The brain is composed of one hundred billion neurons. These neurons are supported by approximately one trillion supporting cells called glial cells. The brain comprises approximately 2% of total body weight, while burning approximately 20-30% of all the calories used by the body. The brain is a soft structure, like custard, protected by a hard skull.
At the core of almost all neurologic damage and disease is a mitochondrial energy failure caused by free radical damage. It is amazing to me that a single root cause leads to so many different manifestations of neurologic dysfunction.
Let’s talk about the causes or specific triggers of neurologic disease:
- Physical trauma, as in a fall, automobile accident, sports injury, or assault.
- Emotional trauma, as in abuse or post traumatic stress disorder.
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Chronic unrelenting stress, which may be emotional, physical, or infectious.
- Environmental toxins, including insecticides, organochlorines, organophosphates, or solvents.
- Toxic metals, especially mercury, lead, and aluminum
- Mercury is the root cause of the majority of neurologic diseases, including autism, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and multiple sclerosis. An interesting film clip from the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology shows the mercury release from set dental amalgam fillings. Especially fascinating is the increase in vapor volume demonstrated with contact to the teeth, as in chewing food or gum, dental work and drilling. The site address is http://www.iaomt.org/videos/
- Lead exposure in children has been shown to affect their IQ and cause learning disabilities.
- Aluminum is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Oxygen deprivation, as in stroke, or cerebral palsy at birth
- Genetic predisposition may make certain individuals more likely to be affected, but they do require an environmental trigger in order to manifest the susceptibility.
- Nutrient deficiencies
There are some general treatments that apply to all neurologic disease. The body needs basic nutrients in the form of real food and supplements, and filtered water. If repair is going to take place, we must rid ourselves of nutrient deficient, processed foods, and fast foods. We need to avoid toxins, including nicotine and caffeine, both of which decrease blood flow to the brain. The supplements that I emphasize, that support nerve and brain tissue, are the B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), B6, folic acid, and B12. Essential fatty acids, both omega 3 and omega 6, are components of the nerve cell membrane and the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve. Phospholipids, specifically phosphatdylcholine and phosphatidylserine, are also important parts of the cell membrane and the myelin sheath. There is a greater volume of fat in the brain tissue than there is actual nerve tissue (so if someone calls you a fathead, don’t take offense—they’re correct!).
Other nutrients that are very important to reverse the ongoing damage to the brain include many antioxidants, specifically glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, and melatonin. Unfortunately, glutathione, perhaps the most important antioxidant in the brain, cannot be absorbed intact when taken orally. It can be administered intravenously or transdermally (through the skin), or the three basic components can be taken orally. The B vitamins, co-enzyme Q 10, L carnitine or acetyl-carnitine, ribose and magnesium are all known nutrients that can support the brain bioenergetics or mitochondrial system, from which all the energy of the cells is made.
There are many nutrients that are supposed to improve memory. I have not seen any of these options help dramatically with my patients, but the following nutrients support brain function:
- Phosphatidylserine
- Gingko biloba
- DHA
- Huperzine
- Vinpocetine
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Co-enzyme Q10
- Vitamins C & E
- Pregnenolone
Additional nutrients, called nerve growth factors, because of their influence on nerve growth, include phosphatidylserine, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and acetyl-carnitine.
Stem cells are cells that can become any cell, including nerve cells. Although there are ethical dilemmas with stem cell research, the potential for healing damaged tissue is exciting, and there are other ways to obtain stem cells besides the controversial sources which are in the news today.
In addition to these nutrients and the ones mentioned above, there are substances that support the neurotransmitters in the brain. The amino acid tryptophan and 5HTP, a breakdown product of tryptophan, are precursors of serotonin. L-Dopa, which is found in several herbs, and tyrosine, another amino acid, are precursors of dopamine. Both of these neurotransmitters are implicated in causing anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties. If there is too much excitation in the brain from excitatory neurotransmitters, theanine, taurine, and lactium may suppress nervousness, irritability, and anxiety. SAMe, cysteine and activated B5 provide excitatory support and may help with depression, fatigue, apathy, and lack of motivation.
Decreasing stress is a critical element in repairing the brain. This may include lifestyle changes, meditation, and relaxing music. You will also find that expressing gratitude about life’s blessings and earth’s beauty may be a very important component in repair of the brain. Exercise, humor and appropriate amounts of sleep are also very helpful.
Hyperbaric oxygen is a generic drug for brain rehabilitation. It is classified as a drug in a hyperbaric chamber because the oxygen content of the body is well above the physiologic range for oxygen when one is treated in a chamber. If we want to know if hyperbaric oxygen will improve a neurologic condition, we can obtain a SPECT scan before and after one hyperbaric oxygen treatment. If improvement is seen on the second scan, we know that the hyperbaric oxygen is an effective treatment for this individual. Hyperbaric oxygen mobilizes stem cells from the bone marrow. It also acts as a DNA signaling agent to stimulate production of growth and repair hormones, and upregulate their respective receptors in the brain.
Low dose dilantin is a modulator of biochemical activity in the brain and nerves. At low doses of 100-300 mg /day, it can stabilize the nerve membrane to reduce a hyperexcitability state and is extremely safe.
I’ll be addressing specific neurologic diseases in upcoming articles. Stay tuned for more information in this very important field!
:
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
11 responses so far ↓
1 Sandra Thiem // Jul 6, 2008 at 10:24 am
I am very interested in your information and will be following your remarks with great interest. I am still undiagnosed, but am sure I have some kind of neurological disorder. My neurologist calls it “migraine aura”, my GP says I have an inner ear problem - but I am dizzy, have lots of aches, my legs are shakey, my balance is poor - standing is almost impossible, but if I keep moving (walking) I do better. I eat well, take supplements, grow a garden, and try to exercise. Walking and stretching is best for me.
I have currently started taking a stem cell enhancer supplement and am going to buy a alkaline water ionizer machine. I am 62 years old and have been dealing with dizziness and vertigo for 20 years. I am always looking for more information.
Thanks!
2 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jul 8, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Sandra, Two possibilities that can be considered: 1) energy work with acupuncture, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Craniosacral 2) look at possible emotional causes, things that happened in the 6 months before the start of the symptoms. This does not explore all of the possibilities, some of which will be explored as I talk of individual ‘diagnoses’.
3 Maren // Jul 9, 2008 at 9:36 am
I will also be following this with interest. My neurological problems are undiagnosed as well. I have some form of dysautonomia. I can relate to Sandra’s experience as I have had many similar symptoms–especially being unable to stand but needing to keep moving. I’ve been sick since I was 11, but I completely collapsed 3-1/2 years ago and have been mostly bedridden since then (I am 33 now). I started working with a chiropractor neurologist last month and have hope that I can get back on my feet.
I have done a lot of EFT and other energy work to address the emotional issues involved. I’m also suspicious of mercury–I had some fillings when my symptoms started and then I collapsed completely shortly after having those fillings removed. Chronic stress and nutritional deficiencies have been factors too. I do relaxation sessions daily now and have been working on my diet and I supplement. I’m probably on the right track, but the difficulties of making it through every day are wearing. It’s hard to see a light at the end of this trial sometimes. I have a 5 year old son who doesn’t remember a time when I was able to walk and leave my bed.
Anyway, this post and the following comments struck a chord with me, so I thought I would speak up.
Maren
4 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jul 11, 2008 at 7:50 am
Maren, Based on your history, I think it is highly likely that mercury burdon/poisoning could very well be at the root of your problem. Hair testing and provocation urine testing could document this. Then chelating agents could help with mercury removal. Dysautonomia, as you know, is an autonomic nervous system challenge, often rooted in thiamine deficiency or receptor insensitivity. A special form of thiamine, TTFD, is the best way to raise thiamine levels, and is a fairly good chelating agent also. Keep me posted. I will be happy to hear of your progress. Dr Gardner
5 Norma Fuentes // Jul 14, 2008 at 10:02 am
My son has a mild form of epilepsy which is a neurologic disease. Please let me know how can he improve his health. He’s 34 years old. Thanks.
6 Marjorie H. Rice // Jul 16, 2008 at 6:06 am
On December 1, 2006 my husband had a hemmorhagic stroke, a massive bleed in the right side of the brain. I was told by doctors his chance for survival was slight. He was in intensive care for 11 days, unable to speak for 20 days, but he survived and has recovered enough to walk with my help and a quad cane. He has no use of his left arm and hand, and so he is severely limited in what he can do. He seems to have reached a plateau in his recovery, but he is brave and wonderful and an inspiration to all who know him. I am buying the supplements today that you recommend for brain injuries. But I’ve been told that once brain cells have died, they do not regenerate. I am trying to find a way for him to get aerobic exercise. He has a pedal exerciser, but we can’t get his left foot to stay on the pedal no matter how we try to keep it there. If you have any suggestion for me on how to facilitate his recovery I would be so grateful.
Thanks for your work and the interesting articles.
Sincerely, Marjorie Rice
7 Dr. Stan Gardner // Jul 16, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Norma, Epilepsy is triggered by abnormal discharges of electrical activity in the brain. The best thing to do is strengthen the neurologic system with B vitamins and essential oils, omega 6 and omega 3. Of course, a good diet, staying away inflammatory triggers and processed foods, are important.
Marjorie, Never lose hope for more recovery, although he is 1 1/2 years out since the incident. There is 3 kinds of cells in the area of injury–dead cells, that we cannot help; living but nonfunctional cells that may still recover; and normal functioning cells. The living but nonfunctional cells may be helped with Hyberbaric oxygen (HBO). The soft-shell chamber may be sufficient for recovery. HBO can improve angiogenesis (help to form new blood vessels) and stimulate stem cell release from bone marrow, which may form new nerve cells in the brain. Energy work, with acupuncture, Jin Shin Jyutsu or Craniosacral, may also prove beneficial. Because there is so much oxidation and free radical damage associated with strokes, we also use DMSO IV as a free radical squelcher. Can you duct tape his foot to the pedal? Let me know of any successes. Regards, Dr. Gardner
8 denise seday // Aug 19, 2008 at 10:11 am
I was treated for Lyme disease for 15 months with heavy-duty doses of many different antibiotics, including a picc line for 2-3 months. I followed that treatment with a Pancha Karma detox lasting 7 days, as well as many nutritional supplements and trying to eat “clean” food. My main problem remains to be body tremors. I take Sinemet (1/2 of a 25/100 pill 2 times a day), and about 20 Balanced D each day. I have been working with a local naturopath for 7 months, and I worked with a naturopath in Reno, NV last year for about 8 months. I have also worked with two different cranio sacral therapists. All of these professionals believe I do not have Parkinsons or MS. But I still have tremors. Do you think it is possible that the Lyme bacteria damaged my meylin, and do you think hyperbaric chamber sessions would be helpful?
9 Lee // Jan 15, 2009 at 9:26 am
Where and who is doing research on small fiber demeylinating nerve tissue?
Have there been any breakthroughs in the last few years?
10 L YOUNG // Jul 30, 2009 at 11:22 pm
My 32 year old son just had back surgery which was long overdue. His back was broken .. work injury .. long story .. but he did not get the surgery for 5 months due to complications with worker’s comp. He still needs a fusion. His leg has severe nerve damage and atrophy. Not to mention the pain he is in. What can we do to help him heal and not lose the use of his leg(s) .. Thank you for all you do.
11 Patricia Fleischer // Jun 5, 2011 at 7:09 pm
I am 61 years old, and I have been diagnosed with transverse myelitis. I have not walked for over 4 years, and I would love to get back to my hiking days. My symptoms started 6 months to a year after my menopause. I have been working with natural hormones, including progessence serum; I have worked to eliminate mold in my body; and anything else you can recommend I would appreciate. I am also using essential oils from Young Living. I’ve heard that the Alpha Eudesmol chemical constituent repairs the myelin sheath, so I am using the essential oils of blue cypress and Rudavala - which is suppose to have lots of Alpha Eudesmol. And, I am using EWOT, whereby I workout and hook myself up to an oxygen concentrator and breathe oxygen while I work out - I have an Elgin (similar to a NuStep]. I eat well, take a ton of supplements, and can you think of anything you can recommend? Thanks, Patricia
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