|
Why Talk About the Brain?
My
clinical experience as a naturopathic doctor, as well as
statistics, reflect a growing number of our population
suffering from various brain diseases such as Learning
Disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease,
Schizophrenia, Autism, Depression, Attention Deficit
Disorder and more. I believe that many of these
diseases are lifestyle related and are preventable.
Why are our Brains at Risk?
Our
brains are more fragile than we think. Contrary to
popular belief that we only use a small portion of our
brains, in reality, while we may use only 10% at any
given time, the entire brain is important and active.
Our modern lifestyle habits result in excessive expose
of our brains to many of the following brain damaging
chemicals: medications (ex., Benzodiazepines,
Phenobarbital, Valium Xanax, Percodan), alcohol,
caffeine (ex. coffee, pop, natural weight loss
products), nicotine from cigarettes, vaccines,
pesticides, alcohol, food chemicals (ex., artificial
sweeteners, MSG, pesticides), recreational drugs,
vapors (ex. paint fumes), anti-cancer drugs, and
more. In addition, a number of very common chronic
diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, sleep apnea, strokes and chronic stress can
cause significant damage to our brains over time. For
example, those with Alzheimer’s disease are found to
have much higher levels of cortisol in their bodies, a
hormone elevated by chronic stress.
What Does a Healthy Brain Require?
The
diverse number of risks listed above all have in common
the ability to deprive the brain of vital components for
longevity. These are a steady supply of glucose
(sugar) as cell fuel, oxygen, nutrients, positive
stimulation, anti-oxidants and protection from oxidants
(any damaging toxins). For example, caffeine
constricts proper blood flow to the brain and blocks
receptor sites in the brain to produce important
hormones that allow the brain chemistry to relax and
rejuvenate.
What Can I do To Promote Brain Health? Stress management, good diet, exercise and
creativity, all promote longevity of the brain. Some
dietary tips key to brain health that are well supported
by studies are as follows: increase water intake (the
brain is 80% water), avoid overeating, avoid toxic fats
such as margarines and consume omega-3 fatty acids
regularly (ex. Cod Liver Oil), get protective
antioxidants from fruits and vegetables daily.
According to studies it is also important to learn new
skills, limit TV and video games, break from routines,
exercise, and avoid chronic stress.
How Does Naturopathic Medicine Treat Brain Diseases?
Current exciting research shows that adults can in fact
replace damaged or dead brain cells. Of course the
treatment depends on the disease in question and the
complex components that make each individual unique.
A number of natural supplements have well proven
abilities to stimulate, repair and protect the brain and
significantly improve symptoms experience by those with
problems ranging from leaning difficulties to
Parkinson’s, Autism and Alzheimer’s. Some
supplements offer protective specific brain
antioxidants, others aid blood flow and therefore
nutritional and oxygen delivery to the brain, others
calm or excite specific brain centers. Many of
these work well in conjunction with conventional
medications. For example, Ginkgo is great to
increase blood flow and has protective antioxidants.
Talk to your practitioner about appropriate supplements
and doses.
Reference: Making a Good Brain Great by Daniel Amen, MD
How Can I Gage My Risk for Age Related Brain Diseases?
It is important to take preventative steps before
developing diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
The following questionnaire designed by Dr. Daniel Amen,
MD, can help you assess your risk of developing brain
disease of aging.
1.
(3.5) One family member with Alzheimer’s disease or
other cause of dementia.
2.
(7.5) More than one family member with Alzheimer’s
disease or other cause of dementia.
3.
(2.0) A single head injury with loss of consciousness for
more than a few minutes.
4.
(2.0) Several head injuries without loss of
consciousness.
5.
(4.4) Alcohol dependence or drug dependence in past or
present.
6.
(2.0) Major depression past/present.
7.
(1.0) Stroke.
8.
(2.5) Heart (coronary artery) disease or heat attack.
9.
(2.1) High cholesterol.
10.
(2.3) High blood pressure.
11.
(3.4) Diabetes.
12.
(3.0) History of cancer or cancer treatment.
13.
(1.5) Seizures in past/present.
14.
(2.0) Limited exercise (less than twice week or less
than 30 minutes per session)
15.
(2.0) Less than High School Education.
16.
(2.0) Jobs not requiring periodic new learning.
17.
(2.3) Smoking cigarettes for 10 years or longer.
18.
(2.5) One apolipoprotein E4 gene
19.
(5.0) Two apolipoprotein E4 genes
If
you score 0-2 you are low risk. If you score 3-6 you
have moderate risk and should take prevention seriously.
If you score more than 6 prevention should be part of
your daily routine.
|