Which brain do you think (or hope) you have?

You can say it depends on how old you are. It’s a fact that significant cognitive decline is NOT an inevitable consequence of aging.

Here are some more brain pictures:

              Young Adult                     94 Year Old Non-Demented            77 Year Old Demented

Brain on far right is far more aged than the one in the middle (more dark areas). In other words, healthy aging brain is independent of your chronological age. It is likely that the effects of aging do accumulate with age, but it not necessary to have an aging brain as we are growing older. In fact, brain’s most unique ability is that it does not age as the rest of our body does. You can take this truth to the bank; the healthier you are, the healthier your brain is. Even more accurately, the healthier your brain is, the healthier, happier, more successful, fitter, more social and consciously aware you are!

Check out some of the graphs of relationship between the brain aging and Quality of Life, Career and Athletic Performance.

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Quality of life, career/work/athletic performance, social relations and indeed health all have inverse relationship with brain aging. 

So, How Healthy Is Your Brain?

Signs of Mild Brian Aging:

• Easy fatigue from reading, studying, driving, other brain tasks
• Mild Depression
• Poor digestive function

Signs of Moderate Brian Aging:

• Inability to focus or concentrate
• Impaired learning or acquiring new tasks
• Chronic constipation
• Intestinal Dysbiosis (Imbalance b/w good and bad bacteria)
• Decreased digestive enzyme production
• Sympathetic nervous system up-regulation

-     Elevated blood pressure

-     Increased heart rate

-     Stress

-     Poor circulation

Signs of Significant Brain Aging:

• Inability to work professionally
• Inability to appreciate life
• Inability to perceive neurological loss
• Early signs of neurological disease

-     Tremors

-     Inability to find directions

-     Severe depression

Signs of Severe Brian Aging:

• Neurological disease

-     Dementia

-     Alzheimer’s,

-     Parkinson’s

• Uncontrolled bladder tone
• Bowel obstruction and inability to digest food
• Inability to develop social relationships
• Dependency on family and medical staff for daily functions

What Can Be Done About It?

Before I can answer this question, let’s review some basic facts about the brain. A child is born with roughly 100 billion neurons and by the age 3 has more than 1,000 trillion neuronal (or synaptic) connections. Brain development starts even earlier in the womb and continues through out childhood. Excessive stress, anxiety, lack of stimulation and bad diet can lead to poor early brain development and lead to problems later in life.  By the age 11 children have about half as many connections due to synaptic “pruning”, gradually organizing thick tangles of “wiring” into more efficient and powerful connection. The synapses that they use stay and the ones that they don’t are eliminated, based on “use it or lose it” principle. On average a 50 year old has than 100 billion neurons and nearly 10 times fewer connections, but we don’t typically think of a 50 year old and less developed than the toddler.. well, I guess I can think of a person or two that can be exception to this rule, but I digress. Why is that the adult have fewer neuronal connections that a child? The answer is because of “pruning” and “plasticity”. One way to think of pruning is that we develop as many connections as possible but then trim them to keep the ones we use. If we kept all of them, the brain would not function efficiently and may overheat, I exaggerate, but my point is that it needs to be streamlined. More active brain doesn’t one is smarter, less active brain can mean that the person is not very smart or that the brain is well pruned and well organized. Now, this relates to plasticity. Neuronal plasticity is an ability of the brain to change in response to environment to develop complex neural pathways, organize itself into groups for different kind of information processing. The information activates some groups of neurons more than others, and this level of activity causes the connections among the group to be reinforced. As more and more similar patterns come through the network, the connections among the activated group of neurons becomes stronger, and eventually the group becomes specialized for processing that one specific function, like hitting the top spin on your backhand or closing a business deal.

Each day we loose thousands of neurons, and millions of neuro-connections, but in a healthy brain, we are also making millions of new neuro-connections that are more pertinent to us and serve our needs. Not so much in the brain that degenerates.

Neuronal loss is irreversible. Nerve cells don’t regenerate themselves as almost all other cells in the body. The bad news, once lost they are lost and the bran shrinks, this process is permanent and can not be reversed, the good news is that the brain loss can be slowed or stopped all together and hopefully, new neuronal connections can made to compensate for the ones that were lost!

Several separate factors are responsible for the brain degeneration. These are the blood flow problems, issues with cell membrane structure, neurotransmitter health, mitochondrial oxidative damage and neuronal inflammation. Each of these factors can single handedly cause neurodegeneration but as a part of the vicious cycle they tend to happen all at once. Unfortunately, the current medical model does not provide an early diagnosis and preventative intervention. Current pharmaceutical approach is also at this time missing the underlying reasons for neurodegeneration. In the present model the intervention is only warranted until after the neurodegenerative disease have taken place at which point it is almost always too late.

Functional medicine provides a unique and effective way to treat brain aging. Start by identifying it early.

Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Arthur Gazaryants, L.Ac.

Brain Health Assessment (Check Your Score)

Check the appropriate boxes “0-3″ on all questions below. 0 as least or rare to 3 as most or common

                                                                                                                                               0 1  2  3 

• Is your memory noticeably declining?                                                                           □ □ □ □

• Are you having a hard time remembering names and phone numbers?                  □ □ □ □ 

• Are you losing your enthusiasm for your favorite activities?                                    □ □ □ □ 

• Are you loosing enjoyment of foods?                                                                             □ □ □ □ 

• Is your ability to focus noticeably declining?                                                                □ □ □ □ 

• Is it harder for you to learn things?                                                                                □ □ □ □ 

• Do you have a hard time remembering your appointments?                                     □ □ □ □ 

• Is your temperament getting worse in general?                                                           □ □ □ □  

• Are you loosing you attention span endurance?                                                           □ □ □ □  

• Are you depressed more than usual?                                                                              □ □ □ □

• Do you fatigue sooner when driving than in the past?                                                 □ □ □ □

• Do you fatigue sooner when reading than in the past?                                                □ □ □ □

• Do you walk into rooms and forget why?                                                                       □ □ □ □

 • Do you pick up you phone and forget why?                                                                   □ □ □ □

 Your Total Score Is ________________

 Score 0 – 5 Brain Aging is less likely to be present.

 Score 6 – 11 Brain Aging may possible be present.

 Score 12 – 22 Brain Aging probably present.

 Score 22 + Brain Aging is almost certainly present.

Blueberries Eating blueberries and a diet rich in deep pigment from fruits and vegetables helps protect the brain structure and improve neuronal signal transmission. Blueberries literally strengthen the brain. In one recent study, those who ate one cup of blueberries a day for two weeks showed an increase in cells of the hippocampus (region responsible for memory and deteriorated in Alzheimer patients), and scored significantly higher on tests than those who did not. Blueberries are also known to protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Anthocyanins in blueberries has been shown to prevent cell damage.

Egg Yolk is a high source of choline – nutrient – precursor to acetylcholine, an important brain chemical that is responsible for learning, memory and overall brain health. 

Fish

It’s definitely not a myth that fish is good for the body, but is also excellent for the brain. People who eat high amounts of fish in their have lowered rates of depression & neurosis and better mood.

Fish fights aging in the brain and significantly reduces cognitive decline in the elderly. Fatty fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty-acids such as EPA and DHA both which are especially important for not only the brain, but the entire body. DHA is a main component of brain’s gray matter and an essential part of brain cell membrane (or mem-brain).

That’s why I take the fish oil supplements daily, which have been proven as effective as actually eating fish.  If you are currently consuming plenty of fish or taking fish oil supplements, you are helping your brain reach a peak level of performance! If you aren’t, your brain is definitely missing out.

Spinach contains high amounts of Vitamin C and E and has been shown in research to protect the brain from oxidative stress, improve learning and memory.

Walnuts

Funny how nature makes certain foods look like certain parts of our bodies, which amazingly end up being an excellent for the health of those parts.

Tomatoes for example contain high amount of lutein and have been shown to be excellent for the heart, and eggplants are super for the muscles. 

Walnuts not only have high amounts of Omega 3 but also packed with high levels of anti-oxidants such as ellagic acid and have been shown to reduce brain deterioration and aging.

Here is the recipe to start your day with the potent Brain Fueling Protein Shake:

Ingredients:

½ banana

½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries

4 oz of unsweetened soy, almond or rice milk

1 oz of fresh walnuts

20 grams of whey, soy, hemp or rice protein powder

2 ½ droppers of Brain-E DHA, banana-cinnamon flavor. (see side column for more details).

1 Tbsp of Omega Co-3 (see side column).

1 Tbsp of Nitric Balance (see side column).

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend for 30 seconds to a minute, until smooth. Add water or ice for the desired consistency.

Circle the number that most closely fits, then add up your results.
0 = Symptom is not present or rarely present
1 = Mild/sometimes
2 = Moderate/often
3 = Sever/almost always

LEAKY GUT TEST

YOUR TOTAL SCORE: _____________
Score 1-5: Leaky gut less apt to be present.
Score 6-10: Leaky gut may possibly be present.
Score 7-19: Leaky gut probably present.
Score 20+: Leaky gut almost certainly present.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?

Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS) is a condition that involves damage of the “junction” cells of the small intestine causing incompletely digested food particles, bacteria, and other large-sized molecules to “leak” through the intestines and into the blood circulation. The foreign substances entering the blood can produce local and the systemic, inflammatory responses leading to such problems as allergic reactions, digestive issues, food sensitivities, migraines, skin issues, joint pain, and many other ‘itis’ conditions.
Paradoxically, damage to intestinal cells in LGS is also associated with diminished absorption and assimilation of important nutrients such as proteins, leading to malabsorption. Malabsorption can lead to weakened red and white cells production, hormonal system imbalances and energy production issues.
Additionally, toxins entering from the damaged intestinal lining place extra demand on the liver and it’s detoxification function. Toxins can then bypass the liver and can end up in various tissues and systems any where in the body.
Leaky Gut Syndrome isn’t commonly diagnosed in conventional medicine, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be affecting your health. Many health issues related to LGS go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or outright ignored by traditional medicine. You may be left with frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms and no answers from your doctor.

Some Conditions That May be Linked to LGS
• ADD/ADHD
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Autism
• Bloating and gas
• Celiac Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Crohn’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Eczema
• Emotional imbalance
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches and migraines
• Heartburn
• Hormonal imbalance
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Joint pain
• Liver Disease
• Lupus
• Malabsorption Syndrome
• Psoriasis
• Sinusitis
• Ulcerative Colitis

What Causes Leaky Gut?

Some factors that may contribute to LGS include:
• Stress
• Intestinal Infections
• NSAIDS, antibiotics and other drugs
• Poor diet
• Inadequate dietary fiber
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Food sensitivities or allergens

Intestinal Permeability Test
Though conventional medicine does not readily diagnose or treat LGS, it can still be diagnosed and treated.
Intestinal Permeability Test is can measure the amount of damage to the intestinal lining as well as the ability of the intestinal tract to absorb nutrients. Patient can complete the test at home and send the urine samples to the laboratory.

Treating Leaky Gut
In order to achieve a complete cure of LGS, underlying root causes must be addressed. The “4R-Program” which stands for Remove, Reinoculate, Replace and Repair does it all. All steps in “4R-Program” and mutually supportive and reinforcing.
“Remove” stands for removing and destroying the pathogens, problem substances and “bad” microflora that inflame the digestive tract.
“Reinoculate” involved reintroducing the friendly bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidus. This step helps to fight the “bad” bacteria and inflammation.
“Replace” is to support the digestive tract with digestive enzymes and nutrients that enhance enzyme production, helps with absorption and assimilation.
“Repair” provides a proper nutritional support to repair the intestinal lining.

Arthur Gazaryants, L.Ac.

e: Art@Artupuncture.com

We are becoming more overweight with each year and not coincidentally diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and many other diseases are on the rise. So what can we do?

The most important thing is to set goals. Write them down, pin them in a conspicuous place and read them frequently. But don’t say you want to lose 20 pounds in a month, because it isn’t realistic. However, five pounds is. Setting unrealistic goals only leads to discouragement.

Next is how we eat. How we eat is more important than what we eat. For instance, eating too fast almost guarantees weight gain, especially if you eat until you’re full. This occurs when we eat while watching TV, using the computer, or snacking on the run. Also, many overeat when they feel emotional, depressed or sad; some can just eat and eat and never feel full. Eating quickly promotes obesity on many levels. In particular, it increases resistance to insulin, a condition that some 60 to 70 percent of my patients have. A quick way to tell if you are leaning toward insulin resistance is if you crave sweets or feel tired after a meal. Being mindful while eating and taking smaller meals with a roughly equal protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, five times a day, will put you at a huge advantage over dieting and starvation, and will bring equally impressive yet lasting results.

We should also touch on what to eat. Or rather what not to eat. Certain foods and ingredients known to promote weight gain are hydrogenated fats, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, sodas (including diet), fast food (most), fried foods and foods high in animal fat. As a rule of thumb, steer away from processed, pre-packaged foods and lean toward whole and organic ones, with ingredients you can understand.

Just remember, you are in control of your health.

Happy holidays.