Detoxify Your Brain

Get those toxins out of your brain and body! One of the best ways to prevent brain decline is to detoxify your body. Your brain has its own lymph system called Glymphatic, which shrinks at night to help detoxify your brain. Make sure to get enough sleep to support this function. If toxins remain in your body for years, they can certainly get lodged in the brain. Think of mercury dental fillings, a neurotoxin that can off gas in your mouth, or aluminum from cookware. These heavy metals are damaging, especially in the long term.

Brain decline can lead to dementia, Alzheimers, loss of memory, and a host of other symptoms which could make life miserable. Mental symptoms include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, fog, worry, anger, fear, ADD & OCD. Physical symptoms of a brain or nervous system deficiency include chronic PAIN, inflammation, loss of smell, numbness, tingling, twitches, spasms, cramps, tremors, neuropathy, shortness of breath, sweats, & seizures.

Toxins include bugs (bacteria, virus, fungal, parasites), chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, GMOs), heavy metals, vaccines, EMFs (electro-magnetic fields such as from cellular, wifi, electrical), protein toxins (from undigested gluten, dairy or soy), and high stress. Of course brain injuries such as concussion can cause scarring and alter the cranial structure of the brain. I myself lost hearing in one ear after a series of head injuries.

All these toxins can be slowly drained from the brain! I use nutrients and supplements to do this. Greens  such as cilantro, chlorella, or barley grass; enzymes such as bromelain, protease, pancreatin 4x, 8x, 10x; herbs such as collinsonia, astragalus, radish, turmeric, boswellia, and other bitters. Homeopathy works great to support detoxification. In my practice I test to see which nutrients each person needs; no one would need all the above, just maybe a few.

Fundamental nutrition for the brain includes regular protein, hydration, electrolyte or mineral balance and healthy fatty acids as the brain is 60% fat. Exercise is crucial, especially aerobic or high intensity interval training so as to fully oxygenate the brain. The brain also needs stimulation such as learning new things, creativity, hand writing, etc. The gut/brain connection is crucial, since 70% of the neurotransmitter Serotonin is produced in the gastro intestinal tract. Thus it is especially important to have a clean healthy diet.

There is also an important connection between the brain and hormones: menopausal women often suffer poor memory, brain fog, insomnia, and other disabling symptoms. If you are experiencing other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as fatigue, get help now, don’t wait.

After 20 years in holistic practice, I have recently learned how to energetically test for toxins in the brain, via muscle response testing or applied kinesiology, using the Morphogenic Field Technique. I have a new test kit for the brain, as well as bugs and toxins. My system is always individualized, as no two people are alike. The best time to prevent brain decline is NOW; it’s never too early.

Feeling Young Again: How to Reduce the Effects of Aging with Natural Supplements

Are you feeling the effects of aging?  Whether you are in your early 40’s or late 80’s, you may experience some of the following signs or symptoms:

• Increased skin wrinkling or sagging

• Weight gain especially around the belly/hips

• Increased body pains or inflammation

• Decrease in memory or brain function

• Low energy, fatigue, or lack of stamina

• Decrease in muscle strength or mass

• Increased heart problems (high cholesterol, blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, etc.)

• Vision problems, i.e. needing stronger glasses, ocular degeneration, or cataracts

While the degeneration process inherent in aging is inevitable, the visible and internal effects of aging can be significantly reduced with the use of natural supplements available in health food stores and from holistic practitioners.  By supplementing with certain nutrients, one can experience a sense of greater well-being and youthfulness, increased quality of life, as well as extended lifespan.

The most effective utilization of supplements requires a foundation of proper diet, lifestyle, and exercise.  No supplement can compensate for deficiencies in these areas.  A healthy diet consisting of good quality whole foods-proteins, vegetables, grains, and fruits, excluding sugar and allergenic foods, is fundamental.   (Please note that allergenic foods are individualized: some people should stay away from wheat, dairy, nuts, and soy; some can tolerate them in moderation.)   Research has shown that individuals with a lean body mass (calorie restricted diet) have a significantly longer lifespan.

Supplements to Support Aging Well

Free radicals are among the top contributing factors in aging.  They are known to accelerate the aging process by damaging cells through oxidation.   Powerful anti-oxidants such as glutathione scavenge the free radicals and promote detoxification via the liver.   Foods high in anti-oxidants include blueberries, green & yellow vegetables and green tea.  Other anti-oxidant nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10.  CoQ10 powers the cell’s vital energy, and protects and supports the heart.

Cells are the fundamental unit of every living thing.  Healthy cell structure and replication are crucial for vibrant aging.  Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is important for healthy aging as it supports transcription of DNA and thus proper cell replication.  RNA, extracted from brewer’s yeast, has been shown to stabilize cell processes, and increase synapse function as well as short-term memory.

For increased brain function or memory, also consider acetyl-L-carnitine, vinpocetine,phosphatidylserine (PS) or gingko biloba.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important because they support the integrity of the cell structure.  They feed the brain, which is 60% fat.  EFAs play a major role in reducing joint or other inflammation, and can prevent plaque buildup in arteries.  Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) found in fish oils and flax seed are the most deficient EFAs in the typical American diet.

EFAs also nurture and tonify the skin, the most visible organ.  Another vital skin supplement ishyalauronic acid, which helps retain moisture and regenerate skin elasticity.   It also lubricates arthritic joints.  Hyalauronic acid can be taken internally or applied topically as a cream.

Some herbs effective for anti-aging include ginseng, maca or tribulus.  These adaptagenic herbs work by supporting the immune system to reduce stress, tension and enhance endurance, stamina and vitality.

Vision health is supported by bilberry, an herb containing phytochemicals that nourish the eyes and enhance visual function.

Protein is essential to life; amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are fundamental for longevity. The amino acid L-Carnosine has been shown in clinical studies to protect against age-related degradation of protein, extending cellular lifespan.  L–Carnitine can protect the heart and liver, and aid in weight loss by increasing fat metabolism.  Because muscle strength and mass deteriorate as we age, L-Creatine can be helpful.  L-Phenylalanine promotes vitality and alertness, and can decrease pain.

Many people lose the ability to properly assimilate nutrients as they age.  Enzymes are crucial to increase absorption of vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates.   A supplement containing pancreatin (or vegetable enzymes if vegetarian) can spark those digestive juices.  Because most people have difficulty fully digesting or breaking down proteins, protease is especially important as we age.

Aging need not be a discouraging process.  The wisdom we acquire as we grow older can help sustain a fulfilling life.  With nutritional and supplemental support, we can reduce pain, fatigue, inflammation, while increasing mental & visual acuity, physical vitality, stamina and an overall sense of joy.

Annie Osborn has been practicing acupuncture and natural/holistic medicine in Santa Rosa for over 15 years.  She can be reached at 707-494-8606, or annieoby@gmail.com.