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How to reduce brain inflammation: 4 actions you can take today
Dr Ruscio is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, clinical researcher and author. His podcast, Dr Ruscio Radio presents cutting edge information in health, nutrition and functional medicine distilled into practical advice that can be used to improve our health.
2023
Abstract
Dr Ruscio focuses on the link between brain inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s but also brain fog and mood. He summarises how it might be possible to reduce neuroinflammation through diet, looking at the links with dysbiosis and leaky gut but also exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management. A concise overview of the evidence for diets such as Paleo, Low FODMAP, Ketogenic and Low Carb, as well as the Mediterranean diet for reducing inflammation and supporting brain health is provided. The potential for lab testing via anti and pro-inflammatory markers is also reviewed.
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The role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Generoso, JS, Giridharan, VV, Lee, J, Macedo, D, Barichello, T
Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999). 2021;43(3):293-305
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Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota have been shown to influence mood and behaviour via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and there is increased interest in better understanding this interaction in the context of mental health. This review summarises the evidence around the influence of gut microbiota in various neuropsychiatric disorders, primarily focusing on the metabolic pathways that originate in the gut microbiota. Current research highlights an association between gut microbiota metabolites with neuropsychiatric disorders and that probiotics demonstrate a significant therapeutic role in many of these disorders. Based on the current literature, the authors conclude it is crucial to better understand the complex microbiota-host interaction in health and disease, leading to more targeted and improved therapeutic interventions.
Abstract
The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional signaling mechanism between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. The complexity of the intestinal ecosystem is extraordinary; it comprises more than 100 trillion microbial cells that inhabit the small and large intestine, and this interaction between microbiota and intestinal epithelium can cause physiological changes in the brain and influence mood and behavior. Currently, there has been an emphasis on how such interactions affect mental health. Evidence indicates that intestinal microbiota are involved in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This review covers evidence for the influence of gut microbiota on the brain and behavior in Alzheimer disease, dementia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. The primary focus is on the pathways involved in intestinal metabolites of microbial origin, including short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites, and bacterial components that can activate the host's immune system. We also list clinical evidence regarding prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation as adjuvant therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Regulation of Neurotransmitters by the Gut Microbiota and Effects on Cognition in Neurological Disorders.
Chen, Y, Xu, J, Chen, Y
Nutrients. 2021;13(6)
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Imbalances in the gut microbiota occur in various neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), autism spectrum disorder and depression. Imbalances in key neurotransmitters are associated with the same disorders. This review focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of the intestinal microbiome and its metabolites on cognitive functions and the pathogeneses of these neurodegenerative diseases. The gut microbiota produce neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA, serotonin and dopamine or their precursors. These neurotransmitters are not able to cross the blood brain barrier but the precursors are, therefore the gut microbiota is indirectly involved in the regulation of the production of these key neurotransmitters and therefore neuronal activity and cognitive functions of the brain. The findings demonstrate an association between a healthy gut microbiome structure and balanced neurotransmitter levels in the host. Microbial therapy holds huge promise for the treatment of brain disorders. The development of drugs for neurological disorders must also consider effects on the physiology of the gut microbiome.
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that gut microbiota is important in the regulation of brain activity and cognitive functions. Microbes mediate communication among the metabolic, peripheral immune, and central nervous systems via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. However, it is not well understood how the gut microbiome and neurons in the brain mutually interact or how these interactions affect normal brain functioning and cognition. We summarize the mechanisms whereby the gut microbiota regulate the production, transportation, and functioning of neurotransmitters. We also discuss how microbiome dysbiosis affects cognitive function, especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis and Toll-Like Receptors in Parkinson's Disease.
Caputi, V, Giron, MC
International journal of molecular sciences. 2018;19(6)
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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative disease and recently the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has gained attention in patients with PD. Research shows that an altered gut microbiota can activate Toll-like receptors (TLRs), receptors involved in the innate immune response, causing an inflammatory cascade in the gut and brain. Based on this knowledge, gut microbiota and TLRs may be potential therapeutic targets for PD. This review sheds light on the current knowledge regarding the association between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and innate immunity via TLR signalling in PD. Increased understanding of this relationship should lead to insights on the pathophysiology of PD, as well as improved dietary and pharmaceutical therapeutic approaches in PD patients. Based on the existing evidence, the authors conclude that through modulating the gut, thus balancing the immune response in PD patients, it may be possible to influence early phases of the neurodegenerative cascade.
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressively debilitating neurodegenerative disease characterized by α-synucleinopathy, which involves all districts of the brain-gut axis, including the central, autonomic and enteric nervous systems. The highly bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut is markedly influenced by the microbiome through integrated immunological, neuroendocrine and neurological processes. The gut microbiota and its relevant metabolites interact with the host via a series of biochemical and functional inputs, thereby affecting host homeostasis and health. Indeed, a dysregulated microbiota-gut-brain axis in PD might lie at the basis of gastrointestinal dysfunctions which predominantly emerge many years prior to the diagnosis, corroborating the theory that the pathological process is spread from the gut to the brain. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in innate immunity by recognizing conserved motifs primarily found in microorganisms and a dysregulation in their signaling may be implicated in α-synucleinopathy, such as PD. An overstimulation of the innate immune system due to gut dysbiosis and/or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, together with higher intestinal barrier permeability, may provoke local and systemic inflammation as well as enteric neuroglial activation, ultimately triggering the development of alpha-synuclein pathology. In this review, we provide the current knowledge regarding the relationship between the microbiota-gut⁻brain axis and TLRs in PD. A better understanding of the dialogue sustained by the microbiota-gut-brain axis and innate immunity via TLR signaling should bring interesting insights in the pathophysiology of PD and provide novel dietary and/or therapeutic measures aimed at shaping the gut microbiota composition, improving the intestinal epithelial barrier function and balancing the innate immune response in PD patients, in order to influence the early phases of the following neurodegenerative cascade.
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Movement Disorders Related to Gluten Sensitivity: A Systematic Review.
Vinagre-Aragón, A, Zis, P, Grunewald, RA, Hadjivassiliou, M
Nutrients. 2018;10(8)
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Gluten related disorders (GRDs) is an umbrella term for diseases triggered by gluten, including coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity. People with GRDs may experience a wide range of symptoms including digestive and nervous system issues. Movement Disorders (MDs) refers to a group of nervous system conditions that cause abnormal movements, which may be voluntary or involuntary. This literature review looked at the current research on GRDs and MDs such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome and tremors. 48 papers were used for the review. Most papers looked at MDs in those diagnosed with coeliac disease, rather than other GRDs. The authors found many examples where the symptoms of MDs, including chorea, restless leg syndrome, stiff person syndrome and tics, improved on a gluten free diet. The authors concluded that gluten-related MDs may be more common than previously thought, and that following a gluten free diet can be beneficial in many cases. They recommended that gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease should be considered in patients with MDs of unknown cause.
Abstract
Gluten related disorders (GRD) represent a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that are triggered by the ingestion of gluten. Coeliac disease (CD) or gluten sensitive enteropathy is the most widely recognised, but extra-intestinal manifestations have also been increasingly identified and reported. Such manifestations may exist in the absence of enteropathy. Gluten sensitivity (GS) is another term that has been used to include all GRD, including those where there is serological positivity for GS related antibodies in the absence of an enteropathy. Gluten ataxia (GA) is the commonest extraintestinal neurological manifestation and it has been the subject of many publications. Other movement disorders (MDs) have also been reported in the context of GS. The aim of this review was to assess the current available medical literature concerning MDs and GS with and without enteropathy. A systematic search was performed while using PubMed database. A total of 48 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. This review highlights that the phenomenology of gluten related MDs is broader than GA and demonstrates that gluten-free diet (GFD) is beneficial in a great percentage of such cases.
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Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines.
Li, IC, Lee, LY, Tzeng, TT, Chen, WP, Chen, YP, Shiao, YJ, Chen, CC
Behavioural neurology. 2018;2018:5802634
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The individual compounds within culinary mushrooms has gained much interest and enthusiasm due to their potential health benefits when applied to specific illness or ailments. This particular paper reviews the effects of erinacine compound found in a particular mushroom named Hericium erinaceus (known as Lion’s Mane) and its health properties with regards to aging associated diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies reportedly show that erinacines stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor, which can prolongs the survival of neurons and reduce the consequence of neurodegenerative diseases. The studies discussed are encouraging to read and offer hope to those with a predisposition to or suffering from such diseases. However, more research in this field is required.
Abstract
Hericium erinaceus, an ideal culinary-medicinal mushroom, has become a well-established candidate in promoting positive brain and nerve health-related activities by inducing the nerve growth factor from its bioactive ingredient. Among its active compounds, only erinacine A has confirmed pharmacological actions in the central nervous system in rats. Hence, this review has summarized the available information on the neurohealth properties of H. erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines, which may contribute to further research on the therapeutic roles of these mycelia. The safety of this mushroom has also been discussed. Although it has been difficult to extrapolate the in vivo studies to clinical situations, preclinical studies have shown that there can be improvements in ischemic stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression if H. erinaceus mycelia enriched with erinacines are included in daily meals.
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Current experience in testing mitochondrial nutrients in disorders featuring oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction: rational design of chemoprevention trials.
Pagano, G, Aiello Talamanca, A, Castello, G, Cordero, MD, d'Ischia, M, Gadaleta, MN, Pallardó, FV, Petrović, S, Tiano, L, Zatterale, A
International journal of molecular sciences. 2014;15(11):20169-208
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Many conditions are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF) and oxidative stress (OS). For example; some genetic diseases, aging and age-associated disorders, neurologic and psychiatric diseases, malignancies and autoimmune diseases. This review looks at the clinical trials focused on the use of mitochondrial cofactors (mitochondrial nutrients - MN) such as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) and L-carnitine (CARN) which are essential in the functioning of mitochondria. Of the trials that were used in the review, 81 tested ALA, 107 tested CoQ10, 74 reports tested CARN, only 7 reports were retrieved testing double MN associations, while no report was found testing a triple MN combination. A total of 28 reports tested MN associations with “classical” antioxidants, such as antioxidant nutrients or drugs. Combinations of MN showed better outcomes than individual MN. Further studies are therefore needed.
Abstract
An extensive number of pathologies are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction (MDF) and oxidative stress (OS). Thus, mitochondrial cofactors termed "mitochondrial nutrients" (MN), such as α-lipoic acid (ALA), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and l-carnitine (CARN) (or its derivatives) have been tested in a number of clinical trials, and this review is focused on the use of MN-based clinical trials. The papers reporting on MN-based clinical trials were retrieved in MedLine up to July 2014, and evaluated for the following endpoints: (a) treated diseases; (b) dosages, number of enrolled patients and duration of treatment; (c) trial success for each MN or MN combinations as reported by authors. The reports satisfying the above endpoints included total numbers of trials and frequencies of randomized, controlled studies, i.e., 81 trials testing ALA, 107 reports testing CoQ10, and 74 reports testing CARN, while only 7 reports were retrieved testing double MN associations, while no report was found testing a triple MN combination. A total of 28 reports tested MN associations with "classical" antioxidants, such as antioxidant nutrients or drugs. Combinations of MN showed better outcomes than individual MN, suggesting forthcoming clinical studies. The criteria in study design and monitoring MN-based clinical trials are discussed.