Addiction

Glutamate plays a central role in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors in all addictions as it alters reward signaling. Normalization of glutamate signaling should make a significant improvement in addictive behavior and underlying addiction. This is not a comprehensive list, simply some articles I have found along the way. “Traditionally, addiction research in neuroscience has focused on mechanisms involving dopamine and endogenous opioids. More recently, it has been realized that glutamate also plays a central role in processes underlying the development and maintenance of addiction. These processes include reinforcement, sensitization, habit learning and reinforcement [...]

Addiction2019-09-22T20:17:00-04:00

Managing a Dietary Infraction

Help, my child has accidentally consumed a food source of glutamate. How can I help them calm down?!? We've all been there before, and I am convinced I have some PTSD from adverse reactions like this.  Immediately* following a dietary infraction, we give a capsule of activated charcoal (opened and poured into a glass of water...it will turn the water black).  We also try to increase fibrous vegetables and water consumption to help detox on a cellular level.  If you find yourself in a bit of crisis mode, look at this post for additional ways to lower [...]

Managing a Dietary Infraction2023-04-11T19:40:25-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle (contains flavonoid, silymarin)– inhibits microglial activation. “Silymarin protects dopaminergic neurons against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting microglia activation” .https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12473078 "In conclusion, it was conducted that there were toxic effects of MSG on male rabbits through increase the damage in the liver and Kidney and oxidative stress through elevation in ALT, AST enzymes, creatinine and cholesterol. Also, with adding Silymarin daily in a dose of (1.2mg/100g BW) showed ameliorative Impact of (Silymarin) on Monosodium Glutamate Toxicity" HEMATOLOGICAL STUDY OF SILYMARIN ON MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE TOXICITY IN RABBITS http://www.plantarchives.org/SPL%20ISSUE%2020-2/1__1-6_.pdf OTHER BENEFITS Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Can help with glutathione production Improves [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Milk Thistle2021-09-16T12:26:13-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Vitamin C

Vitamin C- Vitamin C is intertwined with glutamate signaling and glutamate release. It has the ability to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and offer protection during glutamate release. The use of whole food sources such as rose hips, Camu Camu, guava, kiwi, strawberry, cherry, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, beet, carrot, spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage, parsley, brussel sprouts, ginger, cauliflower, cranberries, asparagus, etc. are much preferred over supplementation in my opinion (glutamate risk and may contribute to oxalate issues). “Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties that may prove to be helpful in treating HD. [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Vitamin C2021-09-16T12:29:42-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Zinc

Zinc-  It is important to note that zinc and copper need to be in balance and supplementing with one can disrupt this balance. New study presents a working model that could point to a better understanding of autism’s underpinnings. “The new study, led by Stanford neuroscientists John Huguenard, PhD, and Sally Kim, PhD, and then-graduate student Huong Ha, PhD, showed that zinc is required for the proper behavior of two related proteins, Shank 2 and Shank 3, that hang out at most synapses in the brain. Among their duties, Shank 2 and Shank 3 can reshuffle [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Zinc2021-09-16T12:37:46-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | B6

Vitamin B6, aka Pyridoxine Vitamin B6 is mainly provided by diet and bacterial synthesis in the gut. All B-Vitamins help to convert food into fuel and are important in energy production. B6 is essential for normal brain development, nervous system regulation, amino acid metabolism, and keeping our immune system functioning well. Vitamin B6 is essential in converting excitatory glutamate into calming GABA. Deficiencies in Vitamin B6 alone can contribute to a build-up of excess glutamate, resulting in symptoms. In a recent study, it has been proposed that Vitamin B6 can help repair the GABA system. Therefore, [...]

Lowering Glutamate | B62023-05-17T21:50:01-04:00

REID | Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock, NC/ Boone, NC is our home away from home.  It is where we spent the majority of our weekends while living in Charlotte, where we spend most of our summer and where our heart is.  We have a home in these beautiful mountains and have enjoyed learning how to to forage the land and find ways to make local restaurants REID friendly. Where to Eat Our go-to restaurant is Bistro Roca ($$ behind Main Street/the park but worth the money)- we order our son the salmon with fresh veggies & fruit (there are other options/modifications [...]

REID | Blowing Rock, NC2019-08-05T17:29:50-04:00

REID | Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, North Carolina will always hold a special place in our hearts.  It is where we spent close to 15 years of our lives and where our son was born and raised until the age of seven. Here is our list of favorite local resources, restaurants and available practitioners. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):  Our AMAZING local farm where we buy into their seasonal crop for an incredible source of weekly produce.  This is quite a drive for us but we rotate weeks with one of our friends/neighbors to save travel time. Small City Farm [email protected] (704) 962-1025   [...]

REID | Charlotte, NC2019-09-12T09:23:59-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Taurine

Taurine–Is an inhibitory amino acid. Beef, lamb, dark chicken meat, and eggs are food sources of taurine. Why is taurine from whole food important? Commercial taurine supplements can increase sulfur which may already be high due to certain gene mutations (CBS & SUOX), and supplementing any free amino acid can pose some amount of glutamate risk. Additionally, the toxins associated with yeast/candida (which is very common) can deplete taurine.  Since taurine is so important in the conversion of glutamate to GABA and as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it is important that adequate levels are achieved through diet. [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Taurine2023-06-28T11:39:12-04:00

Lowering Glutamate | Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane- Found highest in broccoli sprouts/microgreens (can often be found at your local health food store by the lettuce), followed by broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage, bok choy and collard greens.  Remember that good old study, linking improvements in autism symptoms to broccoli sprout extract/sulforaphane?  One of the major mechanisms in this process, is that sulforaphane is neuroprotective against excess glutamate/excitotoxicity. Time to start adding the sprouts/microgreens to your meals! “Many parents and caregivers articulated the positive effects of SF, both during the intervention phase and in the ensuing 3 years reported herein. These observations [...]

Lowering Glutamate | Sulforaphane2021-09-16T13:01:14-04:00
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