Addressing Neuro Threats the Functional Medicine Way
The human brain is a complex organ that requires proper support and care to function optimally. However, several factors can affect the brain's health and lead to various neurological disorders. In this article, we will discuss the top three neuro threats: inflammation, poor brain support molecules, and exposure to toxins, and natural techniques to reduce their risk.
Inflammation:
Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps protect the body from injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful and is linked to several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Some natural techniques to reduce the risk of inflammation include:
Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against neurological disorders.
Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce inflammation by promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the body.
Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation in the brain. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and inflammation in the body.
2. Poor brain support molecules:
The brain requires proper support molecules, such as nutrients and hormones, to function optimally. Poor nutrition and hormonal imbalances can lead to various neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Some natural techniques to reduce the risk of poor brain support molecules include:
Diet: A diet rich in brain-supporting nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, can help support brain function and reduce the risk of neurological disorders.
Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for the brain to repair and regenerate. Poor sleep quality or quantity can lead to hormonal imbalances and contribute to neurological disorders.
Stress management: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote hormonal balance.
3. Exposure to toxins:
Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals and pesticides, can harm the brain and contribute to various neurological disorders. Some natural techniques to reduce the risk of exposure to toxins include:
Diet: A diet rich in detoxifying foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and cilantro, can help support the body's natural detoxification processes and reduce the risk of exposure to toxins. Eating organic foods as much as you can helps to avoid glycosphate and other pesticide exposures as well.
Environment: Limiting exposure to environmental toxins, such as air pollution and chemicals in cleaning products, can help reduce the risk of neurological disorders. At Tendwell, we have a curated list of products for your home that can help to limit your exposure to toxins. For example, we recommend the use of organic mattresses and bedding to avoid potential toxins introduced during the manufacture of standard mattresses and other hardware.
Stress management: Chronic stress can weaken the body's natural defense mechanisms, making it more susceptible to the harmful effects of toxins. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and support the body's detoxification processes.
In conclusion, several natural techniques can help reduce the risk of inflammation, poor brain support molecules, and exposure to toxins, and protect against neurological disorders. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress, can help support brain function and reduce the risk of neurological disorders. At Tendwell, we can provide advanced nutritional testing (e.g., omega 3/6 fatty acid profile) or DUTCH hormone testing to help assess factors directly involved in brain health. For functional medicine telehealth appointments or in person appointments in Denver, CO, become a Tendwell member today.
