Page 28 - Dainfern Precinct Living 3 2021

HEALTH & WELLNESS

and bioavailable form of lipoic acid, an most people don’t get enough sun
Turmeric can antioxidant produced by your body. exposure on a regular basis.
prevent blood- It is fat soluble and can easily cross
brain barrier the blood-brain barrier to protect your Every tissue in your body has vitamin
damage brain and it can also support your D receptors, including the brain, heart,
blood-brain barrier itself. muscles, and immune system. This
means your entire body needs it to
Studies show that RLA has function properly and a deficiency
neuroprotective properties, and it can lead to costly physiological and
maintains the integrity of the blood- psychological consequences.
brain barrier by reducing oxidative
stress. Its anti-inflammatory and Researchers have found that Vitamin
antioxidant effects can also stabilise D can prevent disruption of the blood-
the blood-brain barrier, making it brain barrier, mainly by reducing
a good therapeutic agent for the inflammation. In patients with multiple
treatment of multiple sclerosis and sclerosis, Vitamin D has been shown
traumatic brain injury. to protect endothelial cells and reduce
blood-brain barrier disruption.
Researchers have also found that RLA is synergistic with Acetyl-Carnitine
vitamins B12, B6, and B9 (folate) can (ALCAR), meaning that when you J CITICOLINE OR ALPHA GPC
restore the integrity of the blood-brain take them together, they are more Citicoline (also known as CDP-
barrier in adults with mild cognitive effective at supporting your brain. Choline) is the most bioavailable form
impairment and elevated homocysteine. of choline, an essential B vitamin that
Homocysteine is an inflammatory ALCAR is an acetylated form most people don’t consume enough
compound that can contribute to of the amino acid carnitine. It is of, because very few foods in the
blood-brain barrier breakdown at high neuroprotective and cognitive- Western diet contain it. Citicoline can
levels, and the B vitamins normalise enhancing, and it can help you help you overcome brain fog and
homocysteine levels. overcome brain fog, addiction and addiction. It’s also been shown to
withdrawal. significantly decrease the disruption
F MAGNESIUM and breakdown of the blood-brain
Magnesium is a vital mineral that H CURCUMIN barrier after traumatic brain injury
participates in more than 300 Curcumin is a compound found in and, after brain ischemia, Citicoline
biochemical reactions in your body. turmeric, the spice that gives curry its significantly reduces blood-brain
These include neurotransmitter, yellow colour. Curcumin is one of the barrier dysfunction.
enzyme, and hormonal activity, all of best compounds for your brain, as it
which can have a huge effect on your can lower your stress hormone and Alpha GPC is another form of choline
mood and brain function. increase your brain’s growth hormone. that has been shown to support the
blood-brain barrier. Alpha GPC is
Magnesium can support your It can also: available as a supplement, and you
mitochondria, protect your brain from • Reduce the disruption and can also find some choline in beef
alcohol, increase your brain’s growth hyperpermeability of the blood- liver and egg yolks.
hormone, and help you overcome brain barrier;
addiction and withdrawal. There is • Reverse blood-brain barrier K Here are several other nutrients,
also plenty of research showing that it dysfunction; and antioxidants and herbs that have
can protect and support your blood- • Improve the overall integrity of the been shown to support the blood-
brain barrier. blood-brain barrier. brain barrier:
• High dose Vitamin C
Foods that contain magnesium Studies have also found curcumin • Iodine
include spinach, chard, pumpkin can prevent blood-brain barrier • Selenium
seeds, almonds, avocado, damage and reduce the permeability • Vitamin E
dark chocolate and bananas. of the blood-brain barrier caused by • N-Acetyl-Cysteine
Supplementation or taking Epsom oxygen and glucose deprivation as it • Ginseng
salt baths is recommended for most significantly reduces inflammation and • Inositol.
people because magnesium is rapidly oxidative stress.
used up during times of stress and Fortunately, the brain has a
certain psychiatric drugs can deplete I VITAMIN D remarkable ability to heal itself, and
magnesium. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that this includes the barrier that protects
your skin synthesizes when exposed it. Taking time to ‘listen’ to your brain
G R-LIPOIC ACID (RLA) AND to the sun. Vitamin D is one of the and respond to what it tells, you can
ACETYL-CARNITINE (ALCAR) three supplements that everyone help to improve the quality of your life
R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) is the most stable should take for their brain because experiences.

This is a condensed version published by The Star Academy. For more information on this topic,
visit: thestaracademy.co.za/repair-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/
RESOURCES:
www.optimallivingdynamics.com/blog/how-to-repair-a-leaky-blood-brain-barrier-ways-heal-fix-supplements-
mental-health-neuroinflammation-treatments-causes-gaba-injury-hyperpermeability.

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