Neuroprotective therapy is a complex and evolving field; I will endeavour to illustrate the importance of neuroprotective therapy for long-term health.
Neuroprotective therapy may be used in degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Neuroprotective therapy may also help with glaucoma, brain trauma and spinal injury.
The aim behind this therapy is to slow down degeneration and support existing injured tissues. No matter what the diagnosed disorder is, the underlying mechanisms of CNS health issues tend to be similar.
These are:
Oxidative stress
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Excitotoxicity
Chronic inflammation
Iron accumulation
Protein aggregation
Of these mechanisms, neuroprotective treatments often target oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Both of these trigger neuron cell death, and when combined, they have synergistic effects. This means the two actions combined result in even greater degradation than the sum of their individual actions.
Neurorescue
The term, neurorescue, is used to describe a distinct type of neuroprotection. Neurorescue is based on the concept that a population of cells is dysfunctional, but not irreversibly injured, and may be restored to normal function. Neurorescue therapies work to improve symptoms of the disease and slow or even stop disease progression.
This perspective offers a more optimistic outlook for individuals with neurological conditions, suggesting that intervention may not only slow decline but can improve function in certain cases.
The concept of neuroprotection is particularly interesting as many neurological disorders progress slowly with little disability in the early stages of disease. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis sometimes provide a long ‘lead time’ to implement neuroprotective strategies. The challenge for some people is to be diligent and commit to several therapies over a longer time. Working closely with experienced practitioners is important. An acupuncturist, Bowen therapist or osteopath can be useful to assess your biomechanics. Poor posture and spinal alignment need to be addressed.
Neuronal Cell Death
Protein aggregation is a known source of neuron cell death. ‘Mis-folded’ proteins aggregate (accumulate and clump together). These protein aggregates damage cells by disrupting cell membranes.
Many diseases associated with protein aggregation increase in frequency with age. This is why degenerative disorders are seen as the result of old age, yet many factors are at play. Recent research suggests protein aggregation is a second line of cellular reaction to imbalanced protein homeostasis. Their expression is increased when cells are exposed to elevated temperatures or stress.
Glutamate
Glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the most important mechanisms triggering cell death in CNS disorders.
Glutamate is a major excitatory transmitter in the brain and plays an important role in promoting the transmission of signals between nerve cells. Glutamate is a major mediator of excitatory signals in the mammalian CNS and is involved in all aspects of normal brain function – cognition, memory and learning.
Glutamate mediates information and regulates brain development, which determines cellular survival, differentiation and elimination, including the formation and elimination of nerve contacts (synapses).
Glutamate is one of the common 20 amino acids used to make proteins and is involved in metabolic functions like energy production, ammonia detoxification and protein synthesis.
So, you might ask, “Why is it toxic?”
Glutamate must be present in the right concentrations, in the right places, at the right time. It is a delicate balance. Too much or too little glutamate is harmful. Glutamate is essential, but it holds the potential to be highly toxic at the same time.
L-Glutamine
Please don’t get glutamate confused with L-glutamine. Glutamate is converted to glutamine by cells that line the intestinal tract. Glutamine is used by the villi (tiny hair-like projections in the intestinal lining) to maintain intestinal health and integrity.
The glutamate to glutamine conversion also happens in the liver and kidneys. Here, niacin (B3) and pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6) are required for conversion. B3 is also essential for the conversion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy. You can see how anyone with digestive health problems may have issues with the conversion of glutamate to L-glutamine.
Because glutamine plays such a critical role in intestinal health, this problem can become a vicious cycle. Poor gut function impairs digestion, which in turn reduces the conversion of glutamate to glutamine. Lower glutamine levels then weaken intestinal integrity, increasing sensitivities and further worsening gut function—perpetuating the cycle. Anyone with digestive issues (despite a healthy diet) may require supplementation to stop this cycle. Personally, I would recommend this if anyone were suffering from any neurological disorders. L-glutamine is needed as a fuel source for your body, especially your brain. L-glutamine also plays a critical role in maintaining a balance with neurotoxins in the retina of your eye.
Please avoid self-prescribing L-glutamine – see a naturopath/nutritionist first. I was informed by the technical department of one company that glutamine supplements are usually sourced from corn, sometimes beets. However, some cheaper brands use nails, talons, beaks and feathers! I was reassured that, despite the main source being corn, their processing removes allergy triggers. I generally recommend pausing L-glutamine supplementation every two to three months, depending on the individual.
Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the nervous system. A balanced diet that includes quality protein, fresh vegetables and minimally processed foods will support both digestive integrity and neurological resilience.
Combine lightly steamed vegetables with some raw vegetables to aid digestion. Good quality protein is a must to aid healing. Digestive enzymes may be useful in supporting compromised digestive systems.
Highly processed foods, particularly those containing additives, can place additional stress on the body and should be minimised. Caffeine, particularly if the liver is under stress (ie. liver enzymes are raised due to medications), should be avoided.
Avoid foods that damage the intestinal tract, as this will reduce your ability to convert glutamate to glutamine. Common culprits include gluten grains, soy and corn.
Some individuals may also be sensitive to other foods, which can impact both gut and neurological health. Work with a practitioner to identify and remove food triggers.
Eat foods that are rich in glutamine – raw cabbage, beets, beans, lentils, English spinach, parsley, brown rice, chickpeas, nuts, avocado, bananas, goji berries and dates, to name a few.
MSG (monosodium glutamate), whose parent protein is glutamic acid, is used as a flavour enhancer due to its neuro-stimulating effect on taste buds. Once it reaches the brain, it may induce migraines, seizures and lower pain thresholds. We don’t need it, so check all restaurants you visit, request food without MSG, and check all pre-packed foods. Better still, don’t eat these ‘foods’ as fresh is best.
Avoid all foods that contain any type of additive or preservative, as many are neurotoxic. Be wary of labels that indicate “spices” often this is simply masking MSG or other neurotoxic substances. If in doubt, contact the supplier and talk with their technical department. We all need to be proactive and question manufacturers. These substances have no nutritional benefits. If a ‘food’ requires so many flavours, additives and preservatives, it is not worthy of consuming!
Natural remedies
In some cases, pharmaceutical medications are necessary and can play an important role. However, they may also be associated with side effects; an integrative approach can help support overall health. Don’t dabble; work with a trained practitioner if you are taking pharmaceutical medications.
Each individual is unique, and treatment plans should be tailored to factors such as age, health status, disease progression and personal response to therapies.
Bodywork and homeopathy can be particularly useful when working with pharmaceutical medications that may have interactions with herbal remedies.
Acupuncture, reflexology and Bowen therapy all work on the CNS. Other bodywork, such as remedial/sports massage, can be beneficial.
Homeopathy can be used to address the underlying emotional/mental picture that the person presents with, in conjunction with the relevant symptoms.
Remember, it is not just about the diagnosed problem. Your entire metabolism needs supporting, including your digestive function, endocrine (hormonal) system and adrenals.
Aim to keep your immunity strong to ward off potential infections, which can create ongoing inflammation, degrade cellular tissue and interfere with system functions.
People who do not have a neurodegenerative disorder can benefit by following the above advice and following an anti-ageing lifestyle plan. Our nervous systems all deserve great care.
Heavy Metal exposure
We all have some exposure to various heavy metals, but people who have worked in chemical industries, smokers and anyone with amalgams or other metal devices in their body have a higher risk of heavy metal toxicity. Heavy metals can reside anywhere in the body, impacting the function of the entire nervous system.
I recommend hair mineral analysis testing to see what heavy metals have accumulated in your tissues. At the same time, you will discover any deficiencies you may have with nutritional minerals. When mineral deficiencies are addressed, some heavy metals may be naturally released from the body.
Neuroprotective therapy
Neuroprotective therapy is long-term therapy and is often for life. Over time, when things improve, some remedies in the program may cease, and a maintenance program can be established. The alternative would be simply to rely on pharmaceutical medication with its many pitfalls of side effects and discover other symptoms manifesting over time. Unfortunately, many medicos are not open to supporting neurotherapy using natural remedies – I encourage you to seek out one that is.
About the Author
Lyn Craven is a practitioner of naturopathy, Bowen therapy and a Reiki/energy therapist. Lyn also works as a meditation teacher and corporate health consultant. Lyn is also a health researcher and writer and has produced a meditation CD for stress, anxiety and insomnia. She runs a private practice in Sydney and can be contacted for appointment on 0403 231 804 Phone consults also available.
lyncraven@bigpond.com www.lyncraven.com