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Benefits of Ayahuasca and side effects

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Discover the Benefits of Ayahuasca + Dangers and Possible Side Effects.

Have you ever heard of a ceremony and the benefits of ayahuasca? Ayahuasca has been used for centuries in “healing ceremonies.”

It is about drinking a hallucinatory mixture of a plant and a vine under the guidance of a shaman with the aim of self-discovery and enlightenment.

This can sound intriguing, scary, or both. You may be wondering, is ayahuasca legal? Ayahuasca’s legal status is murky at best, but the substance it contains, DMT, is illegal in the United States and most other countries (more on this shortly).

The ayahuasca experience is said to be full of hallucinations that can lead to spiritual healing. Recently, ayahuasca has gained more widespread attention as an open (and now closed) retreat in the United States.

Some researchers also think that it could be used as a form of treatment for depression; But, it also contains powerful compounds that can also cause some serious side effects.

Health benefits of ayahuasca

1.- Benefits of ayahuasca for depression

A small open-label trial was recently conducted in an inpatient psychiatric unit. The trial researchers theorized that since the “natural psychedelic drink” rich in DMT and harmine causes feelings of subjective well-being, then it may also have antidepressant effects.

However, the trial was very small and very limited; they only gave six subjects currently experiencing a depressive episode just one dose of ayahuasca (AYA).

Did they find it? There were “statistically significant reductions of up to 82 percent in depressive scores” between baseline and days 1, 7, and 21 after the subjects took the AYA.

Depressive scores were measured on the following scales: the Hamilton scale for depression (HAM-D); the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale (MADRS); and the Anxious Depression subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

The researchers conclude that taking AYA produces “fast-acting anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in patients with a depressive disorder.” Again, keep in mind that there were only six subjects who received the Amazon mix once.

Another open trial on depression was also conducted by researchers. This time there were 17 psychiatric patients as subjects (still very young) and again they received a single dose of ayahuasca.

The trial results reveal that of the 17 subjects, six experienced “rapid-acting antidepressant effects” after the single dose.

So, about 35 percent of the patients showed improvement, while 47 percent of the patients vomited as a result of taking the benefits of ayahuasca.

2.- Benefits of ayahuasca for pain

research article analyzed the possible use of ayahuasca in grief therapy. The researchers compared 30 people who had taken ayahuasca with 30 people who had attended peer support groups. They then measured levels of pain and experiential avoidance.

The ayahuasca group had a lower level of distress and demonstrated some psychological and interpersonal benefits. Open responses from this group also included descriptions of emotional release.

As you can see, research and clinical findings remain very limited (in part due to the legal status of DMT) on the therapeutic uses of this substance to treat depression or manage grief.

Side effects of ayahuasca

According to some specialists, the benefits of Ayahuasca are not for anyone who thinks that Ayahuasca is a ‘magic pill’ or a ‘magic bullet’ that you just have to take, and your life will be repaired.

The so-called “neutral effects” of ayahuasca can include:

• Sedation

• Nonsense visual “noise”

• Strong visions; some typical reports include snakes, big cats, insectoid aliens, and goddesses

• Auditory hallucinations and/or sound distortions

• Alteration of the sense of space and time

• Greater likelihood of embracing magical thinking, paranormal ideation

Negative effects, also known as “bad trips” are known to include:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Throwing up

• Body pain

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• Imbalance, difficulty walking

• Sweating and chills (alternate)

• Other symptoms similar to those of flu or food poisoning

• Afraid

• Paranoia

• Feeling like you’re losing your mind

• Feeling like one is dying

It is not clear exactly all the medications that can interact with ayahuasca, but mixing antidepressants with ayahuasca can be a deadly combination.

The greatest risk of taking ayahuasca is serotonin syndrome, a heart condition of increased heart rate and blood pressure, usually instigated by a high-dose mix of ayahuasca with other medications, particularly antidepressants such as SSRIs or  St. John’s wort.

People who take such medications should not drink ayahuasca, it is also suggested that those with “strong paranoid tendencies” or “extreme anxiety” avoid ayahuasca because it alters perceptions of reality.

There is also the danger of getting hurt while in ayahuasca or not knowing exactly what is in the version of the tea they give you. Both are some very serious risks.

How to use Ayahuasca

There are several Peruvian ayahuasca retreats. However, it is recommended that anyone interested in taking ayahuasca do their homework beforehand, even talking to people who have already had the tea.

They also advise only taking ayahuasca in the presence of an “experienced ayahuasca drinker who is also experienced with the guide.”

Experts advise not to buy ayahuasca online and never take it alone. According to the Ayahuasca Healings, this nature-based drug should only be taken with the guidance of an experienced and reputable shaman.

What is Ayahuasca?

Ayahuasca, also called “hoasca”, “yagé” or “mother ayahuasca”, is a mixture of two different plants: a perennial shrub called chacruna (Psychotria Viridis ) and the ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi ).

Both plants can be found in the Amazon rainforest. Chacruna contains a substance called dimethyltryptamine or DMT.

To create Ayahuasca tea, the two plants are combined and boiled during a fire for many hours.

The DMT in the chacruna creates the experience or “trip” while the ingredients in the vine allow the body to metabolize it.

What is DMT?

It is a powerful and natural hallucinogenic compound that is structurally related to a drug you may have heard of before: LSD. Do you want to know another strange and interesting fact about DMT?

Naturally formed DMT has been found in the body fluids of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder in which patients interpret reality abnormally.

Like LSD, DMT is also considered a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act.

According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, “Schedule I drugs, substances or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and with a high potential for abuse.”

What are the general claims about this Amazonian drink containing DMT?

Supposedly, «The Ayahuasca ceremony is used to heal on all levels: physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual.

It is known to provide profound insights into the nature of reality, who we are, and our place in the Universe. ”

The tea is intended to be consumed with the guidance of a shaman who specializes in the ayahuasca experience.

The immediate effects of this “shamanic medicine” are said to be felt within 20 to 60 minutes of drinking the tea.

However, the poisoning can last up to eight hours. Effects are known to vary greatly from person to person and from experience to experience.

• Ayahuasca is an amazing tea made from a plant and a vine.

• It contains DMT, a Schedule I drug, which includes other illegal drugs like LSD and heroin.

• The possible side effects of ayahuasca are very concerning (even deadly!) And do not justify the risk.

• More studies are needed to determine whether ayahuasca might have benefits for certain health conditions, such as depression.

• The positive effects that some people seek from ayahuasca can be achieved more safely and healthily without the use of drugs, by spending time in prayer and meditation and developing a personal relationship with God.

If you are struggling with depression and pain, you may also want to explore  spiritual or therapeutic counseling

Health

Serious side effects of topamax

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Discover the serious side effects of Topamax

One of the medicines used to treat seizures in adults is Topamax, the active substance of which is topiramate.

The taking of this drug should always be done under medical prescription and with the corresponding prescription, as well as it is essential to follow the instructions regarding the dosage indicated by the specialist.

To learn more about Topamax along with its indications, use, and side effects, keep reading this article.

What is Topamax for

Topamax is a topiramate-based drug used to treat seizures in adults and children older than 2 years.

This anticonvulsant is administered in the event of partial seizures with or without secondary generalization or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

It should be noted that this drug is also used to prevent migraine, although not as a treatment to alleviate them.

Warnings about Topamax

Taking Topamax should always be prescribed by a doctor and it will be necessary to notify your doctor beforehand in case of:

•glaucoma or other eye problems

•kidney disease, kidney stones, or dialysis

•breathing problems

•mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts or attempts

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•liver disease

•osteoporosis, osteomalacia

•growth disorders

•be taking lithium

•suffer from diarrhea

•being lactose or sucrose intolerant

•It is also not recommended to take Topamax by pregnant or lactating women, as this drug can cause fetal harm or be excreted through breast milk.

Likewise, you should never drink alcohol while you are being treated with Topamax, as the side effects can be very serious.

Side effects of Topamax

Different side effects derived from taking Topamax have been described, so you should go or notify your doctor quickly if you feel any of the symptoms described below:

•Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat.

•Sudden changes in mood or behavior

•Anxiety and/or panic attacks

•Difficulty to sleep

•Irritation, agitation, and hyperactivity (mentally or physically)

•Depression or thoughts of killing yourself or hurting yourself

•Numbness or tingling in the extremities

•Headache, tiredness, dizziness, or drowsiness

•Changes in taste

•Nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite or weight

•Quick back and forth movements in your eyes.

Likewise, it should be noted that these are not only the adverse effects that Topamax can cause, so you should consult your doctor in case of any other type of alteration or symptom.

This article is merely informative, we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis.

We invite you to go to a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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18 benefits of peanuts during pregnancy

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Discover the 18 benefits of peanuts during pregnancy.

Peanuts during pregnancy can be very beneficial for future mothers and their fetuses. Peanuts are not only delicious, but they are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that are great for pregnancy, which you can’t miss.

You must remember that pregnancy is a wonderful gift that only women can experience.

Being pregnant is like a noble job ordained directly by God for women, something that men could not do on their own. During pregnancy, the fetus magically grows inside the woman’s womb until the baby is born into the world.

To ensure the optimal development of the fetus before it is born, mothers must consume highly nutritious food because it is the only way the fetus can obtain food.

When it comes to the list of foods that mothers should consume during pregnancy, the list will be endless, but you could consider the benefits of peanuts during pregnancy, as peanuts

Peanut Nutritional Values

Peanuts are considered a healthy snack. However, this does not mean that you can consume without knowing the nutrients that peanuts contain.

By knowing the nutrients contained in peanuts, you can measure the number of peanuts needed during pregnancy, since surely the needs of each one are different from those of others.

Serving Size: 100 grams

Energy 567 kcal – 29%.

Carbohydrates 16.13 g – 12%.

Protein 25.8g – 46%.

Total fat 49.24 g – 165%.

Dietary fiber 8.5g – 22%.

Folate 240 µg – 60%.

Niacin 12mg – 75%.

Pantothenic acid 1,767 mg – 35%.

Pyridoxine 0.348 mg – 27%.

Riboflavin 0.135 mg – 10%.

Thiamine 0.64 mg – 53%.

Vitamin E 8.33mg – 55%.

Calcium 92mg – 9%.

Copper 1,144 mg – 127%.

Iron 4.58mg – 57%.

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Magnesium 168mg – 42%.

Manganese 1,934 mg – 84%.

Phosphorus 76 mg – 54%.

Selenium 7.2 µg – 13%.

Zinc 3.27mg – 30%.

Sodium 18mg

Potassium 705mg – 15%.

From the table above, surely you have a general idea of the number of peanuts you could consume daily.

The key is to consume it in moderation, but sometimes it is necessary to ensure that the daily intake of a certain nutrient can be met to ensure optimal development of the fetus.

18 Benefits of Peanut During Pregnancy

Below are the benefits of peanuts during pregnancy that will give you reasons why you should add this healthy and delicious snack to your daily diet.

1.- Excellent source of folate

During pregnancy it is highly recommended to consume foods rich in folate and peanuts are one of them.

For every 100 grams of peanuts, approximately 60% of the daily intake of folate could be covered. It is common knowledge that folate is essential for fetal development, especially early in the trimester.

2.- Natural source of vegetable protein

Protein is essential for a mother during pregnancy and 100 grams of peanuts contains enough protein to meet the daily intake.

3.- Prevents birth defects

The birth defect can occur when the development of the fetus is disturbed or when there are insufficient nutrients to support development.

Peanuts are packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for pregnancy like folate to support optimal growth and minerals like iron and calcium to make sure there is enough red blood cell stock.

4.- Promotes optimal brain development

It is great food for the brain. During pregnancy, the fetus receives nourishment from the mother, and the folate consumed by the mother is not only beneficial to the mother, but also the developing brain of the fetus.

If you want to have a healthy and smart baby, eat peanuts during pregnancy.

5.- Source of calories for the mother

Each mother’s calorie needs may be different, but calories are essential for increased energy.

During pregnancy, a mother may suffer from fatigue and get tired easily. To help boost energy, peanuts can help restore it.

6.- Contains healthy fats

Not all fats are bad and peanuts do contain some healthy fats that are great for the mother during pregnancy.

Healthy fats are great for promoting a healthy heart, as mothers are at high risk for high blood pressure during pregnancy.

7.- Reduces the risk of allergic diseases

Recent studies have indicated that mothers who consume peanuts during pregnancy may reduce the risk of allergic diseases.

Not only allergic foods such as peanuts but also other types of allergies such as asthma.

8.- Helps control blood pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy could be fatal for both the mother and the fetus. That is why it is very important to always keep your blood pressure under control.

To help control blood pressure, adding peanuts to your daily diet is highly recommended because basically, peanuts are great for your heart.

9.- Prevents gestational diabetes

On the table, it was seen that peanuts are quite rich in manganese. This mineral has an important role in regulating blood sugar levels during pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes. Additionally, manganese also promotes optimal calcium absorption.

10.- Fight depression

During pregnancy, the mother is at risk of stress and depression. Well, some studies have shown that mothers who eat peanuts are much happier than those who don’t. So whenever she feels stressed, she snacks on peanuts.

11.- Decreases the risk of weight gain

Obesity during pregnancy is never good for both mother and baby. That’s why managing your weight is so important peanuts, while they do contain fat and calories, fats are healthy fats and packed with other nutrients that may help you control calories.

12.- Promotes skin health during pregnancy

One of the problems that every mother has to deal with during pregnancy is the skin problem.

Although they are prohibited from using cosmetics due to their chemical content, they could manage their skin problem just by consuming peanuts. Vitamin E and antioxidants will help prevent all skin conditions.

13.- Source of vitamin E

Vitamin E is the reason why a pregnant mother should look good. Vitamin E promotes skin health and makes sure that there is no such skin condition that the mother has to face.

Therefore, they could focus on her pregnancy instead of giving birth to a healthy baby.

14.- Great source of omega 3 fatty acids

If you think that fish is not your friend during pregnancy but you know that you need a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, you could replace fish with peanuts because they contain quite high healthy fats.

15.- Excellent source of vitamin B complex

In the table above you can see the high content of vitamin B found in peanuts per 100 grams. Most of them could satisfy almost half of the daily intake of vitamin B.

16.- Contains powerful antioxidants

Antioxidants are not only a solution against cancer, but during pregnancy, antioxidants could help the mother to maintain her immune system so that she doesn’t get sick easily.

17.- Rich in minerals

Looking for a quick fix to meet your daily mineral intake during pregnancy, peanuts are the answer.

You could see the nutritional table above about the value of minerals found in peanuts. 100 grams of peanuts are capable of satisfying half of the daily intake of minerals that your body needs.

18.- Super healthy sandwich

Well, during pregnancy you need to make sure that you consume enough food to ensure the optimal development of the fetus. Add peanuts to your daily diet because they are the super healthy snack that everyone loves.

Peanut Precautions

Peanuts may be packed with vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that are beneficial during pregnancy.

The list of benefits of peanuts during pregnancy mentioned above are scientifically proven facts. However, there are still some precautions about peanuts that you should be aware of as well.

Allergic reaction is one of the common things that can happen when peanuts are consumed. If a mother has ever been diagnosed as allergic to peanuts, she should not eat them.

Some studies also claim, that too many peanuts consumed during pregnancy could increase the risk of allergic reaction to the baby when they were born. Therefore, it is better to consume it in moderate amounts.

Peanut butter can be delicious, but it is recommended to consume it in its real form, as peanut butter has been through some processing and care must be taken with the amount of refined sugar in peanut butter.

Be careful with salty peanut snacks too because they can be delicious to eat during pregnancy, but salt contains sodium that could increase your blood pressure level. High blood pressure during pregnancy can be fatal.

Peanuts are healthy snacks that mothers can add to their daily diet, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when morning sickness is at its worst.

Just by eating peanuts as a snack, you could at least ensure that the baby inside your womb is still getting the nutrients that she needs to develop.

However, you need to keep in mind the precautions mentioned above if you want to reap the full benefits of peanuts during pregnancy and not the other way around.

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10 shocking health benefits of Arugula

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