For the last several years, according to top US physicians in the field, there has been a sharp rise in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s world wide (especially in the USA). As you may have suspected the cause is not 100% clear, but it looks like environmental toxins and pharmaceutical side effects are key drivers. A much loved family member of mine is living with a neurodegenerative disorder and that has inspired my wife and I to take a deep dive into the subject. The good news is there does seem to be healthy ways to help slow the onset/progression or for some avoid these disorders entirely.
It seems one clear connection explaining the sharp rise in neurodegenerative disorders and in particular Parkinson’s disease is a reduction in health of mitochondria. On a cellular level, mitochondria produce energy by turning food into energy that the cell uses to carry out its tasks. The most important energy-rich molecule produced by mitochondria from the nutrients we ingest is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Research now tells us that there is a direct interplay between key nutrients and mitochondrial function, including ATP enhancement.
Specific micronutrients influence mitochondrial function because they play critical roles in ATP production and energy metabolism. That’s why it’s so important to ensure there are adequate levels of key nutrients to support mitochondrial health and energy production. Let’s have a look at some of these supplements that you already may be taking for various reasons.
The 3 best supplements with big benefits in this arena are
1) CoQ10: great for your heart and brain. Your body loves this stuff
2) Omega 3’s: again, hearts and minds. This should be considered a necessary macronutrient
3) Resveratrol: often considered the “longevity” or “anti-aging” supplement
The honorable mention list is filled with basic nutrients. We are all getting some of these in our Legit Multivitamins that we all take 2 of everyday without fail, one in the morning and one at night… Right?
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
- B vitamins
- Curcumin
- Quercetin
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Believe it or not, gut microbiome plays a role in mitochondria health and does affect brain health and function. The gut microbiome may benefit brain health in a number of ways. First, certain species of bacteria can help produce neurotransmitters utilized by the brain. For example, serotonin is an antidepressant neurotransmitter that’s mostly made in the gut. Second, the gut is physically connected to the brain through millions of nerves. Therefore, the gut microbiome may also affect brain health by helping control the messages that are sent to the brain through these nerves. A number of studies have shown that people with various psychological disorders have different species of bacteria in their guts, compared to healthy people. This suggests that the gut microbiome may affect brain health. Amazing stuff!
***very cool info***A small number of studies have also shown that certain probiotics can improve symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. Check out Legit’s “Healthy GI plus+” which is way more than just probiotics.
The final dietary change one can make to help with the issues of neurodegenerative disorders is intermittent fasting. The New England Journal of Medicine chimes in with the following, “Evidence is accumulating that eating in a 6-hour period and fasting for 18 hours can trigger a metabolic switch from glucose-based to ketone-based energy, with increased stress resistance, increased longevity, and a decreased incidence of diseases, including cancer and obesity.” The article goes into great detail on how intermittent fasting can help with neurodegenerative issues and if you wish to read more, here you go… https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1905136
Seems like a no brainer but I will say it… “Get off the Drugs!” What I mean is, do what you can to avoid harsh pharmaceuticals when ever possible. When appropriate please use herbs, supplements, diet and exercise to help eliminate the need for pharm products or at least you may be able to lower the dose. For example, Red Yeast Rice is an excellent and inexpensive way to bring down cholesterol and in many instances allow you to get off Statins. Statins are notorious for their negative side effects and they are known to be amazingly efficient at depleting CoQ10 in the body. We know from the information above CoQ10 is crucial for mitochondrial health. Talk to your doctor AND a nutritionist regarding alternatives to more common meds. Please do your best to avoid toxins such as herbicides and pesticides and all harsh chemicals.
One last point interest. In my reading/research along the way I found there a several top neurological physicians that are pointing to “certain vaccines” as another possible cause for the rapid onset of neurodegenerative disorder of the last 2 to 3 years. Nations with higher vaccination rates of certain “vaccines” are also seeing the greatest increase in neurodegenerative diseases. Although the proof is still murky at best on vaccine damages across the board, I believe the light of truth will be shining brightly on big pharma and vaccines as a culprit for extensive damages done to humanity. Always search for a safer alternative.
Please consider taking our “Healthy Brain & Focus”. And also have a look at our “Healthy GI Plus+” to benefit from a healthy gut microbiome. Let’s all try our best to stay healthy & as always, stay Legit.
Strictly opinion and not medical advice. Consult your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist before starting/stopping any supplement or exercise program.
