Category Archives: Brain Balance

Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction

What is so crucial about mitochondrial disease and dysfunction? Well, you may remember that the mitochondria are organelles in your cells. They make the energy packets that store and release electrical power so you can make proteins, hormones, move, talk, breathe, circulate blood, and think. Mitochondria have a counterpart in the plant world. The chloroplast. The organelle in plant cells that take carbon dioxide and water, capture energy from the sun, and pack that energy in sugar molecules. Those sugar molecules are one of the three types of food that the mitochondria then burn to create heat and energy packets.

Of course, this reminds us of how important the plant world is for our survival. The picture below by Cody Serfass shchloroplast and mitochondriaows this interrelationship beautifully.

 

posted Dec 22, 2014, 8:30 AM by Cody Serfass

But, as much as we need the mitochondria to work right, it can either start to not work right or be so damaged as to not work at all. It is kind of like an internal combustion engine. There has to be fuel, the burning of the fuel has to be controlled, and the energy has to be converted into a useful form. So, just like taking your car to the mechanic to figure out why the horsepower dropped, you need an expert on mitochondrial function to figure out what might be going on if you are starting to lack power. Call The Redwood Clinic for help with this.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction Diagnosis

3-10-08-uae-fog-medium-2Definitive diagnosis of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction requires a knowledge of many steps in the process. Figuring out where in the process things aren’t working may require doing organic chemical analysis.  It tells us if the steps in the process of energy production are happening as they are supposed to. Sort of like seeing if the engine is burning cleanly or producing extra pollution.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Aging

Aging is related to inflammation. Inflammation damages tissues, nerves, blood sugar balance, brain tissues, and other tissues and organs. Inflammation can damage mitochondria and degeneration of mitochondria effects all parts of the body.

The prolongation of mitochondrial health seems also associated with life span. Why is that? Caloric reduction is a major factor related to longevity. When you reduce calories and fast on occassion, your damaged mitochondria will be broken down so only healthy ones remain behind. Having only well functioning mitochondria is like having a race event with only the best running cars working. The broken down cars then don’t create wrecks and roadblocks on the race course.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Your Heart

The failing heart is a muscle running out of fuel, and the fuel of the heart comes from mitochondrial activity. Without adequate intake of nutrients you will have mitochondrial deterioration, according the Bruce Ames. With the high prevalence of death from heart attacks in this country it is wise to have your mitochondria checked at The Redwood Clinic to see if they might be a source of potential early mortality.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Bipolar Depression

Build up of acids from the energy cycle, when it is not working right, leads to higher acidity, and that is related to bipolar depression.

Mitochondrial Disease and Dysfunction and Obesity

Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

Stomach, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine

African Americans may have an especially susceptible mitochondria that have less ability to produce heat and thus have higher levels of diabetes and prostate cancer.

Also having too much “white fat” (devoid of mitochondria) puts you more at risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease than having enough brown fat which contains lots of mitochondria that can convert the fat into energy.

Mitochondrial Disease, Dysfunction, and what to do about it

In addition to getting your mitochondrial function checked out, there are many things you can do to help support your mitochondria. Periodic exposure to cold helps your metabolism and the functioning of your energy production system — the mitochondria. While it is not for me, you could really shock your system (and stimulate your mitochondria) by joining a “polar bear club.” Taking a cold shower in the morning can also help.

Exercise helps optimize thyroid function, and thyroid hormones enhance metabolism and speed mitochondrial activity to create more energy and resultant heat.

Mitochondrial Disease and Atrazine

Atrazine is a widely used weed killer predominantly for corn. Atrazine is a mitochondrial damager — avoiding foods with atrazine is a great idea. That may mean that you have to avoid packaged manufactured “foodstuffs” if made from non-organic corn. Other studies show that Atrazine use tends to correlate with the incidence of obesity.  And again, most manufactured foods are made with some kind of corn.

Herbicides work on chloroplasts and chloroplasts are like mitochondria.  When you poison the mitochondria you can’t burn fat anymore.  And fats, carbohydrates and proteins are what we burn for fuel.

Chronic use of alcohol can damage mitochondrial DNA through oxidative stress.  Then if the liver isn’t working, you can’t clear toxins and then you age quickly.

Certain combination and single drugs can damage your mitochondria. Go to www.mitoaction.org to see which drugs are not good for your mitochondria. Drugs that damage your mitochondria include statins, antibiotics, and beta-blockers. The bacteriocidal antibiotics, quinolones, aminoglycosieds and beta lactams, are the most damaging to mitochondria. Certain things might help to support your body when taking those drugs, such as the right probiotics and NAC. Also, if possible, use the bacteriostatic antibiotics versus the bacteriocidal antibiotics.

Methyl mercury has a damaging effects on mitochondria in the brain especially. An underlying mitochondrial disorder may be a reason why vaccine-induced autism is real, as mentioned in US Federal Court.

A damage to your body due to your doctors prescriptions is called inatrogenica imperfecta by Dr. LePine. Medicine-induced disease due to bad drug combinations is quite prevalent.

Panic attacks can come from a high pH in the brain. Eg. you panic when your CO2 level increases from, for example, holding your breath a long time underwater. Due to pH drop. (Meaning that you are becoming more acidic — remember the pH scale is small numbers acid, 8 is neutral, and larger numbers are basic). Aerobic exercise may help you deal with it build up of lactic acid which is the product of the energy production without oxygen.

Mitochondrial Disease and Charles Darwin

Darwin’s illness throughout life may have been due to mitochondrial problem and a mitochondrial DNA -related problem.

In this case, arginine and citrulline may have positive benefits.

Mitochondrial Disease and Autism

Autism or other types of delayed developmental conditions may be helped by understanding the mitochondrial gene sequence as well.

Understaning the need to get oxygen into the brain and then into the mitochondria is discussed in Dr. Jay’s bestselling book, Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life. Order online at this link.

Medical research increasingly recognizes mitochondrial dysfunction as a major factor in the pathology of numerous human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and ischemia reperfusion injury. So consider getting you “powerhouse” checked out at The Redwood Clinic before you “check out” for good. 510-849-1176

 

Hypnotherapy and Health

Hypnotherapy and Health

 

What do you think of when you hear the word “hypnotherapy?”  Excitement? Enthusiasm? Relaxation? Concern?  Well, some people areHypnotherapy and Health afraid that hypnotherapy or guided imagery will make you lose control.  That you will be under the influence of someone or something else.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We have heard that there are a few individuals in religious circles who warn that is it somehow “evil” —  well there is absolutely no basis for labeling it in that way.  Read further to see why.

 

Granted, extreme applications (of understanding how the mind can work) are used to manipulate others by cults and in harsh interrogation methods by the CIA, FBI, police, Mossad, M-1, KGB, and elsewhere.  But that is a vastly different situation.  For health improvement and stress reduction, hypnotherapy and guided imagery are extremely benevolent and non-directive.  It is a matter merely of offering suggestions — giving your higher powers an opportunity to choose another way that can be helpful.

 

Hypnotherapy and Positive Reinforcement

 

This aspect of healing and health maintenance can be a very positive addition to your “medicine cabinet.”  In fact, ALL TOP OLYMPIC ATHLETES and successful CEOs routinely use this for peak performance.  Essentially it is positive self-talk.  And can you deny that you speak to yourself, inside your head, many times a day?  It is a normal aspect of your brain function, and making sure that the words are supportive and positive is key. (Of course, if there are many voices in your head telling you to murder and kill, that could be a sign of serious mental illness.  This is NOT what we are talking about here.)

 

Patients’ Experience of Hypnotherapy at The Redwood Clinic

 

Are we just talking theory here?  Is there any proof of this?  Well, at The Redwood Clinic we have been using this in conjunction with acupuncture and other approaches for the past 25 years or more.  This is because it is safe, quick, and effective.  Our patients, by in large, love it and look forward to it at their visits.  Of course, some people don’t choose to do it and that is fine too.  But of those who do utilize this adjunctive tool, 100% are excited about it and find that it is really a positive influence in their health.

 

Hypnotheray and Kaiser Health Care

 

Kaiser Foundation Health Care is a conservative organization.  They require some solid evidence before they will pay for or use some method.  Well, they encourage the use of hypnotherapy and guided imagery, as do Harvard, Stanford, the Mayo Clinic, and almost all of the major medical schools and centers in the U.S.  Why? Because it is safe and effective.

 

What does Kaiser specifically say about it?   “Your mind and body are connected. Guided imagery programs engage your mind, body, and spirit to help you:

  • reduce stress
  • focus on healthy changes
  • promote healing”

 

Kaiser has a specific place that  “produces our gentle, but powerful, guided imagery programs. Kaiser Permanente doesn’t provide transcripts for these programs because the reading voice — its softness and pace — is key to their success.”  That organization is called Healthy Journeys.

 

Areas that Kaiser Promotes Hypnotherapy

 

What hypnotherapy/guided imagery audios do they provide direct access to all Kaiser members?

 

  1. Related to “Health Conditions and concerns”: allergies, coping with cancer, cancer chemotherapy, cancer radiation therapy, fibromyalgia and fatigue, headaches, healthy heart, immune system health, menopause, pain, pregnancy and childbirth, and surgery.
  2. Related to “Emotional Wellness:” anger and forgiveness, grief, panic attacks and anxiety, self-confidence, and stress.
  3. Related to “Living Healthily:” relaxation and wellness, sleep, stop smoking, and weight loss.

 

Kaiser has been providing these self-access resources since at least 2012.  At The Redwood Clinic we have been using these since at least 1990.  Always on the cutting edge of what we can do to help you wholistically.

 

We will also have some podcasts on this subject on our podcast channel: http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health: What is the Connection?

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health

This topic – microbiome microbiota probiotics brain health – is the biggest rave right now in the medical field. But is it a new topic or just another “Johnny come lately” by conventional medicine to something natural medicine has been addressing for centuries? The latter is the case. This is important to know, but not new news. Science has just come up with more details and deeper explanations. Not a bad thing, but in my mind not a great sign that medicine is making great advances. These things were ignored and covered up because they did not fit the pharmaceutical model of treatment. Those of us with many decades of natural medicine experience have been fighting an uphill battle with the vast majority of MDs – they have berated us to our patients when we prescribed these effective approaches.
At any rate, what is the big commotion?

Microbiome Microbiota Probiotics Brain Health

Microbiome protects the Blood-Gut Barrier

Did you know that there are bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, molds and other critters besides animals that influence your health? Of course you do. I first heard about the use of “good bacteria” over 50 years ago. I watched my father break up a pack of brewer’s yeast and flush it down our toilets at home. He explained that the bacteria help to break down our “poop” faster in the septic tank.
For those of you who don’t know, a septic tank is a buried tank to convert sewage into harmless water. People in the city don’t have their own septic tanks – the city sewage treatment system does that for you. In the country, though, a septic tank is the advanced way to safely manage human waste. It is a big step up from the pit at the bottom of an “outhouse.”

Microbiome Microbiota Brain Health

Septic Tank diagram from wikipedia

So, flushing brewer’s yeast into the septic tank allowed the yeast to break down the sewage so the septic tank would not back up. The third stage of the septic tank then released the final water into a “finger system” of pipes, buried underground, that led out to the yard to help water it.
Next, I learned about the healing power of good bacteria (also called flora) when travelling at age 25 in India and other parts of Asia. I started taking brewer’s yeast tablets I purchased in a “tin” in an apothecary in Columbo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The “digestive urgency” (also know as diarrhea) that was common for other travelers and myself was largely and beautifully controlled by taking 6-10 tablets per day. While others were having problems, my poops were relatively formed and healthy. Once again, good bacteria having a positive influence on the digestion of human waste output.

But how do we get from septic tanks to gastrointestinal health to brain health?

The role of gastrointestinal health in brain health is not new.
Studies dating back to the turn of the 20th century explored this connection. Ultimately, poor explanation, a concept of panacea, charlatanism, and a greater interest in cognitive theories ended the interest in the subject in 1920s-1930s. However, with better investigative techniques and new approaches, the connection was re-explored at the turn of the 21st century with astounding results. Alterations to the microbiome are now known to create physiologic adaptations responsible for changes in mood, behavior and neural plasticity. In this webinar you will learn about those physiological responses, what causes them, and how to fix it.

We start out life, after birth, with not a lot of this “flora” in our guts. By age one we have a similar mix as adults. That is over 1,800 genera of critters, 40,000 species (genus species, like “homo sapiens” humans), and 100,000,000,000,000 (one hundred trillion) single critter in all in our intestines. It weighs anywhere from 1 – 2 kg.

dna strandEach of these critters has DNA, genetic material like we do in each of our cells. Combining all of the critters together, they have 100 times the genes found in the human genome. Thus, all this genetic material can have a positive or negative impact on your genetic material. It is all a matter of having the right balance of flora.

Each person has her own “fingerprint” of flora that is unique to her. No one has the same mix. But there are general rules of thumb that we functional medicine doctors use in our treatments.

That is one of the specialty trainings we have to help you stay healthy. Not all probiotics are the same. Some are good for you as an individual. Others are a waste of money because they don’t even get to where they are supposed to go. Your stomach acid or bile kills them before they get to where they are supposed to go. And that is the job of your stomach acid and bile. But we use specific strains that we know will help you get the balance your intestine and brain needs.  One excellent probiotic for general use is Ultra-Flora and you can get it through our portal at http://www.TheRedwoodClinic.Metagenics.com  Call our office to get special code for ordering with free shipping. 510-849-1176

Stress Responses are Blunted by Good Bacteria

You have to have good bacteria in your gut for your stress response to not go crazy.

Imbalanced bacteria can cause liver pathology which can lead to negative brain responses.

476px-Chimp_Brain_in_a_jarImbalanced bacteria can lead to “leaky brain syndrome,” a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and then changes in neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, serotonin, and others that effect mood and memory.

Imbalanced bacteria can also lead to autoimmune reactions.

What can cause imbalanced bacteria? Stress, environmental factors, and dietary factors. Gluten, dairy, food allergens, and others are the dietary factors. Medications can be part of the environmental factors.

Detoxification

Detoxification – Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall

Now in the northern hemisphere we are in winter. The time of hibernation.  The time when the nights are longer, the days are shorter (although now, January 7, the days are getting longer).  The time when the body is supposed to be conserving its reserves of energy.

On the other hand, the need for warmth drives people to gather, often with pot-lucks, gourmet buffet eatfests, and holiday gatherings over food and wine.  And there are the Super Bowl bashes with lots of junk food and alcohol.  So, unlike the bears, we humans are in high activity mode and adding to the toxic burdens in our bodies. To be more in line with Nature, instead we should be resting and not adding more toxicity (unless we are beavers).  So, NOW is the time to help our hibernating bodies with detoxification support.  Learn more in this video, and then call the office to start your 10 or 21-day detoxification that will make you feel so much better to start the New Year right.

This process of detoxification is also encouraged as a part of healthy brain support in my Dr. Jay’s two bestselling books, available online at the following locations:

Super Brain: Maximize Your Brain Health for a Better Life

Detoxification and Brain Care

Dr. Jay on Chicago TV

https://www.createspace.com/5585723
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFOP926
Outsmarting the Dementia Epidemic: 7 Key Memory Care Actions to Avoid Alzheimer’s and Successfully Keep Your Brain Safe, Smart, and Sexy into the Future
https://www.createspace.com/5585869
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFS5PBC

Further Information on Detoxification

Learn more about how and why detoxification from this video Dr. Jay created on our website.
 

 

NSDJ3 Interview with Kewesi Simon

Interview by Dr. Jay Sordean with Kewesi Simon, Mixed Martial Arts Teacher in Oakland, California August 2014. Part of a series of interviews for Dr. Jay’s books on the brain.  In this episode we learn about the need to strengthen the neck to reduce traumatic injury to the brain in sports such as martial arts and football, such as CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).  Listen to this fascinating interview in the workout hall of the Martial Arts Gym of Kewesi Simon in Oakland, California. This interview was part of Dr. Jay’s research for his books in August 2014. http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com   and  http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com

For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel

To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

NSDJ2 Interview with Austin Hill Shaw

Interview by Dr. Jay Sordean.  Austin Hill Shaw discusses the nature of creativity and how to keep the brain as active as possible. Austin Hill Shaw, a Creativity Guru, explores concepts of creativity and how that process reinforces brain activity. Interview was done in Berkeley California at Hs Lordships restaurant as part of Dr. Jay’s research for his books in August 2014. http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com   and   http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com

For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel

To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

For information about Austin Hill Shaw go to http://www.austinhillshaw.com

 

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

At The Redwood Clinic we combine the best of natural medicine approaches to create a synergistic effect.  This enables faster and deeper results for patients.  This also addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person’s health concerns.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a multifaceted system including energy work, OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmassage, exercise, diet, stress-reduction, herbal formulas and even martial arts.  As comprehensive as allergythis may be, there are still other approaches to healing and health that work very well with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Thus, we like to combine the best of all worlds when possible.  Of course, if you are coming in with an insurance plan, that plan has restrictions on what it will pay for and not pay for.  Usually that is very limited.  So to really get the full benefit of our years of clinical experience you may have out of pocket expenses. But believe me, that is worth it.

11-10-08-speeding-mediumYour car insurance won’t pay for a tune-up — only crashes.  But you don’t refuse to get the tune-ups just because your insurance won’t pay for it.  The same thing should apply to your health.

When people are resting during an acupuncture session we often encourage them to listen to a guided imagery process to work on different aspects of their body’s healing powers.  And to reduce stress responses.  One of the many processes we offer selectively to patients, based on their individual needs and circumstances, might be the Sedona Method.Sleep

Please watch and listen to another recent positive experience using this unique integrative approach only found at The Redwood Clinic.

 

Brain Dead Millions

Are there really Millions who are “Brain Dead”?

476px-Chimp_Brain_in_a_jarWhen people like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela – who were significant leaders of the world – had Alzheimer’s, what does that mean about the fate of the common person? Alzheimer’s does not develop overnight — it is a progressive disease. All three had evidence of it while they were in seats of extreme power. In advanced Alzheimer’s, people have to be told what to do in all but the most basic of life processes. Does it make you wonder who was behind the thrones of power telling them what to do? If you knew that Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton, or any of the other candidates had early stage Alzheimer’s would you still want to elect them?

One in eight Americans will have Alzheimer’s. One in 3 dies with dementia. ONE in THREE!!!! That should concern you. If you have never known anyone with Alzheimer’s or known of a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s it is time you did. I have numerous testimonials of people’s experience caring for family members with Alzheimers. Watch them.

BOOK2When I’m not enjoying life and working with people who want to change their life for the good, I can have bouts of frustration about not knowing why memory enhancement seems to be a forgotten priority for people until it is fading. Solutions are available, but the understanding that everyone has to face this problem seems lost on billions across the planet. We are almost 8 billion people on this planet. A billion will have Alzheimer’s.

Don’t get me wrong. Some people are concerned about the possibility. But it saddens and perplexes me that millions are spent on supplements that have a catchy name but don’t really address the complexity of the issue. As a quote (in my boIok) from a patient states “The human psyche is at least as complicated as Indiana.” 🙂 I don’t know if you are one of those who thinks your brain will always be fine, but please watch my video to wake up your brain to take action for self-preservation. …..https://youtu.be/_b5rbA5TjeE

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element

Sodium – Hair Mineral Analysis Element and Body Functioning

Sodium is an important element and mineral test in the hair mineral analysis testing.  Sodium plays a significant role in your body and cells, often paired up with Potassium.  If you have high blood pressure your doctor will tell you to cut down on your Sodium. Doctors also look at the amount of Sodium in your blood during the comprehensive blood testing.  This hair deposition of Sodium gives additional and significant information about your body that the blood Sodium levels do not.

Diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, obesity, cognitive decline — are just a few of the many conditions, malfunctions, or diseases that do not develop symptoms often until they are progressed quite a long time and Sodium may play a key role.  Functioning has to drop to around 40% for symptoms to be obvious — up until a drop of function by 60% we know about dysfunction by things other than symptoms.   Hair Mineral Analysis focuses on particular minerals –macro, micro, trace and heavy metals found stored in your hair.  Understanding the relationships among the different minerals found can tell us a lot about how your body is functioning.  Not only your body, but your emotions and hormones.

After watching this, if you want to get a hair mineral analysis with explanation please contact The Redwood Clinic at +1-510-849-1176.

Hair mineral Analysis You tube videos

Sodium: https://youtu.be/WLiNaQqTHTM

 

Memory, Alzheimer’s and Pesticides?

Are Pesticides Causing Memory Issues and Alzheimer’s?

Scientific America is weighing in on this question based on research reported by the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology.

At Scientific American suggests that “saying that any pesticide causes Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is going too far. But evidence from a small study reported in JAMA Neurology suggests there could be a connection.” But the question still remains, “Are pesticides causing memory issues and Alzheimer’s?”

The JAMA Neurology study looked at pesticide levels in the blood of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and those who didn’t have it.  They looked for blood levels of DDE (a major byproduct of the pesticide DDT).  The levels of DDE in the AD subjects were almost FOUR TIMES HIGHER than in the controls. FOUR TIMES HIGHER.

This comes as no great surprise to those of us who have been looking at this chemical toxicity issue already for decades.  And, I go into detail about this connection, as ONLY 1 of MANY, in my books.  Learn more by going to http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com and http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com.

#Alzheimer #SuperBrain #obesity #pesticides

Scientific American states that there are still minute levels of DDE, a pesticide, in the US environment in spite of DDT having been banned in this country after Rachel Carson’s wide-spread alerting of the public in her seminal book, Silent Spring. 

There are still countries that permit the use of DDT pesticide in agriculture, and thus residues are most likely to be found fruits and vegetables imported from there. The pesticide has also been found in seafood, particularly farmed fatty fish, such as salmon, and shellfish imported from other countries.  DDE and DDT do not break down quickly, so that is one reason why they are so persistent even after being banned.

Scientific American advises that to reduce your exposure, wash produce thoroughly, throw away the outer leaves of leafy vegetables such as cabbage and trim the fat from meat and fat and skin from poultry and fish. If you eat sport-caught fish, check your state’s advisories for which types to avoid. If you don’t avoid it you may be susceptible to its ill effects and memory loss and Alzheimer’s.

Because trace amounts of pesticides (and other bad chemicals) can be in the water you drink from the tap, it is essential that you filter your drinking and cooking water with an effective water filtration system like the ones we recommend at http://www.multipureusa.com/redwoodclinic.  Buy one and use it to save the lives of yourself and your children.

The Scientific American article can be found at Memory on May 25, 2015