Author: dr.vanta

“Glutamate Blockers”? Natural Ways/Supplements To Improve Glutamate Levels

Posted by | May 16, 2018 | , |

  You may want to read first this article to better understand the functions of glutamate and how glutamate becomes toxic to the brain and promotes inflammation and autoimmunity. I know many are looking for “glutamate blockers”. Rather than blocking glutamate, you actually need to improve its levels/ its pathways. How To Improve Glutamate Levels/Glutamate Pathways  PPAR-γ Activators  Aminoacids : Taurine and NAC Probiotics Vitamins and Minerals : Vitamins: Bs, C, E, D, Magnesium, Lithium Orotate Lifestyle Changes/Therapies: Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Acupuncture   How To Improve Glutamate Levels *GE =glutamate excitotoxicity Glutamate is an essential (and the main excitatory) neurotransmitter in the brain. However, glutamate can become toxic- a process called glutamate excitotoxicity (GE)- in a few circumstances:if there is excess glutamate in the brain or the glutamate receptors are overstimulated. EC can also develop when the glutamate levels are normal but the glutamate receptors are over sensitive or when the glutamate pathways are impaired (ie problems with the enzymes, transporters, etc). GE plays a key role in neurodegeneration. Thus, researchers are looking into drugs and therapies focused on improving glutamate pathways to treat degenerative brain diseases. Technical: excessive activation of glutamate receptors by excitatory amino acids leads to a number of negative effects ie impairment of cellular calcium homeostasis, generation of free radicals, activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition and secondary GE [1]. Quick note: GE is also associated with...

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Neurotransmitters. Glutamate And MS- Is There A Connection ?

Posted by | May 13, 2018 | , |

Glutamate is a very important aminoacid for your health. It is found in abundance in the body, especially in the brain, gut and muscles. It is also a key neurotransmitter in the brain and gut. Healthy levels of glutamate are needed for optimal health. The problems occur when glutamate levels become too high- as it happens in MS and many other conditions. Glutamate In The Brain Glutamate In The Gut Glutamate In The Muscles Glutamate Effects On Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Immune System Glutamate And MS Triggers/Factors That Increase Glutamate Levels/Disturb Glutamate Pathways Natural Ways/Supplements  To Improve Glutamate Levels- in THIS article    1.Glutamate In The Brain Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord. It is made in the brain from glucose. The aminoacido glutamine is also a precursor of glutamate. Let s look at Glutamine –>Glutamate–>  GABA conversion: Glutamine → Glutamate  →  GABA                                ↑                         ↓               Citric Acid Cycle ←    Succinate semialdehyde (SA)   High amounts of glutamate are found in the breast milk because it is essential for brain development. In healthy amounts, glutamate has important roles — it facilitates the communication between different brain cells- neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (myelin producing cells) and microglia (which connect the...

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What Does Taurine Do? Taurine Benefits

Posted by | May 11, 2018 | , , |

Let’s look at what does taurine do, sources and its benefits. About Taurine Taurine Benefits For The Brain Taurine Fights Inflammation, Is An Antioxidant, Improves Mitochondrial Function and Modulates The Immune System Taurine Influences Gene Expression, Improves Fertility and Promotes Longevity Taurine Benefits For The  Eyes, Ears and Mouth Health Taurine Benefits  For Diabetes (And Its Complications), Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Taurine Benefits  For Digestion Taurine Benefits For Muscle Health Is Taurine Bad For You? Taurine Sources. Plus Why I Recommend It On and Off 1.About Taurine What does taurine do? A lot, as you will see in this article. In my opinion, taurine is underappreciated and underused.  Taurine is a sulfur containing aminoacid. Unlike other aminoacids that are incorporated into proteins, taurine is floating freely in the fluid within cells. It is found in abundance in the body, particularly the brain/ spinal cord, heart, retina, liver and muscles as well in the human breast milk. Taurine is also major constituent of bile and accounts for approximately 0.1% of total human body weight [1],[2],[3],[4]. Taurine is formed from amino acids methionine and cysteine and can also be synthesized in the liver and brain [5]. When taken from food, it is absorbed in the small intestine, transported to the liver than released in the bloodstream. The blood carries this amino acid to various organs. Although the body has its own mechanisms to prevent...

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APRIL 2018 MS NEWS: Reversed MS-Dr.Stanic. New Studies On Diet, Supplements and Drugs. Serious Adverse Reactions From MS Drugs

Posted by | May 1, 2018 | , |

You can read here an awesome story of reversed MS with diet and lifestyle changes-Dr. Saray Stancic, MD.  Gut Microbiome This study supports the importance of a healthy gut microbiome, ho altered gut flora can induce neurodegeneration and inflammation, while certain friendly bacteria (their metabolites) showing protection against brain inflammation (animal study) [1]. I wrote about MS microbiome here. In this new study, scientists found out that CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome) is also associated with altered gut flora [2]. Diet, Supplements, Natural Therapies Paleo diet improves fatigue in progressive MS (by improving lipid levels). Dr. Terry Wahls is one of the researchers of this study. The participants of this study followed the paleo diet plus other interventions that included neuromuscular stimulation and stress reduction [3]. Food lectins  are linked with migraines, according to this research paper [4] . I wrote about lectins when I reviewed dr Gundry’s book here. It is worth improving the diet and keep a healthy body weight. Being overweight/obese can be a risk factor for developing MS among young females (below 20 years of age) [5]. Vitamin D:  The importance of vitamin D for MS management is highlighted in this study [6] Genistein, a plant estrogen found in soy can help prevent MS, based on a study in animal subjects [7] .Note: this is not the first study evaluated genistein in MS (animal models) showing beneficial effects. While...

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SIBO-C. Methane Dominant SIBO (SIBO-C) Treatment. Prescription Drugs and Natural Solutions

Posted by | Apr 28, 2018 | , |

1.Methane Dominant SIBO (SIBO-C) Treatment 2.Methane Dominant SIBO- Prescription Drugs. Why Prescription Antibiotics Aren’t Working That Well ? Pros and Cons Of the Antibiotics 3.Why Natural Antimicrobials Offer a Better Solution for Archaea Overgrowth. Methane Dominant Neem for SIBO, Other SIBO Herbal Treatments. SIBO Herbal Treatment Side Effects 4. My Approach to Methane Dominant SIBO (SIBO-C) Treatment   You may want to read first  Part I: Chronic Constipation, IBS-C, SIBO-C? What Is The REAL Cause For All Of Them? Part II: That Hidden Depression No One Talks About (Hint: It’s In The Gut. As seen in chronic constipation, SIBO-C and IBS-C)   1. Methane Dominant SIBO (SIBO-C) Treatment SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) can be methane producing, hydrogen producing or both. Bacteria produce hydrogen where archaea produce methane. Excess hydrogen is usually associated with diarrhea (SIBO-D) where methane dominant SIBO is typically linked with constipation (SIBO-C). There are a few breath tests for SIBO that your doctor can order, and also some home kit tests available in some countries. These tests measure the levels of methane and hydrogen. However, they are not always accurate, yelding false negative results. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to interpret the results of the methane dominant SIBO test in combination with symptoms. I mentioned in my other articles about the fact that chronic constipation, IBS-C and SIBO -C being as one...

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