How Cellular Detox Supports Brain Function
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and research. Always follow the directives of a medical professional. Neither Anita Bastian or the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
The word detox brings to mind different things depending on the person. The type of detox I am referring to is at the deep cellular level. All of our tissues and organs are made of cells. All of our cells are constantly seeking to take in the nutrients needed to function optimally while simultaneously removing toxins that have made their way into our bodies. If the body doesn’t have the ability to safely remove toxins, the toxins accumulate and begin wreaking havoc on the brain and body. To me, it just makes sense to support our body’s natural detox mechanisms at the cellular level. If our cells aren’t well, we aren’t well. (And visa-versa.)
Let’s chat briefly about how healthy cells and neurons (brain cells) function. Cells, including neurons, have a cellular membrane that surrounds them. This membrane is in charge of what passes in and out of the cell. When our cells are healthy, the membrane allows nutrients into the cells and keeps toxins out. Another sign of healthy cellular function is the ability to produce energy or ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The production of energy happens inside the mitochondria of the cells. I think we can all agree, that when we feel energetic, we feel well. The production of energy is key to wellness.
There are hundreds, even thousands of mitochondria per cell. For example, inside our muscle cells are between 800-1000 mitochondria per cell. If you struggle with recovering from exercise or exertion, it’s likely that you have impaired mitochondrial function that is impacting your muscles’ ability to recover. Our heart muscle has somewhere between 2,000-5,000 mitochondria per cell. And our brain cells may have 5,000-10,000 mitochondria PER cell! It’s estimated that there are up to 2 million mitochondria per cell depending on the area of the brain.
Toxins like heavy metals, ongoing bacterial infections, chemicals, mycotoxins from consuming or breathing invisible mold spores or mycotoxins, and parasitic infestations can impair our cell’s ability to utilize vital nutrients. Thus, toxins can become trapped inside the cells or neurons (brain cells). Toxins can also cause inflammation on the cellular membranes. When our cells become inflamed, they cannot take in the nutrients needed for optimal function, nor can our cells remove toxins. The toxins become trapped inside the cells.
As more and more toxins accumulate in our system from foods laden with chemicals or other toxins, (our drinking water which often contains a variety of toxic chemicals and radioactive elements like radium, and polluted air) the more cells in our body and the neurons in our brain experience impaired function. Our bodies are amazing! They can tolerate and function pretty well even with some of these toxins, but when enough cells are impaired – we feel it. We feel tired, unable to be as physically active as we once were. We may experience headaches/migraines, bouts of anxiousness or depressive thoughts, and many other unwanted affects. We may struggle with memory issues. I know I sure did!! (Before I cleared toxins, I had trouble sleeping, thinking, and learning new information. I also used to have nasty digestive issues, painful headaches, anxiety, and debilitating fatigue.)
HOW ARE TOXINS GETTING TO OUR BRAIN AND AFFECTING BRAIN FUNCTION?
1. We have a blood-brain-barrier surrounding our brain to protect it, but this barrier is not fully developed until around the age of 2 years old. Any toxins we are exposed to prior to this may pass through, and get to various brain areas. (Many studies have shown that heavy metals like mercury or aluminum are deposited in the brain.) The brain’s blood-brain-barrier can also be damaged from impacts like falls, hits to the head, car accidents and the like.
2. Once the blood-brain-barrier is breached, it then has openings that allow future toxins in. You may have heard this referred to as leaky brain.
3. Some toxins like mycotoxins and protozoa (tiny single-cell parasites) are both very small and can be transported via our blood. Once in the blood stream, toxins can go systemic. Meaning the toxins can travel anywhere the blood travels. The toxins can affect brain function.
4. Depending on the area impacted by toxins, a person will experience different struggles. For example, if the prefrontal cortex is involved, then a person could have troubles making decisions and learning. If the limbic system is involved, a person may struggle with mood swings, feelings of anxiousness, or general emotional instability issues. When the hippocampus is involved, we may struggle to form memories and recall information.
5. Toxins can have a huge negative impact on our gut microbiome or bacteria. Healthy bacteria in the gut assist in breaking down nutrients and eliminating toxins. If there is an imbalance in our gut bacteria, then we develop overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria and candida albicans. Toxins can impact our gut lining and lead to leaky gut syndrome. Most scientists feel that if a person has leaky gut, they likely have leaky brain. They go hand-in-hand.
6. Toxins can also slow our bowels and lead to constipation. What does not pooping have to do with brain function? Think about how lousy and irritable a person feels if they have troubles pooping! When we don’t poop the toxins aren’t excreted and can spill out into the blood stream. As mentioned earlier, once in the blood stream the toxins go anywhere, including our precious brain. Using proven strategies and safe, natural products, we can help people get their drainage or elimination pathways open so they can readily poop. This is one of the keys to effective life-changing detox. Pooping needs to be happening from 1- 3 times per day. Anything less than this may indicate you are leaking toxins into your bloodstream.
Although the average adult brain only weighs around 3 pounds, it requires about 20% of our overall energy production to function. We can see how vital the mitochondrial function is to our brain’s ability to function optimally. Toxins that cause cellular inflammation and impair mitochondrial function can have devastating effects on the brain.
Thankfully, with new cellular technology there is hope like there has never been before! There are products and a proven road map to assist us in removing these harmful toxins and improve our cell’s ability to produce the vital energy needed. There is no need to continue to struggle. There is a way out using natural solutions. There are solutions that are safe for kiddos and adults. Solutions are here for all who are serious about getting their health back and optimizing brain function.
You can meet with Anita in-person or she can personally mentor you remotely, so you can stay in the comfort of your own home. If you are serious about reclaiming your brain function and overall health, reach out now. Get on your way to greater wellness and the fulfilling life that is meant to be yours. Connect now to learn more.