how to protect your brain - russell l blaylock

7/27/2019 How to Protect Your Brain - Russell L Blaylock

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318 Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life

be associated with iron overload, including alcoholism, heavy smoking, African siderosis,sideroblastic anemia and thalassemia. Due to persistently high concentrations of iron, liverdisease eventually appears. The constant freeradical generation caused by high free ironlevels in the liver leads to liver cell destruction and brosis.

Treatment

We also see a dramatic increase in heart attacks and strokes in these same individuals. Mostcases are treated by repeated transfusions, which is quite effective in ridding the body ofexcess iron. The success of this practice even lends credence to the ancient treatment of

bloodletting. Maybe they werent so ignorant after all! An easier way to remove excess ironis with a chemical known as IP6, which tightly binds iron, preventing it from harming you.It can be taken as a capsule with meals to remove the iron from your food. When absorbed,it chelates iron from your tissues.

Stress and Brain Aging

Studies have shown that stress increases the death of specic brain cells, especially thoseconcerned with memory and orientation, the very ones affected by Alzheimers disease.To a large degree this is due to the fact that prolonged stress of any kind dramaticallyincreases freeradical generation and lipid peroxidation in the brain.

Two hormones, adrenaline and cortisol, appear to be responsible for most of the destructiveeffects. When we experience stress, both hormones are released in large concentrations andas we age, cortisol release is more prolonged. The physiological events that occur with stressare called allostasis; unrelieved stress is known as an allostatic load.

Dr. Bruce McEwen, director of the Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology at RockefellerUniversity has demonstrated through a series of experiments conducted on animals theimportance of the brains response to the allostatic load. He found that unrelieved stresscould destroy stem cells in a portion of the hippocampus of the brain, which is vital tomemory storage and which contains more cortisol receptors than any other part of the

brain.467 In addition, stress destroyed synaptic connections and dendrites as well.

Further, he found the process was reversible if stress was eventually stopped. With hisexperimental animals, the limit was twentyeight days. After that, permanent changes took

place. In fact, Dr. Robert Sapolsky of Stanford University found that stress beyond thisperiod actually killed brain cells. The mechanism of braincell destruction involves oxidation of these hormones, as well as interaction with the excitotoxin, glutamate.

How to Protect Your Brain

Lets put it all together. The brain contains neurons that never divide, and astrocytes andmicroglia, which can. Those that cannot divide are vulnerable to accumulated lifetimedamage from free radicals and lipid peroxidation. The DNA damage that is not repaired

prevents cells from performing normal functions, and the neuron suffers from impairedenergy production, decreased membrane repair, and damaged neurotransmitter production.


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Protecting Your Brain 319

Numerous conditions can activate the brains special immune system, including excess iron,glutamate, certain cytokines, lipidperoxidation products, mercury, oxidized LDL and HDL,and beta amyloid.468 This means that as we grow older our immune system begins to attackour own brain.

Protecting the brain requires that we address all of these factors. For example, we knowthat the brain contains its own LDL and HDLtype lipoproteins, just like those found inthe blood. They become harmful only when oxidized, and can then promote excitotoxicity,freeradical production and microglial activation.469 Flavonoids, especially epicatechin, have

been found to prevent oxidation of LDL and HDL in the brain. Epicatechin is found in grapeseed extract and green tea, which may explain in part why their consumption improvescognitive ability.470

Hormones also play a vital role in preserving our brains. As we age, DHEAan adrenalhormone precursor for production of the reproductive hormones, estrogen and testosterone

levels begin to fall. Interestingly, the brain contains receptors for DHEA, and several studieshave shown that these receptors are capable of protecting the brain against damage. 471

Depression is a major problem in the elderly and DHEA may be able to help. One recentstudy found that when DHEA was given to elderly patients with major depression, all but oneimproved signicantly.472 The big surprise was that memory also improved signicantly. Theone patient that did not respond continued on the DHEA, and after six months her depressionrating improved 4872 percent and her semantic memory improved 63 percent.

The brain also contains receptors for pregnenolone. This adrenal hormone, which is a

precursor of DHEA and other steroid hormones, also protects brain cells.473 Pregnenolonealso declines with aging, showing a 60 percent reduction by age seventyve. It has manyinteresting properties, several of which may make it useful in protecting the brain andimproving brain function. For example, it has powerful antiinammatory properties, whichmay protect against Alzheimers disease.474

One advantage of pregnenolone supplementation may be its ability to restore glutamatereceptors in the brain, which are commonly lost with aging. While excess glutamate acts asan excitotoxin, the receptors are necessary for memory storage.

Several ongoing studies are investigating pregnenolones efcacy, and early results areconicting. In one, signicant behavioral complications were seen. In a more recent studyusing larger doses of pregnenolone, improvement was seen.475 The reason I do not generallyrecommend pregnenolone supplementation is that it is also the precursor for other adrenalsteroid hormones, including cortisol, which is toxic to the aged brain. I believe more researchis needed before pregnenolone can be recommended for general use.

Other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, have also demonstrated protectiveproperties. We know that patients on hormone replacement therapy have a signicantlylower incidence of Alzheimers disease and Parkinsons disease.476 Several studies have also

shown that estrogens and testosterone both protect brain cells from agerelated damage.477


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Oxidative Stress & Aging

Oxidation of nuclear DNA in aged brains is four times higher than younger brains.

Mitochondrial DNA oxidizes ten times faster than nuclear DNA.

Mitochondrial DNA has fewer repair enzymes than nuclear DNA.

Brain DNA oxidizes fteen times faster after age seventy.

Aged brain is more susceptible to oxidation, even with normal antioxidant levels.

TABLE 12.2

That there are receptors for these hormones in the brain may also help to explain behavioralchanges associated with menopause.

Ginkgo Biloba, the Oldest Tree in the World

As I already mentioned, this herb has gotten a lot of attention because of its reputed abilityto improve memory in the aged. We have already covered the ability of Ginkgo biloba toslightly thin the blood so as to prevent heart attack and strokes. In addition, we have seenthat its avonoids powerfully protect the walls of blood vessels and prevent oxidation ofLDL cholesterol. This effect is very important in protecting the brain since oxidized LDLattached to brain cells can severely damage and even kill neurons.

First, lets look at studies that have been done on less severe memory problems, such as

agerelated memory loss. In one study, using thirtyone people over age fty with mild tomoderate memory problems, those taking Ginkgo extract showed a signicant improvementin several standardized tests of brain function. In another study, eighteen elderly men andwomen with a slight agerelated memory problem were given the Ginkgo one hour beforethe test, and then tested repeatedly on both visual and word identication to examineinformationprocessing by their brains. Those who took the Ginkgo extract (320 or 600 mg)demonstrated a signicant improvement in brain information processing.

A French study, using signicantly more patients (166 geriatric patients) than the previoustwo studies, found those taking the Ginkgo extract demonstrated a signicant improvement

in memory after three months, and that the effect continued to increase the longer they tookthe extract. The doubleblind, placebocontrolled study used strict methodological conditions to prevent error.

Dr. Pierre LeBars and his coworkers, in a ftytwoweek study of 309 patients with mild tosevere dementia, also found that a signicant number of the patients improved while takingthe extract.

It has been shown that Ginkgo biloba not only protects brain cell membranes from damage,it also restores their youthful uidity; much of this protection is linked to antioxidant

avonoids found in the herb.


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We know that with diseases such as Alzheimers, connections between neuronssynapsesare most affected, and that millions of these synapses are lost long before thereis a signicant loss of brain cells. This is important, since synapses can be regenerated aslong as neurons survive. Ginkgo biloba has been shown to be very protective of the brainssynapses. Interestingly, the avonoid, quercetin, is also very protective.

As we age a certain enzyme, called MAOB, increases in our brain, and this enzyme canincrease brain damage by producing harmful compounds. In Parkinsons disease, one of themore effective drugs works by inhibiting this enzyme. Ginkgo biloba extract also inhibitsMAOB, as do several other avonoids. It has been proposed that by inhibiting this enzyme,Ginkgo acts to relieve stress and promote a sense of calm.

Ginkgo, even in low concentrations, also directly blocks excitotoxicity, and protects braincells in the hippocampus from injury by betaamyloid, which is a microscopic collection oftoxic crud seen in the brains of Alzheimers patients. This crud kills surrounding brain cells

by an excitotoxic process.

Finally, another way this herb may inhibit the development of dementia is by relieving brainstress. Older animals given the extract are better able to adapt to stressful situations.

With all we know about Ginkgos effectiveness in protecting the brain and in preventingstrokes, its a shame that the medical community is struggling so hard to frighten the publicinto avoiding it. Especially when you consider that numerous studies have demonstratedits safetywhile physicians continue to prescribe drugs that are not only less effective, buthave frighteningly high rates of lifethreatening side effects and complications.

Increasing the Brains Energy Supply

Mitochondria produce about 95 percent of energy within cells: a lifetime of damage todelicate membranes and DNA within these structures leads to signicantly impairedenergy production throughout the body and the brain. Fortunately, improving lipids in themembrane can go a long way in repairing the damage. This is done by improving diet andwith special supplementation. In addition, increasing your antioxidant protection, mainlyvitamins, minerals and avonoids, can reduce further damage to this energygenerating

system.

Several special supplements that stimulate mitochondria are available without prescription,and can dramatically improve energy production, thereby improving brain function. I havediscussed CoQ10 throughout this book: this substance is the rst in a line of ve compoundsthat constitute mitochondrias energysupplying cyclecalled the electron transport system.CoQ10 is severely decient in Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers. In addition to increasing

braincell energy production, it also acts as an antioxidant, protects the brain againstexcitotoxicity, increases cellular glutathione levels, and has been shown to improve memoryas well as other brain functions. When combined with niacinamide, CoQ10 strongly protects

against the damage seen in Parkinsons disease.


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A recent study found that CoQ10 taken by mouth did enter the brain in useful concentrationsand that it protected brain cells against excitotoxic damage. In addition, CoQ10 protectedneurons from viral damage, including mumps. CoQ10s protective properties stem not onlyfrom its ability to increase braincell energy production, but also its capacity to protect themitochondrial membrane.

Alphalipoic acid protects cells by acting as a powerful antioxidant, by chelating dangerousmetals (arsenic, cadmium, and mercury), by increasing glucose transport into brain cells,

by blocking excitotoxicity, and by altering gene expression. A recent study found thatsupplementing old mice with alphalipoic acid could signicantly improve mitochondrialfunction, reduce lipidperoxidation damage, and not only stop the agerelated decline inoverall energy production, but reverse the aging of the cells mitochondria. Another studyalso found that alphalipoic acid could reverse aging of the mitochondria, and improvememory function.

Lcarnitines major function is to guide fatty acids into the cell so they can be metabolized.Another form of this nutrient, called acetylLcarnitine is more suited for the brain becauseit enters the brain more easily than Lcarnitine. In addition acetylLcamitine can aid inthe formation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which we know plays a vital role inmemory.

AcetylLcarnitine is unique in its ability to provide a number of important protectivefunctions. For example, it is an antioxidant, increases mitochondrial energy formation,chelates iron, increases brain glutathione levels, and increases brain levels of CoQ10. Ithas also been shown to reduce the amount of an age pigment in the brain called lipofuscin.It stabilizes membranes and reduces the loss of receptors in the brain. The latter is especiallyimportant, since the loss of brain neurotransmitter receptors is one of the hallmarks of brainaging, and is especially severe in Alzheimers disease.

Both experimental and clinical studies using acetylLcarnitine have demonstrated a signicantcapacity to slow, and even reverse, the effects of aging on the brain. Several studies haveshown that acetylLcamitine may be effective in slowing the course of Alzheimers disease,and in improving behavior and attention span in people with the disease.

By increasing braincell energy production and braincell repair, as well as providing

antioxidant protection, vitamins and minerals also play an important part in protecting thebrain from degeneration due to disease and aging. Most B vitamins, particularly thiamineand riboavin, are involved in energy production. Folic acid, B12, B6 and niacinamide allcontribute to DNA repair and synthesis. Vitamins C and E protect brain cells from oxidativedamage and protect microvessels that feed the brain. Several studies have shown that vitaminC supplementation seems to protect the brain against Alzheimers disease and agerelatedmemory loss.

Because it is both a powerful antioxidant and is capable of blocking excitotoxicity, magnesium is one of the most important minerals involved in protecting the brain. It is also vital


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for reactions that produce cellular energy. Magnesium depletion of the hippocampus alsooccurs in Alzheimers disease.

It is important to maintain proper levels of the antioxidant enzymes, manganese, selenium,zinc and copper. While deciencies can result in a signicant increase in freeradical damage

to the brain (thought to be a mechanism of injury in all degenerative diseases), there is alsoevidence that high brain concentrations can produce neurological injury. For example,excess zinc has been associated with Alzheimers disease and excess manganese produces aneurological disorder resembling parkinsonism.

Repairing the Damage

Nutritional abuse, toxic metal accumulations, pesticides and herbicides, industrial chemicals,viral invasions, immune disorders and other chronic diseases all add up to produce seriouslongterm damage to the nervous system. These factors are interrelated in that they

FIGURE 12.1 Drawing demonstrating the complexity of the brains wiring.


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all spur the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. Virtually all mechanics ofaging lead back to cellular damage caused by free radicals and lipid peroxidation.

We produce huge numbers of free radicals throughout our lives, but the reason we are totallyunaware of it while we are young is that the human body has an incredible repair system thatinvolves hundreds of highly efcient enzymes, RNA, and DNA. Only a very small amount ofthe injury goes unrepaired in youth.

It is instructive to examine a condition, called xeroderma pigmentosum, to get an idea of howimportant this system really is. Because the cells of people aficted with this disease lackcertain DNA repair enzymes, any exposure to sunlight causes severe, chronic damage to skinleading to multiple skin cancers. In fact, these peoples risk of skin cancer is two thousandtimes higher than people with normal repair mechanisms. Even risk of internal cancers isincreased twelve times.

For those of us with normally functioning repair systems, we may be unaware that damage isoccurring, but the small amount of damage that goes unrepaired begins to slowly mount. Bythe time we reach ftyve, thisaccumulated damage begins to affect cellular function andenergy production in mitochondriawhose DNA lack the numerous repair mechanisms that

protect nuclear DNA.

As we age, these injuries snowball. By seventy, for example, DNA damage occurs at a ratefteen times faster than it does in young people. Especially frightening is that the risk ofincreased DNA damage exists even in people with normal antioxidant levels: adequate

protection for older folks requires much higher levels of antioxidants. While young peopledo well at ten servings a day of fruits and vegetables, the elderly need twelve servings to gainhealth benets. (Interestingly, younger people gain no further advantage after ten servings.)

It has been shown that people suffering from Alzheimers disease have impaired DNA repair.Whether this is inborn or develops as a result of the disease itself, we do not know for sure,

but the evidence seems to indicate that it plays a signicant role in development of thedisease.

Melatonin and curcumin enhance production of repair enzymes, which then aid in repairof preexisting DNA damage. When DNA is functioning properly, it can give the cell theinformation it needs to make repairs as well. AcetylLcamitine, CoQ10, alphalipoic acidand the NT Factor can repair membrane damage and return uidity to this vital cellularcomponent.

Special lipid nutrients are also needed for membrane repair and are vital for maintaininga healthy nervous system: phosphotidylcholine, phosphotidylserine, phosphotidylethanolamine and phosphotidylinositol. These special fatty acid molecules are found in rather highconcentrations in egg yolks, or may be taken as supplements. Lecithin contains the major

phospholipids and could signicantly improve recovery from brain trauma and stroke. Inaddition, in studies, it improved agerelated memory loss and some cases of Alzheimers


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disease. Not only will lecithin aid in the repair of membranes, but it will also supply the brainwith additional acetylcholine.

Phosphotidylserine has been getting a lot of attention lately because experimental studieshave shown that it can restore receptors on brain cells, which permit neurotransmitters tocommunicate with neurons, most frequently lost in Alzheimers disease. Clinical studiesusing phosphotidylserine have been promising, especially for mild memory loss associatedwith aging. One doubleblind, placebocontrolled study of 494 people between the ages ofsixtyve and ninetythree, found that those supplemented with 300 mg a day demonstrated astatistically signicant improvement in behavioral and cognitive testing. In a separate study,Dr. T.H. Crook and colleagues found that the best effects were in elderly people who had thegreatest difculty to begin with. In addition to its effects on memory and cognitive brainfunction, phosphotidylserine also signicantly relieves depression in the elderly.

The big question is: What will it do for the person with Alzheimers disease? Studies haveshown a signicant improvement in behavior and some improvement in memory. The bestresults were found in people with early disease.

Basic Supplementation

Whether or not you should consider special supplementation designed to protect the brainwill depend on a number of factors. If you have lived a hard life, eaten poorly, exercised toolittle or too much, experienced prolonged, intense stress, or suffered from a chronic disease(such as diabetes, lupus or hypertension), you will most certainly need intensive nutritional

therapy.

On the other hand, if you have always eaten nutritious foods, exercised regularly and inmoderation, controlled stress, and suffered no chronic diseases, you can take minimalsupplements to ensure adequate protection. For you, diet should be your main concern: arecent study found that blueberries, spinach, and strawberries provide the greatest protectionagainst, and even reversal of, brain aging.

Recommendations

Vitamin C 500 mg (buffered)Take one three times a day on an empty stomach.

Vitamin E 400 IUSuccinate or mixed tocopherols. Take two a day.

Propax with NT Factor

Special Coverage for HighRisk Individuals

All of the above plus:

DHA 100 mgTake two capsules twice a day. Keep refrigerated.


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COQ10 100 mgTake one twice to three times a day. Take with DHA.

Nacetyl Lcysteine (NA C) 500 mg750 mgTake one twice a day.

Alphalipoic acid 100 mgTake one two to three times a day.

Niacinamide 500 mgTake one twice a day.

Pyridoxal5 phosphate 34 mgTake one three times a day with meals.

Phosphotidylcholine 750 mgTake two capsules twice a day. Keep refrigerated.

Phosphotidylserine 100 mgTake one three times a day.

AcetylLcarnitine 500 mgTake one two to three times a day.

Curcumin 500 mgTake one twice a day.

Quercetin 500 mgTake one three times a day.

Milk Thistle 200 mgTake two capsules twice a day.

DHEA2550 mg a day under medical supervision only.

Vinpocetine 10 mg

Take one twice a day.

B100 multivitamin with minerals and no iron

Take one a day.


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how to protect your brain - russell l blaylock

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