For those feeling fuzzy, fatigued and forgetful and wondering if they are exhibiting early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms can be signs of being too busy or sleep-deprived; they may also be early signs of brain inflammation and degeneration.

        Degenerative brain disorders are increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 5 million people afflicted. The reason for this is multi-factorial and complicated, but the short explanation is digestive dysfunction and inflammation.

        “Leaky gut” is actually a gut lining permeability problem where, due to an unhealthy intestinal lining, absorption of nutrients and removal of toxic waste has gone awry. The result is that toxic waste and undigested proteins are passed into the bloodstream, where they produce inflammation, allergic reactions and illness. The reason for digestive dysfunction is also multi-factorial and complicated, but can be summed up as damage to our gut microbes and the gut lining from antibiotics, pesticides, an overly sanitized environment and poor diet.

        The gut lining is very similar to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a layer of cells with the purpose of transporting glucose and nutrients to the brain while keeping toxic chemicals, bacteria and harmful organisms out. According to Dr. Zach Bush, who has studied both membranes under the microscope, some of the same things that cause leaky gut also cause leaking of the permeable membrane between the blood and the brain.

        When the BBB leaks damaging particles into our brain, we end up with chronic inflammation. With symptoms that include brain fog, memory loss, lack of focus, fatigue, mood swings, sleeplessness and depression, this inflammation can lead to degenerative brain or autoimmune disease.

        Inflammation is the root cause of almost all degenerative disease. Although it is a natural response to injury, when inflammation becomes chronic, it is destructive to the very tissues it is designed to heal. We don’t have to look very far to find the cause of this chronic inflammation. From the pesticides sprayed on our foods to the toxic chemicals in our household products and cosmetics, we are exposed to many known carcinogens and hormone disruptors daily.

        According to research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, the average woman’s grooming routine exposes her to 515 different synthetic chemicals every day, but the most common source of inflammation is our diet. Not only are processed foods with chemical flavorings, colorings and preservatives inflammatory, but any food containing corn, wheat, dairy, soy or sugar can cause damaging inflammation to the gut lining, the gut microbes, the blood vessels or the brain.

        To stop all of this damage to our brains, the first line of defense is to reduce our exposure to chemicals through healthy choices in food, water and household products. Adding anti-inflammatory foods, herbs and spices to our diet is essential, and using powerful antioxidants and herbal supplements to interrupt the inflammatory cascade can work wonders.

 

Dr. Christine Thompson holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University, and has been practicing in downtown Fredericksburg since 1996. For more information, visit Whole Health Solutions at Whole-Health.net.