A Natural Approach To Health
Living With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
I had a question the other day about obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OCD is a type of mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts.
To get rid of the thoughts, a person does the same tasks over and over.
For example, you may fear everything you touch has germs on it.
So to ease the fear, you wash your hands over and over again.
OCD is a long-term illness that can take over your life, hurt your relationships, and limit your ability to work or go to school.
Experts don’t know the exact cause of OCD.
Research suggests there may be a problem with the way one part of the brain sends information to another part.
Symptoms of OCD tend to come and go over time and range from mild to severe.
Anxiety is the most common symptom.
For example, you may have an overall sense something terrible will happen if you don’t do a certain task, like check again and again to see whether the stove is on.
If you fail to check, you may suddenly feel tense or anxious or have a nagging sense you left something undone.
Symptoms of the disorder include:
Obsessions.
These are unwanted thoughts, ideas, and impulses you have again and again.
They won’t go away.
They get in the way of your normal thoughts and cause anxiety or fear.
Examples include:
>A fear of harm to yourself or a loved one.
>A driving need to do things perfectly or correctly.
>A fear of getting dirty or infected.
Compulsions.
These are behaviors you repeat to try to control the obsessions.
Some people have rigid and structured behaviors, while others have very complex behaviors that change.
Examples include:
>Washing, or checking that something has been done.
>Counting, often while doing another compulsive action, like hand-washing.
>Repeating things or always moving items to keep them in perfect order.
>Hoarding.
>Praying.
The obsessions or compulsions usually take up a lot of time (more than 1 hour a day).
Sometimes people may understand their obsessions and compulsions aren’t real.
But other times they may not be sure, or they may believe strongly in their fears.
Treatment includes medicines and counseling.
Using both often works best.
To deal with OCD it’s beneficial to:
*Drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily hydrates body and brain cells and flushes toxins (whether thirsty or not!).
*Review my post on candida.
*Increase essential fats (flax oil, olive oil, Omega-3 oils).
*Increase life-giving, enzyme and nutrient rich, fresh, RAW fruits and veggies (preferably organic); consider fresh juicing.
*Consider hair analysis to determine heavy metal toxicity.
*Support digestion, liver and colon; consider liver and/or colon cleanse; ensure daily (2x) bowel movements.
*Maintain exercise regimen and relaxation techniques.
*Keep brain active; engage in mental activities.
*Increase oxygen; deep breathing exercises, yoga, etc.
*Consider orthomolecular (high dose vitamin) treatment under guidance of qualified practitioner.
*Consider energy medicine, mind/body/spirit techniques.
*Review blood sugar levels and hypoglycemic tendencies.
*Decrease any and all toxic exposures as they can harm brain cells and function.
*Discover “hidden” allergies/sensitivities (food and/or environmental) that may trigger or aggravate the condition.
*Decrease toxic cleaning, laundry and personal care products.
*Decrease indoor and outdoor environmental pollutants/sensitivities.
*Decrease toxins/heavy metals exposure (workplace, hobbies, etc.); avoid aluminum-containing items.
*Decrease hydrogenated and/or trans fat containing products.
*Decrease “lifeless” processed, instant, fast, junk, packaged foods.
*Decrease sugar, white flour products, sweets, etc.
*Decrease dairy and wheat products (check for gluten sensitivity).
*Decrease chemical additives, preservatives, pesticides in foods.
*Avoid MSG and all artificial sweeteners as they are neurotoxins.
*Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine.
*Consider effects of metal dental amalgams and other dental work; consult a holistic dentist.
*Research effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF); cell phones, computers, wireless devices, etc.
Recommendations:
It is essential to use: VitaLea, Protein, B-Complex, Mental Acuity, Optiflora, VitalMag, Lecithin, OmegaGuard, Vitamin D.
It is important to use: Vivix, DTX, Herb-Lax, Zinc, Alfalfa, Stress Relief Complex, CoQHeart.
It is beneficial to use: CorEnergy, Garlic, Glucose Regulation Complex, Gentle Sleep Complex.
email: lenayphillipps@gmail.com
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