Increasing Your Brain Power
By Ursula Mack, N.M.D.

As we age there are many factors that effects the aging process. Not only does our body’s age but our brain ages also. There are several items that contribute to the attrition of the brain. Our genetic type, food sensitivity, and loss of the cell function to make enough energy for brain functions.

Research has shown that 17% of the population over the age of 65 show signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s with no sign of neurological disease. It has been shown individuals with the genotype apoliporotein E4 show a greater risk of developing mental and heart disease. Individuals with this genotype have a greater risk of developing inflammation of the brain. There are several sources of inflammations such as the Herpes virus, toxic substances, environmental factors, allergies, traumas and medications. Those individuals who have the C-reactive protein are also more susceptible to inflammation and have a greater risk of heart disease.

Another factor to loss of brain function is food sensitivity. Medical investigators in Scandinavia have found a high correlation between gluten-sensitive individuals and the early onset of dementia. The sensitivity to wheat causes an inflammatory reaction that activates the immune system creating an inflammatory response or allergy reaction. Before dementia sets in , the individual loses cognitive function, short term memory and mental clarity. It is difficult to determine if the individual is just confused or unable to think clearly.

Another cause for an allergy reaction in the gut is unfriendly bacteria, viruses and parasites. These critters release toxic substances into the blood which goes to the brain causing focal or general inflammation of the brain.

As the inflammation level increases in the blood, the barrier between the brain and body loses the ability to defend itself against toxins to the brain. One of the culprits responsible for inflammation is the AGE protein creating insulin resistance or poor blood sugar control. Any toxic substance to the brain causes oxidative-stress (brain-cell death) allows early aging to the brain. It is believed cell death is caused by destroying the energy making machine of the cell (mitochondria). Without energy the cell dies.
It has been long known that excess aluminum in blood from antiperspirant products, ant-acids and aluminum cook ware has increased the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

One of the ways to slow down aging of the brain is proper nutritional supplementation. Another way is to remove the toxic substances from the blood through lab testing, herbal and homeopathic therapies. It is important to consult a highly trained and qualified practitioner who is an expert in this area.