Neurotoxicity occurs when your brain and nervous system are exposed to toxins that alter your neurological function. Neurotoxins destroy the neurons responsible for transmitting information from your brain to the rest of your body. They also cause premature brain cell death. If you’re suffering from unusual symptoms you and your doctor just can’t make sense of, neurotoxins may be to blame.
Symptoms of Neurotoxicity
Long-term exposure to neurotoxins may result in the following symptoms:
- Failing Memory
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Mental Confusion
- Behavioral Changes
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Numbness in Extremities
- Muscular Twitches/Spasms
- Movement Disorders (Dystonia,MS)
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
- Chronic Pain Disorders
Common Sources of Neurotoxins
You might not be able to completely avoid all sources of these brain-damaging toxins but there is something you can do to “clean up” your environment. Here are the most common everyday sources of neurotoxins:
Food
If you eat highly-processed food, you’re probably ingesting dangerous neurotoxins everyday. Neurotoxic additives include aspartame, sucralose (Splenda), monosodium glutamate (MSG), food dyes, aluminum, sodium fluoride, and sodium caseinate. Gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) also has a neurotoxic effect on your brain. These neurotoxins not only damage your brain cells, they also trigger constant, insatiable food cravings so you can’t lose weight.
Environment
You may not realize it, but you’re likely bringing neurotoxins into your home every day. Common environmental sources of neurotic chemicals include conventional cleaning products, air fresheners, fluoride toothpaste, dioxin in feminine products, mercury dental fillings, tobacco smoke, and fluorescent light bulbs.
Medication
It is estimated that 7 out of 10 Americans are on some type of prescription drug, many of which contain neurotoxins. Opiates, lithium, Paxil, Prozac, sleep drugs, asthma medication (Albuterol), Captopril (blood pressure medication), codeine, and digoxin (heart medication) are all neurotoxic to your brain.
Heal Your Brain from Neurotoxicity
1) Get Rid of the Neurotoxins
The first step to healing from neurotoxicity is getting rid of as many neurotoxins as possible. This means cleaning up your diet and eating fresh organic foods. If you use chemical cleaning products or air fresheners, get rid of them. The more natural and chemical-free your environment, the healthier you’ll feel.
2) Go For Some Lab Tests
Oftentimes, blood tests are inaccurate for measuring heavy metal toxicity in your body. Hair, unlike blood, readily absorbs these neurotoxins and is a good indicator of neurotoxic accumulation. You can order a hair heavy metal test kit online and have your test results sent to the doctor of your choice. The more details you have about the neurotoxins in your body, the better equipped you’ll be to know what to do to remove them.
3) Invest in Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a powerful medicine that goes way beyond healing back pain. When your spine becomes subluxated (partially dislocated), due to neurotoxins, it prevents your brain from communicating properly with the rest of your body. Gentle chiropractic adjustment can help reconnect these damaged pathways so your body can heal itself.
4) Drink More Water
Drink 6-8 glasses of pure, filtered water each day to encourage detoxification.
5) Try Some Supplements
Chlorella
Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater algae that has been shown to detoxify the body from mercury contamination. Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, which encourages the body to process more oxygen and purifies the blood. In addition to helping eliminate neurotoxic build-up, chlorella boosts the immune system, increases energy levels, and reduces risk of cancer.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens, meaning they increase your ability to resist the damaging effects of toxins in your environment. They have also been shown to boost your immune system and encourage natural detoxification.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a cooking spice commonly used in Indian cooking. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps detoxify your liver. Turmeric has also been shown to block the enzyme that promotes the growth of malignant cells.
Garlic
When doing any type of detoxification program, it is ideal to add garlic to your diet as it protects your white and red blood cells during the process.
Bottom Line on Detoxing Your Body of Neurotoxins
Detoxifying from neurotoxins is a challenging yet rewarding process. It is advisable to seek the advice of a nutritionist, osteopath, medical doctor or chiropractor during this time for professional direction. Once you remove neurotoxic chemicals from your life and detoxify your system, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.
Need more help or someone to guide you in the next step?
Talk to your local AlignLife Chiropractor.
