Old Proverbs Misused

Although it is common to hear "Blood is thicker than water," relationships much stronger than those that exist within biological families do exist. This is especially true in family systems that are very dysfunctional, riddled with chronic or mental illnesses, and low in Emotional Intelligence. In such environments, sometimes family members abuse you, control you, insult you, abandon you, and put you down or you watch them do that to other family members—at least until you grow up and can get away. Some can kill you faster than most any stranger. Did you know that as compared with men, women account for 60 percent of homicides committed within the family or by partners. Women have more than twice the risk of being killed by their partner or ex-partners. 

Blood & Water

“Is blood really thicker than water, and what is the significance of that?”

 Literally, yes. Blood really is thicker than water. As a proverb it has been around for a long time. Reportedly it can be traced back to  the 12th century in Germany.  The proverb opines that biological family bonds are stronger than with any other relationship. This sentiment has been used to gain control over family members, make choices for them even into adulthood, or make them feel guilty as in, “I know you booked a cruise 10 months ago, but if you love me, you will do such and such. Proverbs 18:24 in almost any translation alludes to a true friend being closer than a brother. 

Auditory System & Rhythm

Study results have suggested that musical rhythmic abilities correlate with improved performance in non-music areas. This appears to be particularly true with language. Rhythm ability is inherently part of music and of language and it may be that hearing is a common basis for these associations. Perhaps musical training, with an emphasis on rhythmic skills, exercises the auditory system. In turn this may lead to strong sound-to-meaning associations that are so essential in learning to read—although hearing may not be the only basis, as was clearly pointed out with the Mirror Ball Trophy winner who was hearing impaired! Reportedly researchers are working on a multi-year study evaluating the effects of musical training on beat synchronization, response consistency, and reading skills in children who engage in musical training. You might want to make sure the children in your family system get musical training—and let role-modeling begin with you.

Singing & mental health

How can I improve my mental wellbeing?

Do you like to sing? Or are you willing to learn? You may want to join a choir! Researchers led by Daisy Fancourt, PhD, studied the mechanisms behind the effect of music on the immune system. Her research in this field won the 2014 Arnold Bentley New Initiatives Award, the 2015 Young Investigator Scholarship from the American Psychosomatic Society, and the 2015 Ruth Bowden Scholarship for academic excellence in a doctorate in the field of medicine from the British Federation of Women Graduates. Rather impressive! Studies in South Wales found that singing in a choir for only one hour can improve mood, reduce stress, and even boost immune proteins. The greatest improvements in mood were seen among those experiencing the highest level of depression and the lowest mental wellbeing overall. There are people who go to church only to sing in the choir or join a community choir as a way to boost their mental health. More tomorrow. 

Where is serotonin produced?

I was told that 10 percent of serotonin is produced in the brain stem. Is that correct, and if so, where is the other 90 percent produced?

 An estimated 10 percent of serotonin is produced in the central nervous system or CNS, specifically in the brain stem. The remaining 90 percent of serotonin is produced in the enteric nervous system or ENS located in the GI or gastrointestinal system. Serotonin is a special type of neurotransmitter that impacts many complex functions. For example: modulating mood, cognition or thinking, sleep, learning, and memory. It also manages many physiological processes including nausea and vomiting. Eating too few healthy carbs may be one of the reasons that habitual dieters may have low serotonin levels in both their brain and gastrointestinal tract—a situation that can lead to bingeing.

 A new AUDIO podcast is posted every Saturday morning

https://anchor.fm/arlene-r-taylor

 A new VIDEO podcast is posted every Saturday morning

https://open.spotify.com/show/3uYHO9ryZiBXDNMnUFgu3e

"Is too much or too little serotonin a problem? I want to know."

 Serotonin levels that are too low can show up as fatigue, irritability, and may be linked with depression. Levels that are too high are linked with osteoporosis and a downward slide in your libido. Excessive levels can lead to Serotonin Syndrome. This can occur when the central nervous system is overloaded with serotonin and cannot function properly. It can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, coma, and even death. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs can raise serotonin levels alone or in combination with others. Some recreational drugs (e.g., LSD, cocaine) and some dietary supplements (St. John’s Wort, ginseng), reportedly can also cause serotonin syndrome when taken with specific antidepressants. Bottom line: avoid messing with serotonin. Talk with your physician for questions and clarification.  

What does serotonin do?

“I keep hearing about serotonin but what does it do?”

Serotonin is a complex substance found in the brain and body that acts as a neurotransmitter that has its "fingers" in many body functions. It helps transport information across the synapse, or space between neurons. Then it is recollected and stored for when the next transport is required. Serotonin helps to modulate one’s mood, impacts cognition or thinking, the brain’s reward system, memory, and many physiological processes such as vomiting. When it migrates from tissue cells into the blood, the platelets pick up the serotonin and store it. When the platelets bind to a blood clot, they release serotonin, where it can serve either as a constrictor or a dilator of blood vessels, depending on what is required. Serotonin also serves as a growth factor for some types of cells that may assist in wound healing. In balance, its functions are quite amazing. Out of balance—too high or too low—is an entirely different story.