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Dr. Lomax and Dr. Hawkins of Ultimaxx Health and Sean James of Sean James Student Athlete Academy featured on Sirius Radio The Maggie Linton Show, discussing the Painkiller Epidemic. Back...

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Dr. Lomax and Dr. Hawkins of Ultimaxx Health and Sean James of Sean James Student Athlete Academy featured on Sirius Radio The Maggie Linton Show, discussing the Painkiller Epidemic.

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In order to consistently perform at a high level an intense physical training regimen is generally required. Physical discomfort is a typical byproduct. Current pain management options have been non-optimal...

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In order to consistently perform at a high level an intense physical training regimen is generally required. Physical discomfort is a typical byproduct. Current pain management options have been non-optimal e.g. prescription opioids, NSAID’s, acetaminophen, ointments etc. some which have significant adverse side-effects e.g. gastrointestinal bleeding, heart attacks, liver and kidney failure, addiction, overdose and death; therefore, a more natural approach is preferable. Dietary supplements and natural remedies for pain, inflammation, muscle relaxation, immune support etc. have existed for centuries and historically been known to have excellent safety profiles. Evidence-based efficacy studies comparing them to their prescription and OTC counterparts, however, has been lacking. The active ingredients of many medications originate from a plant source but when they are artificially synthesized they lose the protective characteristics of the originating plant.

We hypothesized that a natural pain relief supplement derived from synergistic plant ingredients e.g. extracts from specific roots, bark, whole plant, fruits etc. could provide safe, effective pain relief of fast onset and long duration of action. Furthermore, because of the ingredients synergy it could also potentially provide immune support and be a natural source of energy. We tested this hypothesis in an open label fashion over 6 months in healthy volunteers with various forms of acute and chronic discomfort. The results of the study indicated that this natural pain relief formulation was very effective at providing fast, lasting pain relief e.g. muscle, joint, headaches etc. and was well tolerated. Participants also indicated that during the study they had reduced incidence of general illness and felt a consistent boost of energy when they used the supplement, allowing them to train longer, with more intensity and without fatigue. We concluded that the proper plant based formulation can offer safe, effective natural pain relief and optimize human performance without the risks associated with prescription and OTC pain medication and from banned substances. LEVARE®  represents a potential major breakthrough in natural pain relief and human performance optimization, therefore, larger randomized studies are being planned and implemented.

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Refers to a variety of psychological disorders, usually temporary but sometimes permanent, resulting from exhaustion, the stress of combat, or the cumulative emotions and psychological strain of warfare or other...

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Refers to a variety of psychological disorders, usually temporary but sometimes permanent, resulting from exhaustion, the stress of combat, or the cumulative emotions and psychological strain of warfare or other traumatic situations. It is characterized by anxiety, depression, irritability, memory and sleep disorders, and various related symptoms. Also called combat neurosis; war neurosis. See also posttraumatic stress disordershell shock.

“When you were in Baghdad you were going all the time, all day and half the night, the fatigue catches up with you. There are times when I’ve had problems concentrating, I’ll have the 1000-mile stare,”

– Joseph Sharpe, a reservist who recently returned from a year-long deployment to Baghdad.

The lack of sleep, high levels of stress, long deployments, are very stressful on a soldier, even those not in regular fire fights. Some even relied on Red Bull to get through the day. The mental strain of living in a combat environment, referred to as combat stress, doesn’t immediately subside when a soldier returns home. Instead, it is often compounded with the realization that an entire year has gone by and a lot has changed while the soldier was deployed.

More than 15 percent of service members returning from Iraq and 11 percent of service members returning from Afghanistan have met the screening criteria for major depression, generalized anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a study by Col. Charles W. Hoge, a medical doctor at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Modern day antidepressants primarily are theorized to improve neurotransmitter post-synaptic transmission utilizing different mechanisms. Ensuring adequate neurotransmitter synthesis of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine alleviates symptoms of PTSD and depression is of paramount importance. Not surprisingly in combat stress and fatigue these are commonly problematic.

Stress is a major factor that depletes neurotransmitters. When we are stressed our catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine) rise leading to a release of serotonin and GABA to counteract it. If we are constantly under stress and releasing serotonin and GABA we will desensitize to them and they will become depleted. This leaves the catecholamines to run rampant. Excess amounts of catecholamines in our system lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Poor sleep, illness, and excessive heat (all experienced in combat downrange zones) will also deplete serotonin as does cortisol. Cortisol actually damages serotonin receptor sites.

The importance of proper nutrition is often forgotten or underemphasized in modern day Westernized medical care. There is much research that supports the benefits in particular of the essential B vitamins 6, 9 and 12 in neurotransmitter synthesis and thus being helpful in battling depressive symptoms, including fatigue. Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) and Vitamin B12 work closely together in many bodily functions including brain and nerve function, turning food into fuel, and using fats and protein. Therefore it’s often recommended that they be taken together.

The mental changes caused by deficiency of Vitamin B12 can rise from difficulty in concentrating or remembering, mental fatigue and low moods, to a severe depression, intense agitation etc. These symptoms are often experienced in combat fatigue. Left untreated these can easily lead to depression. Vitamin B6 has a major role in regulating mood disorders and is the most implicated of all the vitamins in the cause and treatment of depression. Low folic acid (Vitamin B9) levels are somewhat common and a deficiency can lead to mental sluggishness, forgetfulness, and irritability.

Ultimately to achieve optimal mental and physical wellness, we need to eat better balanced diets, manage stress and exercise routinely. As the average American diet fails to meet the necessary daily requirements Advyndra® offers a synergistic blend of important amino acids and B vitamins that support neurotransmitter synthesis. Replenish first—strengthen your foundation is the approach. A dietary and nutritional approach that is not addressed via modern day anti-depressants.

Germaine Hawkins, D.O.

Executive VP

Director, Mental Health Division

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