Fruits & Vegetables
Fruit and especially vegetables are essential for us and comprise a large percentage of our diet. We personally try to get in as many veggies as possible! No veggies are off limits for us, unless we’ve witnessed a reaction that is. We personally try not to go overboard with fruit as we have historically struggled with yeast/candida. However, we are fortunate to be able to tolerate fruit a bit more these days. While I could go on for several pages [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Beta-caryophyllene, Copaiba, Cannabis, CBD
Beta-caryophyllene (found in Cannabis, Copaiba Essential Oil, etc) and CBD- Protects against glutamate. “β-Caryophyllene Protects The C6 Glioma Cells Against Glutamate-Induced Excitotoxicity Through The Nrf2 Pathway.. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265393128_b Caryophyllene_Protects_The_C6_Glioma_Cells_Against_Glutamate-Induced_Excitotoxicity_Through_The_Nrf2_Pathway [accessed Oct 26 2017].” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265393128_b-Caryophyllene_Protects_The_C6_Glioma_Cells_Against_Glutamate-Induced_Excitotoxicity_Through_The_Nrf2_Pathway "Copaiba Oil Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokines in Splenocytes of C57Bl/6 Mice Induced with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271072/ Cannabis “Limited research carried out in humans tends to support the evidence that chronic cannabis use reduces levels of glutamate-derived metabolites in both cortical and subcortical brain areas. Research in animals [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Bee Pollen
Update: I've had several questions as to where we've sourced our bee pollen. While we have historically purchased ours from our local health food store, here is a link for a great organic Amazon option, Greenbow Organic Bee Pollen. Bee Pollen- There has been a recent article out indicating the neuroprotective benefits of bee pollen on excess glutamate. The article shows that bee pollen effectively reduced the neurotoxic effects of methylmercury by improving neurotransmitter defects, inflammation, apoptosis, and glutamate excitotoxicity. [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Apigenin Flavonoid
Apigenin flavonoid- Found in chamomile, parsley, celery, thyme, lemon balm, cloves, etc.) After years of homeopathy, we discovered that the best remedy during a “flare” or times that we may be a little off, was a low dose of the homeopathic remedy, chamomilla. So I decided to do a little research and of course discovered that it inhibits glutamate because of its high concentration of the flavonoid, apigenin. “The flavonoid inhibited also peak amplitude and frequency of spontaneous postsynaptic excitatory currents [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Andrographis
Andrographis (andrographolide)–Most commonly known as popular herb to treat Lyme, but it is also has antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties. Most importantly, andrographis inhibits microglial activation (see below). We have sourced ours from Sage Woman Consulting & Apothecary : Tincture & Leaf/Flower “Neuroprotective effects of andrographolide in a rat model of permanent cerebral ischaemia” “Andrographolide exhibited neuroprotective effects, with accompanying suppression of NF-κB and microglial activation, and reduction in the production of cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β, and pro-inflammatory factors [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid– (found in low amounts in spinach, broccoli, yams, etc) ALA is most commonly known a chelating supplement as part of the Andy Cutler Protocol, it is also antioxidant that helps glutamate transport proteins, which aid in the removal of excess extracellular glutamate “Another particularly destructive product is 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), an aldehydic lipid peroxidation product found in abundant supply in cases of neurodegeneration. Interestingly, peroxylnitrite and 4-HNE are found in the same neurons. This lipid peroxidation product has [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Ashwagandha
Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)– Protects against glutamate. Though most commonly known for aiding in adrenal fatigue, this mild herb is protective against glutamate. We've been able to source it here and most commonly add it to our teas. Water extract from the leaves of Withania somnifera protect RA differentiated C6 and IMR-32 cells against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. “ASH-WEX pre-treatment inhibited glutamate-induced cell death and was able to revert glutamate-induced changes in HSP70 to a large extent. Furthermore, the analysis on the neuronal plasticity marker NCAM (Neural [...]
Lowering Glutamate | Acorus Gramineus (Calamus Root aka Sweet Flag)
Acorus Gramineus (Calamus Root aka Sweet Flag) essential oil has shown to inhibit NMDA (glutamate) receptor activity, increase GABA and lower glutamate upon inhalation. We have been able to source this, here. I will occasionally add this to our diffuser to help calm any crazy days. “These results demonstrated that EO extracted from AGR exhibited neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons through the blockade of NMDA receptor activity, and that the glycine binding site appeared not to be the major site [...]
Better, Not Perfect
I’ve decided that I am going to start a series of posts where I compare convenience foods and provide a better, but not perfect, replacement option. We all know that cooking every meal from scratch is the best, but I also understand that situations may come up where you don’t have the option and/or that some don’t want to make the commitment to REID but do want to improve their current diet. Because some of these foods are not completely [...]
Chia Seed Jam
Did you know that free glutamate (aka MSG) can often be found in some of healthier food options, like jam? It is often found in higher levels in additives like citric acid, pectin, natural flavors, etc. Not to mention, many conventional jam options are loaded with other inflammatory additives like high fructose corn syrup. Looking for a quick clean store-bought option? Take a look at this post, where I compare two store-bought options. Ingredients 10 oz. frozen berries 3 tbsp. [...]