it might cause your stomach to become acidic. The ulcer is irritated by the acidity, causing a burning feeling. If this appears to be a recurring issue, you will need to take medicine to treat the ulcers.

Treatment Of Runner’s Stomach

Although there is no complete cure for a runner’s stomach, there are a number of steps you can take that can minimize the pain.

  • Diet

A modification in your nutrition can improve your running performance. It could also make training and races more comfortable.

A diet low in specific sugars and carbs, known as a low FODMOP diet, has been demonstrated to help with GI difficulties while exercising. Bread and dairy, as well as sweeteners, honey, and a variety of fruits and vegetables are all avoided in a low FODMOP diet.

You could also be more conscious about when you eat and drink. According to a review of the literature, drinking and eating right before exercising can induce severe stomach pain during activity.

  • Probiotics

You may have less stomach irritation during endurance exercises if you have a proper diet and regular bowel movements. Taking probiotic pills can help to strengthen your stomach and reduce your chances of needing to use the restroom during your workout.

According to a 2014 study, Probiotic pills for four weeks improved a runner’s endurance and stomach when running in hot weather. Probiotics were found to aid runners to reduce gastrointestinal issues during a marathon in a similar 2019 study.

  1. Hydration

Cramps and stitches in your belly while running could be the result of insufficient hydration. Hydration before and throughout the long run is crucial, but working it out can be tough.

Consuming too much water might aggravate cramping and irritate the digestive system. The safest option is to make it a habit to drink plenty of water and electrolyte-infused drinks during your exercises.

  • Practice

Runner’s belly affects even professional athletes who compete in numerous marathons each year. Finding a regimen that fits your body and following it during workout and race days will help you overcome the runner’s belly. It may take some trial and error to get it exactly right, however, once you do, stick with it.

Many runners stand by having a strong pre-race routine that includes the same pre-run meal and the same post-race recovery foods, according to anecdotal evidence.

  • Avoid Running On A Full Stomach

Drinking a lot of water or eating a lot of food 2-4 hours before exercising is not a good idea. During exercise, drink modest amounts and wait until after the exercise to properly rehydrate. Dehydration can also induce cramping, so drink plenty of water or Gatorade when jogging. If you’re jogging for more than thirty min or in hot weather, take a few sips at regular intervals.

The Takeaways

Stomach pain while running isn’t uncommon, and there’s no simple way to prevent it.

Planning your diets, avoiding foods that trigger, taking probiotics, and keeping hydrated can all help you enhance your track performance along with lowering your risk of developing these symptoms. If GI symptoms become a regular stumbling block during your workouts, you should consult your doctor to screen out any health issues.

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General Health

Can You Drink Eggnog While Pregnant

Drink Eggnog While Pregnant

Traditional meals and beverages from all around the world are typically provided throughout the holiday season. There’s Italian panettone, German Stollen, and Greek baklava, for example. A classic Christmas supper in the United Kingdom consists of a large turkey, roast potatoes, stuffing, , and all the fixings.

In Australia, cooking seafood over the Barbecue is a popular Christmas lunch option. Eggnog is a classic Christmas drink in the United States and Canada . Eggnog is a dairy beverage composed with milk, sugar, cream, raw beaten eggs, and occasionally distilled spirits like brandy, rum, or bourbon.

Eggnog Alternatives

While some drink spiked eggnog, it’s nice to know that there are a variety of different holiday drinks to choose from.

Hot chocolate is often a good choice for something steaming and filling.

Hot tea can heat your insides while also providing numerous health advantages. Or, for a fruity twist, try a warm cup of non-alcoholic cider topped with cranberries.

Take your hand at making a mocktail for a refreshing drink. Use ginger ale, flavored seltzers, and juices from fruits like cranberry, pomegranate, or grapefruit to be creative. Serve with citrus rinds, cherries, or a nutmeg sprinkling as garnish.

Pregnancy-Friendly Eggnog

Use cooked, pasteurized eggs to ensure the safety of your homemade eggnog. Many recipes (including this one) include instructions for boiling egg whites in a pan before adding additional delicious ingredients such as sugar, cream, and nutmeg.

Use a thermometer to ensure that your egg solution reaches 160°F (71°C), which is the right internal temperature for eggs.

Is It Safe To Take Eggnog While Pregnant?

Yes, eggnog is safe to drink during pregnancy if it meets all three of the following criteria:

  • Pasteurized Eggs Are Used

The majority of eggnogs are produced with raw, unpasteurized eggs. These eggs are contaminated with harmful germs, including the Salmonella bacterium. Food poisoning is caused by this bacteria, and if it accesses your body, you will experience diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach illness. Diarrhea causes dehydration, and the illness might result in a high fever. All of these are things you must avoid when pregnant. In fact, when these symptoms are present together, they might lead to preterm labor and, in rare circumstances, miscarriage.

  • Eggnog Is Alcohol-Free

While you may be confident of the alcohol content in both homemade and store-bought eggnog, it’s harder to tell if the eggnog served at a party isn’t spiked. As a result, it’s best to skip the drink completely because (a) alcohol is bad for your baby, and even worse, you don’t know what amount of alcohol is in your drink, and (b) you don’t know how eggnog is created.

  • Properly Cooked

Milk and eggs are used to make eggnogs, and both of these ingredients must be pasteurized. If you’re creating homemade eggnogs, you should bring everything to a boil and then keep it warm until it reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. All disease-causing germs, such as Salmonella, will be eliminated as a result. You can also buy pasteurized eggs (eggs that have been heated before being sold) from the market to make eggnog. Because store-bought eggnogs are manufactured with pasteurized milk and eggs, you can use them.

  • Watch out For The Brand

Another aspect pregnant women should consider is investigating the brand of eggnog if they want to consume it responsibly. Although some eggnogs are created by firms that make alcoholic beverages, this does not always imply that their eggnog contains alcohol.

Southern Comfort is a fantastic illustration of this. Southern Comfort produces a variety of alcoholic drinks, but they also produce two types of eggnog that are alcohol-free.

Benefits Of Eggnog In Pregnancy

Many of us associate eggnog with the holiday season. If a holiday period comes while you’re pregnant, you will be exposed to many eggnogs and may be tempted to drink one yourself. It’s fine to have it; in fact, having it is beneficial for the following few reasons:

  • Rich In Antioxidants

Vitamin A is abundant in eggnog. Vitamin A, on the other hand, is high in antioxidants. This says that if you drink eggnog, your complexion will be soft, your eyesight will improve, and damaged skin cells will be revived.

  • Placenta Development

Vitamin C is abundant in eggnog, and it is believed to aid with placenta formation.

  • Detoxification

Eggnog assists in the removal of free reactionaries from the body, which detoxifies the system, thanks to its high antioxidant content.

  • Prevention From Anemia

The Vit C in eggnog not only aids placental growth but also aids iron absorption, lowering the risk of anemia in expecting mothers.

  • Baby’s Bone And Brain Development

The drink is high in minerals like potassium and calcium and thanks to egg and milk in it. Calcium aids in the development of healthy bones in both you and your unborn child.

Proteins can be found in eggnog. These proteins provide the amino acids that make up your child’s brain.

Other Foods To Avoid

There are other things too aside from eggnog that you’ll have to avoid during the holidays while you’re pregnant. All other alcoholic beverages will have to wait till after you’ve finished breastfeeding. Mixed cocktails, liquor, and wine are all off-limits.

Also, watch out for overdosing on eggnog lattes. The (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women consume no over 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Also, keep an eye out for unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats in your holiday buffet. When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to get listeriosis, an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes found in certain foods.

The Bottomline

As a result, the verdict appears to be clear. There’s no need to avoid eggnog while you’re expecting. However, you must make sure that the eggnog is properly cooked, using pasteurized eggs and no liquor. There are also substitutes on the marketplace, such as soy nog, which has neither milk nor egg and is thus a healthier option.

So, if you’re craving eggnog throughout your pregnancy, go ahead and indulge. The only stipulation is that you adhere to the safety standards.

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General Health

Can I Eat Calamari While Pregnant

Calamari While Pregnant

Pregnancy causes a number of changes in your body, both bodily and biologically. Hormonal fluctuations might alter not just your mood but also your eating habits. Some pregnant women suffer food aversions, which make them nauseous just thinking about eating particular meals. Some, on the other hand, have significant food cravings.

And what if a platter of fried calamari with garlic sauce and a touch of lemon strikes your fancy? Is that all right?

You’ve probably heard that certain types of seafood are excellent for pregnant women, thanks to omega-3s and other nutrients. Is it, however, fine to consume calamari while pregnant? Let’s take a closer look at the quick answer: yes.

Why Is Mercury Considered As A Disturbing Factor?

Calamari as well as other seafood are high in nutrients and can be included in a healthy pregnancy diet.

Many people are concerned about the mercury levels in seafood, particularly when it is about pregnancy. Mercury concerns can even hinder pregnant women from reaping the advantages of fish. Mercury is a chemical that exists naturally. It can be found in the water, the air, and the land. However, excessive exposure can be harmful to people. Mercury toxicity can result, affecting brain, lung, kidney, and heart function.

Mercury levels are higher in some shellfish. Elevated concentrations of mercury during pregnancy, such as eating shellfish or grains tainted with mercury, can disrupt fetal development, cause cognitive impairment, and raise the chance of cerebral palsy. However, a new study has indicated that there isn’t much reliable evidence linking moderate amounts of mercury from fish consumption among pregnant women with fetal development problems.

In fact, as this 2018 study shows, a fish diet is beneficial to embryonic growth and maternal health. While it’s critical to avoid food that’s recognized to be unnecessarily high in mercury, such as mackerel, shark, swordfish, tilefish, bigeye tuna, and marlin, avoiding other seafood because of mercury concerns isn’t necessary. In fact, according to the current Dietary Guidelines, pregnant women should eat 8 to 12 oz of seafood per week.

Nutrients In Calamari

Calamari contains several of the essential elements for a healthy pregnancy. Calamari has 15.25 grams of protein every 3-ounce serving, which is important for the development of your future baby’s cells. Calamari has 0.86 milligrams of iron and 4.66 milligrams of zinc per serving. Iron aids in the formation of red blood cells in your baby, while zinc aids in the production of enzymes and insulin. Calamari also contains modest quantities of vitamin B12, E, A, and folate, a vitamin that aids in preventing some birth defects, in a 3-ounce dose.

Should You Eat Calamari?

Mercury levels range by kind of seafood, with certain species having higher mercury content than others. Pregnant women must avoid seafood with high mercury levels, according to FDA research. The great news for calamari fans is that it contains little mercury, making it a safe option during labor if consumed in moderation.

Calamari is among the healthiest seafood picks for pregnant women. Calamari has a mercury content of approximately 0.024 parts per million, that is substantially lower than a shark, tuna, swordfish, and marlin. Calamari has a low mercury content, thus it’s acceptable to eat two to three meals per week. A single serving is equal to 4 oz of food.

How Should Calamari Be Cooked?

Although squid is acceptable to consume while pregnant, it must be prepared correctly. This seafood can be prepared in a variety of ways, including frying, baking, and grilling. Squid can also be seared, but avoid doing so when pregnant. While the outer surface may be cooked, the inside may be uncooked, putting your baby in danger of being unwell.

Seafood should be thoroughly cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (62.8 degrees Celsius). It’s critical to put any remnants in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cooking. It just takes 1 or 2 hours for dangerous germs to develop at room temperature.

Health Benefits Of Calamari In Pregnancy

Calamari is not only delicious, but it also possesses nutrients that are good for pregnant women. Calamari, for example, is an excellent source of essential fatty acids. Fatty acids are necessary for fetal brain development throughout pregnancy. Calamari is also high in protein, vitamin E, B12, copper, zinc, and iron, which are all essential nutrients for pregnant women.

Other Safe Seafood

Calamari is not the only acceptable seafood to eat while pregnant. Other low-mercury seafood, such as scallops, shrimp, oysters, and clams, are also safe to eat.

Other fish with low mercury levels include:

  • catfish
  • cod
  • crawfish
  • white fish
  • salmon
  • sardine
  • flounder
  • whiting
  • lobster
  • Herring

PCB levels in these other species of fish and seafood may be similar to those found in oily fish. Sea bream, halibut, turbot, dogfish, and crab are among them. Limit yourself to two meals of these fish per week. In addition, you should limit your tuna consumption to four moderate cans or two filets per week. Tuna includes mercury, which will not hurt you, but a lot of it will affect your baby’s neurological system as it develops.

Shark and marlin have far higher mercury levels than other fish, therefore you shouldn’t consume them while you’re pregnant. When raw, any sort of fresh seafood might carry worms such as tapeworms, making it potentially dangerous. Tapeworms will make you sick and deplete the nutrients your baby requires.

If you like oysters and other shellfish, ensure they’re fully cooked if you really want to continue eating them while pregnant. Raw shellfish could be infected with pathogenic bacteria and viruses, resulting in food poisoning. During labor, you’re more prone to food poisoning. Raw fish food will not hurt the baby, but it will make you very sick. Shellfish, on the other hand, maybe cooked properly to remove bacteria and viruses, making it safe to eat.

Summary

When you’re consuming food for two people, it’s critical to eat nutritional foods that will help you have a good pregnancy. While some foods are unsafe to consume while expecting, calamari can be included in a healthy diet. Calamari provides many of the vitamins your growing baby requires while also being free of mercury contamination, which is a worry during pregnancy.

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General Health

Can You Drink Eggnog While Pregnant

Drink Eggnog While Pregnant

Traditional meals and beverages from all around the world are typically provided throughout the holiday season. There’s Italian panettone, German Stollen, and Greek baklava, for example. A classic Christmas supper in the United Kingdom consists of a large turkey, roast potatoes, stuffing, and all the fixings.

In Australia, cooking seafood over the Barbecue is a popular Christmas lunch option. Eggnog is a classic Christmas drink in the United States and Canada . Eggnog is a dairy beverage composed with milk, sugar, cream, raw beaten eggs, and occasionally distilled spirits like brandy, rum, or bourbon.

During pregnancy, women are more susceptible to infections. One reason we know (based on scientific studies) is because the immune system is being used to protect the baby from being rejected.

Doug Penta, MD OB/GYN

Is It Safe To Take Eggnog While Pregnant?

Yes, eggnog is safe to drink during pregnancy if it meets all three of the following criteria:

  • Pasteurized Eggs Are Used

The majority of eggnogs are produced with raw, unpasteurized eggs. These eggs are contaminated with harmful germs, including the Salmonella bacterium. Food poisoning is caused by this bacteria, and if it accesses your body, you will experience diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach illness. Diarrhea causes dehydration, and the illness might result in a high fever. All of these are things you must avoid when pregnant. In fact, when these symptoms are present together, they might lead to preterm labor and, in rare circumstances, miscarriage.

  • Eggnog Is Alcohol-Free

While you may be confident of the alcohol content in both homemade and store-bought eggnog, it’s harder to tell if the eggnog served at a party isn’t spiked. As a result, it’s best to skip the drink completely because (a) alcohol is bad for your baby, and even worse, you don’t know what amount of alcohol is in your drink, and (b) you don’t know how eggnog is created.

  • Properly Cooked

Milk and eggs are used to make eggnogs, and both of these ingredients must be pasteurized. If you’re creating homemade eggnogs, you should bring everything to a boil and then keep it warm until it reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. All disease-causing germs, such as Salmonella, will be eliminated as a result. You can also buy pasteurized eggs (eggs that have been heated before being sold) from the market to make eggnog. Because store-bought eggnogs are manufactured with pasteurized milk and eggs, you can use them.

  • Watch out For The Brand

Another aspect pregnant women should consider is investigating the brand of eggnog if they want to consume it responsibly. Although some eggnogs are created by firms that make alcoholic beverages, this does not always imply that their eggnog contains alcohol.

Southern Comfort is a fantastic illustration of this. Southern Comfort produces a variety of alcoholic drinks, but they also produce two types of eggnog that are alcohol-free.

Benefits Of Eggnog In Pregnancy

Many of us associate eggnog with the holiday season. If a holiday period comes while you’re pregnant, you will be exposed to many eggnogs and may be tempted to drink one yourself. It’s fine to have it; in fact, having it is beneficial for the following few reasons:

  • Rich In Antioxidants

Vitamin A is abundant in eggnog. Vitamin A, on the other hand, is high in antioxidants. This says that if you drink eggnog, your complexion will be soft, your eyesight will improve, and damaged skin cells will be revived.

  • Placenta Development

Vitamin C is abundant in eggnog, and it is believed to aid with placenta formation.

  • Detoxification

Eggnog assists in the removal of free reactionaries from the body, which detoxifies the system, thanks to its high antioxidant content.

  • Prevention From Anemia

The Vit C in eggnog not only aids placental growth but also aids iron absorption, lowering the risk of anemia in expecting mothers.

  • Baby’s Bone And Brain Development

The drink is high in minerals like potassium and calcium and thanks to egg and milk in it. Calcium aids in the development of healthy bones in both you and your unborn child.

Proteins can be found in eggnog. These proteins provide the amino acids that make up your child’s brain.

Eggnog Alternatives

While some drink spiked eggnog, it’s nice to know that there are a variety of different holiday drinks to choose from.

Hot chocolate is often a good choice for something steaming and filling.

Hot tea can heat your insides while also providing numerous health advantages. Or, for a fruity twist, try a warm cup of non-alcoholic cider topped with cranberries.

Take your hand at making a mocktail for a refreshing drink. Use ginger ale, flavored seltzers, and juices from fruits like cranberry, pomegranate, or grapefruit to be creative. Serve with citrus rinds, cherries, or a nutmeg sprinkling as garnish.

Pregnancy-Friendly Eggnog

Use cooked, pasteurized eggs to ensure the safety of your homemade eggnog. Many recipes (including this one) include instructions for boiling egg whites in a pan before adding additional delicious ingredients such as sugar, cream, and nutmeg.

Use a thermometer to ensure that your egg solution reaches 160°F (71°C), which is the right internal temperature for eggs.

Other Foods To Avoid

There are other things too aside from eggnog that you’ll have to avoid during the holidays while you’re pregnant. All other alcoholic beverages will have to wait till after you’ve finished breastfeeding. Mixed cocktails, liquor, and wine are all off-limits.

Also, watch out for overdosing on eggnog lattes. The (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women consume no over 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Also, keep an eye out for unpasteurized cheeses and deli meats in your holiday buffet. When you’re pregnant, you’re more likely to get listeriosis, an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes found in certain foods.

The Bottomline

As a result, the verdict appears to be clear. There’s no need to avoid eggnog while you’re expecting. However, you must make sure that the eggnog is properly cooked, using pasteurized eggs and no liquor. There are also substitutes on the marketplace, such as soy nog, which has neither milk nor egg and is thus a healthier option.

So, if you’re craving eggnog throughout your pregnancy, go ahead and indulge. The only stipulation is that you adhere to the safety standards.

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General Health

Learn About Drug Treatment Facilities & How To Find The Right One For Your Needs

Drug Treatment Facilities

Drug addiction treatment facilities in the US today are a ray of hope for those struggling with drug addiction. These facilities are there to offer the addict proper drug rehab help through the initial withdrawal stage and to offer knowledge to these individuals about their sickness in hopes that they will not relapse when they are out of the drug addiction treatment facility.

Most addicts simply need a change in their life and need to get away from the environment that encourages them to use. These substance abuse treatment facilities certainly help in getting their foot in the door to recovery, but ultimately it will rely on the individual to decide whether or not they will remain drug-free. For the few days or months that they are in drug rehab, they will have the chance to focus more on their own goals and what they want to accomplish in their lives.

What a lot of people don’t realize is that addiction itself is a disease. Once someone becomes addicted to a drug, it becomes progressively worse, and they need to have it more. This is because the drug actually alters the brain and the way that you think. This slippery slope often ends in major health problems or death if not acted upon.

The majority of treatment centers that treat drug addicts understand what an addict is going through because many of the counselors themselves were once addicts. This gives them a sense of understanding to their patients that other doctors just can’t. They attempt to teach the addict that recovery is not a short process and one that only improves over the course of time. Each day the individual will have to learn to stay away from certain environmental factors that have the potential to throw them right back into where they once were. That if they choose to live their life in a happy and contributing way, then each day will be crucial for them to reach those goals.

In almost all cases, addicts use drugs as an escape from reality. They hope to forget about things that may hurt them emotionally, even if they are destroying their lives and the lives of others in the process.  Once the drugs are taken away, they feel a sense of loss and fear that can never be replaced until they mentally choose to go down a different road. And that is what these drug treatment facilities are there for, to give that person hope and to offer them a chance to change their lives and to go down a different and happier path.

There are many different drug rehab programs that treat their patients completely differently depending on their specific situation. There is no perfect medicine or psychological drug rehab that will immediately recover the patient. Each center may choose to focus on a specific form of treatment, or they may use multiple depending on the center. Some patients may even have to stay longer in order to recover in a safe environment. For other options, you may also try seeking help from an online suboxone clinic that offers virtual consultations specifically for people with opioid addiction if you feel shy talking about it in person.

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General Health

Things You Need To Know About Opiate Abuse and its Treatment

Opiate Abuse and its Treatment

Opioids are highly addictive painkillers that lead to roughly 5 million opioid dependence cases and 17,000 opioid-related deaths every year. What’s more, opioid abuse contributes to about 11,000 cases of deaths due to overdose from prescription drugs per year. Thus, opioids drug addiction is a serious issue.

How would I know if a loved one is suffering from opiate abuse?

It is hard to spot opiate abuse considering the fact that most users can access the medications at home. There are times that you are not aware that you are abusing the drugs already, especially if you have been using prescription drugs for pain.

So, here are tell-tale signs that you or your loved one is already using the drugs out of habit:

  • You are intoxicated.
  • You look and feel drunk.
  • You are drowsy.
  • Your pupils constrict.
  • Your speech slurs, and in serious cases, you may find it hard to breathe.

Respiratory depression is one of the most dangerous effects of opiate abuse because it can lead to coma or death. You must also watch out for stupor because you or your loved one with opiate abuse may slump unconsciously and insensibly and get hurt in the process.

Another characteristic sign of opioid abuse is withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms depend on the length of drug use and the level of physical and emotional dependence on the drugs. Individuals withdrawing from opiates suffer from autonomic symptoms such as diarrhea, excessive tears, vomiting, and shivering. Diarrhea, excessive sweating, and runny nose are also common.

Opiate is a potent drug that causes changes to the central nervous system. It alters the way your brain works and responds to pleasure and pain. As your brain adjusts to its presence, it kicks off a series of withdrawal signs every time it detects the absence of drugs from your system leading to tremors, restlessness, and insomnia. You may also have an intense craving for the medication. Many opiate users on withdrawal also complain of muscle and bone pain and abdominal cramps.

When does abuse turn into opiate addiction?

If you have been using opiate drugs more than the required dose, keep on using it despite protests from loved ones, and your day seems to revolve around using it; you’re abusing opiates already. Abuse becomes an addiction the moment your tolerance to opiates increases, and you experience withdrawal symptoms whenever you try to quit.

What is the most effective treatment for opiate addiction?

If you are abusing opiates, but addiction has not yet set in, clinical detox can help you stop the habit. Lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, and support groups can help you recover and return to your normal life. The moment you become an opiate addict, the treatment process becomes difficult. Aside from detoxification, you also need to undergo psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication-assisted therapy, and possibly residential rehabilitation to speed up your recovery process. Experts also suggest attending relapse-prevention training and attending support groups in your community.

To have an idea of an effective opiate abuse addiction treatment program and what it can do for you or your loved one, call a professional treatment center.

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General Health

What’s the Difference Between Synthetic Marijuana and Natural Marijuana?

Synthetic Marijuana and Natural Marijuana

There have been several reports of individuals being hospitalized after using synthetic marijuana. Understanding the difference between synthetic and natural marijuana is very important, especially for those not opposed to using one or both recreationally.

Natural marijuana, to start with most basically, is a plant that people tend to smoke for its mild psychoactive effects, or for the proposed medical benefits it is rumored to have. There have never been reports of individuals overdosing or dying in relation to natural marijuana, and in most cases its effects are mild in comparison to other drugs. However, the need for enrolling the best drug treatment center can’t be ruled out yet in all cases.

Synthetic marijuana is nothing of what is mentioned above. Synthetic marijuana is not even a plant that is grown. The drug often comes packaged in small, colored and animated packages that are marketed to look safe and legal. Inside, people often find a substance that can look like real marijuana, or even have small flowers. This drug however, is completely man made.

The way it works is that the drug is treated and created with chemicals meant to mimic the THC in natural marijuana, which is its most powerful psychoactive ingredient. The chemicals in synthetic marijuana are designed to give similar effects of natural marijuana while still not showing up on drug tests. The desired effects include sensations of relaxation, feeling good, drowsiness, increased appetite and slowed reactions. These drugs however are highly unstable. The only reason that synthetic marijuana can sometimes be sold in stores is because its chemical composition is not illegal yet. The list of controlled substances bans drugs and chemicals that are known to be dangerous and harmful. In order for synthetic marijuana to continue to be legal, those that manufacture it often need to change the chemical composition, which in turn effects how it affects people.

Synthetic marijuana has been found to cause negative effects ranging room heightened heart rate all the way through to extreme psychotic episodes and everything in between. The chemicals and potency of the chemicals in synthetic marijuana can’t be distinguished by anyone short of a chemist. Each time an individual uses synthetic marijuana, they put themselves at serious risk. News stories have recently told of individuals who became violently ill after using synthetic marijuana, one boy even took to slamming his head into the concrete floor until emergency personnel arrived.

Perhaps more widely known, are the nearly unbelievable reports of the behavior of individuals on bath salts. Like synthetic marijuana, bath salts are a designer drug, or completely chemically engineered by people. In essence, synthetic marijuana and bath salts can be considered one in the same. Both are chemically manufactured; both have varying degrees of reactions and strengths and both have caused serious health problems for many people.

It is extremely important that the difference between natural marijuana and synthetic marijuana be widely circulated. Although natural marijuana is not nearly as dangerous as it’s synthetic counterpart, it is no less illegal (in most places) and can still pose serious that’s too the health and wellbeing of individuals. However, it should be expressly clear and perpetuated that the synthetic version is a life-threatening substance that should not be used under any circumstance. It is especially important that this information be passed onto the younger generation. College goers have been found to be the largest group of synthetic marijuana users that use the substance because they perceived it as legal and safe. The only similarity between synthetic and natural marijuana are the words used to name them.

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Health Tips

How I Became Full-Blown Alcoholic from Teenage Alcohol Abuse!

Alcoholic from Teenage Alcohol Abuse

As a teenager growing up in the 60s, binge drinking was the norm in my school and with most of my friends. The word alcoholic was not even on people’s lips in those days. An alcoholic was someone that lived on skid row and was homeless.

My first clue as to the dark road I would travel is my first binge drinking. The very first time I set out to have more than the occasional holiday wine highball at my grandparents’ house, I loved the feeling of getting drunk. The alcohol felt like a warm blanket that surrounded me. Back then, the drink of choice was Slow Gin. It may have tasted bad, but it felt so good. I could not get enough of that warm feeling. It made me feel safe for the first time in my life. I did not even care that I passed out. I thought this was normal.

From that day on, I started abusing alcohol every chance I could get. It did not matter that I would do things in a blackout that I would never have done sober. For the first time in my life, I fit in with the rest of the world. I always felt out of sink with the rest of the world as someone who was always outside looking in. The drinking, so I thought, brought me in. I was finally sociable, cool, and had a popular boyfriend.

This went on through high school and college. When I met my first husband, he liked the idea that I was a party girl and a free spirit. That was until we got married. Then we were going to climb the ladder of success together and live a perfect life. The image was everything. So I sobered up and lived the white picket fence syndrome. Then the babies came, and my husband pulled farther and farther away. This was not part of his plan. Having babies was not something he wanted to invest in. He shut my girls and me out of his life. He would come and go as he pleased and would only want to be with me if the kids were not around. By now, I was running in circles, trying to be the perfect mom and trying to abide by my husband’s wishes. I felt so alone.

After a few years of this, we finally started to socialize with my husband’s co-workers. Of course, this meant drinking on the weekends and drinking a lot. Come Monday morning; I would have a huge hangover. I never drank one or two drinks on the weekend; I would always drink until I was drunk or in a blackout. I don’t remember exactly when, but I learned the art of the hair of the dog that bit you. So on Monday mornings, I would have a drink or two to try to feel better so I could function with the kids. The Monday morning drinks led to the Tuesday morning drink, and so on. I was also fed up with my lifestyle, and I finally joined an addiction rehab treatment center to get rid of my drinking.

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General Health

Is Codeine Addiction Treatment Effective?

Addiction Treatment

Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium and produced from morphine. Generally, it is prescribed by doctors to treat moderate pain. Codeine products that are found on the illicit market are often combined with other drugs such as glutethimide and carisoprodol. When codeine is taken as prescribed by the physician, it can effectively treat moderate pain. When this medically-useful drug is abused, hazardous codeine addiction could be the result. For help in overcoming the codeine addiction affecting you or your loved one, you can call trust experts available at altacenters.com.

Street names for codeine include cough syrup, schoolboy, and T-threes. Codeine is consumed orally in the form of a tablet, or it is combined with aspirin or acetaminophen. It is also found in a number of liquid cough suppressants, and it is used to a lesser extent as an injectable solution for the treatment of pain.

Short-Term Effects of Codeine

They are milder than some other prescription pain relievers, but codeine is still a drug that can be addictive and difficult to quit. The short-term effects experienced by codeine users include pain relief, sedation, and respiratory depression.

Long-Term Effects of Codeine

  • Over time, codeine addiction can manifest health risks such as the following:
  • Dependence
  • Tolerance (forcing the user to consume higher doses to achieve the same high as before)
  • Those higher doses increase the risk of a harmful overdose that can cause liver failure, slow heartbeat, and troubled or slowed breathing.
  • Difficult withdrawal symptoms experienced by long-term consumers who try to quit

Risks of Codeine Addiction During Pregnancy

Codeine addiction can cause serious harm to unborn babies during pregnancy. According to the U.S. FDA, the use of this drug by pregnant women has been linked to fetal physical dependence, withdrawal, and growth retardation.

Since codeine is a legal drug, there are a number of addicts who underestimate how addictive and dangerous it can be. Another key reason many codeine addicts can’t quit is the difficult withdrawal symptoms experienced by long-term consumers who try to stop it suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms associated with codeine addiction include nausea, muscle/bone aches, cold sweats, and insomnia.

Withdrawal symptoms tend to peak at around 48-72 hours after the last codeine dose, with symptoms, and then they can fade in a quick time.

Is Codeine Addiction Treatment Effective?

During the difficult detox process, codeine addiction treatment makes a big difference, provided that there is around-the-clock medical care that includes medicines specially designed to ease uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

For codeine addiction treatment, you must not take the guesswork for finding a quality rehab center. All of the drug rehab centers in a network may not exceed industry standards. Thus, you must ensure that recommendations are based solely on an individual’s needs.

Don’t let codeine addiction put your life or the life of your loved one in danger. Professional treatment help is available at altacenters.com.

They can help you reclaim your life and lead you further with positive energy. They offer many affordable payment options along with rehab financing. In addition, you can find the treatment plans supported by your insurance company.

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Health Tips

How I Got Rid of My Crystal Meth Addiction and Got Better!

Crystal Meth Addiction

Hooked from the very first hit, a rush of dizziness that cannot be compared to anything else in the world—crystal meth was my new love. I like to compare it to that because you know when you are in a new relationship, and you just can’t get enough of each other. You yearn for that person and can’t wait to see them and to hold them in your arms. That is what it is like when you start smoking meth. Nothing else matters, not eating or sleeping, or even showering for that matter. Crystal meth addiction is a full-time job since it consumes every fiber of who you are and dictates what you become. I’m indebted to Great Oaks recovery center for their great help for my recovery.

The journey varies for most, but it is certain that eventually, you will not be able to stand the sight of yourself. A mirror will become your worst enemy. Your body will deteriorate, and you will have no life left in your body, and you will have lost your soul. Of course, what is to be expected of a chemical hodgepodge that is cooked up with lithium, cold tablets, alcohol, fertilizer, and ammonia?

One day you just have to decide if you want to die or get better. It is not an easy choice by any means, and it usually doesn’t happen right away. I died twice before I decided to get better. I overdosed on crystal meth and, at first, didn’t even know it. By this time, I was covered in acne from the meth that was actually like open sores. I was constantly picking at my skin, so there were open sores all over me. I was a hot mess.

I wasn’t even able to try and hide my addiction to crystal meth any longer. My jaw was sunken in, my body was frail, and I couldn’t remember the last time I ate anything. I had about three teeth left in my mouth that weren’t broken off. I couldn’t even stand myself anymore. That was when I decided to get help, or I would just have to lie down and die.

I ended up in detox for about two weeks, and then I went to treatment. While I was there, I got some cognitive behavioral therapy, therapy sessions and learned how to deal with specific triggers. Crystal meth really messes up the brain, that is certain. After about 45 days clean, I became extremely depressed, and nothing at all could make me happy.

For the longest time, I had trouble concentrating and remembering things. I couldn’t even make a decision because it was too hard. I was told that some of this would not be able to be reversed, and if it was, it could take a couple of years. I can’t believe that I just fried my brain on dope. What was I thinking? Thinking of that does help with the cravings that I have.

Thank God that I did seek help from Great Oaks. I would not have been able to write this if I hadn’t because I would be dead. This is a fact. Things are getting better for me now. I have put some weight back on, and I look healthy again. I don’t feel as sharp as I once did, but I am getting better and am remembering more. The truth is that treatment gave me my life back, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Is it tough? Sure, it is, but when it gets tough, I try to remember a time when I was sitting in a run-down trailer that was filthy dirty while I tried to pick invisible bugs off of my body. That is tough, but what I am doing now is working toward a healthy and sober me.

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