Nutritional Deficiencies
Discovering nutritional deficiencies is imperative in neurological disorders. You can complete an online assessment for nutritional deficiencies here
Vitamin B12: Referred to as the energy vitamin. B12 deficiency- 40% of American population is B12 deficient. Known cause of central and peripheral nervous system damage. Vitamin B12 is vital for the formation of red blood cells, as well as for the proper functioning and health of nerve tissue. B12 plays an important role in the development of fatty sheaths referred to as myelin that protect the nerves of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Experts who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of B12 deficiency, suggest treating all patients that are symptomatic and have B12 levels less than 450 pg/mL. They also recommend treating patients with normal B12, but elevated urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine and/or holotranscobalamin (other markers of B12 deficiency).
Magnesium: referred to as the relaxation mineral, nearly half of Americans are deficient in magnesium. This mineral is responsible for over 300 enzyme activities in the brain, bones and muscles. It helps muscles relax, cells produce energy and many other chemical reactions to occur.
Our diets our grossly depleted in magnesium beginning with our soil, sugar-laden diets and chronic stress that depletes our magnesium stores. Magnesium miracle.
Vitamin D: is actually a steroid hormone that is a neuromodulator of over 3,000 gene expressions. Vitamin D receptors are found in the brain, the central nervous system and spinal cord. Vitamin D plays a critical role in the elasticity of tight junctions in the intestinal tract and is a known deficiency in individuals on AED’s.
Zinc: “no zinc, no think”. Zinc is the most critically important mineral for immunity and in reducing inflammation, specifically brain inflammation. Zinc is used by more enzymes than any other mineral including activating digestive enzymes, removing heavy metal toxins and repairing DNA.
Fatty Acids: the brain is made primarily of fats, 60% of it being DHA and requires optimal fatty acids to function optimally. Fatty acids are responsible for the cells communication. Fatty Acids are mostly acquired from wild foods. Most Americans are deficient in fatty acids due to the “low-fat” craze and from refined fats and oils.
The most reliable form of determining nutritional deficiencies is lab work. However, your findings in these assessments may offer you further insight and help you and your practitioner pursue additional testing and supplementation.
