Brain Health
At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, we take a deep dive into the underlying root causes of suboptimal brain function. We walk our patients through a comprehensive evaluation detailing their medical history, symptoms, exposure profile, and relevant medical conditions. Utilizing the most advanced labs on the market, we order both brain specific and root cause markers to determine the factors at play in cognitive and/or neurological conditions. Our strategy for optimizing brain health focuses both on root cause and brain targeted therapies.
How Does Functional Medicine Address Cognitive and/or Neurological Conditions?
Functional Medicine offers the latest diagnostics and strategies for optimizing brain health and function. Concerns such as: memory loss, slowed information processing, forgetfulness, lack of motivation, mental fatigue, confusion, and mood dysregulation, can be addressed from a comprehensive lens. Functional Medicine does not separate the brain from the rest of the body, looking at the role of interconnected body systems such as the Cardiovascular system and the gut microbiome. This system of medicine also examines the root systemic causes behind cognitive dysfunction.
Brain Health
Concerns: Symptoms
Neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, brain autoimmunity, and/or a compromised blood brain barrier can result in a myriad of cognitive and/or neurological symptoms.
lack of focus / motivation
forgetfulness
reduced attention span
slow information processing
mood swings
anxiety / depression
unsmooth balance / coordination
mental fatigue
difficulty concentrating
Factors Affecting Brain Health
in this intricate axis, the brain and gut share a bidirectional network of neurons via the vagus nerve. These gut neurons send vital messages to the brain regarding key neurotransmitters. When the gut is inflamed and/or overwhelmed with pathogens, serotonin and dopamine production may be altered. This is significant as these two neurotransmitters affect mood regulation, motivation, and mental clarity.
Thyroid hormones, which control metabolic processes, are critical for optimal brain function. Individuals with hypothyroidism often report concurrent symptoms of “brain fog”, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue. Proper functioning of the thyroid gland is essential for cognitive functions.
Sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can affect brain function significantly when there are major shifts such as with peri-menopause and menopause.
Cardiovascular and brain health are linked as the brain requires uninterrupted blood circulation and oxygenation. Cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis may impair blood flow to the brain resulting in hypo-oxygenated brain tissue. Over time, this insufficient blood flow to the brain can result in significant cognitive decline.
High burdens of naturally occurring heavy metals such as aluminum, mercury, and lead have all shown detrimental effects on the brain. Aluminum has an affinity to brain tissue, causing cognitive decline, memory loss, and tissue damage. The link between Aluminum and Alzheimer’s Disease is well established. Mercury exposure can result in neurological issues such as tremors, hearing and vision impairment, and memory loss.
Patients with autoimmune conditions may develop autoantibodies to various brain cells and tissues when the blood brain barrier is compromised. These antibodies are then able to reach the brain cause a certain degree of inflammation and damage. In such cases, modulating the immune response is critical.
The Lyme spirochete has been found to be able to cross the blood brain barrier. This condition. known as neurological Lyme, manifests with symptoms such as: memory loss, difficulty walking, word loss, insomnia, tremors, and paralysis. Babesiosis, an intracellular tickborne parasite has also been found in brain tissue.
Chronic stress and a dysregulated Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis actually cause constriction of blood vessels and diminish blood flow to the brain. With insufficient blood circulation to the brain, symptoms of “brain fog”, mental dullness, memory loss, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue can occur
Getting to the Root of Cognitive Decline: Testing
At Zimmermann Modern Wellness, we utilize the latest and most accurate brain health labs to ensure proper diagnosis for our patients. Some of these labs include:
- Vibrant America Neural Zoomer Plus
- GI MAP Stool Culture with Zonulin Marker
- Food Sensitivity Testing
- Micronutrient Testing
- Hormone Analysis
- In Depth Thyroid Labs
- Vibrant America Infection Panel (if suspected)
- Doctor’s Data Heavy Metal Urinalysis
- Vibrant America Total Tox Panel
Optimizing Brain Health: The ZMW Protocol
Detox Heavy Metals & Remove Pathogens
A very important step in any brain optimization protocol is to either detox harmful heavy metals and chemicals and/or eliminate pathogens that have infiltrated the brain. Heavy metals and pathogens such as the Lyme spirochete wreak havoc on brain tissue. Chelation therapy effectively removes heavy metals stored in brain tissue. If testing is negative for both of these factors, then we can move forward in the protocol.
Optimize Blood Flow to the Brain
Sufficient blood circulation to and oxygenation of the brain’s cells and tissues are essential for optimal brain function. Ozone therapy increases the flexibility of the red blood cell, allowing it to effectively squeeze through microcapillaries in the brain. Ozone additionally floods the tissue with extra oxygen, restoring and healing previously hypo-oxygenated tissues.
Restore Metabolism & Key Brain Nutrients
Key brain nutrients such as: Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, choline, B vitamins, magnesium L-threonate, and phosphatidylserine are a few of the vital nutrients and vitamins needed for healthy neurons and neurotransmitter production. While these nutrients can be added to a dietary protocol, it is also essential to address gut microbiota health as well as metabolic health issues such as insulin resistance.
Repair Damage
In cases of significant damage or where symptoms only mildly improve with the above therapies, it is beneficial to add brain healing peptides and/or exosomes. These regenerative compounds have demonstrated remarked success in regenerating damaged cells and tissues.
Neuroinflammation:
Lifestyle Triggers
There are numerous environmental toxins and pathogenic factors that can precipitate cognitive and neurological impairment. As part of a comprehensive brain protocol, we recommend mitigating these exposures.
SMOKING
Aluminum (BAKING)
pBDE’s (Carpets & furniture)
FD&C DYES
perc (dry cleaning)
MERCURY (AMALGAM FILLINGs)
pesticides
fluoride
Processed foods & OBESogens
Our Treatment Superstars
Chelation therapy involves the infusion of metal chelating agents, Calcium EDTA or Sodium EDTA. These chelating agents gently remove heavy metals from the body’s tissues including the brain. When free from heavy metals, the brain can function optimally, improving neurological and cognitive impairments.
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is a vital substance that composes cell membranes. By infusing phosphatidylcholine into the bloodstream, the brain has extra resources to repair damaged cells. Additionally, the PK protocol flushes toxins off the cellular membrane.
Ozone therapy has several benefits for cognitive health. It increases oxygenation, healing damaged tissues. Ozone increases blood perfusion to the brain, ensuring the brain has sufficient oxygen and nutrients.
Methylene Blue, a synthetic dye, has shown to cross the Blood Brain Barrier and increase cellular oxygenation and ATP production. It has also demonstrated in studies to facilitate the growth of new neurons in the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity.
Medical grade brain supplements are often included in a treatment protocol to restore proper levels of vitamins and nutrients required for neuronal health. Healthy levels of B vitamins are necessary for neurotransmitter production. Herbs such as Lion’s Mane have demonstrated benefits for neuroplasticity.
Brain specific peptides and exosomes may be considered if there is substantial damage. These regenerative compounds help restore damaged cells and tissues back to optimal condition. They can facilitate regeneration of damaged tissues within the brain.
Intravenous NAD+ delivers this potent neuroprotective co-enzyme. NAD+ increases ATP production within the brain, lifting brain fog and improving cognitive decline. This therapy also promotes neuroplasticity and healthy levels of neurotransmitters.
An East Asian medical modality, acupuncture is an efficient tool to regulate the immune system, modulate inflammation, promote sufficient blood flow to the brain, and facilitate proper detox pathways from the brain such as the lymphatic system.
Are you ready to begin your journey to wellness and feel your best?
Reach out to our team at Zimmermann Modern Wellness to get your personalized treatment plan today.