Research indicates that our brain health is greatly influenced by gut colonization of probiotics aka friendly bacteria (1), along with adequate consumption of essential fats (2). Our brain is 80% fat.
Brain researcher, Sandrine Thuret, discussed in a TedTalk how we can grow new neurons in the brain, while improving mood and memory. Things that decrease our ability to create new neurons in the brain include: stress, sleep deprivation, aging, vitamin deficiencies, excess sugar and alcohol consumption. On the other hand, it has been found that neuron production increases with learning, exercise, and intermittent fasting, along with consumption of particular foods and nutrients such as Omega 3 fats, Vitamin E and D, blueberries, grapes, dark chocolate, curcumin (turmeric), green tea, and coconut oil. Japanese scientist even found that a soft diet was found to impair neurogenesis, and neuron generation was stimulated by crunchy food.
Also, our body produces stem cells from bone marrow to maintain and repair tissue. Adult stem cells have the potential to develop into most tissues in the body and have the capacity to migrate toward problem or damaged areas. The normal aging process causes adult stem cells to decrease in number. Maintaining and promoting the health and growth of stem cells and neurons optimizes overall health of our bodies.
Scientific data suggests that the same botanical and dietary components found to improve growth of new neurons in the brain also promote the growth and health of stem cells (3).
The company Enzymedica put those studied nutrients into a product called Stem XCell. It contains blueberry, grape, green tea extracts, Vitamin D, along with additional enzymes and antioxidants such as, Carnosine, SOD (super oxide dismutase), Glutathione, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. The added antioxidants enhance efficacy to help protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals and support proliferation of stem cells and neurons.
Carnosine and Glutathione are amino acids (building blocks of protein) and are also considered antioxidants. One study showed that Carnosine was found to prevent damage associated with alcoholism. Other studies indicate that Carnosine improves wound healing, It was also found to improve behavior and cognition in subjects with neurologic/mental disorders. Carnosine increases activity of the antioxidant SOD (4).
SOD and catalase are the very enzymes that our bodies manufacture to maintain the immune system and scavenge free radicals. All of these components along with the antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid have been found to be protective of brain health.
Sources:
Mayer, E et al. Gut microbes and the Brain: Paradigm Shift in Neuroscience. Journal of Neuroscience. 2014 Nov 12 , 34 (46): 15490-15496. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4228144/
Ying, A. Gomez-Pinella, F. Dietary Omega 3 Fats Normalize BDNF Levels, Reduce Oxidative Damage, and Counteract Learning Disabilities after Traumatic Brain Injury. Journal of Neurotrauma, Vol. 21, No. 10. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/neu.2004.21.1457
Bickford, P., Tan, J., Shytle, D., Sanberg, C., El-Badri, N., Sanberg, P. (2006). “Nutraceuticals Synergistically Promote Proliferation of Human Stem Cells.” Stem Cells and Development, 15, 118-123.
V.D. Prokopieva, et al. Use of Carnosine for Oxidative Stress reduction in Different Pathologies. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. Volume 2016 (2016). https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2016/2939087/
Maharjan, S. et al. Alpha Lipoic Acid Promotes Neurological Recovery After Ischemic Stroke By Activating NrF/HO-1 Pathway to Attenuate Oxidative Damage. Cell Physiol Biochem. 2017;43(3):1273-1287. doi: 10.1159/000481840. Epub 2017 Oct 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28992629
Dr Tiffanie Jones has a special interest in brain health, as she is caretaker of her father who suffered from a traumatic brain injury and has a family history of Alzheimer's. She has seen the benefits of preventative care with nutrient repletion and is passionate about helping others.
To schedule an appointment with Dr Jones, please visit: https://www.holistichealthstl.com/make-an-appointment/
Or call: 314-647-3999
For more information: https://www.holistichealthstl.com/naturopathic-physician/