can even die. The effects of damage to brain cell mitochondria are lowered energy output, excessive amyloid beta production, abnor- mal brain cell function, and eventual brain cell death. Stress to brain neuron mitochondria is increasingly thought to be one important key to the destructive changes in brain neurons seen in AD, and a significant source of mitochondrial stress is something called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an overload of damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species, or ROS, relative to the supply of antioxidants. Also known as free radicals, these ROS act like acid rain on mitochondrial membranes, and like tiny ricochet- ing bullets, they damage fragile mitochondrial proteins and genetic material inside the mitochondria, until their swath of destruction is stopped by protective antioxidants. Where do reactive oxygen species come from? A certain number of ROS are produced by completely normal processes of living; it’s impossible to be alive and be completely free of ROS, no matter how healthy our diets or how green our lifestyles. In a healthy person with good nutrition, our antioxidant systems
neutralize the ROS of life easily. It’s the presence in our bodies of higher-than-normal levels of these reactive oxygen species, more than our antioxidants can cope with, which tips the balance in the wrong direction, toward cellular and mitochondrial damage. Unhealthy ROS levels result from poor diet and lifestyle, exposure to pollutants (including cigarettes, alcohol, medications and other drugs, and environmental toxins), low levels of antioxidants, and poor detoxification—all-too-common elements of modern life for many.
Biomarker testing is becoming available to identify those at risk of increased oxidative stress. One of these biomarkers is 8-hydroxy- deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), which indicates oxidative damage to DNA, and in particular to mitochondrial DNA—an early signal for risk of AD perhaps decades later. This kind of early warning system provides a heads-up so to speak, years before significant memory loss and irreversible brain changes occur, a wide window of op- portunity in which to apply brain-nourishing preventive medicine to those at risk. 8-OH-dG testing, and other assessments of oxidative stress and antioxidant status, is available through functional medi- cine laboratories which serve the natural medicine community of practitioners.
Mitochondrial Protection and Alzheimer’s Prevention The most powerful weapon for mitochondrial health and AD
prevention is the Mediterranean diet, so-called because it is high in colorful antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, seafood, healthy fats such as olive oil, and unprocessed grains, nuts, and seeds, all of which are found in the traditional diets of Mediterranean cultures. This way of eating, coupled with exercise (both physical and mental) and stress reduction, is strongly associated in research with lower incidence of AD and, by the way, all chronic degenerative diseases. Whether as a strategy for preventing AD or slowing its progression, we also have at our disposal nutrient supplements which offer thera- peutic doses of individual nutrients; higher amounts than would be obtainable from even the healthiest diet.
Strengthening Mitochondrial Membranes Like the fortress wall that keeps out marauding invaders, a strong
mitochondrial membrane withstands the corrosive effects of destruc- tive ROS and lowers oxidative stress. You can do much to keep the kingdom of your brain safe from oxidative attack by increasing intake of the nutrients Phosphatidyl Serine and the Omega-3 fatty acids.
Phosphatidyl Serine This phospholipid nutrient, found in soybeans (edamame, tofu
and soymilk), white beans, mackerel and salmon, is one of the best protections we have against mitochondrial damage and brain neuron deterioration. Not coincidentally, it is found in highest concentration in the brain. Phosphatidyl serine (PS) is an essential building block of all human cell membranes, but in particular the membranes of neurons, and the protective membranes of brain cell mitochondria. In several randomized control trials of PS for AD, PS showed benefits ranging from improvements in memory and concentration to better learning ability and socialization. Phosphatidyl serine in amounts of 100-200 mg per day is an effective means of mitochondrial protec- tion, and supports healthy sleep patterns and stress tolerance as well.
12 Natural Nutmeg December 2012
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