Wellness Tips

Aspartame (NutraSweet®) This chemical is at least 4 times sweeter than sugar. You Must Beware: that at 86 degrees aspartame converts to methanol (wood alcohol) which further converts to formaldehyde which is toxic to your brain For persons with a psychotic disorder, even one diet cola can cause hallucinations. Daily use of aspartame is a frequent, and often, undiagnosed cause of headaches and insomnia. If you are trying to cut back on your sugar calories, simply substitute the herb, stevia, in place of sugar or aspartame.    Beware of Hidden Sources of MSG Dr. Russell Blaylock has written a very important book entitled Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. This book is an expose’ on how monosodium glutamate is disguised in our current food supply. MSG is toxic to the brain and should be avoided at all costs by individuals who are suffer symptoms associated with psychosis. It should also be avoided by pregnant women as it has been shown to affect the developing fetal brain. It is commonly masked as hydrolyzed vegetable protein and is the ingredient that adds flavor to fat-free foods.  Other common food additives that are in actuality disguised MSG include Hydrolyzed Protein Hydrolyzed Plant Protein Plant Protein Extract Sodium Caseinate Calcium Caseinate Yeast Extract Textured Protein Autolyzed Yeast Hydrolyzed Oat Flour Additives that frequently contain MSG include: Malt extract Malt Flavoring bouillon Broth Stock Flavoring Natural Flavoring Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring Seasoning Spices Additives that may contain MSG or excitotoxins include: Carrageenan Enzymes Soy Protein Concentrate Soy Protein Isolate Whey Protein Concentrate

Formula for Caffeine Withdrawal Caffeine is a highly addictive substance and needs to be withdrawn gradually. Adhering to the following guidelines will guarantee you a safe withdrawal with minimal discomfort. This protocol must be done in collaboration with your prescriber as you will most likely need a medication dosage decrease during the withdrawal. Do not attempt to withdraw from benzodiazepines or nicotine until you have finished caffeine withdrawal. 1. Calculate daily caffeine intake (see chart that follows). 2. Divide daily amount by 6. 3. Decrease by 1/6 each week for 5 weeks (for example, if total amount is 3000mg eliminate 500mg/day --2 cups of regular coffee). 4. At week 5 decrease by 250mg/day. 5. At week 6 you will be at 250mg day. 6. The ultimate goal is 0 mg of caffeine. 7. At week 2 you will start to notice a greater sedative effect from most medications. 8. At this time you may begin a slow decrease in dose of prescribed medications in collaboration with your doctor or nurse practitioner. 9. Ultimately you may be at 1/2 of previous dose of antipsychotic medication and/or 1/3-1/2 dose of antidepressant.