Better Health Benefits with Consumption of EPA and DHA

Sherman Oaks, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2014 -- Omega 3 Fatty Acids are some of the most essential fatty acids that are needed by the human body. And since the body cannot make these or produce these in sufficient amounts by themselves, individuals have to consume them through food. These essential fatty acids are richly found in seafood mostly in tuna, halibut, salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, lake trout, algae, krill, etc. They are also found in nut oils and plants too. These "good" fats are otherwise known as PUFAs or Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids. Unlike saturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids help in improving the brain function and development of brain tissues. These fatty acids appear to lower the risks of cancer, arthritis and most importantly heart diseases. Pregnant mothers should talk to their doctors about including omega-3 fatty in their diet or in a supplement prenatal vitamin in order to reduce infant risk of developing nerve and vision problems. Research also suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of preterm labor.

A deficiency of Omega 3 Fatty Acids may lead to symptoms such as poor memory, mood swings, fatigue, depression, poor concentration, and heart problems. Intake of these acids in the form of food can also reduce inflammation. And hence a Mediterranean diet that includes whole grains, fish and nuts/seeds rich in omega 3 fatty acids, garlic, vegetables, fresh fruits, olive oil and so on can help improve heart health, cognition and mood.

According to psychiatrist Kira Stein MD, director of Los Angeles based West Coast Life Center, "Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce symptoms of depression because they reduce brain inflammation, stabilize brain cell membranes, and influence the production of neurochemicals such as serotonin and dopamine."

Dr. Stein added: "There is mounting evidence that Omega 3 fatty acids can help protect individuals against postpartum depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), and anxiety as well." Deficiency of omega-3 will has also associated been associated with dementia.

Physicians at the The West Coast Life Center commonly prescribe omega 3 fatty acids in addition to psychotherapy and medications, if needed, as a part of their more integrative approach to psychiatry. "If patients do not have a diet rich in fish, seeds and nuts, then they should probably talk to their physician about taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements."

To know more about the wellness center visit website http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com

About http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com
West Coast Life Center, www.westcoastlifecenter.com is an emotional wellness center led by Medical Director, Kira Stein, MD. The wellness center offers various cutting edge treatments and therapies with personalized attention to each and every patient. The institute provides integrative psychiatric care for all their patients.

Media Contact

Kira Stein – MD, APC
Phone: 818-990-590
Website URL: http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gentle Ways to Improve the Quality of Sleep

Sherman Oaks, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/13/2014 -- Insomnia has become a common condition among at least one-third of the population. Around 10% of insomnia sufferers experience chronic insomnia, i.e. longstanding sleeplessness that occurs more then 14 days a month. Insomnia can be experienced by adults as well as children. Studies show that women are more susceptible to this condition than men. Other demographic risk factors for insomnia include older age, lower socioeconomic status, being widowed or separated.

Los Angeles psychiatrist and director of the West Coast Life Center Kira Stein MD points that "stress, poor sleep habits, evening exercise, exposure to caffeine, certain medications, and bright light from ipads, TVs and computer monitors also increase your chances of insomnia."

Insomnia can lead to serious health issues in future. Increased risk of accidents poses the greatest health risk, as well as chronic gastrointestinal problems and pain conditions. Further, 40% of people suffering from insomnia have one or more other psychiatric disorders. Research is now suggesting that insomnia may be associated with a higher risk of mortality, particularly mortality related to cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle changes as well as routine habits can help alleviate sleepless nights. Stress, trauma, emotional imbalance, unhealthy sleep environment, work shifts, travel time changes, medication, etc. are some of the reasons that contribute to insomnia.

"Sometimes anticipatory anxiety about having a difficult night sets the stage for worsening insomnia," states Dr. Stein, " and so it is not surprising that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be quite effective in managing insomnia without medication."

Dr. Stein also finds that melatonin and magnesium supplementation can help address some aspects of insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland of the brain and performs the duty of improving the sleep-wake cycle in the body. "Melatonin in low doses, usually taken at least an hour before going to bed, can be helpful in people who have problems falling asleep or who suffer from jet lag or work-shift challenges," reports Dr. Stein.

On the other hand, Magnesium can act as a great tool for improving the sleep-wake cycle because it is believed to be a normal and natural muscle relaxant. "If people suffer from muscle tension, I often recommend rubbing topical magnesium oil or gel on the affected muscles at bedtime. Oral Magnesium supplements can be helpful too, but it is important to make sure you are not ingesting more than doctor recommended values of Magnesium as toxic levels can cause significant health problems and complications."

At West Coast Life Center, physicians use tools of integrative medicine to personalize the treatment of insomnia. Such approaches include behavioral modification, talk therapy, nutritional supplementation such as magnesium and melatonin and, when needed and appropriate, prescription medications as well.

To know more about Insomnia treatment visit website http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com

About http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com
West Coast Life Center, www.westcoastlifecenter.com is an emotional wellness center led by Medical Director, Kira Stein, MD. They provide integrative psychiatric care for patients who are suffering with insomnia, anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, ADHD, etc.

Media Contact

Kira Stein MD, APC
Phone: 818-990-5901
Website URL: http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Early Detection Can Help Avoid Memory Problems

Sherman Oaks, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2014 -- Low levels of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is associated with psychiatric disorders, cognitive problems, with brain shrinkage (or "atrophy"), cardiovascular conditions and anemia. The body might not adequately absorb this nutrient from food sources and hence there can be insufficient blood levels in as many as 1 out of 4 people. Individuals might want to watch for symptoms of low vitamin B12, increase their dietary intake, or opt for B12 supplements. This vitamin is found in various kinds of protein rich food including animal and fish protein.

Certain gastrointestinal conditions, alcoholism, and various medications, as well as ingestion of large quantities of daily coffee can significantly reduce the B vitamin stores in the body. B12 is also known as the micronutrient or energy vitamin that aids in providing instant energy in the body.

Problems with memory, mental fogginess, physical fatigue, etc. are some of the frequent warning signs that one should be watching for. With the deficiency of B12, the tissues in the brain can start shrinking. Individuals who include diet rich in B12 can avoid the risk of Alzheimer's disease in future. One of the major reasons for deficiency is that Vitamin B12 is not that easily absorbed by the body like other supplements. Vegans or vegetarians are more susceptible to this deficiency because they stay away from fish, eggs and meat. However it is abundantly available in milk and other milk products. And hence vegans should be more careful with their diet.

Fatigue, muscle weaknesses, lowered energy levels, sleeping disorders, mood swings, lethargic feeling, depression, lack of motivation, etc. are some of the other symptoms that need to be watched for. One of the major concerns here is that individuals might not feel the deficiency or see the effects anywhere on the body. And that is why it is important that individuals try to watch for B12 deficiency symptoms. If Vitamin B12 blood levels are low, or low-normal, then it is important to increase its levels in order to optimize and protecting the nervous system, mental and overall health. At West Coast Life Center, we take brain balanced nutrition seriously; Our patients benefit from our holistic and cutting-edge approaches to improving mental and physical health.

To know more about various therapies offered here visit www.westcoastlifecenter.com

About http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com
West Coast Life Center, http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com is an emotional wellness center led by Medical Director, Kira Stein, MD. This wellness centers offers many techniques to help patients heal from disorders such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, ADHD, mood disorders and many more.

Media Contact

Kira Stein – MD, APC
Phone: 818-990-590
Website URL: http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Gradual Shift in Sleeping Patterns with Photo Therapy

Sherman Oaks, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2014 -- Sleeping Disorders have become extremely popular amongst different groups of individuals – young, adult and the aged. Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome or DSPS is a condition that shifts a normal sleep pattern to an irregular pattern. Individuals who are suffering from this condition might not fall asleep until midnight hours or they might have extreme trouble waking up at regular hours in the morning. This change in sleep cycle might disturb their regular schedule such as going to school or work. Bright Light Therapy is one such therapy that helps patients manage the sleep rhythm disorders. The therapy is believed to shift the sleeping patterns gradually and bring them to normal mode. Light exposure and the time it is exposed play a critical role during the therapy.

Kira Stein, MD, director of The West Coast Life Center in Los Angeles regularly recommends the use of bright light therapy for depression or sleep phase shift disorder. "Usually this involves placing a special 10,000 Lux, diffused, UV-filtered white light indirectly and at arms length from the patient, immediately after awakening." Sometimes the light is turned on shortly before awakening for the purpose of stimulating dawn; other times is its administered later in the day. A portable visor or a lamp with 5,000-10,000 Lux of white light is used during the light therapy for 30 minutes to 90 minutes either before awakening or at the time of awakening. Sometimes even direct sunlight is also used for treatment. "It is important to be aware that bright light therapy, can trigger mania in people with bipolar disorder," stated Dr. Stein, "but we can adjust the treatments depending upon the condition of the patient." Because of potential complications and risks, it is important to be regularly monitored by a psychiatrist while undergoing bright light therapy.

The success levels depend from one patient to another. Some patients many continue with the Bright Light Therapy for the same amount of time for weeks while others might reduce 15 minutes of the treatment time daily. Some patients might find the difference within a week while others might see the difference during the third or fourth week. The therapy also shows positive effects on seasonal depression. "It has been shown to help cognitive performance and improves the mood of some patients suffering with depression and attention-deficit disorders," added Dr. Stein. It has been found to be very helpful for students who are finding it difficult to concentrate on certain subjects.

To know more about Bright Light Therapy visit http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com

About http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com
West Coast Life Center, www.westcoastlifecenter.com is an emotional wellness center led by Medical Director, Kira Stein, MD. The institute provides a variety of techniques such as talk therapy, bright light therapy, mindfulness meditation, nutritional and medication management and non-invasive brain stimulation.

Media Contact

Kira Stein – MD, APC
Phone: 818-990-590
Website URL: http://www.westcoastlifecenter.com/

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm