Exercise: The Miracle Gro of Our Neurological Landscape

How Does Exercise Improve Brain Function?

We all know that exercise is good for us. We know that it tones, builds muscle, increases strength and stamina. For many of us though, exercise is the medicine one swallows while holding our noses. Its drudgery, monotonous and we often don’t see the results we envision or expect. If physical attributes weren’t enough to get you to exercise routinely, if your desired results aren’t being realized, here’s some exciting information that just might inspire you to commit to exercising and it has nothing to do with transforming yourself into Adonis.

Allen Bowling, MD, PhD has been researching the relationship between exercise and neurological function. More and more research is now showing that it plays an important if not essential role in treating neurological conditions. We can grasp how exercise helps strengthen muscle which protects our bones, improving fatigue seems reasonable; intuitively these make sense, but what about depression and neurological conditions? How can exercise directly and positively affect the brain? Until recently I thought it was simply mind over matter. You get yourself up and get going and by doing so you get your mind going in a more positive thinking pattern. Although this cognitive approach to exercise is helpful there is a lot more going on here than we ever imagined. In fact, Dr. Bowling says that if exercise were a medication it would be the number one prescription he would write.

If you’re anything like me, you are not satisfied with what you should do. You ask why and soon to follow is how does it work? The following information is based on ground-breaking research and should be taken seriously by everyone, not just those with neurological conditions. You will see that it is beneficial for overall neurological health.

The Proof is in the Pudding or in This Case the Brain.

There are important proteins found in the brain and the spinal cord known as Nerve Growth Factors (NGF). There are multiple NGF’s that have been identified over the years. NGF was the first. Another commonly studied NGF is Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). NGF’s do exactly as their name implies, they stimulate nerve cells to grow. They’re the Miracle Gro of the neurological landscape. They have the following characteristics:

1) Nerve-regenerating Effects: BDNF significantly change the structure and function of the nervous system

2) Nerve Protecting Effects: Protect nerve cells from various types of injury

3) Anti-inflammatory Effect: Affect immune system in such a way that they decrease inflammation

Hardwired vs Plasticity

Hardwired, inflexible and undeviating view of brain function is outdated dogma. Our brain is capable of adapting quite well and efficiently. It was once believed to have specific areas which performed specific functions and although this is true, it is not written in stone as it was once thought. This process of adaptation is called plasticity.

MRI’s of some cadaver’s brains have been found to contain multiple plaques. Based on the location of these plaques one would expect that the individual in question would have had symptoms during their lifetime and in fact in many cases there is no correlation with MRI results post-mortem and clinical symptoms when the person was alive. We now know that it is possible for the brain to regain previously lost function through the process of plasticity. It is able to duplicate that lost ability, at times on the opposite side of the brain.

Exercise stimulates the production of various growth factors; it causes brain levels of growth factors to increase. Not only does it improve physical function, these studies show that it also improves non-physical function such as sensation or thinking processes. Thirty minutes of exercise was shown to increase the blood levels of BDNF.

I find when I understand the evidence; I can more easily commit myself to a challenge. I no longer walk aimlessly hoping for positive change but rather with a purpose and clear goal and expectation. Beyond faith, I now have the vision of a truly powerful healing experience. Every step I take I add a bit more miracle gro.

Mind-Body Therapy

Integrating the best that modern medicine has to offer,
with a more holistic approach to health.


Are you tired of the medical labyrinth that you find yourself in? Are you tired of trying one medication only to be put on another? Are you tired of spending money on what seems to be an endless guessing game? Are you tired of being sick and tired? Do you consider incorporating holistic approaches, but aren’t sure what’s safe and what’s not? Mind/Body Therapy integrates the best of modern medicine with proven complimentary approaches. The body wants to return to homeostasis, a natural state of balance. Mind/Body Therapy uses effective techniques to help the body return to a healthy state.

Offering the following services:

Thorough medication review

Supplement/vitamin recommendations

Teach mind/body techniques that reduce
stress and facilitate the healing process.

Convenient telephone consultations are available for drug evaluations/supplement recommendations.

For Mind/Body Therapy, office visits are required.

The goal is to help you make modern medicine work for you in a cost effective manner; and to more importantly teach you how to harness your own healing power through mind/body techniques.

Testimonials

Great news. Cholesterol is 174! Thanx. John S.

…..We took your suggestions to her physician. He altered her medication as you suggested and within days she had significantly improved. Thank you. We got our mother back. Nando L.

I had no energy, no interest in life. You gave me a step by step plan to follow. Thank you for helping me get back to basics and believe in myself again. Rose C.

I have been suffering from chronic constipation for years. Tried prescription and over the counter products to no avail. Your suggestion was simple, inexpensive and effective. No more straining and no more back pain. Thank you. Billy P.

Dangerous Plastics (Bisphenol A): Endocrine Disrupters

".............bisphenol A, a compound detected in the urine of 93% of Americans recently tested. An overwhelming majority of these studies show that the chemical is harmful----causing breast cancer, testicular cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity, obesity, low sperm counts, miscarriage and a host of other reproductive failures in laboratory animals."

Susanne Rust at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ( http://www.jsonline.com/ ) and staff researched 258 scientific studies from around the world concerning the safety of bisphenol A. It is used to make polycarbonate, the plastic most commonly used to make baby bottles and much more. It is ubiquitous in our environment and a serious threat to our health. The government of Canada has already banned the substance completely. This article is thorough and comprehensive. I would highly recommend that you read it if your looking for more information on what this is and where it is found.

In addition, I am including a link below to a handout that clearly lists harmful plastics and the various ways you can identify them. In the meantime a good rule of thumb would be to avoid plastic containers, NEVER heat food in plastic of any kind, including plastic wraps and be especially vigilant with your infants and young children. Some scientists are comparing this to the lead and asbestos crisis of this generation!

http://www.healthobservatory.org/library.cfm?refid=77083

Credentials

EDUCATION

Reiki Master Training
Richard Curtin, PhD
Cambridge, Massachusetts
April and May 2003

Masters of Education in Counseling
Providence College
Providence, RI
1998-2002

Psychodynamic/Pastoral Psychotherapy Residency
Interfaith Counseling Center
Providence, RI
January-September 2002


Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
College of Pharmacy
University of Rhode Island
September 1984-May 1989

EXPERIENCE

• Interfaith Counseling Residency: Included Psychodynamic, Family Theory with a spiritual integration. Background in Cognitive-Behavior, Person-Centered, and Gestalt Therapy at Providence College and Salve Regina University.
• Hands on Reiki training at Center for Change in Cambridge, Massachussetts
• Pharmacist for CVS pharmacy (1993-present)
• Staff Pharmacist
  Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
  Lebanon, NH
  (1990-1992)
• Drug information consultant for physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Poison center consultant for emergency room physicians and the general public.
• Pharmacokinetic analysis of drug levels, drug and dose recommendations.
• Evaluation and review of adverse drug reaction reports submitted by physicians, nurses, pharmacists and the clinical review services department.
  
  

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND LICENSES

Certified Reiki Master

Registered Pharmacist

American Counseling Association

American Holistic Health Association

International Center for Reiki

Pharmacogenomics: A Tailored Approach to Therapy

Pharmacogenomics is a new scientific discipline made possible by the genome project. The mapping of the human genome has opened up enormous possibility for the identification and treatment of disease. Pharmacogenomic research focuses on the relationship between genes and drugs. One such example is a look at drug side effects and adverse reactions. We are beginning to identify why some individuals experience side effects to some drugs while others respond favorably with no adverse reaction to the very same drug. Some side effects can be life threatening, in fact, adverse drug reactions are a major cause of hospitalizations.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (toxic epidermal necrolysis) is a severe and potentially life threatening reaction. It is now known that individuals of Asian descent have a gene referred to as HLA-B 1502. HLA's are human leukocyte antigens, proteins on white blood cells, that are responsible for recognizing foreign invaders. Some HLA subtypes see a particular drug as harmful and start an immune reaction. In the case of HLA-B 1502 it perceives carbamazepine (a popular seizure medication) as a foreign invader. Five percent of individuals that test positive for this gene will develop Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. It is recommended that individuals of Asian descent be offered other alternatives until genetic testing is made available to all and becomes more affordable.

The following drugs have a higher rate of causing hypersensitivity reactions: allopurinol, sulfonamides, hydralazine and others. Their HLA substypes are also being identified. In addition, HIV guidelines also urge screening for HLA-B5701 before starting abacavir to avoid a hypersensitivity reaction.

This is an exciting area of research, one which promises a tailored approach to therapy, in this case drug therapy.

Milk Thistle: Liver Regenerator

Silymarin is the active constituent of the milk thistle seed. It consists of flavonolignans called: silibinin, silicrystin, and silidianin. Silibinin (also known as Silybin) makes up about 70% of Silymarin. Silymarin undergoes enterohepatic recirculation and has higher concentrations in liver cells. It is a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF induces cytotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis (cell death). These are effectively blocked by Silymarin. TNF is involved in the body's normal inflammation response. However, in certain diseases TNF is working overtime, causing cell death and damages healthy cells. This disregulation often occurs in diseases such as, Rheumatoid Arthritis. The way Silymarin works is unclear, it appears to work by facilitating cellular communication (intracellular signaling).

Silybin is an antioxidant, a free radical scavenger, and an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation. When an oxygen atom loses an electron, that electron floats around the body damaging tissues, cells or anything it comes in contact with. When an appliance, like a computer is plugged in and not grounded, and a power surge occurs, your computer is toast. Similarly, these electrons referred to as free radicals, damage cells and cause cell death.

In vitro, Silybin shows affinity for binding to P-glycoprotein. This protein is thought to be involved in the drug resistance of cancer cells. So by binding to this protein, which in essence protects cancer cells from being affected by drugs, it improves the efficacy of these drugs.
With respect to liver disease, Silymarin seems to cause an alteration of the outer hepatocyte (liver cell) cell membrane, preventing toxin penetration. It increases a protein called ribosomal protein synthesis, which stimulates liver regeneration and the formation of new hepatocytes. Silymarin might have antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating effects that could also be beneficial in liver disease.

Silymarin might protect against kidney damage. In vitro, it has been shown to protect the kidney cells from nephrotoxic drugs such as, acetaminophen, cisplatin, and vincristin. Silybin and Silicristin also appear to have a regenerative effect on kidney cells, similar to that on hepatic cells. It also seems to decrease insulin resistance, which in turn reduces blood glucose and lipid levels in patients with diabetes. Some research suggests that oxidative stress can contribute to pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction (these cells are responsible for producing insulin), reduced insulin secretion and insulin resistance. Silymarin is thought to reduce this oxidative stress.

Since so many drugs are metabolized by the liver, it has been a concern that this metabolism might be affected by Silymarin. Although it does seem to be an inhibitor of some liver enzymes, this inhibition does not so far seem significant with respect to drug metabolism.
In review, Silymarin is effective for liver disease, diabetes, and dyspepsia (acid reflux/heartburn). Normal dose is ranges from 100mg to 200mg of Silymarin 2-3 times a day.

In Charge of Morale: SAMe Improves Health and Mood)

Research is finding more and more a correlation with various health conditions, including heart disease, and depression. Low levels of SAMe may have something to do with these disease states. Perhaps it is the common thread. SAMe is a naturally occurring molecule distributed throughout all body tissues and fluids. The concentration of SAMe is highest in childhood, decreasing with age. It plays an essential role in more than one hundred chemical reactions (involving enzymatic transmethylation). It contributes to the synthesis, activation, and/or metabolism of hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleic acid, proteins, phospholipids, and some drugs.

SAMe is produced endogenously by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) activation of methionine that is synthesized in the body or obtained from metabolism of dietary protein (e.g. meat). SAMe synthesis is closely linked to Vitamin B12 and Folate (also known as folic acid) metabolism. Deficiency of these vitamins can decrease SAMe concentrations in the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Although it seems to have antidepressant properties, its actual mechanism of action is unknown. It is associated however, with an increase in serotonin turnover (facilitates higher levels of serotonin to be found and used outside the cell) and elevated dopamine and norepinephrine levels. These are three major neurotransmitters that are related to mood. By altering cellular membrane fluidity (improves traffic in and out of the cell), it facilitates signal transduction across membranes and consequently increases the efficiency of receptor effector coupling (the neurotransmitter finds a parking space). Neuroimaging studies indicate that SAMe affects the brain similarly to conventional antidepressants.

There appears to be hepatic SAMe deficiency in liver disease. Exogenously, it may act as an essential nutrient by restoring biochemical factors that are depleted in people with liver dysfunction. People with acute or chronic liver disease lose the ability to synthesize SAMe from methionine. This might be due to low activity of methionine adenosyl transferase (MAT), the enzyme that converts methionine to SAMe. As a result, this can lead to deficiencies in cysteine and choline, as well as depletion of glutathione, which plays a major role in liver detoxification and antioxidant reactions (gets rid of free radicals which harm cells and ultimately kills cells). This depletion in turn, exacerbates liver disease. SAMe also has a gastric cytoprotective effect (protects the cells of the stomach).

As was mentioned there are over one hundred chemical reactions in which SAMe is involved in; the following is one of the more important reactions and one that is well understood:

SAMe-------->Homocysteine---->---(remethylated,via folate and B12)---->Methionine

Methionine coverts back to-------->SAMe

Or

Through transulfuration converts to-------->Glutathione

If these reactions are uninterrupted the result is the production of more SAMe and Glutathionine (antioxidant). However, if for example, an individual is deficient in Vitamin B12, Folate or Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine); SAMe will be converted to homocysteine and the reaction ends there. This outcome is unwelcome since high levels of homocyteine are associated with renal and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies show no significant increases however under normal circumstances, to the contrary, adequate levels of SAMe seems to promote the formation of glutathione by converting homocysteine. Low levels of SAMe have actually been correlated with coronary artery disease. Doses of 1200mg per day are used in people with liver disease.

SAMe taken orally has low bioavailability (isn’t absorbed well) because of first pass effect (liver metabolism). That is why higher doses are required and should be taken on an empty stomach. Levels peak 3 to 5 hours post ingestion. Although well tolerated, common side effects may be: flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and headache. But these are rare and usually seen with higher doses. Clinical trials used a dose of 1600mg/day, but the normal range is between 400mg-1600mg/day in divided doses. People with fibromyalgia take 800mg/day. It is available intravenously, but seldom used, for depression.
Not recommended for bipolar disorder since it can at times exacerbate the mania part of this condition. It should not be used concomitantly with antidepressants. It could potentiate serotonergic effects and serotonin syndrome like effects. Avoid if you have Parkinson’s. It may reduce effectiveness of levodopa given for this disease. Also avoid taking dextromethorphan (cough syrups), meperidine and DO NOT USE with MAO inhibitors. The body must be clear of MAOs for at least 2 weeks. Also avoid tramadol.