critical to load up on foods that boost neurogenesis (the development of new brain cells) and stall brain atrophy. Eat- ing more fish (or omega-3 supplements), adding fruits and vegetables and cutting back on refined carbohydrates do just that, advises Dr. Christiane Northrup, obstetrician, gynecologist and author of Women’s Bodies Women’s Wis- dom. “The brain is mostly made up of omega-3 fats, and many women, in particular, are lacking them in their diet,” she observes.


Perlmutter notes that supplement- ing one’s intake of omega-3 fatty acid DHA, present in fatty fish and marine algae, has been shown to switch on the genes that jumpstart BDNF production. DHA is also anti-inflammatory and pro- motes healthy blood flow to the brain. But people shouldn’t wait too long to load up on it.


One 2010 trial of 485 healthy adults with mild memory complaints found that those who took 900 mil- ligrams per day of algae-based DHA supplements for six months made significantly fewer errors on memory tests than they had at the study’s onset. Another study by the National Institute on Aging, however, found that DHA supplementation had little impact on patients once severe dementia had set in. So, sooner is better.


Healthy fats aside, dark-colored fruits such as blackberries, blueberries and plums are all rich with antioxi- dants, substances known to scavenge cell-damaging free radicals in the brain. Also, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain a powerful compound called sulfora- phane, believed to boost the body’s own production of antioxidants. One famous 2005 study followed 13,388 women over several decades, and found that those that ate the most cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens stayed mentally sharp for far longer than those that ate the least. New re- search from Rush University, in Chica- go, further suggests that a deficiency of B12


, found in fish, liver, milk and eggs, may hasten brain shrinkage as previ- ously functioning cells die off. Overloading on refined carbohy- drates like white flour, pasta and pota- toes carries a similar result. “Elevated


blood sugar can destroy the brain,” advises Perlmutter, pointing to a 2005 study in the journal Neurology, which linked accelerated brain shrinkage with elevated blood sugar.


Prevent hormonal havoc. Ebbing hormones can also have a measurable impact on our ability to recall words and follow through on tasks, says Hawaii naturopathic physician Laurie Steelsmith, author of Natural Choices for Women’s Health.


One 2009 University of California study of 2,362 women between the ages of 42 and 52 found that 60 percent suffered memory and mental-process- ing problems. “I hear about it almost every day from women in my practice,” comments Steelsmith. “They’re trying to find the word for, say, ‘garlic’ or ‘pen,’ and it just won’t come to them. It can


be very frustrating.”


Steelsmith notes that estrogen plays a critical role in influencing ver- bal and spatial memory and fine motor skills and bolstering the blood-brain barrier to keep toxins out. Meanwhile, progesterone acts on the same brain receptors that Valium does, promoting calm and aiding sleep. In the days im-


Brain-Based Chiropractic Care by Beth Davis


B


y definition, chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. While traditional chiropractors typi- cally perform spinal manipulation therapy, Dr. David Sullivan, of Key- stone Chiropractic Neurology, takes a different approach. As a chiroprac- tic neurologist, Sullivan is focused on brain-based chiropractic—mean- ing that he combines neurological


Dr. David Sullivan


science and traditional chiropractic to achieve a well-integrated body and brain. According to Sullivan, chiropractic neurologists understand brain function in the same way as a medical neurologist; however, their methods of treatment differ greatly. “The difference is that chiropractic neurologists don’t use medications as treatment,” he explains. “Instead, we use safe and effective non-drug related thera- pies to help individuals live better.”


Every treatment is customized to fit each individual patient. An extensive consultation covers the patient’s health history, and then a thorough exam is per- formed. In addition to evaluating for pathologies, Sullivan looks for subtle changes in the function of the nervous system. He says it is this expertise, which requires extensive additional education and experience, which sets a chiropractic neurolo- gist apart from other specialists. Results are correlated and a plan is developed to determine the appropriate testing and treatment for conditions such as fibromyal- gia, vertigo, developmental disorders, chronic pain, migraines/headaches, autism, ADHD/ADD and much more.


Keystone Chiropractic Neurology is located at 1001 S. Market St., Ste. B, Mechanics- burg. For information call 717-697-0589 or visit KeystoneChiropracticNeurology.com. See ad, page 23.


natural awakenings February 2012 21


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