Emotional Freedom Technique is my favorite counseling tool that I use when dealing with patients. It does not have any negative side effects and is a tool that I can pass on to people so they can manage their own stress level. It is a combination of the east and the west. It draws on 5000 years of traditional Chinese medicine in the form of meridians. It taps into (metaphorically and literally) these meridian pathways to create energy flow. Any disruption in the meridian flow of movement registers potentially as negative emotions.

Meridians open up to the surface of the skin so this technique devised by Gary Craig, a former Stanford engineer is designed to tap on all the meridians so it does not matter what meridian is out of balance. There is no harm done by over-tapping.
The technique draws on Western psychology also drawing on exposure (remembering traumas, persistent thoughts, emotions) and cognitive restructuring, utilizing statements of self acceptance to help individuals feel better and accept their feelings. It is considered an energy psychology technique because it is working with a part of the body’s electromagnetic field (meridians) much like the aura or chakra system might be used in another way. The tapping process also targets the brain, specifically sending a calming signal to the brain when an otherwise stressful memory or situation is imagined. It is thought to target the amygdala which is where emotions are processed and memories can be stored. By remembering an event while tapping on these meridian sequences, it changes that previous negative memory into one that is now non threatening to the brain. You are creating a new neural pathway which is non-threatening. Essentially you are telling your brain to associate this memory, thought or emotion by stating repetitive statements utilizing self acceptance while tapping that this situation is a-okay now.
Research on EFT has shown a drop in cortisol (your main stress hormone) occurs during a session of EFT. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are stimulated by EFT. Therefore you feel immediately better after a session and emotional releases can occur leaving you feeling lighter as a result. And lastly, genes are thought to be regulated by EFT. Genes that lower inflammation and increase immunity in a positive way, for starters. Google Dawson Church or Gary Craig, EFT universe, or the tapping solution if you want some more information on the tapping sequence or current research studies. I find it to be a great counseling tool because EFT helps you get in touch with your intuition so you can solve your own problems once you know how to do it. I love to empower my patients! You can have an amazing effect on your mind, body, spirit! Believe it!!  I have a special rate on for EFT and counseling. It is only $80 now for EFT and counnseling for the hour.
To book a session with me come into Parallel Wellness or call 4032321283. I can do sessions on Zoom or the phone also. I have lots of regular clients working with me. Yours in health, Dr. Robin

Reference: The Tapping Solution, Nick Ortner.

The last session of the series addressed supplementation. Supplementation helps us fill in the cracks. Possible support for prevention would include Magnesium because it is a cofactor in ` 300 + reactions in the brain. Magnesium is a common mineral deficiency in many people.  Melatonin as a possible supplement because there is some evidence that it may repair the blood brain barrier. Fish oil which includes EPA and DHA;  DHA prevents inflammation; it stimulates BDNF and stimulates for formation of new brain cells. B12, B9 deficiencies are linked to cognitive decline. B vitamins in the form of a complex may be your best bet here.  Vitamin D because it activates 300 gene pathways which can in turn affect 800 + genes. Vitamin D is best to get from the sun  but it does reduce cognitive decline- D3 is the typical form used in supplementation. It also helps regulate insulin and is a prohormone involved in thyroid function.

If you follow a vegan diet make sure you get B12 and DHA from an algae source. Otherwise you need to be aware that this may affect cognitive function negatively over time. 

The fleshy part of the coffee plant there has been much buzz about supplementation for improving brain health. The whole coffee fruit concentrate increases BDNF 143 %- typical dosage is 100 mg/day. This works better if taken in the evening apparently. BDNF increases through exercise 10-14%.

Curcumin increases genes to increase our antiinflammatory capacity. It reduces our amyloid burden along with Tau.

MCT oil is a great fuel for the brain. 

Coffee, itself is rich in polyphenols that nourish our gut bacteria. Caffeine may inhibit production of amyloid plaques. It activates our gene pathways that turn on genes that activate detoxification pathways along with cruciferous vegetables and turmeric. 

Taking probiotics every day can help support the brain along with eating kim chee and sauerkraut. Add prebiotic foods in the from of acacia, inulin and artichokes.

For more information, consider a consultation for naturopathic medicine at Parallel Wellness. 

Source: Episode 12 of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Series. Go to Dr. David Perlmutter’s website to obtain a complete copy of the series.

Stress management is key for the brain. Sleeping well and deeply 7 to 9 hours nightly is important and critical for brain function. Mindfulness decreases stress. Exercise increrases insulin sensitivity and is great way to manage stress. Exercise has a strong effect on gut health and encourage diversity of bacteria especially if done outdoors. The microbes you grow can affect how well you sleep. You can prioritize your brain function by changing your diet. Eating more fibre, reducing your fat consumption and reducing sugar in your diet supports a healthier microbiome. 

Eat pre-biotic foods that good bacteria love (asparagus, broccoli, jicama, leeks, garlic, dandelion greens). Plants are better for brain health but if you choose to eat meat, make sure it is organic and grass fed and that it is raised without antibiotics. Eat probiotic foods (fermented foods) which encourage more microbial diversity and lower inflammation in the form of kim chi, sauerkraut, yogurt. Start with just a few forkfuls if you new to incorporating these foods. 

Some saurated fat is good for the brain in the form of avocadoes, olives, olive oil; a small amount of coconut oil is good for the brain. but lower saturated fat is best for overall brain function. Omega 3 fats are critical for lowering inflammation and can be found in small clean fish (SMASH), hemp seeds, ground flax seed, chia seeds, and wild seafood. You can get your levels of fatty acids tested if you are interested. In the meantime, keep eating a healthy diet to influence brain function.

Avoid consuming pesticides and herbicides by choosing non-GMO organic foods when possible. Remember you can grow new neurons through a healthy diet and regular exercise. 12 months of brisk walking every day helps with memory formation and reverses decay in the brain. Sleep flushes out waste in the brain via the glymphatic system so ensure you get a good sleep every night for 7-9 hours, Keep working at your brain health! Meditation done regularly can increasee the size of your hippocampsus and help you remember more. Aim for 30 minutes twice daily if possible.