Curated Paper 2

 After reading the first file of the Brain Module called "Brain and Mental Disorders," I re-learned and discovered a lot of new information, especially concerning physiological disorders and illnesses, rather than personality and developmental ones. The first disease discussed was Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Although I knew it could significantly impact an individual, I did not remember that the cause of MS is unknown. I found it intriguing that the disease's effects can vary based on geographic location, though this factor becomes less significant after the age of 15.

The next disease covered was Huntington's disease, which progresses more rapidly than MS. This rapid progression is due to genetic and coding errors. The symptoms of Huntington's are diverse, ranging from personality changes to motor skill difficulties. Considering the assignment questions, I find it challenging to comprehend how brain injuries affect individuals because the brain controls so much and is incredibly intricate. It's astonishing to think that a person’s entire personality can change or they can lose significant physical abilities. Brain injuries can lead to symptoms like mood changes, sensory loss, and movement impairment. The case study "No Longer Gage" exemplified this, showing how a brain injury to the left frontal lobe drastically altered Phineas Gage's personality. Unlike typical injuries, brain injuries don't heal in the same way, making each one unique and difficult to understand. Even similar injuries can result in different symptoms due to the brain's complexity. 

Continuing with the files on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other personality disorders, I learned about the high-risk groups for these injuries: males aged 15-24, substance abusers, infants, the elderly, and individuals with prior brain injuries. Causes of TBIs include car accidents, head injuries (both open and closed), hypoxia, blast forces, concussions, tumors, infections, strokes, and chemical exposure.

It was particularly interesting that people with TBIs struggle most with recognizing intense emotions like anger, fear, sadness, and disgust. These emotions might be more complex, but what defines an emotion as complex?

Regarding the question about how TBIs can affect health balance, the effects are substantial. TBIs can lead to a range of symptoms, from physical impairments to personality changes. The brain regulates hormone levels, so an injury can disrupt this balance and potentially lead to personality disorders due to these imbalances. Many illnesses worsen due to body imbalances, and TBIs contribute to this.

The case of Henry Molaison, who lost his ability to retain memories following brain surgery, highlights the brain's complexity. This case is particularly unsettling because it shows how fragile our memories are, stored in tissue and a complex structure that, if damaged, can erase significant parts of our identity.

After watching the TedEd video on drugs, I realised that most people, including myself, trust what we put into our bodies without fully understanding it. This made me reflect on Ayurveda and whether the substances I consume help maintain my physical, emotional, and mental balance. I’m not sure I would even recognize if I were reacting negatively to something. 

Drugs interact with our brain's synapses and neurons, transmitting specific messages. Neurotransmitters either inhibit or excite neurons, facilitating new transmissions or chemicals. For instance, SSRIs, common antidepressants, prevent the reabsorption of serotonin, which modulates mood. I learned new information about illicit drugs as well; crystal meth induces prolonged dopamine release, cocaine blocks dopamine and serotonin reuptake, and hallucinogens block serotonin release, all affecting mood and behaviour.

The paper "Ayurveda and Natural Products Drug Discovery" revealed that natural medicines in places like India are integrated with Ayurveda and not stigmatised as they might be in the U.S., given our opioid crisis. I believe combining Ayurveda principles with modern science and medicine could be the best approach, potentially reducing addiction problems associated with pharmaceutical drugs while enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Now to add to all of these journal entries and things that I have learned and also read about I wanted to include ways that these topics relate to psychology, economics and sociology. The first one that I will bring into discussion about connections is how topics with the brain and drugs can relate to psychology. Psychology is the study and understanding of certain mental aspects and behaviours within humans, and can even be in other animals. Of course the brain has a huge part to play into psychology and understanding mental states and behaviours of others. With the earlier discussion of TBI’s, this can absolutely change the psychology of an individual. These injuries have been shown to change behaviour, mental states and even in extreme cases, personality. That was shown with the case earlier in this entry with Henry Molaison and the effects of his brain injury. Even without a serious trigger like a TBI, could a person undergo even slight changes in their psychology based on things like chemical imbalances? This leads into the discussion of how drugs can affect the psychology of a person or chemical balances. Stated earlier it was said that drugs react with our synapses and neurons which help with signalling and the intake or release of certain hormones. Mostly everyone is familiar with medications for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and ect. We are also aware that these drugs are able to help remedy and allow someone to live with these mental health things safely because it helps balance the chemicals in our brain and certain intake or release. I would be curious if there are effects that are not so large but that can play into a person's psychology? Even with that out of the question we know for sure that these medications help change a person's psychology for a more positive outcome. 

Within the realm of sociology which is the study of human behavior in society and patterns or interactions with these fields I wanted to share my opinions on how it connects to the topics of the brain and drugs. Of course the obvious is what was discussed earlier with it changing our behaviours but I wanted to make connections with more societal stereotypes and views with the society portion. About 60% of Americans who are at the age of 18 or over reported that they were using at least 1 type of prescribed medication. That is a huge portion which also gives room for societal stereotypes. There are some stereotypes that see prescribed  medication as unhealthy and bad or they may even see the individual in a more negative light simply because of prescribed medications. With that large portion of just american citizens reporting to be using a prescribed medication, this leads into the connections of how economics relates to this. Most prescribed medications are on the more expensive side especially if you are having to pay out of pocket for these. With this money spending it pumps financials into the pharmaceutical world and provides mass amounts of money from people spending it on medications. In the U.S alone it is estimated that prescription drugs bring in around 60 billion dollars annually into our economics. That number alone is a massive number and is not the world annual money amount. 

All three of these topics that are Psychology, Sociology and Economics can play huge parts into the Drug Research Industry as well as information about the brain such as traumatic brain injuries that were discussed in this paper. 

Curated Paper 2

As an individual currently working within the medical community, and as one who has aspirations to further establish a career in medicine, I have been exposed to a range of concerns regarding the health of individuals and the overall population. These concerns, while appearing seemingly straightforward from an external perspective, are oftentimes complex and multifaceted upon closer examination. It is through my personal experiences, academic endeavors, and independent research that I have begun to develop the tools necessary to view and address these complex matters with a broadened viewpoint. This course in particular highlights the importance of broadening one’s perspective by using an “ayurvedic lens”. In doing so, the less apparent components of complicated issues are made visible. The focus of my recent journaling has been to investigate proposed topics through an ayurvedic lens. The topics include cancer and therapeutic drugs. These fields of study introduce distinct considerations for various related disciplines, professionals, and involved individuals. The following paragraphs will discuss them in greater detail.

Unfortunately, cancer is not an unfamiliar word to most. Many of us personally know individuals who are battling – or have battled – the disease. The prevalence of cancer diagnoses within the population are rapidly increasing. What I find exceptionally alarming is that the average age of the individual receiving a cancer diagnosis is decreasing (American Cancer Society, 2024). This poses some serious concerns for our society. Some policies and procedures have recently been altered in an attempt to combat these statistics. Previously, the recommended age for receiving a preventative colonoscopy screening was 50 years old for the average risk individual. However, in May of 2021, this recommendation was decreased to 45 years old. The change was initiated by an accredited panel of medical professionals due to the increased prevalence of colon cancers in younger adults. This could be viewed as one step in the right direction. Increased screening allows for medical providers to catch abnormalities sooner and potentially treat before significant damage occurs. The question is, is this enough? Are we looking at the issue at hand through the right perspective?

While it is advantageous to implement heightened screening measures, the benefits are limited. In order to develop a more effective approach to addressing the larger concern, we might take a step back and examine the problem as a whole. In a prior course on cell and molecular biology, we explored the chemical and metabolic structures associated with cancer in great detail. It is beyond the scope of this paper to discuss these details. However, a concise summary provides insight to the reader. Cancer is most oftentimes caused by complex interactions between genes and the environment. It is a disease that occurs due to a mutation that causes a dysfunctional regulatory mechanism of sorts. In understanding this, we might be able to intervene sooner in a more preventative manner. It would be beneficial to more deeply investigate the environments in which certain cancers are most prevalent. Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the importance of considering the individuality and uniqueness of each individual when treating. A better understanding of an individual's environment, culture, and history might provide insight as to what is causing ailment. This approach encourages a treatment of disease that stems from the root cause.

Western medicine and modern technological advances have truly revolutionized the level of care we are able to provide within our societies. Particularly, significant advancements within the realm of pharmaceuticals have permanently altered the way treatment is provided. There is a vast market of therapeutic agents available, and these biomolecules improve the quality of life for millions. The vast majority of drugs are designed to mimic a highly specific structure that might interact with highly specific biological targets. Depending on the desired outcome of the drug, there are different downstream effects. As I have learned in every biochemistry related course structure confers function and reactivity! Ultimately, there is absolutely no question that the increased research in drug development has provided immense benefits to society. However, this is not to undermine the implicated ethical, financial, and safety concerns that have also arisen as a result. There are a slew of considerations that must be taken into account by those designing, prescribing, taking, and administering pharmaceuticals. As part of my journaling, it was my intention to pick a commonly prescribed drug and dive deeper into some of these considerations.

Clinical depression affects over 250 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common mental illnesses (James et al, 2017). In correspondence with this statistic, one might imagine that antidepressants are a frequently prescribed medication. There are few different types of antidepressants that are available within the market, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being some of the most common. These antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) after serotonergic neurons release the neurotransmitter. Serotonergic neurons function to regulate mood, improve cognitive function, proper motor functioning, and mediate the sleep wake cycle. The desired outcome of prescribing SSRIs is to increase the concentration of free serotonin within the synaptic cleft and throughout the body. In doing this, there should be serotonin available to bind and stimulate 5-HT receptors. In 2024, the CDC estimated that approximately 13% of adults living in the U.S. are taking prescribed SSRIs. This percentage equates to a significant number of individuals who take these medications.

With the sheer amount of individuals that use SSRIs, it is important for our society to have a concrete understanding of the potential implications of these drugs. This includes potential implications for the individual, and for the greater population. Fortunately, there is a wide body of research and evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of SSRIs. SSRIs have been approved for the use of treating major depressive disorders since 1987. With that math, the general population has been prescribed SSRIs for a little less than 40 years. Is this time sufficient to adequately understand absolutely all potential risks associated with SSRIs? Some might contend that it is not, and they are not unreasonable in their thinking. It takes YEARS to thoroughly comprehend associated risks with drug usage. As a society, we have failed numerous times in the past to properly research therapeutic agents before prescribing them to the general population. A historical incident that is commonly taught in organic chemistry courses illustrates the severe consequences that result from procedural and policy failure is the thalidomide enantiomer incident. Insufficient research and testing of a new nausea medication led to detrimental birth defects occurring in somewhere between 10,000-100,000 babies of mothers who took the drug. When incidents such as these occur, it is devastating. We must use them to continue developing meticulous screening measures and updated regulations. Nevertheless, I do believe that our research database regarding SSRIs is extensive. That being said, as society and technology continue to advance, new research and findings will continue to surface and provide us with additional insights.

The Effect Disease, Injury, and Drugs Have on the Brain - Curated Paper 2

 The Effect Disease, Injury, and Drugs Have on the Brain

The brain is likely the most complex organ in the body, constructed of roughly 100 billion nerve cells that communicate with each other via synapses between each cell.  The brain comprises several parts including the cortex, brain stem, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and four lobes.  The frontal lobe is responsible for problem-solving and intellectual activities, while the parietal lobe senses pain and conducts visual functions.  The temporal lobe stores visual and auditory memory and the occipital lobe’s duty is to recognize colors, words, and movement.  The cerebellum is divided into two halves and controls essential bodily functions such as balance and coordination.     

The brain is also divided down the middle, composing a left and right side, that control different aspects of the mind and body and are connected by bundles of nerve fibers called corpus callosum.  These two parts are covered in wrinkles, referred to as the cerebrum, which accounts for a major portion of the brain and determines intelligence.  Underneath the cerebrum is the portion of the brain that controls emotions.  Not every individual has an equal amount of cerebrum, as the more surface area on the brain directly correlates with one’s intelligence capabilities.  Due to the variance of the cerebrum, brain injuries, mental disorders, and drug use can affect individuals variably. 

Mental disorders come in many varieties including those of a neurological, personality, or developmental nature.  One of these disorders is MS, a slow and progressive neurological disease, that affects the brain and spinal cord.  It is characterized by weakness in an arm or leg, vertigo, neuropathic pain, visual disturbances, and paresthesias.  The cause is unknown, but the disease usually develops between 20-40 years old and is more prevalent in women.  

Huntington’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that onsets quickly and leads to dementia.  The symptoms consist of alterations in character, mood, memory, attention, and control of motor movements.  It is a genetic disease caused when an individual inherits an autosomal dominant allele.  It leads to an accumulation of an abnormal protein, rather than the normal Huntingtin protein, which causes neurological changes.  

Other diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease, can also lead to dementia disorders.  Alzheimer’s disease has no known cause, but evidence shows it’s somewhat heritable and it is typically an umbrella term for symptoms characterizing several different brain diseases.  People with this condition suffer from memory problems, poor judgment, and difficulties with thinking and reasoning. While Alzheimer’s disease leads to dementia disorders, other diseases such as stroke, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Korsakoff’s syndrome can as well. Dementia disorders are characterized by a deterioration of intellectual abilities including memory, concentration, judgment, personality changes, and emotional instability.  While dementia disorders are progressive diseases usually developing towards the end of life, some neurological diseases occur early in life. 

Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disease that destroys the entire nervous system and is extremely rare.  It causes progressive deterioration of nerve cells, mental abilities, and physical abilities that are most commonly diagnosed around 6 months of age and usually results in death by age 2.  The symptoms include deafness, blindness, decreased muscle tone, paralysis, and delayed mental development.  The disease is a result of a frameshift mutation caused by an accumulation of gangliosides in nerve cells due to a lack of Hexosaminidase A enzyme.  Although there is no cure for Tay-Sachs disease, treatment is available to make the individual as comfortable as possible including medication and respiratory care.  

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can also significantly affect one’s life by creating an impairment of cognitive and physical abilities as well as consciousness.  For example, in 1848 a man named Phineas Gage had a significant brain injury where a tamping iron passed through the left frontal lobe.  He experienced personality changes such as impatience, stubbornness, and lack of respect for others.  Many TBIs lead to behavioral and personality changes, roughly 62%-67% and 60%-80% respectively.  

TBIs are very common, with nearly 1.4 million Americans receiving one annually.  Most TBIs are a result of accidents and head trauma but they can also occur from chemicals, tumors, and infections.  These injuries do not heal like other injuries and affect individuals very differently.  They can impact an individual's ability to function in daily life including with family, work, friends, and community due to changes in personality or permanent disability.  The major changes in personality include aggression, apathy, paranoia, disinhibition, and increased risks of psychiatric disorders. 

While psychiatric disorders may result from traumatic brain injuries but can develop independently.  Studies show that they may develop from a combination of genetic and environmental influences.  One study on antisocial personality disorder confirmed that a genetic condition compounded with an unfavorable environment was required for the disease to develop, as certain experiences are capable of permanently changing the brain.  Experiences such as early abuse, trauma, and neglect are common factors in many cases of personality disorders.  

While many mental disorders can be treated with medication or other courses, some methods may be successful but can deeply affect ayurveda in the body.  For example, a man named Henry Molaison underwent a lobectomy to remove his hippocampus in an attempt to stop recurring seizures.  While the seizures did subside, Henry’s memories were erased and he was unable to retain new information.  Although the surgery solved his original problem, it created new problems and unbalanced his ayurveda because he had lost his mind capabilities or connection with his “soul”.  

Drugs also have a tremendous effect on the brain and ayurveda of the body.  Drugs are small molecules that can affect bodily pathways, change the way neurons function, and alter how they send, receive, and process information and signals.  Some drugs mimic chemical structures of naturally-occurring neurotransmitters in the body and thus can activate certain receptors, although, not in the same way as natural neurotransmitters.  Others can cause the neurons to produce abnormal amounts of natural transmitters disrupting normal functioning.  While many times illegal drugs produce these side effects in a more obvious way, prescription drugs can also affect the balance or ayurveda of the brain. 

For drugs to reach the brain via the bloodstream, they must pass the blood-brain barrier first.  The blood-brain barrier separates blood from the nervous system to keep potentially harmful substances out.  Due to this mechanism, drugs must have a composition that acts as a key to pass through, enter neurons, and affect synaptic transmissions.  Once entered, the drugs can either inhibit or excite neurons and the neurotransmitters produced from this interaction are either reabsorbed by the neurons or disintegrate.  The effectiveness of a drug is based on its ability to affect synaptic transmissions, eventually leading to an increase or decrease of neurotransmitters. 

While we are aware of the effects legal drugs have on the brain, illegal drugs have powerful effects that are not fully understood.  Substances like meth and other amphetamines create a long-lasting dose of dopamine which promotes the perception of reward and pleasure while cocaine blocks the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin, allowing more to enter the nervous system and produce energy boosts and feelings of euphoria.  Hallucinogenic drugs produce the most complex side effects by blocking the release of serotonin and affecting the neural circuits responsible for learning, perception, and behavioral regulation.  Drugs can easily hijack the brain’s reward system by immediately boosting dopamine and tricking the body into believing it has survival value, leading to drug-seeking behaviors, craving, and dependence.  

Repeated use of drugs, especially illegal ones, can result in dangerous and permanent changes in the brain.  The brain can be rewired and affect cognitive abilities such as thinking, learning, memory, and decision-making.  Repeated drug use can also lead to addiction, a debilitating disease that causes the user to compulsively use the drug regardless of harmful costs on oneself including health risks and loss of control of one’s life.  Taking multiple drugs at one time can also result in interactions, either causing the drug’s effect to be canceled out (antagonism) or enhanced (synergism).  These can lead to serious short- and long-term side effects such as dizziness, nausea, or liver damage.  Additionally, drugs may contain harmful impurities that introduce more health risks.  

Drugs also target areas of the brain that are associated with impulsivity, such as the amygdala.  This is significant because while adults rely on the frontal cortex for decision-making, adolescents use the amygdala which usually produces reactions rather than rational thoughts and considerations.  While immature brains are associated with impulsivity, drug use can also rewire the brain to regress to this state or stunt development when taken at a young age before the frontal cortex has fully developed.  Additionally, using certain neurons repeatedly will increase retainment of them and is critical to how the brain will develop.  When neurons are used during repeated activities such as reading, sports, and music, they influence development and guide the structure of the brain.  The same can apply to activities like using drugs, making it more difficult to break drug abuse habits.  

Clearly, drug abuse can lead to serious complications and disrupt the ayurveda of the brain and body.  It can not only delay or affect the proper development and function of the brain but also cause mental imbalances that affect the “soul” aspect of the Ayurveda approach.  Prolonged drug abuse can also increase the risk of other health issues, such as malnutrition, liver and heart disease, mental disorders, dental issues, and life-threatening withdrawal.  Additionally, traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disorders can wreak havoc on an individual's life by compromising their daily functioning and health, although there is still much to learn on how these affect the brain.  It is unknown why TBIs may lead to mental disease as the exact mechanism has not been discovered yet, although, inflammation and the autonomic nervous system response is speculated.  While these may be contributing factors, the variance among individuals’ brains must also be accounted for when considering the possible lasting consequences of a TBI or prolonged drug abuse.  

References

Gabbard, G. O. (2005). Mind, brain, and personality disorders. American Journal Psychiatry, 162(4), 648-655. 

Hazelden Betty Ford. (2021). The brain disease model of addiction. Butler Center for Research. doi: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/research-studies/addiction-research/brain-disease-model#:~:text=Brain%20areas%20affected%20by%20drug,amydala%2C%20and%20the%20prefrontal%20cortex. 

Mayo Clinic. (2024). Tay-sachs disease. Diseases & Conditions. doi: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tay-sachs-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378193#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20cure%20for,infections%20that%20cause%20breathing%20problems. 

NIH. (2024). Addiction and health. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. doi: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health 

Patwardhan, B., Vaidya, A. D. B., & Chorghade, M. (2004). Ayurveda and natural products drug discovery. Current Science, 86(6), 789-799. 

Pfaller, A. Y., Nelson, L. D., Apps, J. N., Walter, K. D., & McCrea, M. A. (2016). Outcomes of a symptom-free waiting period after sport-related concussion.  The American Journal of Sports Medicine, XX(X), 1-6. 

Ayurveda, Metabolism, and Diabetes — Curated Paper 1

Ayurveda — 

Ayurveda, pronounced like ai-yr-vay-duh, is one of the oldest medical systems (EBSCO CAM Review Board, 2022; Jaiswal & Williams, 2016). Ayurvedic medicine originated in India over 3,000 years ago and is considered to be a type of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) (Chopra & Doiphode, 2002). The general belief is that a perfect balance between the human body and nature needs to be maintained to be healthy, and that imbalances cause disease (Jaiswal & Williams, 2016).

Diabetes — 

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body can’t control its glucose levels. Too much glucose in your bloodstream can lead to health problems. There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In both of these types we can see examples of imbalance. It is a leading cause of death and causes a large economic burden (Parker et al., 2024; WHO, 2009). In this I am going to discuss how the Traditional Medicine Ayurveda, handles the imbalances that come with diabetes.

What is Ayurveda? — a little history lesson

Ayurveda, from Sanskrit, Ayur or Ayus meaning life and Veda meaning (sacred) knowledge or science (Chopra & Doiphode, 2002). For thousands of years Ayurvedic medicine was solely passed down verbally, and then it was later preserved in Sanskrit. The goal of at least Ancient Ayurveda was to promote health and not to fight disease (Chopra & Doiphode, 2002). 

What are the key elements? — Philosophy Basics

Ayurveda is the belief that our universe is linked with all living and nonliving matter, a belief in a “universal interconnectedness”. In Ayurveda it is thought that the universe is made up of 5 elements: water, earth, fire, air, and lastly ether (or space). These 5 elements form 3 main doshas (or humors). These are the Vata dosha, Pitta dosha, and Kapha dosha as a collective called Tridoshas. The 3 doshas are thought to control our basic physiological functions. Pitta controls digestion and metabolism, Kapha forms body structures, and Vata controls movement (Jaiswal & Williams, 2016).

Treatments and therapies? — In Practice 

            Ayurveda treatment is highly personalized and is tailored directly to the individual. Different methods are incorporated depending on which doshas are out of balance, and whether they are in excess or deficit. In practice these methods are often different diets, with specific foods to strengthen or weaken a specific dosha. The use of herbs is also common. Yoga, meditation and massage are other main practices (EBSCO CAM Review Board, 2022).

Concept of balance? — Mind, Body Spirit

The overall idea is a balance between our environment, mind, body, and spirit. An imbalance in this system is thought to cause illnesses or diseases. For example, excess kapha would be the cause of obesity and diabetes. For a healthy body balance must be maintained. The goal of treatment is to aid and maintain balance and to prevent and cure disease. (Jaiswal & Williams, 2016; Chopra & Doiphode, 2002). 

Personal Thoughts, Initial Beliefs — Ayurveda 

As a kid from Small Town USA, I was raised with only western medicine and did not know much about traditional medicine. I remember stumbling upon different traditional medicine practices and being surprised, like during the 2016 Michael Phelps cupping scandal or the 2019 Try Guys (former Buzz-feed friends turned YouTubers) acupuncture video. In my experience traditional medicine was almost always only used to generate this sensationalism. Well, it worked, and that sensationalism piqued my curiosity regarding traditional medicine. 

I am intrigued by this concept of “universal interconnectedness”. I think that in general a lot of health issues can come from imbalances, and I would have to agree that there is a deep connection between each of our bodies systems and our body with the environment. I think we can all agree a lot of issues come from imbalances and that our body loves to be in balance.

As I continue to learn I continue to realize the importance of balance in our systems. It is amazing how everything works so perfectly together on a large scale, but also on an atomic scale. It really is beautiful.

Most of my academic work has been done researching plants and insects, and when I have looked at how systems work together, I've realized, everything plays a role, everything is interconnected. The mosquitos I hate, are not just pests put here by a higher power for our misery, they are bird food, their larvae, fish food, and the males not only do not bite, but they are massive pollinators.

There is this idea of “everything in moderation” and I feel like that is the same essence as Ayurveda. Sleep but not too much, not too little. Eat, but with a balanced diet. Sugar is not inherently unhealthy, glucose spikes are. Have fun, but don’t have fun 24/7. Work, but do not work your life away. It feels like life is all about this tug and pull, it’s about finding a balance in everything we do. 

Diabetes —

Type 1 diabetes is presented suddenly, usually in young kids. They are not usually obese, and it is generally less prevalent. Where type 2 is gradual in its onset, occurs mostly in adults, they are often obese, and it is more prevalent is 90-95% of U.S diabetics having type 2. 

The overall process that happens with diabetes goes like this: when we fast, our liver produces glucose from glycogen and it’s then released into our blood, this is prompted by specific hormones. Then when we eat, glucose is released from metabolism and liver production is inhibited. There is a careful balance in pathways to control glucose levels. Hormones play an important role. Insulin and glucagon are major hormone players here. Their levels dictate the action of cells and organs. Insulin signals cells to make glucose transporters that then let the cell take up glucose Insulin and glucagon are antagonists. Imbalance can occur in this system though. When insulin levels are unbalanced, cells can't properly uptake or metabolize glucose, so glucose levels increase in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia. So basically, the cells starve in the middle of sugar hot spots, glucagon then sends even more sugar into the bloodstream. 

T1DM and T2DM

T1DM is a slowly progressive T-cell mediated autoimmune illness. Here we see a destruction of beta-cells. Some causes of T1DM are autoimmune diseases, endocrine disease, hereditary predisposition, damage or removal of the pancreas, viruses and infections, drugs and chemical toxins, and unfavorable environmental factors. Genetics and immune function play a larger role in development of T1DM.

With T2DM we see insulin resistances leading to reduced insulin production. Some T2DM modifiable risk factors are physical inactivity, high body fat or weight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Some non-modifiable risk factors for T2DM are race and ethnicity, people older than 45, and family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes. Obesity is a huge driver in type 2 progression and non-caucasian races are more likely to get T2DM.

Impact — Microvascular, macrovascular, economics, social

Diabetes causes major complications. Some microvascular conditions with the eyes, kidneys, and neuropathy. As well as some macrovascular complications regarding the brain, heart, and extremities. As of 2021 in the United States 8.5% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes. In 2013 diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in the world. In 2017 the estimated economic burden of diabetes was $327 billion USD, $237 billion are attributed to direct medical costs (Parker et al., 2024; WHO, 2009). 

Ayurveda and Diabetes —

Diabetes can highlight the importance of balance of a system in numerous ways. There are multiple pathways and organs that can be affected by diabetes. If these pathways are imbalanced, it can lead to health issues. Some of the organs that can be affected are adipose, muscle, liver, brain, colon, microbiome, immune system, stomach, small intestine, and the kidneys. 

As diabetes is a system that is considered to be imbalanced, it makes sense that Ayurveda has attempted to manage this imbalance. There are multiple herbs that have been used for diabetes like fenugreek and gymnema. In one study an herbal concoction called Diabecon was used as therapy and the results reflected that it was “modestly helpful. In multiple animal studies another concoction of herbs called pancreas tonic, had indications that this formula might offer benefit regarding diabetes. A study with people was conducted and results indicated that it could help improve blood sugar control (EBSCO CAM Review Board, 2022). While some studies suggest that Ayurvedic therapies may help manage T2DM symptoms, another paper points out that most of these trials are small or have errors in their design. There are claims that there is not a ton of scientific evidence supporting Ayurveda’s claimed value for some health issues (NCCIH, 2018). It is important to note that scientific evidence for effectiveness is inconclusive, and as the treatments with Ayurvedic are personal it is difficult to conduct studies (USDA et al., 2013).

Overall, though, the idea of Ayurvedic and balance is not inherently incorrect. The T2DM modifiable risk factors, physical inactivity, high body fat or weight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, could all be changed with change in diet and exercise/yoga. So, while herbs may not be a sure solution, I feel like the idea of balance in one's life is accurate. If we were perfectly balanced, as the Ayurvedic method suggests we should be, then in theory our health, and therefore diabetes would be balanced. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

American Diabetes Association. (2013). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2012. Diabetes Care, 36(4), 1033–1046. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc12-2625

Chopra, A., & Doiphode, V. V. (2002). Ayurvedic medicine: core concept, therapeutic principles, and current relevance. Medical Clinics of North America, 86(1), 75–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0025-7125(03)00073-7

EBSCO CAM Review Board. (2022). Ayurveda. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.; EBSCO. https://research-ebsco-com.proxy.li.suu.edu:2443/linkprocessor/plink?id=3f98a859-0323-308e-9c60-c4a723452648

Jaiswal, Y., & Williams, L. (2016). Review article A glimpse of Ayurveda the forgotten history and principles of Indian traditional medicine. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 7(1), 1–4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411016000250?via%3Dihub

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, & U.S Department of Health and Human Services. (2013). Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction. Stetson. https://www.stetson.edu/law/academics/advocacy/pretrial/media/NPTC%202%20Exhibit%20G.pdf

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2018, December). Ayurvedic medicine: In depth. Nccih.nih.gov; NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayuirvedic-medicine-in-depth

Pandey, M. M., Rastogi, S., & Rawat, A. K. S. (2013). Indian Traditional Ayurvedic System of Medicine and Nutritional Supplementation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013(1), 1–12. online-library. wiley. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/376327

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World Health Organization. (2009). Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. In iris.who.int. World Health Organization.

 Before starting this entry, I had never heard of Ayurveda. After looking it up, I learned that Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on the balance between a person and their environment, as well as their physical, mental, and spiritual health. The term "Ayurveda" comes from the Sanskrit words "ayur" (life) and "veda" (knowledge), translating to "knowledge of life." Ayurveda promotes the idea that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between mind, body, and spirit. Its primary goal is to promote good health, not fight disease. Treatments in Ayurveda are personalized, often involving diet, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, and physical therapy. Research into Ayurveda has shown promising results in various areas. For example, studies have indicated that Ayurvedic practices can help manage chronic diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The use of Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Triphala has been supported by modern research for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptogenic properties. Yoga and meditation, integral components of Ayurveda, have been widely recognized for their benefits in reducing stress and improving mental health. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet tailored to an individual's constitution or "dosha" (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Research has shown that personalized dietary recommendations can help manage weight, improve digestion, and boost overall health. Ayurveda hypothesizes that an imbalance in the body, stress, or exposure to negative surroundings can physically affect a person's health. For instance, stress is considered a significant factor in various diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. Ayurvedic practices aim to restore balance and harmony within the body, which, in turn, supports the body's natural healing processes. I can personally see myself agreeing with and following these ideals with further research and knowledge. Even without delving deeply into Ayurveda, I have always believed that an individual's environment can significantly impact their medical, mental, and emotional well-being. Many illnesses, including chronic ones, can be worsened or triggered by stress. Medical issues can also arise when a person is not balanced in terms of nutrition or hormone levels. For instance, when I was diagnosed with costochondritis, my doctor mentioned that while there is no exact cause, stress can significantly contribute to inflammation in the body. I am interested in learning more about Ayurveda and have set goals to achieve better balance in my physical and mental life. I believe that some Ayurvedic practices could help me. This also leads into the next topic of our journaling which included Diabetic topics and what this entails. Most people are familiar with diabetes, especially Types 1 and 2. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin. This type often develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin. It is more common in adults but is increasingly seen in children due to rising obesity rates. Type 1 is quite common in my family, so I was particularly interested in the overview of diabetes in our modules. I found it intriguing that concordance in twins is more common with Type 2 than Type 1, suggesting a stronger genetic component in Type 2. Despite its prevalence in my family, I realized I knew little about the condition. I was surprised to learn that Type 2 diabetes is more common in non-Caucasian populations and wanted to understand why. My research revealed that this disparity is due to a combination of biological, social, environmental, and genetic factors, as well as differences in access to healthcare. For instance, higher rates of Type 2 diabetes are observed in African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American populations. These groups often have genetic predispositions that increase their risk. Additionally, social determinants such as lower socioeconomic status, limited access to nutritious food, and reduced opportunities for physical activity contribute to higher incidence rates. Many cases of Type 2 diabetes go undetected and unnoticed, particularly in regions with limited healthcare access. This ties back to the overarching principles of Ayurveda, which emphasize the balance of oneself and their body. The factors contributing to the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes highlight how imbalances in access to healthcare and resources can impact health. Addressing these disparities requires a multifaceted approach, including public health interventions, education, and policy changes to improve access to care and promote healthier lifestyles. A common factor associated with Type 2 diabetes is physical inactivity. According to the American Diabetes Association, physical inactivity and obesity are significant risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower blood sugar levels. I found the diagrams provided in our modules interesting as they included a behavioral perspective on diabetes. While I am not an expert on diabetes, I am a Registered Behavior Technician and am pursuing a master's degree in Behavioral Analysis. I regularly analyze people's daily lifestyles to find ways to prevent certain behaviors but had not considered applying this approach to diabetes or other medical issues. It is evident that many medical conditions can be influenced by a person's choices. For example, choosing a sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and decreased insulin sensitivity, which are major contributors to Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, engaging in regular physical activity and making healthier dietary choices can significantly reduce the risk. I value physical activity and recognize its importance. Through our Ayurveda research, I have noticed that when I do not eat healthily or engage in physical activity, my physical, mental, and emotional health suffers. I also have a hip injury that benefits from activity and stretching. It is on days when I am inactive that my hip hurts the most. Generally, a lack of movement is unhealthy, even without an injury. Understanding the behavioral aspects of diabetes management can help in designing effective interventions that encourage healthier lifestyles. In our first module, we discussed the microbiome. This is a crucial aspect of health and biology that most people in these fields are familiar with. The human microbiome consists of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria and other microbes, that live in and on our bodies. These microorganisms are most densely populated in the gut, where they play a vital role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. I chose to review the gut biome and how diets affect it because I want to incorporate dietary aspects into my project proposal. The modules revealed that people in different parts of the world and cultures, who eat different foods, have more complex microbiomes. For example, Japanese and African children have enzymes that allow them to digest seaweed and fiber, respectively.

The gut microbiome is essential to both physical and mental health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, influences mood, stress levels, and cognitive functions. Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to various health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Diet plays a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome. Diets rich in fiber, such as those containing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, promote a healthy microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to dysbiosis. I have noticed that when my diet is unbalanced, my mental and physical health suffer. Additionally, I learned that the human genome does not encode enzymes for digesting glycans; only bacteria can do this. Glycans are complex carbohydrates that are found in various foods and are important for cellular communication and immune function. The ability to digest glycans is thus entirely dependent on our gut bacteria. Diseases related to the microbiome include diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and stress/anxiety, among others. These topics align with our course's overarching themes. Recent research also suggests that gut bacteria can influence the development of these diseases by affecting metabolic processes, immune responses, and inflammation levels. Furthermore, the modules highlighted fascinating studies showing that certain populations have unique microbiomes adapted to their traditional diets. For instance, the Hadza people of Tanzania, who have a diet rich in wild foods like tubers, berries, and honey, have one of the most diverse gut microbiomes in the world. This diversity is associated with lower incidences of modern chronic diseases. The modules also brought up that Japanese and African children have more complex/different enzymes within their bodies to be able to digest the foods they mostly eat, such as seaweed and fiber. Understanding these variations can help in developing personalized nutrition plans that promote gut health. I am also curious about how antibodies promoting fat gain affect infants' future metabolic processes. This aspect relates to the early establishment of the gut microbiome, which begins at birth and is influenced by factors such as mode of delivery (vaginal birth vs. caesarean section), breastfeeding, and antibiotic exposure. Early life microbiome composition can have long-lasting effects on a child's health, influencing their susceptibility to obesity, allergies, and other conditions. What specifically influences these processes? This area of research is rapidly evolving, and I am eager to learn more about how we can harness knowledge of the microbiome to improve health outcomes.

Curated Journaling 1

 Ayurveda is the concept of a beautiful, yet rather delicate, balance and integration that exists between the mind, body, spirit, and environment. It “entails a scientific tradition of harmonious living” (Mukherjee et al, 2016). In correspondence with the theme of this course, we will be primarily investigating the balance between body systems, between the body and mind, and the balance between the body and its external environment. When these balances are supported, the result is a functional being with the ability to thrive. However, if these balances are disturbed, the consequences can be detrimental. Although, it is important to note that not every imbalance will have critical implications. The body is resilient, and it is designed to respond and adapt. It is important to be able to differentiate between prolonged, major imbalances, and small deviations that the body can accommodate for and/or fix. A question that has frequently crossed my mind throughout the duration of my studies thus far is where is the line drawn between these two different occurrences? This will be discussed in the following paragraph. 

As previously mentioned, for me, there is a small gray area that exists between insignificant deviations and critical imbalances. At what point should one become concerned about an abnormality? When does a fluctuation or imbalance result in pathology? These are reasonable questions. In fact, these are questions that healthcare professionals must ask themselves almost every day. I was inspired to use previous course materials in order to help differentiate between the two concepts. I was recently enrolled in a physiology course; physiology is the broad study of the functions and mechanisms in living organisms. A word that one will hear quite often in any physiology course is homeostasis. Homeostasis is a term that might be likened to ayurveda, they are related concepts. However, the two terms differ slightly in their exact interpretations. Homeostasis is much like a balance – it is the state of steady internal chemical and physical conditions that living systems maintain. When homeostatic imbalances occur, there are positive and negative feedback mechanisms unconsciously employed to return the living system back to its proper state. Nevertheless, if the deviation is critical enough or the feedback loop fails, a more significant imbalance can occur. Ultimately, this can potentially result in a serious pathology. Conversely, Ayurveda is a more general idea that refers to the stable balance that exists between the mind, body, spirit, and environment of living systems. In conclusion, I believe that homeostatic imbalance is slightly different from ayurvedic imbalance, but it can also promote ayurvedic imbalance. It can be hypothesized that prolonged and/or severe homeostatic imbalances within an organism or its environment lead to ayurvedic imbalance and disease causation.

In order to better understand how imbalances occur, where they occur, and the cascading effects of particular imbalances, one must first be familiar with metabolic pathways. Metabolism is another general term quite frequently used in biological courses such as physiology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, and biochemistry. Metabolism is defined as “the chemical changes that take place in a cell or organism” (NCI, 2024). These chemical changes are responsible for producing the energy and materials required by cells and organisms to grow, differentiate, replicate, and function properly. Functioning metabolic pathways promote ayurvedic balance in the body. The large majority, if not all of, metabolic pathways must be heavily regulated in order to maintain homeostatic balance within the body. This regulation is vital in ensuring the proper outcomes of pathways. In spite of that, if the concentration, temporal and/or spatial order, or charges of metabolites within the pathways are disrupted, then the results could be disastrous. Dysfunctional or imbalanced metabolic pathways are oftentimes causative of severe pathologies. To emphasize the sheer exactness observed within metabolic pathways, I would like to draw on a topic from previous coursework discussed in cell and molecular biology. Metabolic pathways are regulated by numerous mechanisms, one of which are receptor mediated pathways. These pathways rely on specific metabolite-receptor interactions as a means of triggering recognition and response mechanisms. Considering the multitude of pathways involved in human physiology, one might imagine that there is an equally large number of receptors, and this is true! Consequently, receptors are highly diverse and specialized to bind incredibly specific targets, or what can be referred to as ligands. An example of a familiar receptor mediated metabolic pathway is the insulin mediated GLUT4 pathway. This pathway is responsible for regulation of blood glucose, it maintains proper balance of glucose between cells and the blood. When this pathway experiences imbalance, it is very common to observe pathology. Diabetes is the most commonly observed disease that results from dysregulation of the insulin-GLUT4 pathway.

According to the CDC, diabetes is amongst the top ten most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States (2024). There are two types of diabetes, each with different underlying causes. Type I DM is an autoimmune dysfunction, and it occurs in those who have a genetic predisposition. Cells of the body’s immune system begin to recognize insulin producing cells as foreign or threatening and they attack these cells. As a result, individuals with T1DM suffer from insufficient insulin production. Conversely, Type 2 DM generally occurs due to adjustable lifestyle factors, and it results in desensitized insulin receptors. While these diseases occur due to different dysfunctions, they both result in hyperglycemia and a decreased ability to regulate blood glucose. It is important to note that approximately 90%-95% of individuals with diagnosed diabetes suffer from T2DM (U.S. House of Representatives, Diabetes Caucus, 2024). In correspondence with the overarching theme of this course, diabetes, and specifically T2DM, is a great example of a pathology caused by an ayurvedic imbalance. Further investigation has led to the conclusion that the most pertinent ayurvedic imbalances correlated with diabetes include, but are not limited to, poor diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, and high levels of oxidative stress and inflammation (NIDDK, 2024). Furthermore, the direct physiological imbalances caused by diabetes oftentimes result in further imbalances of implicated body systems, particularly cardiovascular and renal complications (Matheus et al, 2013) and (Kumar et al, 2023).

Unfortunately, just as the diagnosed individual will experience suffering associated with their diabetes diagnosis, society as a whole is also adversely affected. In conjunction with the substantial number of people living with diagnosed diabetes, the costs related to the disease are rather large as well. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimated that there was $245 billion in costs in 2012 related to individuals with diagnosed diabetes. In 2022, this amount was nearly doubled with costs summing to a whopping $413 billion (ADA, 2023). While these numbers are significant, they are not surprising. In my own time spent working as a patient care technician on the medical/surgical floor of a rural hospital. I would estimate that approximately 25% of patients that spent time in the unit had diagnosed T2DM. This personal observation aligns with the statistic that one in every five healthcare dollars is spent on care for individuals with diagnosed diabetes (ADA, 2012). One might ask the question: how are these costs accrued? There are obvious costs associated with managing the disease – insulin, diagnostic tools, and direct care related to treating the disease. Moreover, a majority of the financial burden can be attributed to providing care for the negative implications of the disease on other body systems. In true ayurvedic nature, the body systems are all intricately designed to overlap and work together. When imbalance occurs in one physiological system, others are affected. As previously noted, an individual living with diagnosed diabetes is at a particularly high risk for severe cardiovascular, neural, and renal dysfunction as well. These complications are rather major and costly. Nevertheless, it must be noted that these complications can potentially be mitigated if one is diligent in controlling their diabetes.

As noted in the previous paragraph, the increase in the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is nothing short of alarming. What can be done to alleviate the suffering of those living with diagnosed diabetes? What can be done to decrease the financial burden that society faces regarding the disease? These are questions that riddle healthcare workers, policy makers, and businesses alike. Stemming from the ancient ideas of ayurveda is traditional ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine aims to treat the whole patient, and not just the disease. An ayurvedic treatment approach emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual observed – bio-identity, SES, biochemical and physiological conditions (Mukarjee et al, 2016). When creating an ayurvedic treatment plan, there are three objectives: 1) the treatment should target the underlying cause of the disease, not just the symptoms, 2) the treatment should educate and inform the patient of the underlying cause of the disease, and 3) the treatment should aim to balance the physical, mental, and spiritual functions of the patient. Traditional allopathic medicine has revolutionized the way our society treats illnesses. However, utilizing a treatment approach that combines the cutting edge technology and pharmaceuticals offered through allopathic medicine with the traditional, holistic approach ayurvedic medicine emphasizes, could offer great value to individuals and society.