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Do You Remember? by Janet Lynas, PhD., N.H.D.

We’re told as we age, our memory will decline. Therefore, the supplement industry for brain health is booming! So, what is the truth concerning brain health and good memory?

As you age, the brain goes through changes that can slow down your thinking. It loses volume, the cortex becomes thinner, the myelin sheath surrounding the fibers of your neurons begins to breakdown. And to make it worse, your brain receptors don’t fire as quickly!

In your mid thirties, we find that at times things we know begin to escape our recall. You try to remember a new acquaintance name, it’s on the tip of your tongue, but it escapes you.

Next, you’re told that as you enter your 40s to 50s that the reasoning skills begin to drop off. One begins to experience fading sharpness of mind and we can’t seem to think of a certain word we want to use. It’s frustrating! However, our moral compass is improved! You are better able to control outburst of emotions.

Then, in our 60s our brain begins to shrink! As a result, it’s harder to access knowledge that has been accumulated over the years. We’re told it’s harder for us to learn new things. Really?

Lastly, in our 70s and above, we can expect to lose our minds! That is to say, it’s  because of inflammation and a build-up of deposits in areas like the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories.

Building New Neurons

People don’t make new brain cells as we age.There’s nothing you can do! It’s hopeless! Or is it?

The hippocampus actually does produce new brain cells during adulthood. This information was controversial for decades. Finally, scientist agree that the brain does make new neurons.

Scientist have learned new neurons in the hippocampus are important in certain types of learning and memory. These new neurons tend to regulate emotional processes like anxiety and depression.

Therefore, the question that arises is: Why is this handful of new neurons (about 1400/day) so important for brain function?

Having said this, new neurons in the hippocampus behave differently from old neurons. These new neurons are hyper-excitable, like a kid on a sugar high! Our mature neurons are more restrained in their reaction to a given situation.

How Do We Incorporate New Neurons?

For example, adding new neurons is like adding pieces of a puzzle. It takes time to figure out how the new pieces fit in with the old ones. As you know, the pieces have to fit together. Random placing just doesn’t work.

In other words, it’s still a mystery how these new neurons will assimilate in with the current story going one. But, somehow they find their place and work well with the existing neurons.

As a result, researchers are studying how new neurons are added into our existing brain circuits. Furthermore, this is an exciting new field of study.

How Can We Make New Neurons?

Good news! It’s not that hard! I used to have a tee-shirt that said, “I’m flexible”. I had it made when I was a trainer for new Girl Scout Leaders. It was to remind these women to expect the unexpected and to adapt. You never know what’s going to happen when you’re working with children.

Stay curious and interested in life. Be proactive and learn about many different things! Get involved in life and join in on new activities. Meet new people! You don’t know their stories and you learn from others.

That is to say, get out of your rut! Avoid the mundane! Having the same routine day in and day out makes us dull and mindless. To clarify, doing the same thing over and over does make us mindless.

My mother used to say, “God gave you a brain. Use it!” Likewise, remember the saying, “Use it or lose it!” Use your brain, create new pathways. Use your non dominate hand at times. You learn something new when you do.

On the other hand, doing the same thing over and over not only dulls the mind, but it creates a stress of boredom. Unfortunately, isolation contributes to stagnation. Make sure you stay involved with people. Get out in nature and connect with God’s creation.

Make your brain plastic! Plasticity is what scientist tell us makes our brain adaptable. Therefore, being plastic is making new neurons. It’s amazing isn’t it?

What Else Can We Do?

Activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in your brain. Get a good dose of vitamin D by being outside in the sunlight. Go out before the UV rays are at their peak. Or go out late in the day as they are decreasing. You can supplement with vitamin D capsules, but remember, natural vitamin D is best.  Researchers have also located metabolic pathways for vitamin D in the hippocampus and cerebellum of the brain. These are the areas that are involved in planning, and with the processing of information. As a result, the formation of new memories are made.

Next, we know brain cells do regenerate. Dr. Fred Gage and his team at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California along with doctors at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, have proven new neurons do develop throughout life.

Other supplements can help with remembering. One area of current study is with luteolin. Luteolin is classified as a citrus bioflavonoid. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties allow luteolin to look for reactive compounds containing oxygen and nitrogen. These combined properties can cause cellular damage. Importantly, lutelolin acts as an antioxidant. Luteolin can also stimulate activation of the dopamine transporter.

Foods High In Luteolin

  1. Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach)
  2. Green Peas
  3. Summer Squash
  4. Pumpkin
  5. Brussels Sprouts
  6. Broccoli
  7. Asparagus
  8. Romaine Lettuce
  9. Carrots
  10. Pistachios

If you read my blog, you know I advocate for organic foods and getting your vitamins and minerals from heathy eating. Research the different supplements on the market for yourself. Keep in mind that natural supplements are readily available to the body for processing. If you want to add a supplement look for natural ingredients not synthetic. Look for organic ingredients. Next, research for supplements with no additives or fillers.

Closing It Out

Lastly and foremost, know that walking is one of the best if not the best exercise for brain health. However, there are other activities that promote a healthy mind.

  • Exercise – just move your body! Walking, swimming, dancing, skipping! It doesn’t really matter what the movement is, just do it!
  • Diet – healthy eating is imperative! I don’t advise one diet over the other. I believe eating a big variety of vegetables and fruits is the best approach. Eat less meat and grains. If you eat grains, eat the stripped down version. Yes, whole grains are proven to affect gut health.
  • Mediation – meditation is proven to improve brain activity. It’s a great form of stress reduction and improves overall health
  • Lifestyle is important – stay involved. Be creative, be curious about life and explore new thoughts and interest in life.
  • Get enough sleep – good quality sleep helps improve not only the brain, but the entire body.
Ok Enough! In Conclusion

Above all, do your own research! When you do, you’re creating new neurons.

Therefore, you’re becoming smarter. Certainly, smarter is better. However, just have more fun in life. For example, take up a new hobby. Continue to learn and seek out new activities. But, most of all, remember life is a journey. Therefore, there are many routes you can take.

Most of all, remember to take the path least traveled!

 

 

Calanus Oil by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

I first learned about Arctic Ruby Oil in 2012. I tend to wait for more research before I make up my mind on new information. So, let’s dive in and take a look at calanus oil.

Calanus finmarchicus

From the coast of Norway comes a marine oil, providing a highly bioactive form of marine fatty acids with additional features compared to conventional omega-3. Scientific documentation shows that it counteracts insulin resistance diabetes and obesity-induced metabolic disorders. It also exhibits a potent anti-inflammatory effect, helps lower blood pressure and is effective in reduction of cholesterol.

Reports state that calanus oil has better outcomes than fish oil or krill oil. It has the same benefits as conventional omega-3, however the wax esters from Calanus finmarchicus is shown to be richer in omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are shown to support the body’s ability to prevent chronic diseased and to protect against inflammation.

Other benefits noted are promotion of a stronger immune system, support in cardiovascular health, joint health, strengthen skin, hair and nail health. This highly enhanced nutrient absorption and metabolic function is also effective in attention, mood and memory abilities.

Calanus finmarchicus does not have the contamination with mercury that is found in fatty fish.

More Research Please

Recent studies, 2019, show that omega-3s impact virtually every aspect of our health. Marine oil benefits range from reduction of metabolic disorders to autoimmune disease.

So what is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a bundle of conditions that includes some combination of high blood pressure, belly fat, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid profiles. Metabolic syndrome is associated with a sharp increase of risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Calanus oil supplementation has shown impressive results in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease for which conventional treatments tend to be difficult.

Omega-3s are critical in brain health. This includes the ability to form connections, retain impressions and memories. It is also associated with the brain’s ability to use glucose as fuel.

Supplementing with calanus oil can favorably alter brain structure and function. It does this by reducing age-related conditions associated with memory impairment, dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases.

 

What are the safety concerns?

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking calanus oil if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Other possible side effects can be bad breath, gastric disturbances, loose stools, or stomach upset.

As with any supplement, talk with your physician before starting a new product.

 

 

Do You Have A Dirty Mind? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Is your mind dirty?  Or should I say, “Is your brain dirty?”

Little is known about natural support of the brain and how to rid the brain of damaging toxins.  Unfortunately few doctors of allopathy medicine have little or no understanding on the natural approach to brain health.

Toxins That Target The Brain

Toxins in our environment are the leading cause of neurological illnesses. We do have a built in monitoring system that has the purpose of protecting our brain.  This system is designed to eliminate these toxins from our vulnerable brain.  However, the regretful reality is that we do live in a toxic environment.  Your brain has been saturated with them on a daily basis.  With this exposure over time, the effects begin to rob us of our memories and is slowly killing us.  To top it off, there is no stopping this exposure in the near future.  Evidence on the effects of toxins robbing our brains of precious health continues to stack up.

Current Alzheimer’s Research journal published a recent study on the devastating effects on the cellular level.  Research reviewed the available data connecting environmental toxins to Alzheimer’s.  The review indicated the terrifying path these toxins take.  Toxins alter the metabolic pathways associated with the development and progression of dementias.

Studies have confirmed the root cause of the frightening disease!  If this is true, why has this not gone viral throughout the news media.  Money!  Industries who are developing the toxins we are exposed to have a high stake in keeping this information out of the media.  Not only are toxins destroying the environment and our brains, but heavy metals are also contributing to these neurological diseases.

The Heavy Metal Mayhem

You’ve seen the commercials on television about mayhem (produced by an insurance company).  Imagine the mayhem caused by mercury, aluminum and copper on the brain.  The big three heavy metals lead to neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques.  Did you know that the mercury level in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients is at least three times higher than the rest of the population?

Where are we getting mercury?  Mercury is found in certain seafoods and fish, such as tuna.  These high levels of mercury are taken in when we eat seafoods and fish that are contaminated with it.  This is why pregnant women are told to avoid seafoods.

What you may not realize, is that you are being exposed to high levels of coal-burning toxins in industries burning coal.  A staggering 48 tons of mercury is pumped into our air every year.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that we ingest 7-9 mg of aluminum daily.  Aluminum is found in antiperspirants, cooking utensils, some medications and vaccines.

Now add to that the growing concern of copper.  High levels of copper destroy essential detoxifying nutrients such as vitamin C, the B vitamins and zinc.  Birth control drugs can increase the level of copper.  You might want to rethink wearing that copper bracelet or jewelry. The copper is absorbed through the skin.

You can ask your physician to test you for heavy metals with a blood test.

What Is The Key To Beating Alzheimer’s?

Did you know that your brain has a natural way of protecting itself from the onslaught of heavy metals and other toxins?  The amino acid glutathione is referred to as the master antioxidant.  Glutathione is produced and regenerated in a process called methylation.  Methylation is responsible for immune system function, brain chemical production, organ protection and detoxification.

This is what happens when the process works according to plan.  However, if the body is overloaded with toxins and heavy metals, the system fails to protect the body and brain.

The good news is that once you eliminate the toxins and heavy metals from you body, you can start to rebuild the support system your body needs.  One piece to the puzzle is a prescription for Cerefolin NAC.  This prescription only medication is pricy and insurance will not pay for it.  Your physician may not write a prescription for the drug either.

You can combine natural ingredients by adding glutathione, vitamin B vitamins, NAC, alpha lipoid acid, zinc, and selenium.  These ingredients will help to protect your brain cells and the rest of the nerve cells throughout your body.

If you are planning on doing a detoxification of any kind, remember that you may feel worse before you feel better.  As the body is releasing these toxins, you may experience what is called a “healing crisis”.  What this means is that as your body is releasing the toxins, you may feel “flu” like until the toxins are flushed out of your body.  A healing crisis response during detox is a good sign.  This will pass in a few days.

Summary

First step is to eliminate the toxins from your home as much as possible.  Read labels.  Buy products without aluminum in them.  Don’t cook with aluminum cook wear.

Second step is to eliminate foods that may have toxins such as certain seafoods and fish.  Eat organic as much as possible.

Give your body the supplements it needs for support.

We can not eliminate all the exposure from toxins, but by eliminating as much as we can, we are on the right road to health.

 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia, Is There A Cure? by Janet Lynas, Ph.D., N.H.D

 

 

 

 

Alzheimer’s is one of the scariest words in any language.  In today’s society many people live in fear of getting Alzheimer’s disease.  We will do just about anything to prevent developing the disease.  However, there are other forms of dementia that are just as devastating.

Brain Health

In this series of articles, I will look at the latest research on brain health and what steps need to be taken to keep our brain healthy.  The areas I will focus on are: diet and how a nutritional program can protect your precious memories, how to clean your brain and stop dementia and Alzheimer’s, and natural health approach to preventing and reversing dementia.  Can a virus be the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s?  We will look at toxic substances that contribute to making your brain sick.

Is There A Protocol For Reversing/Curing Alzheimer’s?

I will address the issues that cause Alzheimer’s and the the 36 deficiencies and sources that contribute to dementias.  New research will be presented to back up the 10 steps to take for better brain health.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition in which nerve cells in the brain degenerate and the brain shrinks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia (a general decline in all areas of mental ability).

What Is Dementia?

Dementia refers to a category of diseases that cause loss of memory and deterioration in other mental functions. Dementia occurs due to physical changes in the brain and is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time.

What’s the difference between the two?

Alzheimer’s is one kind of dementia and is often a “catch all” term for dementia.  Alzheimer’s is the most talked about dementia, but is it the most common dementia?

There is approximately  7.7 million new cases of dementia diagnosed every year.  World wide there are 47.5 million people who are living and struggling with dementia. Based on the high number of individuals affected, dementia is one of the leading causes of dependency and mental impairment among the elderly population.

Around 70 percent of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that is a progressive disorder that gradually causes loss of memory and deterioration in cognitive skills.
Of the remaining cases, the second most common type is type of dementia is Vascular Dementia.  Vascular dementia is a common type of dementia that occurs due to disruption in blood flow to the brain. Symptoms include confusion, difficulty maintaining balance, agitation and memory loss.  These systems are seen when an individual is has had a stroke.

Due to longer life expectancies and the baby boomer population, the percentage of Americans living with this disease will increase in the upcoming years.

During my career as a mental health nurse with the Veteran’s Administration, it was noted that early onset dementia was seen in veterans who where long term users of marijuana and a few veterans who worked in the chemical research areas.

What is the economic impact of dementia?

A total of 4.8 million persons aged 65 and older were included in this study. The overall observed prevalence of dementia in the Medicare sample was 8.5% (Table 1). It increased from 2.8% for the persons aged 65–74 to 24.9% in the group aged 85 and older. The prevalence for women is higher than for men (9.94 versus 6.39). The prevalence is also noticeably higher in blacks and Hispanics compared with whites and other ethnicities. (https://academic.oup.com/jpubhealth/article/37/4/597/2362594)

Looking at the economic impact of dementia, including unpaid care provided by families, is estimated at $159 billion to $215 billion per year in the United States.  (Hurd et al, 2013)  And estimated at more than $600 billion worldwide (Wimo et al, 2013)

(www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › Journal List › HHS Author Manuscripts)

The next article will investigate how diet can affect the development of dementia.  We will look at the research on reversal of dementia through diet.