It is alarming to know that health challenges once associated with aging are now affecting the younger generation.
In “Breakthrough—Eight Steps to Wellness,” Suzanne Somers has an eyebrow-raising conversation with Dr. Russell Blaylock, brain surgeon and author of several wellness books like “Health and Nutrition Secrets that Can Save Your Life.” Several revelations to ponder:
Excitotoxins—a special group of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins called glutamate, aspartate and cysteine. Many food manufacturers worldwide add these excitotoxic amino acids to food—sadly enough, even to baby food. These substances enhance the flavor of food, but the effect on the brain is toxic.
When the brain’s neurons are in contact with these substances, they become “excited” and begin to send out/fire their impulses more rapidly than normal. Soon, they reach an extreme state of exhaustion. Within hours, the neurons die, as though the brain cells became excited to death. Because of this effect, neuroscientists have labeled them “excitotoxins.”
When you buy any product, look at the ingredients—these substances can be under the following names: caseinate, autolyzed yeast extract, MSG, beef or chicken broth or natural flavoring. However, for regulatory purposes, if the glutamate content is less than 99 percent pure, then it is allowed.
The ingenious way in which our bodies are designed will convince you that, indeed, there is an immune system working in defense of the body’s balance.
The human body has glutamate receptors. This, because in the animal kingdom, humans are the most sensitive to glutamates; next in line are monkeys and mice. But glutamine is a good thing—it is made by the body for immune function, muscle growth and functions of the cell lining found in the gastrointestinal tract.
It is converted into glutamate, which neurons use as a transmitter of signals. Note: glutamine is considered harmful only if converted into glutamate beyond the normal levels or in large quantities.
Tumor growth
When humans consume food laced in generous doses of glutamate, depending on the capacity of each individual to absorb them, glutamate levels can increase up to fiftyfold!
Based on scientific literature, along with sugar, glutamates have been observed as stimulants for faster cancer tumor growth.
Children are the most sensitive to excitotoxins.
Natural estrogen, the hormone, is a protector of the brain. Women, take note. Have your hormone levels checked by an endocrinologist or your OB gyne.
And for the men, when testosterone levels are too high, this situation magnifies excitotoxicity.
Conclusion: hormone replacement can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Aspartame—According to practitioners of natural medicine, including neuroscientists, aspartame is an addictive substance. Used as a sugar substitute, its long-term effects on health are profound. Many processed drinks and confectionary include this questionable synthetic sweetener. A high consumption of this substance could lead to addiction.
Heavy metal and mercury contamination—It has been discussed in various media forums—the alarming connection between brain disease and the presence of heavy metals in the body. Diseases include autism (from suspected mercury-based vaccines, pesticides, herbicides, weed control chemicals, lead in cosmetics, toys).
All heavy metals trigger excitotoxicity, and the organ directly damaged is the brain. Other possible diseases include cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Load up instead on flavonoids and carotenoids—plant pigments from plants, flowers, fruits and leaves.
Plants, according to researchers, have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to neutralize free-radical damage. These include onions, lettuce, garlic, basil, cabbage, asparagus, kale, spinach, lima/kidney beans, herbs like dill, peppermint, coriander, anise, chamomile, thyme and cayenne.
Hint: When you see red, orange or yellow, that’s a sign of high vitamin A content.
Think healthy. From now on, be more aware and conscious of what you eat and drink. Always ask yourself, is it life-sustaining or not?
Affirm today: “I am getting better and better.”
Love and light!