The Brain Drain: Neuroinflammation of the Brain

When I speak of the "brain drain" I don't mean the social idea of people allowing their skills and intelligence to be enticed away from their home by promises of money and opportunity. I am talking about a much more insidious process that is happening within many of our homes. I am talking about neuroinflammation of the brain.

Let me tell you that many of our most rampant conditions and illnesses are now being linked to unresolved and unregulated neuroinflammation, such as memory loss, dementia, insomnia, Parkinson, ALS, epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer's and even autism. Recent studies have shown that thirty risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease have a common link - neuroinflammation. Here are some current facts that have emerged in the last year of clinical studies that you may not be aware of:

Neuroinflammation can begin acutely such as with a blow to the head, a concussion (closed head injury) or an infection (even something as common as Herpes Simplex), but it can also be something that develops slowly over time. We have not been paying attention to either of these processes. It is key to remember that neuroinflammation is a process, so from the start we have the ability to change the course of this debilitating condition.

Neuroinflammation can begin for many reasons, but one we did not even know is that it is a condition that can actually be imported from other parts of the body through the action of cytokines. This means that stress, recreational drugs, pharmaceuticals, chronic infections, stealth pathogens, autoimmune conditions, any inflammatory condition (think of arthritis or hepatitis), even your diet can be slowly causing neuroinflammation even before symptoms are evident.

Just as we think of a leaky gut allowing too many particles into the bloodstream, you can also have a leaky blood-brain barrier which will increase neuroinflammation by allowing numerous toxins, pathogens and disruptive chemicals to invade the delicate neurons of the brain from the bloodstream.

Speaking of the gut, negative changes in your gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can lead to translocation of bacteria from the gut. Studies have demonstrated that people suffering with major psychological and physical brain disorders, not only have high levels of inflammation-inducing bacteria in the gut, the same bacteria are also present in the brain. Those of us that are experiencing regular digestive issues or whose diet is lacking in nutritional density are slowly developing inflammation in the neurological pathways of the brain on a daily basis.

Researchers have determined that the bacteria that causes gum disease or gingivitis can move from the mouth to the brain, increasing the risk of mental illness by 37%, including anxiety, major depressive disorder and even schizophrenia. This is the same pathway affected by the release of mercury from the fillings in our teeth.

The reason I mention the "brain drain" is because as inflammation of brain neurons occurs, it causes an increase in capillary restriction and an accumulation of toxins and metabolites that are supposed to be removed through the lymph/craniosacral fluid of the brain. These essential fluid pathways are the primary way in which immune cells, nutrition and oxygen are able to flow into the brain tissue as well as toxins exit. The more inflammation, the less fluid flow, the less drainage that can occur. Eventually the accumulation becomes so pronounced that we start to experience brain fog, emotional instability, headaches, forgetfulness, tinnitus and even vision issues.

So what can we do? Numerous highly regarded studies done outside of the US have been showing conclusive improvement with the use of high grade herbs. Here in the US, clinical research into the use of herbs is not high on the priority list, mainly because no pharmaceutical companies can profit from such a study. Since they are the biggest investors in clinical research it means a biased approach to treatment plans which exclude herbal medicine.

And yet, if you look at the studies world-wide, you will find that in many cases herbal medicine is not just as effective as drug therapy, it actually can outperform many drugs in effective treatment and improvement of symptoms. In the case of neuroinflammation, the herbs producing the most effect are Turmeric (curcumin), Bupleurum, Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Panax Ginseng and Rosemary. When given consistently over time, they increased plasticity and flexibility of the neurons in the brain, reduced inflammation, improved microcirculation and oxygenation, while reducing bacterial load, levels of C-Reactive protein, frequency of insomnia, levels of anxiety and lifting depression by 40% in participants. One study showed Ginkgo biloba alone improved the innate immune responses of Alzheimer's Disease patients, even those prompted by genetic considerations.

Along with this we cannot ignore the underlying concerns mentioned above. A comprehensive approach must include:

* improving the integrity of the gut microbiome and reducing dysbiosis

* improvement of the cell membrane with antioxidants

* changes in diet that support a healthy gut and reduce body inflammation

* improvement of body fluid movement and drainage with Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy and daily movement

* reduce and resolve stealth pathogens including bacteria and viruses so that our immune system is balanced and responsive

* reduction of the toxic burden of the body

* resolution of any chronic immune disorders

* improvement of gum and dental health

When we realize that many neuroinflammatory processes occur over a long and gradual period of time we realize that it's never too early to begin supporting our future brain health and mental balance. It is also becoming clear that neuroinflammation is the key condition that drives so many of our current diseases and degeneration. This explains the increased chronic conditions affecting our children's health, behavior and cognitive ability.

We haven't been paying attention. Don't you think it's time we did?

Karen Clickner, C.C.H., is the owner of Conscious Body Natural Medicine, Inc., in Westborough, MA. For more information visit www.consciousbodynatmed.com