Nourishing Your Brain
The brain accounts for only about two percent of a human's body
weight. Yet, it demands twenty percent of the blood sugar and oxygen in the
body. For this reason, when the body is deficient in nutrients, oxygen or both,
the brain is one of the first organs to suffer. Many supplements can help the
brain to operate at peak performance by increasing oxygen levels to the brain
and by supplying nutrients essential for proper brain function.
Scientific evidence suggests that schizophrenia, depression and other brain and
behavioral disorders can be treated with vitamins, amino acids, essential oils
and other nutrients. The standard American diet is sadly lacking in B vitamins,
vitamin C and E and iron, just to name a few deficiencies. The average American
eats too much fat and too little complex carbohydrates and primary proteins.
Problems such as these can create minor or severe imbalances in the chemistry of
the brain.
The fact that the brain is dependent on oxygen is evident in the fact that
unconsciousness can occur in as little as ten seconds if blood flow to the brain
is inhibited. Supplements that increase blood flow and therefore oxygen to the
brain can be very beneficial in supporting and increasing mental function.
Ginkgo Biloba is just such an herb. Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant that acts
as a vasodilator (opens blood vessels) and natural blood thinner so that
circulation, and thereby oxygen levels, to the brain are increased. Clinical
trials using ginkgo have shown improvement in mobility of the legs, improved
brain function and memory, help in overcoming vertigo (dizziness), elimination
of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and help in treating the early stages of
Alzheimer's disease.
Blood sugar is the main fuel of the brain, and while the brain requires about
twenty percent of the body’s blood sugar, more is not better. When blood sugar
is too high throughout the body, larger organs in the body’s abdomen switch from
fat burning to blood sugar use. Not only is this switch counterproductive to
weight management, it also leaves the brain robbed of its fuel source as the
abdominal organs have a much greater combined mass than the brain and therefore
uptake most of the blood sugar.
L-glutamine
L-glutamine (used alone or in
Focus Attention or
GABA Plus) is an amino acid
that helps regulate glucose usage in the brain and clear the waste products of
its metabolism. L-glutamine can be converted by the body into glutamic acid,
which has a calming effect on the brain and can actually be used as a brain
fuel. Increased mental focus combined with a generalized calming effect is what
many children and adults erroneously seek for when using drugs.
DMAE
In addition to
L-glutamine,
Focus Attention also contains DMAE or
dimethylaminoethanol. DMAE helps improve memory retention, elevate mood,
increase intelligence and expand learning capacity by accelerating the brain's
synthesis acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key
role in mental acuity. Focus Attention can be used for children with
hyperactivity, shortened attention span, speech problems and learning
disabilities.
Red Beet Formula thought of as a formula for the pancreas, helps
to keep blood sugar levels stable and therefore more available to the brain.
Stevia is a great sugar substitute that tastes sweeter than white, refined
sugar. It does not cause large swings in blood sugar levels but actually has the
effect of lowering blood sugar levels causing the abdominal organs to remain in
a fat-burning mode and leaving the blood sugar available for the brain.
Amino Acids & B-Complex
Neurons (nerve cells) must communicate with one another across tiny gaps or
synapses. Larger numbers of synapses are associated with increased learning.
Impulse transmission across the synapses is accomplished by neuropeptides
(specialized proteins) called neuro-transmitters. These neurotransmitters not
only aid in brain cell communication, they also affect other mental functions
such as mood, emotions and pain. Amino acids, in the presence of certain
vitamins and minerals, are necessary for the body to make neurotransmitters.
NSP’s Free Amino Acids and
B-Complex capsules are supplements that can supply
such neurotransmitter precursors.
5-HTP Power
5HTP Power is a product designed to help the body make a specific
neurotransmitter, serotonin, which helps the body to regulate appetite, mood and
sleep. 5-HTP
Power contains hydroxytryptophan (a form of the amino acid L-tryptophan) and
vitamin B6, which the body uses to make serotonin. 5-HTP Power is specially
formulated so
that serotonin is formed in the brain where it is needed and not in the
intestine where it would be wasted.
Blood Brain Barrier
The importance of the brain in sustaining life is well demonstrated by the
body's protective coverings for the brain. The brain is encased by a thick bony
skull and surrounded by layers of protective membranes called the meninges.
These meninges offer not only a physical cushion of webbing and fluid but they
offer chemical protection as well. The connective tissue, neurons and
capillaries (tiny blood vessels' of the brain and meninges are different than
those of most other organs in that they do not allow passive transport of
molecules into brain tissue. Each molecule must be "allowed" or "approved"
entrance.
These specialized cells that prevent molecule passage are collectively referred
to as the blood-brain barrier.
Molecules that are essential to the brain such as water, oxygen and glucose
(blood sugar) pass through to the brain easily, whereas molecules needed in
lesser concentrations such as calcium and potassium pass more slowly. Certain
proteins, lipids (fats), creatine, urea, certain toxins and most antibiotics are
not allowed passage into the delicate
brain tissue. Many nutrients are also denied entrance.
Brain-Protex
Brain-Protex
contains antioxidants, like ginkgo, that can cross the blood-brain
barrier and other substances that have profound effects on brain tissue. One
such substance
is phosphatidyl serine, a nutrient that is found concentrated in brain cells.
Clinical studies indicate that phosphatidyl serine can help slow mental decline
associated with aging.
Phosphatidyl serine has shown benefit for cognitive functions such as attention,
short-term memory, apathy, telephone number recall, paragraph recall, name-face
acquisition, reading concentration, conversing and misplaced object recall. Not
only did test subjects perform better on cognitive tests but also Positron
Emission Topography (P.E.T.) Scans of their brains showed significantly greater
brain activity.
Huperzine
Brain-Protex also contains Huperzine from Chinese club moss. Huperzine prevents
breakdown of the neuro- transmitter acetylcholine, vital to memory retrieval and
concentration. Brain-Protex helps with memory enhancement, treatment of
Alzheimer's disease and possibly
Parkinson's, dementia, senile memory deficit, concentration and mental focus.
NSP's Grapine contains two sources of an antioxidant that can cross the
blood-brain barrier making it an important protector of delicate brain tissue
from free radical damage.
SAM-e
SAM-e
is a raw material for glutathione, the main antioxidant in neutralizing
brain toxins and free radicals. SAM-e promotes fluidity of the cell membrane, a
process that is essential for proper nerve cell function. Studies have shown
SAM-e to have rapid effectiveness in stopping depression. One study showed 100%
improvement in less than ten days. SAM-e outperformed pharmaceutics and it did
it without side effects. The antidepressant qualities of SAM-e may come from the
fact that it seems to support the function of the neurotransmitters, serotonin
and dopamine, both important in preventing depression.
Lecithin
Lecithin is also a good source of nourishment for the brain as it contains trace
amounts of phosphaddyl serine and helps the body to build protective myelin
sheaths. Myelin is a covering that insulates and protects many neurons. In
certain degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis, the integrity of the
blood-brain barrier is compromised allowing an increased flow of substances that
are damaging to brain tissue. For such individuals, MRI scans can show
inflammatory damage to the protective myelin sheaths.
Various regions of the brain house concentrations of different types of neurons
and neurotransmitters thus creating varied mental functions in different areas.
The
cerebrum is the largest and most prominent area of the brain. Its convoluted
surface allows for great surface area for more neurons. It controls higher
mental functions such as reasoning, memory and intelligence. It also controls
most sensory and motor activities along with some instinctual or limbic
functions.
Right and Left Hemispheres
The cerebrum is divided into left and right hemispheres. Each hemisphere
controls functions on the opposite side of the body and they also create
different kinds of thinking. In most people, the left side allows for analytical
and verbal skills such as math, reading and writing while the right side allows
for spatial and artistic kinds of intelligence.
Connections between the two hemispheres allow for a sharing of learning and
memory although most people usually have one dominant hemisphere. The two
hemispheres, however, respond independently to odors. Since the left hemisphere
is concerned with reasoning, words and logic, it intellectually responds by
identifying the odor and possibly making a personal memory connection.
The right hemisphere that deals with imagination, emotion and aesthetic
awareness, responds to an odor with a deeper emotional or hormonal reaction,
such as pleasure or euphoria. Normally, both hemispheres of the brain work
harmoniously to integrate all incoming data, yet researchers have found that
when a fragrance which was considered pleasant was inhaled, a wave of electrical
activity was noticed in the right hemisphere which then spread to areas of the
left hemisphere, as if the brain confirmed that the smell had been pleasant.
Aromatherapy
Inhalation of essential oils is an excellent way to access and activate the
brain as this therapy bypasses the
blood-brain barrier. Aroma has been used for thousands of years to uplift and
alter one's state of mind. Documents recorded on clay tablets from the Sumeriaii
period of Mesopotamia, dating back to as early as 550 BC, show evidence of
essential oil use. Today researchers have established a connection between the
brain and the power of aromas. Aromas access deep areas of the brain. Brain
disturbances can actually develop in an atmosphere devoid of smell.
Fetal studies have shown that if the left nasal cavity is malformed, so is the
left hemisphere of the brain. After birth, if air devoid of odors is inhaled,
the brain shows further degenerative changes. One of the most coveted items in
early space missions became
lemon-scented hand wipes. In the controlled
atmosphere of space they were the only items with a fragrance. Aromas can have
profound physical, mental and emotional effects on the body.
Stimulating Mental Function
Supplements like those described above or any others that increase oxygen or
needed nutrients to the brain can assist in increasing the mental functions of
the cerebrum. Stimulating essential oils such as
peppermint,
lemon and
rosemary are also useful for improving concentration and memory. Some offices in
Japan diffuse essential oils through the air vents to increase workers'
productivity.
One study performed in Japan demonstrated the benefits and effects of odor on
the body's responses. When the office air of keypunch operators was scented with
lavender, errors per hour dropped by 21%, with jasmine by 33%, and with lemon by
54%. The Japanese have now developed an environmental system that delivers
aromas through air conditioning ducts under computer control.
The direct effect that the sense of smell can have on the brain suggests why
aromatherapy is considered one
of the most valuable tools in the treatment of stress and anxiety-related
problems. The olfactory nerve, which transmits the sense of smell, is the only
cranial nerve (a nerve originating from die brain) that has direct contact with
the outside world.
When we inhale an odor, even if it is not consciously perceived, the olfactory
nerve changes the chemical message to an electrical one that can then trigger a
myriad of possible effects in the brain. Olfactory nerve cells are the only type
of nerve cells in the brain that have shown die ability to regenerate. This
demonstrates their importance to the brain. The olfactory tract brings the
electrical signal to the limbic system.
Limbic System
The limbic system is often referred to as the "old brain" or "smell brain".
These nicknames refer to the fact that the limbic system is the seat of
instinctual functions and it responds readily to and is directly connected to
the sense of smell. It is within the limbic system that memories and life
experiences leave their mark (effects of which can literally be seen on P.E.T.
scans) and can affect not only one's emotional health but also physical well
being. Damaging emotions and life patterns can be addressed and corrected
through the neuroemotion release technique called CLEAR™. (CLEAR is a course
available through the Tree of Light Institute.]
Supplements can do much to improve health but total health will never be
achieved unless emotional issues are addressed also. Access to the limbic system
via the use of aromatherapy is a very important part of CLEAR. The limbic system
is composed of 34 structures, only a few of which will be discussed here.
Amygdala and Hippocampus
When an electrical signal created from an aroma reaches the limbic system, it is
first interpreted by the
amygdala and hippocampus. The amygdala is connected with auditory and visual
association centers of the
brain and interprets smell, sound and sight. It patterns behavioral responses
and regulates instinctual responses to environmental situations.
For example, someone suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may
suddenly fall to the ground when he or she hears a car backfire, thinking it is
gunfire.
Previous life experiences can cause the amvedala to trigger such an
inappropriate response. There are several studies showing that there is actual
damage to the amygdala in
PTSD sufferers. That means there can be physical brain changes caused by
emotional experiences.
P.E.T. scans confirm that when there is such damage to die aroygdala that
inappropriate social response occurs. The hippocampus elicits strong control
over the emotions and governs the learning of new activities. So, both the
hippocampus and the amygdala are memory centers and play a role in emotional
responses. It is at this point in the brain that an essential oil may trigger a
recent or distant memory. Aromatherapy is excellent for aiding memory recall.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a part of the limbic system located near the center of the
brain. It is here that most of the involuntary and endocrine functions of the
body, along with many aspects of emotional behavior, are controlled. The
hypothalamus has the ability to send signals to other areas of the brain. The
hypothalamus is the regulator that
decides exactly where the signal goes to next.
A pleasant odor can gain deeper access into the brain because the hypothalamus
does not reject it. Unpleasant odors are blocked and cause less stimulation to
the brain and nervous system. If the signal is not blocked, it can reach the
cortex in less than one second. Such rapid access is why inhalation is one of
the best ways to gain access to the brain and the reason why many street drugs
are snorted through the nose.
Some essential oils that can affect the regulatory action of the hypothalamus
are Bergamot,
Frankincense and
Geranium. These oils help with anxiety
accompanied by depression, mood swings, menstrual problems and menopausal
imbalance.
Pituitary
Directly beneath the hypothalamus is the pituitary gland. This organ secretes
hormones that control many of the other endocrine glands in the body. The
hypothalamus produces some hormones that are released by the pituitary gland,
and the hypothalamus also controls the production and secretion of pituitary
hormones. Spirulina,
Super
Algae and Bee Pollen are good sources of easily absorbed amino acids necessary
for the production of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
A key product like Master Gland can also be helpful as it contains vitamins,
minerals and herbs that nourish many of the glands influenced by these regions
of the brain. Due to the connection of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to
the sense of smell and emotions, essential oils are an excellent choice for
influencing these regions of the brain.
The pituitary gland can stimulate the release of endorphins that govern pain
relief, euphoria and sexual feelings. Therefore, essential oils that are often
considered to be aphrodisiacs would also be the ones that influence the
pituitary gland, such as Clary
Sage, Patchouli and
Ylang Ylang.
Thalamus
The thalamus has extensive pathways to and from all areas of the cerebral
cortex. It acts as a relay center for all impulses (except the sense of smell)
going into the cerebrum. Nerve impulses converge here and undergo some sensory
interpretation. The thalamus is also the region of the brain responsible for the
initial autonomic response to pain. Nerve fibers from pain centers in the brain
stem pass directly into the thalamus. Stimulation in these fibers
may result in the release of neurochemicals called enkephalins. These chemicals
are painkillers but also serve in making us feel uplifted as well as creating
feelings of well being and euphoria. The ingredients in
Nature's
Phenyltol help to preserve the body's natural painkillers. A combination of
purple and white willow barks and
the amino acid phenylalanine work together to prevent the enzyme
carboxypeptidase from destroying important enkephalins.
Medulla
The medulla oblongata, which is located above the brain stem, acts as a relay
center for the visceral autonomic center. Meaning, that it controls involuntary
functions of the abdominal organs such as breathing, heart rate and blood
pressure. The medulla seems to be greatly affected by environmental and
emotional stress, creating a group of symptoms in the body often termed as
"burn-out."
One common sign of medulla weakness is the tendency for an. individual to wake
up somewhere between two and four in the morning and then be completely unable
to return to sleep. Nervous Fatigue Formula is a Chinese herbal combination that
when taken twice a day can generally help the symptoms of stress exhaustion and
if also taken before bedtime can usually alleviate the specific insomnia
described above.
Professor Linus Pauling won the Nobel Prize twice for what he called
orthomolecular psychiatry. He believed, and did much research to prove, that by
providing an optimal molecular environment for the brain, various mental
disorders could be alleviated. He created this optimal environment by
concentrating normal body substances. This is basically what one is doing when
the right supplements or essential oils are chosen to alleviate deficiencies or
generally support brain function. Proper diet, supplementation and emotional
health can assist in nourishing the brain so that it can perform at its best.
Go to my personal
NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".
You may
also check on product information, ordering and become a member for FREE.
Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail:
Karen
