In the July issue of Dr. Glenn Rothfeld’s Nutrition & Healing, the doctor reviewed the association between heavy metals and brain health. He cites studies linking environmental toxins, like heavy metals, and damage to the brain. These toxins were found to directly alter the metabolic pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Rothfeld links heavy metals such as mercury, aluminum and copper to memory loss. He says these heavy metals are all around us, in the air we breathe from industry, our food, personal care products and prescription drugs.
Luckily, our bodies have an inborn way to deal with toxins. Glutathione is a compound our body makes to repair damage caused by toxins, and help our liver get rid of toxic chemicals, like heavy metals.
To support glutathione production your body needs nutrients found in healthy foods. In particular, the cruciferous family of vegetables provides help for making glutathione. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, turnips and others. Additionally, garlic and rosemary, besides being delicious, are both culinary herbs shown to increase glutathione production.
If you have been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder or feel your brain is not functioning to its full capacity, you could have a defect in your body’s protective mechanisms. There is functional testing that can be done to identify genetic mutations that decrease glutathione, and supplements that can help if this is the case. If you are interested in any of these options, give us a call.
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