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Tag Archive for: detox

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Chronic Pain: Integrative Strategies for Relief

Chronic Pain: Integrative Strategies for Relief

May 8, 2024/in Inflammation, Treatments/by Kaplan Center

Finding relief from chronic pain may feel like a never-ending, uphill battle. Maybe you’ve been prescribed a medication or you’ve tried some type of therapy to address your most debilitating symptoms only for your pain to eventually return. Or, maybe you’ve gotten to the point of accepting life with it. Many people can’t even fathom attempting to get rid of it because it’s physically and emotionally exhausting to try. Indeed, your chronic pain may never fully go away, but if you are living with chronic pain you must understand the following:

  1. Chronic pain will generally get worse over time and the longer it is neglected the more complex the healing process can be. If you have chronic pain, that means you have been living with a condition for months at minimum, and more likely for years. You may not feel ready now, but the longer you wait to address your condition, the longer the treatment process can be.
  2. Chronic pain is not just physical discomfort, it is intricately tied to our emotional well-being. It is estimated that 60% of patients who have chronic pain, also have depression and this relationship is bidirectional (meaning that depression can cause pain and vice versa). Research also confirms that the more severe your pain is, the more severe your depression becomes, with the reverse also being true. The longer you live with chronic pain the higher your risk of developing anxiety or depression.
  3. Chronic pain is a symptom of inflammation. Inflammation can stem from any number of conditions that are taxing to the body such as an illness or disorder, an injury, infection, toxicity, or nutritional deficiencies, and can be cumulative in their inflammatory effect. Heightened inflammation can affect the nervous system and undermine the function of your immune system exacerbating both physical and emotional pain. Without addressing the underlying source(s) of inflammation, your chronic pain will not get better or go away. Once the inflammation is addressed, the severity and frequency of symptoms can improve, sometimes drastically and sometimes completely.

How We Can Help

Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals who specialize in treating chronic pain is key. You want a pain specialist who will 1) uncover ALL of the reasons why your body is inflamed and in pain, and 2) offer you a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment so your healing is as complete as it can be. This functional medicine approach is centered on improving the function of your body as a whole. This may not mean living completely pain-free, it means getting back your energy to reengage in life and feel good both mentally and physically.

Our team is made up of physicians, nurses, PTs, a nutritionist, a psychotherapist, and an acupuncturist so that the most appropriate treatment for you is available under one roof. We will take time to explore the onset of your pain, the specific nature of your symptoms, and the overall status of your health. Once accurately diagnosed we’ll work with you to come up with targeted solutions that suit your lifestyle and your preferences.

Our Integrative Treatments

Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional and alternative treatments to get the outcome you need to live with less pain and an improved quality of life. Your chronic pain could be treated by one or a combination of the following,

  • Manual Therapies (osteopathic manipulative medicine, physical therapy)
    Osteopathic techniques restore function to an unbalanced and restricted musculoskeletal system. Gentle stretching and manipulation can improve the mobility of your muscles, soft tissues, and joints, for an improved range of motion. In the same vein, physical therapy will employ exercises to restore function to a particular area. When manual therapy is recommended, you and your provider will discuss which type is most appropriate for your condition.
  • Injection Therapies (prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma/PRP, perineural injections/PIT, trigger point injections, steroid injections)
    Depending on the nature and location of your pain, injection therapy may be recommended. While all injection therapies deliver some type of solution to a targeted area, some are used to treat musculoskeletal injuries, and others are used for treating neuropathic pain.
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
    Eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in managing chronic pain. Certain foods and beverages, such as inflammatory foods, caffeine, and alcohol, may exacerbate pain symptoms, while others, such as anti-inflammatory foods, antioxidants, and vitamins, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. If inflammation in the gut or food sensitivities are identified, it’s even more crucial to make changes to your nutrition right away to control the inflammation they may be causing.
  • Detoxification Therapy
    When toxins accumulate in the body over a long period, it can cause damage to your tissues and organs and a toxicity disorder can develop. Unidentified pain can sometimes be caused by such disorders. If toxicity is suspected and confirmed via testing, medications may be prescribed to bind to and eliminate the harmful toxins from your body.
  • Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    Therapies based on the connection between the mind and body can greatly influence our physical health and emotional well-being. Practices such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals with chronic pain learn to manage their symptoms more effectively.
    ♦ Acupuncture – involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing
    ♦ Biofeedback – teaches individuals to control physiological responses such as heart rate and muscle tension through relaxation techniques
    ♦ Cognitive-behavioral therapy – helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to chronic pain
  • Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques
    Chronic pain and stress often go hand in hand, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates discomfort. Learning to manage stress and incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help lower inflammation (this is proven!) and reduce your perception of pain. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and foster a sense of well-being, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with nature, can also help to distract you from pain and improve your overall outlook on life.
  • Exercise and Movement
    Physical activity is crucial for managing chronic pain since it helps strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and release endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. While it’s essential to choose activities that are gentle on your body and appropriate for your condition, incorporating regular exercise into your routine can have significant benefits. This may include activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi, which promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall physical function. Start slowly, listen to your body, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as tolerated.

The complexities of chronic pain are not just in its causes but in its effects. It can lead to decreased mobility, a constant state of alertness, and emotional distress. We can help you. We understand that your chronic pain is as unique as you are. We also understand that how and when you choose to address your pain is no small decision. Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.

If you have been experiencing chronic pain and need help managing the condition, be sure to speak to one of our experienced nurses today. Please give us a call at 703-532-4892.

References:

Roughan WH, Campos AI, García-Marín LM, Cuéllar-Partida G, Lupton MK, Hickie IB, Medland SE, Wray NR, Byrne EM, Ngo TT, Martin NG, Rentería ME. Comorbid Chronic Pain and Depression: Shared Risk Factors and Differential Antidepressant Effectiveness. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Apr 12;12:643609. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.643609. PMID: 33912086; PMCID: PMC8072020.

mold toxicity, mycotoxin illness

Mycotoxin Illness: Could the Air You Breathe Be Making You Sick?

April 4, 2024/in Conditions/by Lisa Lilienfield, MD

Years ago I had a teen patient who presented with nausea, fatigue, weight loss, and cognitive decline. He was so sick, he was missing weeks of school at a time and could not keep up. After a thorough workup, I tested him for mycotoxins, naturally occurring, poisonous substances that are released by certain types of fungi (aka mold), through a urine test. He had 3 different types of mycotoxins, but the level of one certain type of black mold toxin, called trichothecene, was through the roof. He had been living in the basement of his family home. The home was tested, and mold was found and remediated. Fortunately, I tested several other family members who were all negative.

However, finding and ridding the environment of the mold was not enough to heal my patient. Toxins had settled into his tissues and because his liver genetically was not clearing them help was needed. First, he moved out of the house, left high school temporarily, and moved in with another family member in order to remove himself from the toxic environment completely. I then put him on supplements to support the liver detox process, and binding agents to reduce the toxic load through the gut. I also gave him supplements aimed at lowering inflammation in the brain and nervous system. It took several months, but over time he felt better and was able to move back home to finish school. He is now a healthy, happy young man who just left home for college.

I’m happy to report things ended well for my patient. Unfortunately, this type of case is becoming more common, but why?

About a half-century or so ago we lived and worked in homes and buildings that were more open to outdoor air. Over the years our homes and buildings have become more airtight and climate-controlled so that we are now breathing recirculated indoor air as opposed to outdoor air. In addition, instead of being built with plaster our homes and buildings are constructed with porous drywall which when combined with moisture creates a feeding frenzy for mold.

What are molds?

Molds are a group of fungi that produce airborne spores. In nature, molds are decomposers that recycle nature’s organic wastes. In medicine, they are the producers of antibiotics such as Penicillin or drugs, like ergotamines, used for migraines. Some molds and fungi, like cheese and mushrooms, are delicacies. However, when certain molds infiltrate our environment, they can wreak havoc on our health.

black mold

When there is water intrusion in your home or work environment, such as occurs in a flood or even with a minor water leak, within two days mold spores that have either lain dormant or have come from the outside start to feed off the drywall that is now wet. The mold spores produce mold toxins called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can thrive under the right conditions (high temperatures and moisture are the major determining factors). These wet areas also become breeding grounds for bacteria that produce toxins called endotoxins. The mold and bacteria infiltrate wall coverings, such as wallpaper and paint, and begin to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and this contaminated air circulates through the home or building.

Exposure to high concentrations of mold spores (such as black mold toxin or aspergillosis) over an extended period of time which results in the accumulation of these toxins in the body, is known as “biotoxicity” or “neurotoxicity.”

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

Symptoms of mold toxicity

The symptoms of toxic inhalation are many. The most common symptoms are respiratory in nature, i.e. sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. This can lead to an autoimmune condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. However, with continued exposure, dysregulation of the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems can occur leading to a range of symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, generalized pain, depression, cognitive issues, rashes, weight gain, and digestive inflammation from ingestion of spores.

We now understand that there is genetic variability among those who have been exposed to mycotoxins. Some people are genetically capable of clearing low levels of these toxins through the liver detox process and never suffer consequences. Others do not have the ability to clear them and get severely ill, which was the case for my teen patient. This is why the “sick building syndrome” is so controversial – not everyone has the same reaction depending on the degree of exposure. However, given a high enough dose, it can be devastating. In fact, mycotoxins, like trichothecenes from black mold, have been used in biological warfare.

Mycotoxins in food

Mycotoxins can also be found in food as well as airborne. There are over 300 identified types of mycotoxins, but only a small number of these are responsible for contaminating the foods we eat. Contamination can occur at any number of points in the production process – from harvesting and storage to packaging and transportation. Staple crops like wheat, corn, barley, nuts, even coffee beans, are highly susceptible to contamination. The toxin itself cannot be seen by the naked eye so once the toxin is established in a food item it is virtually impossible to eliminate. Aside from being invisible, they are also heat resistant, so they are not affected when food is cooked.

Ochratoxin and aflatoxin, two common types of mycotoxins found in contaminated food, have been shown to cause kidney damage, cancer, and liver failure.

How we can help | Treating mold toxicity

Determining whether you have been exposed to mold toxins is not an easy task. If you suspect mycotoxin illness, we can help you with the appropriate testing and restore you to good health. The treatment process may include one or more of the options below.

  1. Get tested: Specialized labs that test for both airborne mold toxins and toxins found in food may be ordered for you.
  2. Talk to an air quality specialist: We recommend speaking to an indoor air quality specialist. They can come to your home to determine whether mold is present and what steps are necessary to remediate.
  3. Examine your diet: If exposure appears to be rooted in a food source, such as aflatoxin or ochratoxin, an amylose-free diet (a diet low in sugar, grains, and tubers) may be helpful. Certain nutritional supplements, including Glutathione, N-acetyl Cysteine, Chlorella, Omega-3 Fatty Acids,  Vitamin D, Magnesium and D-Ribose, and binding agents like charcoal, clay or bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine, may be recommended by your physician to help remove toxins from the body.
  4. Try a complementary therapy: Acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and Chinese and American herbal remedies may be helpful in providing relief from symptoms and from any side effects of the detoxification process.

-Lisa Lilienfield, MD

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

References

Learn About Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Mycotoxins, World Health Organization; Fact Sheet

Immune and Nervous Systems Interaction in Endocrine Disruptors Toxicity: The Case of Atrazine

Impact of Pesticides on Immune-Endocrine Disorders and Its Relationship to Cancer Development.

Impact of mycotoxins on the intestine: are mucus and microbiota new targets?

CBRNE – T-2 Mycotoxins

Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum

Occurrence, Toxicity, and Analysis of Major Mycotoxins

Ochratoxins in Wines: A Review of Their Occurrence in the Last Decade, Toxicity, and Exposure Risk in Humans

 

This article was originally published in December 2017. It was reviewed and updated in April, 2024.

Toxicity disorders can affect mood and overall health.

Living with Chronic Pain and Illness? You May Be Suffering from a Toxicity Disorder

March 29, 2024/in Toxicity/by Gary Kaplan, DO

Anyone can be at risk of being exposed to and affected by harmful toxins. Exposure can occur in your own home, at work, or while traveling. The good news is that for most people the liver is able to break down these toxins so they can pass through the intestines and be excreted from the body. However, approximately 20 percent of the general population lacks the enzymes needed to break down toxins for elimination, leaving this group particularly vulnerable. Instead of being excreted, harmful toxins can be reabsorbed through the lining of the intestines back into the body. The body then sequesters them wherever it can, damaging the muscle tissue, nerves, and nervous tissues in those “holding areas.”

You can be exposed to toxins in the following ways:

  • By ingesting contaminated food, beverages, and water.
  • By inhaling aerosolized particles in the air.
  • Through direct contact with mucus from eyes, nose, mouth, etc…
  • Through direct contact with the skin

If you think you have been exposed to toxins that are affecting your health, call and speak with a nurse today: 703-532-4892, ext. 2.

CALL NOW

Not all toxins are the same

Biotoxins

Biotoxins are toxic substances from biological sources, like plants, bacteria, molds, and animals that alter the body’s normal biological systems that manage digestion, respiration, circulation, joint flexibility, etc. When this happens the resulting condition is called biotoxicity.

Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins affect the nervous system and disrupt the normal functioning of neurons, key cells that transmit and process signals in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. This is called neurotoxicity.

Neurotoxins can be of natural or manmade origin. For example, neurotoxins can be found in molds, heavy metals (lead, mercury), and insect bites, as well as in pesticides, food preservatives (aspartame), and substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and drug therapy, among other things.

Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are a type of biotoxin and the byproducts of fungi (molds) that can have toxic effects on humans and animals. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, and Fusarium are some of the more common fungi that produce the following toxic offspring: Aflatoxins, Gliotoxins, Ochratoxins, and Trichothecenes.

Mycotoxins are primarily found in:

  1. Structures: In water-damaged homes and buildings
  2. Food: Common contaminants of human food products, like wine, coffee beans, nuts, cereal grains (wheat, corn, barley, etc…) and animal feed. They can also enter the food chain through food products, such as milk, meat, and eggs, obtained from animals that are fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed.

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

Health effects of mold toxicity

Mycotoxins and leaky gut

The job of the small intestine is to allow nutrients to pass through its lining so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated to all the major organs. But it also works as a filter to prevent foreign or toxic substances from entering the bloodstream. When there is damage to the lining and foreign substances are able to penetrate this is called leaky gut or intestinal permeability. Since we now know that 70-80% of our immune system is located in our gut it is not surprising that the effects of leaky gut can be serious.

Researchers investigated the presence of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract and concluded that Candida Albicans, one of the pathogenic fungi residing in the intestines, harmless in small amounts, starts producing gliotoxins if its number outgrows the other beneficial bacterial species in the gut, causing a myriad of neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. Exposure to Candida Albicans and other mycotoxins results in:

  • Disrupting intestinal integrity causing dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria) or leaky gut
  • Disrupting the microbiome
  • Suppressing the local immune response in the intestines

Neurocognitive symptoms

In the brain, the glial cells (microglia and astrocytes) are part of an interactive network of cells that work to protect the nerves and brain from damage and ensure their proper development. Research shows that exposure to mycotoxins can suppress and impair their proper functioning, putting an individual’s cognitive development and/or function at risk.

A research study that measured IQ scores in 277 six-year-old children, who were exposed to indoor mold for more than 2 years, showed IQ deficits of approximately 10 points using a scale of intelligence, exemplifying the dangers of exposure on cognitive development in early childhood.

Other classic neurologic disorders that result from mycotoxin exposure include pain syndromes and depression, movement disorders, delirium, dementia, and balance and coordination disorders.

Mold toxicity is one of the major toxicity conditions we see at the Kaplan Center. Over the years we have gained a better understanding of the pathophysiology, or disease process, of environmental toxicity and have developed a successful treatment protocol. We have been delighted to see an extraordinary resolution of symptoms in about 50 percent of patients, and notable improvement in another 40 percent. Obviously, the protocol is not a cure-all, but it has helped a number of patients feel significantly better.

Toxcity disorders can cause headaches and many other pain symptoms.What Are Common Symptoms of Toxicity Disorders?

The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate the presence of biotoxins or neurotoxins in your body:

– Joint Pain – Muscle Pain – Chronic Headaches
– Fatigue – Digestive Problems – Decreased Ability to Focus
– Sleep Problems – Decreased Libido – Weight gain / Obesity
– Depression – Anxiety – Mood Swings
– Poor Memory – Irritability – Wheezing

Are the Symptoms of Biotoxicity & Neurotoxicity Similar to Those of Other Disease Conditions?

Yes. Because the symptoms of biotoxicity and neurotoxicity are similar to those of other diseases, toxicity disorders are often overlooked as the underlying cause of illness.

Can I Be Tested for Biotoxicity or Neurotoxicity?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, and, especially if your condition has not responded to conventional medical treatment, the Kaplan Center recommends the following steps:

  1. (And most important!) Take the time to talk with your doctor about your history of exposure to environmental toxins.
  2. Take an On-line Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS). This non-invasive test is a sensitive indicator of your exposure to a variety of toxins. There are a number of online resources that offer this test for a small fee.
  3. Undergo genetic testing (HLA-testing) to determine if your body has the enzymes necessary to breakdown biotoxins.
  1. Undergo advanced testing. There are a variety of tests that can detect the presence of toxins (including mycotoxins, heavy metals, infectious sources, food additives, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals). Talk to your physician about which test(s) may be most appropriate for you, based on your history of exposure
  2. Test for leaky gut. When the protective filtering system within the intestines is compromised, it is known as Intestinal Permeability – or leaky gut. Toxins and other substances that would normally have been kept within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and eliminated are now able to get into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.

Treating Biotoxicity and Neurotoxicity

There are a variety of treatments available to patients suffering from biotoxicity or neurotoxicity disorders. If the underlying cause of your pain or illness is biotoxicity or neurotoxicity, your treatment plan must include a detoxification regime, or your overall recovery is likely to be incomplete and slower than it needs to be. Your treatment plan should be individually tailored after consideration of your overall medical history, your current symptoms, your genetic makeup, your history of exposure to toxins, and your lifestyle. In essence, a detoxification regime is designed to “draw out” toxins from whichever tissue they have been stored and “bind” the toxins at the molecular level so they can finally be eliminated from the body; this is typically done with binders and anti-fungal medications.  We also prescribe dietary changes, such as Detox Food Plans, and nutritional supplements including Glutathione, Activated Charcoal, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Chlorella, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Probiotics. Before purchasing any over-the-counter nutritional supplements or herbal remedies, it is important to note that:

  1. The quality and efficacy of nutritional supplements can vary widely depending upon the manufacturer and the dosage consumed.
  2. Supplements can interact with other prescription medications, enhancing or undermining the effectiveness of your other medications or even creating new and unexpected problems.

The Kaplan Center medical team also offers integrative therapies, such as nutritional consultation, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, Chinese and American herbal remedies, and recommendations for saunas and exercises. These alternative modalities can provide patients with significant relief from their symptoms and from any side effects of the detoxification process.

What Can I Do Now to Protect Myself and My Loved Ones from Biotoxicity and Neurotoxicity?

The MOST important thing you can do to improve your health and wellbeing is to limit your environmental exposure to toxins by:

  1. Making sure there is no hidden mold in your home (watch this video featuring David Young MPH, an Indoor Health Specialist, for tips on how to keep a healthy environment);
  2. Avoiding high processed foods that contribute to leaky gut – a disruption in the lining of the small intestine that, when present, allows toxins and other unwanted substances to circulate throughout the body;
  3. Eating fresh, organic, and non-GMO whenever possible;
  4. Using green/clean products that do not contain pesticides and other toxic ingredients.

Where Can I Get Additional Information?

For more information about Biotoxicity and Neurotoxicity, we recommend the following sources:

Websites:

  • A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
  • Chemicals, Pesticides and Toxics Topics, EPA

Books:

  • Your Guide to Mold Toxins by Gary Rosen, Ph.D. and James Shaller, MD
  • Lose the Weight You Hate by Ritchie Shoemaker, MD
  • Desperation Medicine by Ritchie Shoemaker, MD

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2


References

Hope, J. (2013). A review of the mechanism of injury and treatment approaches for illness resulting from exposure to water-damaged buildings, mold, and mycotoxins. The Scientific World Journal, 2013.

Sobral, M. M. C., Faria, M. A., Cunha, S. C., & Ferreira, I. M. (2018). Toxicological interactions between mycotoxins from ubiquitous fungi: Impact on hepatic and intestinal human epithelial cells. Chemosphere, 202, 538-548.

Empting, L. D. (2009). Neurologic and neuropsychiatric syndrome features of mold and mycotoxin exposure. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 25(9-10), 577-581.

Jones, D.C., Miller, G.W. (2008). The effects of environmental neurotoxicants on the dopaminergic system: A possible role in drug addiction. Biochemical Pharmacology, Volume 76, Issue 5.

Kwon-Chung, K. J., & Sugui, J. A. (2009). What do we know about the role of gliotoxin in the pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus? Medical Mycology, 47(Supplement_1), S97-S103

Niide, O., Suzuki, Y., Yoshimaru, T., Inoue, T., Takayama, T., & Ra, C. (2006). Fungal metabolite gliotoxin blocks mast cell activation by a calcium-and superoxide-dependent mechanism: implications for immunosuppressive activities. Clinical Immunology, 118(1), 108-116.

Liew, W. P. P., & Mohd-Redzwan, S. (2018). Mycotoxin: its impact on gut health and microbiota. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 8, 60.

Wiertsema SP, van Bergenhenegouwen J, Garssen J, Knippels LMJ. The Interplay between the Gut Microbiome and the Immune System in the Context of Infectious Diseases throughout Life and the Role of Nutrition in Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 9;13(3):886. doi: 10.3390/nu13030886. PMID: 33803407; PMCID: PMC8001875.

Reemst K, Noctor SC, Lucassen PJ, Hol EM. The Indispensable Roles of Microglia and Astrocytes during Brain Development. Front Hum Neurosci. 2016;10:566. Published 2016 Nov 8. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2016.00566

 

This article was originally published in December, 2018 and reviewed in March, 2024.

glutathione

Glutathione: Master Antioxidant, Detoxifier, and Immune Booster

June 18, 2019/in Mental Health, Nutrition, Treatments/by Kaplan Center

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in glutathione (GSH) and the role it plays in the progression and treatment of a wide variety of illnesses and conditions.

Glutathione is the most abundant, and arguably the most important, antioxidant in the body. Several biological processes rely on it to perform optimally, but levels diminish as we age, opening the door to premature cell death, aging, and age-associated diseases and conditions.

Glutathione is critical for the detoxification process.

Low glutathione compromises liver function, which works to flush the body of damaging free radicals. Free radicals, like reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), are naturally occurring, toxic compounds that are formed when the body converts food to energy. They roam freely, targeting and altering different types of molecules in the body through an exchange of electrons. In ideal circumstances, free radicals are kept in check by antioxidants that prevent them from causing damage.

However, when the scales tip in their favor free radicals can cause significant damage to our cells and our DNA. The result is oxidative stress (OS) which is linked to numerous disease processes including cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s disease) and other age-related conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Studies confirm the link between low GSH and cognitive impairment:

  • Oxidative stress predicts cognitive decline with aging in healthy adults: an observational study
  • Glutathione relates to neuropsychological functioning in mild cognitive impairment

Closely tied to this is glutathione’s role in mitochondrial survival.

Mitochondria are responsible for creating cellular energy and they are directly linked to the pathways of cellular death. Without adequate levels of glutathione cellular health and longevity are compromised.

Over time, toxins, poor diet, medications, infections, and stress all contribute to depleting levels of glutathione.

Without enough of it in our cells we become “unbalanced” in terms of inflammation and anti-inflammation. When the body’s normal cycle of destruction and repair tips more towards destruction and moves away from repair we see disruptions in the proper functioning of the immune system, we see an increase in inflammation, and we see an increase in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia.

Questions? Give Us a Call!

703-532-4892 x2

Optimize Glutathione Levels With IV Therapy

Vitamin and mineral IVs are a wonderful way to deliver and replenish vital nutrients to the body. By bypassing the digestive system, you get maximum absorption into the bloodstream and maximum bioavailability. Glutathione has shown it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and can, therefore, be an important tool in preventing and treating neurodegenerative conditions.

Some of the benefits of glutathione IV supplementation include:

  • Encourages cellular health
  • Lowers inflammation
  • Boosts immune system function
  • Helps maintain the body’s detoxification process
  • Improves cognitive function (clarity, focus, executive function)
  • Improves muscle repair and muscle development
  • Improves muscle endurance and energy

Bottom line: Increasing glutathione is one more way to slow down the aging process, encourage recovery, prevent disease, and maintain optimal health.

We are here for you, and we want to help.

Our goal is to return you to optimal health as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment please call: 703-532-4892 x2

References:

Ballatori N, Krance SM, Notenboom S, Shi S, Tieu K, Hammond CL. Glutathione dysregulation and the etiology and progression of human diseases. Biol Chem. 2009;390(3):191–214. doi:10.1515/BC.2009.033

Mol Neurobiol. 2014 Dec;50(3):1059-84. doi: 10.1007/s12035-014-8705-x.

Forman HJ1, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009 Feb-Apr;30(1-2):1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006.

Ribas V, García-Ruiz C, Fernández-Checa JC. Glutathione and mitochondria. Front Pharmacol. 2014;5:151. Published 2014 Jul 1. doi:10.3389/fphar.2014.00151

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