Hi
I'm still trying to figure out ways to fight off anxiety and came across this info on the net. Thought it was interesting and wanted to share:
Introduction
I believe that knowledge is power, and the more you know the more control you have over your condition. One of my goals is to share my knowledge, observations and experience so that others might have the tools they need to aid in their own healing process. Individuals can then apply this knowledge to first halt the progression of neurological inflammation and then begin the journey of reversing the symptoms. The standards that I set for improvement are high. I am not content that an individual is simply doing better than they were before working with me, I expect that to occur. I have not yet reached a ceiling with any of the types of neurological cases that I work with including ALS, SLE, Parkinson's, MS, Alzheimer's, Myasthenia gravis and autism. What I mean by this is that the people I work with continue to improve without reaching a plateau. I work with an individual who has a form of ALS. Over the past 2 years he has continued to reverse his disease and to progress steadily. This is what I expect to see from all of the individuals that I work with.
The Program
The program that we use at Holistic Health Consultants has three basic phases:
First, I find that it is critical to remove excitotoxin triggers from the diet. This simply involves reading labels and closely monitoring food and supplement intake to avoid excitotoxins. Excitotoxins are neurotransmitters such as glutamate or aspartate that can excite the nerves to death when their levels are not regulated properly. Foods or supplements that contain excitotoxins include MSG (monosodium glutamate), glutamic acid, glutamine, nutrasweet, aspartate, aspartame, and cysteine. Mercury and aluminum can also serve to trigger glutamate release.
Next, it is important to stop the inflammatory process created by the excitotxin triggers. Excess excitotoxins cause an imbalance in the flow of calcium, which leads to activation of a complex inflammatory cascade, release of inflammatory mediators and ultimately causes the death of neurons. Halting this inflammatory cascade is achieved with a number of supplements known to mitigate inflammatory mediators.
Finally, the third stage is to repair the damage, generate new neurons, and support the liver. This is accomplished with a number of supplements, which serve as antioxidants as well as to help increase glutathione levels, restore liver function, promote nerve growth, restore vitamin K levels, decrease glutamate levels, and balance GABA levels.
The number of supplements utilized varies from approximately 5 to 50 or more, depending on the severity and the number of the imbalances in each individual. The systems or imbalances that may require supplementation include the pancreas, the intestinal tract, excessive acid production in the stomach, the liver, hormonal imbalances, thyroid, adrenals, and neurotransmitter imbalances among others. This may seem like a lot of supplements, and in some cases it is. However, what we are attempting to accomplish is the reversal of a lifetime of accumulated damage. Nerve damage is a cumulative process. By the time an individual consults with me, more than 50% of their neurons may have damaged to the point that it is causing obvious neurological symptoms. It takes time and commitment in order to halt and reverse this process. How long does it take to grow a new neuron ? No one really knows. What I do know is that when I have an individual who commits to their program and stays with it, together we are able to acheive incredible results.
Excitotoxins
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the body. It is essential for learning and for both short-term and long-term memory. It is also the precursor to the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter, and is essential for speech.Problems occur if the normal process of regulation of glutamate malfunctions and if toxic levels of this excitatory neurotransmitter build up in the synaptic junctions. The brain requires sufficient levels of oxygen and energy to remove excess glutamate. However, glutamate release leads to the release of insulin, which results in decreased glucose levels. The amount of glucose in the brain regulates the removal of excess glutamate from the synapses. Therefore, a drop in blood glucose disrupts this removal process and allows the build up of toxic glutamate. In fact, conditions of hypoglycemia, or low calorie/starvation conditions induce the release of glutamate and reduce the ability to remove excess levels of glutamate from the brain. This excess glutamate depletes glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in the body and helps to protect neurons from damage. Glutatione depletion consequently leads to the death of additional neurons.
Glutamate has six different types of receptors to which it can bind in the brain. One of these receptors, the NMDA receptors, is tied to calcium transport as its mode of action. In the case of the NMDA receptors, the release of excess glutamate triggers an inflammatory cascade that results in the death of neurons by the major influx of calcium into the nerve until it results in neural cell death. Normal levels of calcium result in normal neuron functioning. However, excessive levels of calcium make it impossible for the neuron to rest; the neuron continues to fire without stopping, causing the release of inflammatory mediators, the release of more glutamate, thus resulting in more calcium influx. The high intracellular levels of calcium also lead to high levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, causing damage to the energy producing apparatus of the cells. Magnesium is able to modulate the calcium flow, as is zinc. However, zinc is a double-edged sword as it is also able to activate glutamate release via the non-NMDA glutamate receptors.
Although these receptors are called "glutamate receptors", any of the excitatory amino acids are able to bind to the receptors and cause excitotoxin damage. The toxic potential of these excitatory amino acids has been suggested to be proportional to their ability to excite neurons. These excitatory amino acids include glutamate, aspartate, and to a lesser extent, cysteine and homocysteine.
Glutamate and aspartate are common as food additives as well as naturally occurring components of a large number of foods. In cells, glutamate and aspartate can be synthesized from each other. The two main food additives that are sources for excitotoxins are MSG (monosodium glutamate) and aspartame (nutrasweet). High levels of glutamate and aspartate are found naturally in protein rich foods, including very high levels in wheat gluten, and milk casein. While these amino acids are necessary for normal brain function, excess amounts of them create a wide range of bodily damage.
Body systems that have been affected by glutamate toxicity include effects on white blood cells (elevations in the levels of eosinophils,), effects on blood vessels (causing migraines and reduced regulation of blood pressure), and inhibition of the conversion of glutamate to GABA. The sites in the brain that have been reported to be damaged by excitotoxins include the hypothalamus, the hippocampal neurons, and the Purkinje neurons, among others.
Excess levels of glutamate have been definitely implicated in a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea, stroke, Multiple sclerosis, and ALS. In the case of autism, irregularities related to glutamate have been observed.
Liver Health
The liver is probably one of the most important organs in the body when it comes to health. The liver is the site for carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, storage of vitamins and minerals, and regulatory mechanisms for blood sugar and hormone levels. Bile production, which is necessary for elimination reactions, also takes place in the liver. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, the liver is the site for detoxification of the body. A central problem in neurological inflammation is the function and health of the liver. If the liver is healthy, it can make sufficient enzymes for the efficient detoxification of the body. The liver contains high levels of enzymes, and enzyme systems that are required for detoxification processes.
In addition to high levels of excitatory amino acids, low levels of glutathione have been associated with a number of neurodegenerative disorders. The liver contains one of the highest levels of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in the body. Glutathione is essential for both the phase I and phase II detoxification systems of the liver. Phenol-sulphotransferase (PST) is another sulfur- containing enzyme that detoxifies leftover hormones and toxic molecules, as well as food dyes and chemicals. High extracellular levels of the excitotoxin glutamate cause the extrusion of intracellular cysteine- resulting in glutathione depletion. Low levels of magnesium also result in decreased levels of glutathione, as does infection or inflammation that cause elevations in the inflammatory mediator TNF alpha.
GABA
Another issue with neurological inflammation are imbalances between glutamate and GABA. While glutamate stimulates neurotransmission and can excite the nerves to death, GABA is the calming neurotransmitter. GABA is involved in social ability, controlling anxiety, and is essential for speech. GABA neurons damp the propagation of sounds so that a distinction can be made between the onset of a sound and background noise. (GABA is often used to help restore speech in individuals who have suffered strokes.) The amino acid taurine (another sulfur containing amino acid) is itself involved in neurotransmission, and also helps to elevate the level of GABA. Taurine levels would also be depleted under conditions of low sulfation. Normally, excess levels of the excitotoxin glutamate can convert to GABA. There seems to be a disconnect in this process for individuals with neurological inflammation so that the excitatory neurotransmission is high and the calming neurotransmission is low, where again, one sees the need for sulfur containing proteins or amino acids in this process. The enzyme that converts glutamate into GABA is located in the pancreas.
This implicates the GI tract in the process of neurological inflammation.
GI Tract
In an ideal situation, following the digestion of food in the stomach by hydrochloric acid , the HCL is dumped into the small intestine, stimulating the release of several proteins. These include gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), secretin, and cholecystokinin (CCK). GIP slows the release of acid into the intestinal tract, secretin stimulates the pancreas to release bicarbonate to neutralize the acid, and CCK stimulates the gall bladder to release the bile (made by the liver) into the intestines to neutralize the acid and help digest fats. If, however, the pancreas and the liver are in a weakened state, this ideal situation will not occur. Instead, the HCL is still dumped into the small intestine; however, these three proteins will not be released properly. This results in a situation where the intestinal tract will become more acidic due to lack of released bile, and result in an environment that is more conducive to growth of yeast, E.coli, and streptococcus, rather than normal intestinal flora. In addition, there will be inadequate digestion of fats, consequently a decrease in absorption of fat-soluble nutrients (i.e.vitamins A, D, and K), and a sub-optimal amount of secretin and CCK to trigger communication with the brain. Decreased levels of CCK in the brain are correlated with anxiety and panic.
Similar to CCK, the hormone secretin is found in the brain as well as the GI tract. Secretin has been shown to cross the blood/brain barrier. It is postulated that secretin that crosses over into the brain as well as secretin that is released by Purkinje cells in the brain may regulate cells nearby to produce GABA.
Neuropeptide Y is another peptide that is abundant in both the brain and the GI tract. In the brain, it is involved in regulation of appetite, anxiety and blood pressure. In the GI tract, Neuropeptide Y is involved in the regulation of pancreatic secretions and gut motility. Neuropeptide Y has been reported to suppress glutamate and antagonize the effects of glutamate.
Supplementation
While I formulate and suggest a specific supplementation plan that reflects the profile of a particular individual, there are some universal generalities that apply to any neurological supplementation program.
A really good general supplement that covers the vitamins, minerals and is high in antioxidant supplements will lay the groundwork for the rest of the more specialized supplements. I do not like iron in supplements as iron can exacerbate neurological inflammation. Iron is also necessary for virulence of many bacteria, including streptococci, so limiting iron is useful in limiting bacterial infection, which could trigger additional inflammation.
Individuals should get more sulfur/glutathione into the system in as many healthy ways as possible. While glutathione cannot be taken orally, it can be taken transdermally and sublingually. Also there are a number of supplements which will boost glutathione levels, these include: milk thistle, alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl- cysteine/vitamin C, MSM, and rosemary among others. While glutamate (or glutamic acid or glutamine) and cysteine are precursors in the formation of glutathione, they are also excitotoxins and will trigger more inflammation in the brain; therefore it is best not to use those items directly as supplements to boost glutathione levels. Foods/supplements that are high in sulfur include garlic, broccoli, onions, and quercetin. Reduced glutathione is reportedly the more potent form of glutathione; NADH can be used as a supplement to help recycle reduced glutathione.
If the liver is healthy it can make sufficient glutathione, which is one of the most important antioxidants in the body. The liver is also critical as it is the site of detoxification of waste products for the body. Anything that makes the liver healthier will help; this would include some of the supplements already mentioned such as milk thistle, carnitine, NAC, dandelion (also high in vitamin A), as well as SAMe and B vitamins.
Individuals should consider supplements to help to detoxify the excess glutamate in the system. These would include branched chain amino acids, pycnogenol, and grape seed extract. Magnesium is critical as it regulates the excess calcium from flowing into the nerves and killing them. Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulfate) are useful particularly if the bathing water is high in chloride and fluoride. Chloride blocks the action of sulfur in the body. Limited amounts of zinc and calcium are fine, but too much will increase nerve damage.
Supplements that add energy (oxygen and ATP) to the brain will help it to detoxify the inflammatory reactions caused by excess glutamate and heavy metals, which trigger glutamate release. These supplements include ginkgo, vinpocetine, NADH, CoQ10 and carnitine. Carnitine actually helps to increase the energy in the mitochondria, which are the energy producing organelles inside each cell. Carnitine is also useful in repairing liver damage.
B vitamins are crucial for nerve health. They also help to form the sulfur containing amino acids. A really good B complex is important. In addition B12 can be taken sublingually so that it is not degraded in the stomach. B12 helps with energy as well as to repair nerves. It is important to take B vitamins as a complex, as it has been shown that taking a single B vitamin will deplete the levels of the other B vitamin's and this occurs in a dose dependent fashion. For example, a central inflammatory mediator in other neurological inflammation is homocysteine. Lack of particular B's will increase the homocysteine levels in the blood.
Finally, in individuals where chronic yeast or fungal infection is evident, it is important to restore the normal functioning of the intestinal tract. Supplement with a really good source of vitamin K, agents to limit yeast formation (which occurs as a result of lack of normal flora) and digestive enzymes. Supplements that will help with digestion and yeast overgrowth include lactoferrin, digestive enzymes, and probiotics.
Supplement Quality
One place where individuals can have difficulties with a supplement plan is the source/quality of the supplements and vitamins they are using. I have heard people say "Oh, I've tried that before, it doesn't work", only to find that when they use a high quality version of that same supplement, it does in fact make a difference for them. Alternatively, I have had individuals who were following one of my suggested supplement plans with great success, only to find that they were not doing as well when they switched to another brand of supplement, or one that was not stored properly. It is therefore important to consider "supplement quality" as an aspect of any nutritional plan. Supplements are not regulated. As a result supplement quality can vary greatly. Also, supplements can go off or spoil (similar to fresh produce) if they are not stored or shipped properly. Consequently, it is not simply a matter of supplement brand, it is also important to consider other factors, such as how it was stored (in a hot stockroom ?), how long it's been sitting on the shelf and how it was shipped.
We did not set out with the intention of selling supplements. However, we have found that not all supplements are made under the same high standards that we subscribe to. Our primary goal at Holistic Health Consultants has always been helping you to get well. Over time we have found that it is important for you to use the proper tools to take charge of your health. One of these tools includes the use of supplements. In my practice we order fresh supplements weekly, as if it were fresh produce, we only carry certain brands, and I have many of the supplements formulated especially for me. I have personally researched and hand picked each and every supplement we carry to ensure that you receive the best products available to attain peak physical and mental well being.
Sources of Excitotoxins
Definite Sources of MSG
Hydrolyzed ProteinSodium Caseinate or Calcium Caseinate
Autolyzed Yeast or Yeast Extract
Gelatin
Hydrolyzed Oat Flour
Glutamic acid
Monosodium glutamate
Possible sources of MSG
Textured ProteinCarrageenan or Vegetable Gum
Seasonings or Spices
Flavorings or Natural Flavorings
Chicken, Beef, Pork, Smoke Flavorings
Bouillon, Broth or Stock
Barley Malt, Malt Extract, Malt Flavoring
Whey Protein, Whey Protein Isolate or Concentrate
Soy Protein, Soy Protein Isolate or Concentrate
Soy Sauce or Extract
Other sources of MSG
MSG is found in most of the food prepared by major fast-food chains.
Binders and fillers for medications, nutrients, and supplements, both prescription and non-prescription, and some fluids administered intravenously in hospitals, may contain MSG.
According to the manufacturer, Varivax-Merck chicken pox vaccine (Varicella Virus Live), contains L-monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed gelatin both of which contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG).
MSG is used as a plant "growth enhancer" (AuxiGro) that is sprayed on growing crops. AuxiGro Plant Metabolic Primer contains 29.2% by weight, pharmaceutical grade, L-glutamic acid.
The most common source of MSG is molasses or sugar beet or cane.
MSG and Aspartame(nutrasweet) are found in everything from soups, sauces, and juice to frozen entrees, candy, cigarettes, and anything with seasonings (e.g., potato chips, meat, ice cream).
Sources of Aspartate, aspartame, aspartic acid
Aspartic acid, found in aspartame (NutraSweet) ordinarily causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people.
Aspartame (Nutrasweet), aspartic acid,aspartate are used to sweeten many prepared foods, as a tabletop sweetener, sources include:
cocoa mix, topping mix
yogurt-type products
shake mix
cereal
gelatin mix
instant breakfast mix
frozen novelties
milk flavor additives
wine coolers
chewable multivitamins
carbonated soft drinks
fruit syrups
powdered soft drinks
puddings and pie fillings
fruit juice drinks
instant coffee and tea mixes
refrigerated tea
ready-to-eat gelatin
chewing gum
frozen desserts
refrigerated flavored milk beverages
breath mints
over-the-counter pharmaceuticals
fruit spreads & toppings
Ann <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
PS! It seems GABA is very important to relax the nervous system and prevent anxiety. I'm going to try to order some, but I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried this supplement?
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