Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins are an important underlying cause of disease. They have been profoundly under-recognized and undiagnosed by the medical community. None of us are immune to neurotoxins and all of us need to understand more about this exceedingly important subject.

What are neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are substances attracted to our nervous system. They are absorbed through the nerve endings and travel inside the neuron to the cell body. Along the way, they disrupt many nerve cell functions vital to life.

Our bodies are constantly trying to eliminate these neurotoxins through our normal eliminations channels (liver, kidney, skin, exhaled air). The liver is the key to this removal process. Most of the toxins are expelled with the bile into the small intestine to be removed through the stool. However, due to the fat soluble nature of these toxins, most are reabsorbed (along with the bile and cholesterol which the body naturally recycles) through the nerve endings of the intestinal wall. They can then be transported to the spinal chord or brain stem – and back to the brain, liver, lymph system or intestinal tract.

The point is, neurotoxins are extremely destructive and very difficult for our bodies to eliminate.

What are the primary sources of Neurotoxins?

1.   Heavy Metals: such as mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminum.

2.   Biotoxins: such as tetanus toxins, botulinum toxin (from botox), toxins from streptococcus, staphylococcus, lyme disease, chlamydia, tuberculosis, fungal and mold toxins, ascaridin (from intestinal parasites) and toxins produced by viruses. Biotoxins are minute toxins containing nitrogen and sulfur, which act as chemical messengers used by the microorganism to control it's host's immune system, behavior and eating habits.

3.  Xenobiotics (man-made environmental toxins): such as insecticides, formaldehyde, wood preservatives, PCB's, allopathic drugs, etc.

4.  Food Preservatives, excitotoxins and cosmetics: such as aspartame (dietetic sweetener), fluoride, food colorings, etc.

 Mercury (most prominently found in silver amalgam fillings and fish) seems to have a synergistic amplifying effect on all other neurotoxins. Parasites, viruses, candida, lyme-based infections all seem to thrive in a metal environment. When mercury is successfully removed from our tissues and from within our cells, the body starts to effectively eliminate all other neurotoxins. At that point, as the immune system rebounds, we can begin to effectively attack the pathogenic microorganisms underlying most disease.

What are the symptoms of neurotoxicity?

Any illness can be caused by, contributed to, or exaggerated by neurotoxins. Common symptoms include: fatigue, pain (headaches, joint pain, muscle aches etc.), depression, insomnia, memory loss, light sensitivity, lung and sinus conditions and digestive problems.  

Diagnosis

We utilize the Functional Acuity Contrast Test. Retinal blood flow is generally disrupted by neurotoxins. With this simple and inexpensive eye test, we can measure both the presence of neurotoxins and the gradual elimination of these toxins through changes/improvements in this test over time.

Certain laboratory tests are also useful but not always definitive. Autonomic Response Testing developed by the German physician and researcher, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., Ph.D. utilizes kinesiologic testing to provide clarity in both the diagnostic and treatment picture of neurotoxic illnesses.

Treatment

Treatment is best determined by a medical professional experienced in neurotoxic conditions. However, here is a partial list of remedies used successfully in my practice.

 1.  Chlorella (an algae) binds and helps detoxify metals and environmental toxins. It aids digestion, alkalizes, and is immune strengthening among many other benefits. It is best taken away from meals.

 2.   Cilantro is capable of mobilizing heavy metals in the central nervous system and bones. It is possibly the only effective agent for mobilizing mercury stored within the cells. It is best taken as a tincture 30 minutes after taking chlorella.

3.   Fish oil contains the fatty acid complexes of  EPA and DHA. They help increase oxygen delivery and blood and are essential to proper detoxification. Use the highest quality fish oil from mercury free waters.

4.   Increased mineral intake is a prerequisite for all metal detox programs. It is both protective and  detoxifying.

5.   Electrolyte replacement. The autonomic nervous system in most neurotoxic patients is dysfunctional. Electric messages are not received or are misread. A balanced electrolyte solution plus intake of Celtic sea salt and the avoidance of table salt has proven very effective in resolving many of these problems and aids the transport of toxic waste.

6.   Probiotic cultures (acidophilus and bifidus) greatly increase the elimination of bile and the accompanying neurotoxins that travel with it.

7.   Freeze dried garlic protects the red and white bloods cells as the mercury is eliminated from the body and aids the detoxification of mercury, cadmium and lead. It also contains allicin, a potent antimicrobial agent.

8.   The branched-chain amino acids in goat whey have valuable detoxification effects.

9.   Various herbs, homeopathics and supplements to support liver and kidney function.

Dietary considerations include increasing fluid intake (pure water with added electrolytes) to support the kidneys in filtrating the toxins being released. Fresh organic foods high in minerals are both protective and detoxifying.