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A BRAIN STORY

A chemist not yet 60, stooped over and quite anxious, his responses were single words. Though disoriented to the month, he knew the season, reflecting major cognitive impairment that had been present for over a year. Fatigue was moderate to severe, muscle aches diffuse. He had panic attacks, tremors, dizziness, depressed mood, and intermittent bowel and bladder issues.

Eight medicines were being taken for heart failure, cholesterol, acid suppression, anxiety, and hypothyroidism. My research and experience tied most of these with brain impairment. I stopped three, and reduced a fourth. With comprehensive blood work as a guide, he was started on a nutritional support protocol that included bigger doses of fish oil and vitamin D3, high quality vitamins, digestive support, and adaptogens.

On return six weeks later for followup, he and his spouse could hardly have been happier. He was tanned and smiling. Tremors, muscle aches, panic, depression, and incontinence had resolved. Fatigue and anxiety had nearly disappeared while libido had returned. Though not fully recovered, cognitive impairment had substantially improved. From his wife’s perspective, she had gotten her husband back and could not suppress her effusive joy! Remaining medicine is continuing to be reduced to the minimal necessary.

SKIN & EYE IDEAS

A beautiful complexion depends not only on a plant-based, whole-food, organic, non-genetically modified diet, but also physical, mental and emotional well being. I advise 60 to 90 minutes of aerobic activity daily, sleep support when needed, and an optimistic outlook. Zinc is my favorite supplement for acne, using 30mg at night but ramping up to twice a day when needed. Eliminate unhealthy oils from the diet; nuts are often a problem. Female breakouts approaching menses are aided by Vitex (chastetree berry) twice a day for the last week or two; with flexible dosing, this may also alleviate PMS. Eczema usually responds well to fish oil, GLA, carotenoid-rich seaweed with probiotic, vitamin D, and the elimination of IgG food hypersensitivities. Support for psoriasis is similar with emphasis on optimal vitamin D. Seborrhea has resolved with elimination of offending foods. A favorite oral wrinkle remedy includes Krill Oil.

Progression of eye concerns can usually be halted. An anti-inflammatory diet and healthy fats are essential for eye health. Research shows a wealth of nutrients, such as fish oil, carotenoids, resveratrol, CoQ10, and antioxidant vitamins and minerals, supports eye health. In macular degeneration, fish oil, olive oil, an egg yolk, lutein, zeaxanthine, and other carotenoids are some that are supportive. With glaucoma, green tea, alpha lipoic acid, and CoQ10 are among ones to consider. Carnosine and glutathione-support are among the approaches to be researched for cataracts. Statin cholesterol medicine has recently been implicated in staving off cataracts; steroid nasal sprays, antibiotics, aspirin, and antihistamines can be causative of cataracts.

Always discuss any interventions first with your health care provider. Always discuss any interventions first with your health care provider.