10b. Nervous System - Pathologies and protocols

Question 1

Dietary approach to supporting the nervous system

Answer 1

Include co-factors - B6, B9, B12, Zn, Mg, Ca, tyrosine
Avoid processed food, refined sugars, sweeteners
Supplement with B complex, O3 (plant-based)
Optimise digestion
Increase pre/probiotics, veg, fruit, AO, oily fish, healthy fat, nuts/seeds for gut health
Reduce aggravants/pro-inflammatory foods - dairy, alcohol, sugar, processed food, sweeteners
Support P1 and P2 pathways - methylation support
Avoid neurotoxins - lead, mercury, aspartame
Adequate protein - NT synthesis

Question 2

Lifestyle approach to supporting the nervous system

Answer 2

Diaphragmatic breathing to stimulate Vagus nerve
Sleep hygiene
Be outdoors - sunlight = vit D
Address stress

Question 3

Ways to activate the Vague nerve

Answer 3

Diaphragmatic breathing
Being outdoors in green space
Being around others
Singing/humming/playing music
Laughter
Exercise
Cold exposure

Question 4

Specific nutrients for supporting nervous system health

Answer 4

Phosphatidylserine
DHA
Turmeric
Lion’s Mane

Question 5

Why is phosphatidylserine important for NS health?

Answer 5

Component of neuronal cell membranes
Differentiation of neurons
Improve cognition

Question 6

Dosage of phosphatidylserine for NS health?

Answer 6

200-400mg/day

Question 7

Why is DHA important for NS health?

Answer 7

More prevalent O3 in the brain
Modulates synthesis of phosphatidylserine
Supports cell membrane fluidity and cell signalling

Question 8

Dosage of DHA for NS health

Answer 8

200-1500mg/day

Question 9

Why is turmeric important for NS health?

Answer 9

Neuroprotective
Increases BDNF
Anti-inflammatory
Inhibits MAO A and B

Question 10

Dosage of turmeric for NS health

Answer 10

1 tsp 1-2/day

Question 11

Why is Lion’s Mane important for NS health?

Answer 11

Decreases neuro-inflammation
Stimulates nerve growth factor

Question 12

Dosage of Lion’s Mane for NS health

Answer 12

1-6g/day

Question 13

What is depression?

Answer 13

Persistent feelings of sadness/hopelessness
Loss of interest and pleasure in life

Question 14

Signs and symptoms of depression

Answer 14

Loss of interest in usual activities
Loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Changes in appetite/weight
Low libido
Disturbed sleep
Self-harm/suicidal thoughts

Question 15

Causes and risk factors of depression

Answer 15

Bereavements
Financial worries
NT imbalances
Inadequate co-factors for NT synthesis
Chronic stress
Gut microbiome
Chronic low-grade inflammation
Hypothyroid - T3 interacts with serotonin receptors
Allergies - increased inflammation
Toxicity - mercury, Cu

Question 16

How can low O3 be a risk factor for depression?

Answer 16

Disrupts regulation of eCB system
Disrupts HPA axis

Question 17

How can high sugar intake be a risk factor for depression?

Answer 17

Reduced BDNF
Increased inflammation

Question 18

Why is St John’s Wort good for supporting depression?

Answer 18

Lifts mood, nervine tonic
Inhibits COMT/MAO
Increases GABA
Inhibits IL-6 - reducing cortisol

Question 19

Dosage of St John’s Wort for depression

Answer 19

600-1200mg/day
(divided into 3 doses)

Question 20

Examples of Bach Flowers for depression

Answer 20

Mustard
Aspen
Larch
Star of Bethlehem

Question 21

What is bi-polar depression?

Answer 21

Periods of major depression alternating with elevated mood

Question 22

Signs and symptoms of bi-polar depression

Answer 22

Lethargy
Worthlessness
Psychosis
Excessive self esteem
Extreme talkativeness
Rapid thoughts
Poor impulse control

Question 23

What constitutes anxiety?

Answer 23

Social anxiety
Substance induced anxiety
Panic
Post traumatic stress

Question 24

Signs and symptoms of anxiety

Answer 24

Palpitations
SOB
Chest pain
Sweating, trembling
Fear of losing control
IBS
Fibromyalgia
Excessive blushing
Chronic fatigue

Question 25

Causes and risk factors for anxiety

Answer 25

Stressful life experiences
Chronic stress
Genetic SNPs
Nutrient deficiencies
Inflammation
Poor gut health
Sugar/processed foods
Caffeine
Alcohol
Poor sleep

Question 26

Why is chronic stress a risk factor for anxiety?

Answer 26

Reduces GABA
Increases adrenaline/noradrenaline

Question 27

Why can sugar and processed food lead to anxiety?

Answer 27

Promotes inflammation in neuronal cells
Causes fluctuations in blood glucose - hyperglycaemia triggers adrenaline release

Question 28

Why can caffeine and alcohol lead to anxiety?

Answer 28

Impedes sleep
Depletes B vits

Question 29

Why can poor sleep lead to anxiety?

Answer 29

Downregulates dopamine receptors