Brain Health and the Inflamed Brain

What is Neuroinflammation?

Neuroinflammation is the inflammatory response that occurs within the brain and/or spinal cord.

It’s quite a complex process that is mediated by microglia, which are resident cells of the brain that regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and repair injury. They are the primary source of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are inflammatory signalling molecules.2 

Common Causes of Neuro-inflammation include:

  • Chronic and sustained stress – stress can lead to the increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines systemically and within the brain, leading to the increased risk of neuroinflammation.5
  • Metabolic syndrome, obesity, and Type two diabetes all are associated with increased inflammatory responses both systemically and within the brain, and are linked with the increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.6,7
  • Environmental pollutants – frequent exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and environmental pollutants (such as Chem Trail fall out) is associated with the increased production of neuroinflammatory cytokines.8-10
  • Viral infections can lead to inflammation in the brain and spinal cord due to the immune response within the central nervous system.11
  • Injury – trauma to the brain and spinal cord.12
  • Vaccines – containing heavy metals such as mercury, aluminium, copper and lead, along with viruses, bacterium, formaldehyde and other toxins.
  • Neurological diseases – dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are all associated with increased inflammation within the brain.12

 

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Certain lifestyle habits can increase oxidative stress and inflammation, both systemically and in the brain. 

Oxidative stress occurs when the body cannot counteract and detoxify the damaging effects of free radical molecules, due to inadequate levels of protective antioxidants, and/or an excess of free radicals. 

This then creates an imbalance within the body and increases the risk for neuroinflammation.

Lifestyle factors that increase oxidative stress and inflammation:

  • Smoking 13
  • Alcohol 14
  • Obesity, Type two diabetes, and metabolic syndrome15
  • Diets high in hydrogenated fats, high refined sugar, and processed foods15
  • Sedentary lifestyle and inadequate oxygen15
  • Asthma and incompetent breathing 
  • Consistent poor-quality sleep and/or sleep apnea16
  • Exposure to heavy pollution, environmental toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals10
  • Poor water quality, tap water containing fluoride and other heavy metals
  • Mercury teeth amalgams
  • Breast implant silicon toxicity

 

Anti-Inflammatory Polyphenols for Brain Health

Research has shown us that dietary polyphenols are linked with the prevention of disease, helping to support brain health, reduce neuroinflammation and improve overall health.17,18 Polyphenols have been shown to have the ability to cross into the brain and exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.17

 

What are Polyphenols?

Polyphenols are plant-based compounds naturally found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, tea, dark chocolate, and red wine.19

The four main categories are:

Flavonoids: these are found in a variety of colourful fruits, vegetables and red wine.

Phenolic acids: these are found in the seeds, skins, and leaves of fruits and vegetables.

Lignans: these are found in whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Stilbenes: these are abundant in peanuts, grapes, and berries.

 

Foods High in Polyphenols to Increase

Berries: particularly elderberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, black olives, pomegranate, apples, grapes, cherries, and plums.

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate: heating and processing can reduce the polyphenol content, aim for at least 70% dark chocolate.

Nuts: particularly chestnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and almonds.

Seeds: particularlychia seeds and flaxseeds

A variety of colours of vegetables: particularly artichoke, red onion, fresh spinach, broccoli, asparagus, shallots, carrots

Herbs and spices: cayenne, chilli, black pepper, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, basil, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Green tea: A diet that is abundant in antioxidant rich polyphenols helps to reduce the consequences of aging, reduce neuroinflammation and improve your overall health.18,20

 

Prevention

  • Drink plenty of water to hydrate the brain cells
  • Take a good digestive enzyme if poor digestion
  • Get sun on the skin (without sunscreen) for natural Vitamin D, or take a supplement
  • Have all mercury (silver fillings) amalgams removed by a holistic dentist
  • Do NOT have a Flu shot/vaccine – they contain mercury and aluminium and can cause Alzheimers Disease, poor memory and Parkinsons
  • Take a B Complex vitamin
  • Avoid poisonous aspartame, which is hidden in medicines and is in thousands of commonly consumed products
  • Take Co-Enzyme Q 10 and Vitamin C
  • Keep processed grains to a minimum to reduce your homocysteine level
  • Take Magnesium supplement
  • Use Brain Herbs: Bacopa moniera, Ginkgo, Siberian ginseng, Rosmarinus, Ginger and other botanical herbal tinctures (made up by your Herbalist or Naturopath)

Our new Brain Health formula for reducing neuroinflammation and improving circulation to the brain, contains the following brain-energy promoting herbs:

  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Rosemary
  • Brahmi
  • Siberian ginseng
  • Damiana
  • Lavender
  • Gotu kola
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Cayenne*
  • Licorice
  • Fennel
  • Citrus

 

*Cayenne, which is a type of chilli pepper, is an extremely important component to the Brain Health herbal tincture and is added in an extremely low dose. It may still taste “hot” or “spicy” to those who aren’t used to consuming these kinds of foods. I recommend mixing the correct measured amount with some honey or juice to take the edge off of the heat, or until you become used to the sensation. 

To read more on the Brain Health herbs, click the link below 👇🏼

Brain Health Herbal Tincture

References

  1. DiSabato DJ, Quan N, Godbout JP. Neuroinflammation: the devil is in the details. J Neurochem. 2016 Oct 1;139:136–53.
  2. Liu YZ, Wang YX, Jiang CL. Inflammation: the common pathway of stress-related diseases. Frontiers in human neuroscience. 2017;11:316.
  3. Peters R. Ageing and the brain. Postgraduate medical journal. 2006 Feb 1;82(964):84-8.
  4. Graff BJ, Payne SJ, El-Bouri WK. The Ageing Brain: Investigating the Role of Age in Changes to the Human Cerebral Microvasculature With an in silico Model. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2021 Aug 5;13:632521.
  5. Munhoz CD, Garcia-Bueno B, Madrigal JL, Lepsch LB, Scavone C, Leza JC. Stress-induced neuroinflammation: mechanisms and new pharmacological targets. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2008;41:1037-46.
  6. Yaffe K, Kanaya A, Lindquist K, Simonsick EM, Harris T, Shorr RI, Tylavsky FA, Newman AB. The metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and risk of cognitive decline. Jama. 2004 Nov 10;292(18):2237-42.
  7. Van Dyken P, Lacoste B. Impact of metabolic syndrome on neuroinflammation and the blood–brain barrier. Frontiers in neuroscience. 2018 Dec 11;12:930.  
  8. Lawrence BP. Environmental toxins as modulators of antiviral immune responses. Viral immunology. 2007 Jun 1;20(2):231-42.  
  9. Yang SN, Hsieh CC, Kuo HF, Lee MS, Huang MY, Kuo CH, Hung CH. The effects of environmental toxins on allergic inflammation. Allergy, asthma & immunology research. 2014 Nov 1;6(6):478-84.
  10. Aloizou AM, Siokas V, Vogiatzi C, Peristeri E, Docea AO, Petrakis D, Provatas A, Folia V, Chalkia C, Vinceti M, Wilks M. Pesticides, cognitive functions and dementia: A review. Toxicology letters. 2020 Jun 15;326:31-51.
  11. Klein RS, Garber C, Funk KE, Salimi H, Soung A, Kanmogne M, Manivasagam S, Agner S, Cain M. Neuroinflammation during RNA viral infections. Annual review of immunology. 2019 Apr 26;37:73-95.
  12. McCullagh CD, Craig D, McIlroy SP, Passmore AP. Risk factors for dementia. Advances in psychiatric treatment. 2001 Jan;7(1):24-31.
  13. Conway SG, Roizenblatt SS, Palombini L, Castro LD, Bittencourt LR, Silva RS, Tufik S. Effect of smoking habits on sleep. Brazilian journal of medical and biological research. 2008;41:722-7.
  14. Whitman IR, Agarwal V, Nah G, Dukes JW, Vittinghoff E, Dewland TA, Marcus GM. Alcohol abuse and cardiac disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2017 Jan 3;69(1):13-24.
  15. Yaffe K, Kanaya A, Lindquist K, Simonsick EM, Harris T, Shorr RI, Tylavsky FA, Newman AB. The metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and risk of cognitive decline. Jama. 2004 Nov 10;292(18):2237-42.
  16. Hirotsu C, Tufik S, Andersen ML. Interactions between sleep, stress, and metabolism: From physiological to pathological conditions. Sleep Science. 2015 Nov 1;8(3):143-52.
  17. Castelli V, Grassi D, Bocale R, d’Angelo M, Antonosante A, Cimini A, Ferri C, Desideri G. Diet and brain health: which role for polyphenols?. Current pharmaceutical design. 2018 Jan 1;24(2):227-38.
  18. Shabbir U, Tyagi A, Elahi F, Aloo SO, Oh DH. The potential role of polyphenols in oxidative stress and inflammation induced by gut microbiota in alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants. 2021 Aug 27;10(9):1370.
  19. Brat P, Georgé S, Bellamy A, Chaffaut LD, Scalbert A, Mennen L, Arnault N, Amiot MJ. Daily polyphenol intake in France from fruit and vegetables. The Journal of nutrition. 2006 Sep 1;136(9):2368-73.
  20. Singh A, Yau YF, Leung KS, El-Nezami H, Lee JC. Interaction of polyphenols as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in brain–liver–gut axis. Antioxidants. 2020 Jul 26;9(8):669.