Supporting the brain​

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There is a wealth of research indicating that diet and lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on symptoms of a wide range of health conditions. Neurological health and gastrointestinal health are interlinked via the gut-brain axis, and so neurological symptoms can be greatly impacted by an imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. ​The food and drink we consume, the balance of our microbiome and our ability to break down and absorb nutrients, and our ability to utilise these nutrients effectively at a biochemical level, all contribute to our neurological health outcomes. 

 

However, when it comes to brain health, diet is only one piece of a complex puzzle.​ Our neurological health can also be greatly impaired by ingestion of any number of environmental toxins, including heavy metals, plastics, pesticides, fumes from perfumes, fragrances and petrol, and exposure to various pathogens, such as viruses, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungus and moulds. We aren't only what we eat, we are what we ingest. The effectiveness of our detoxification pathways, the effectiveness of our immune system and our metabolic balance play a huge role in our neurological health. 

 

Health outcomes are also determined by a number of additional factors, including:

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• Our genetics 

• Our familial health history

• In utero development

• Our method and timing of birth

• Our own health history

• Life events, including adverse childhood events (ACE's) 

• Previous or current stress and/or emotional trauma

• Physical trauma, particularly to the head, neck or spine

• Quality of sleep

• Use of medications

• Hormonal balance

 

With such a complex web of potential root causes of a health condition, it's important that a multi-factorial approach is considered. We have to take into consideration all of the biochemical pathways, how they intertwine, and how to best support these pathways so that they function optimally. 

 

When supporting any number of neurological conditions, a deep understanding of both the bodies' nutrient status and nutritional needs, and of the genetic SNP's that may prevent optimum nutrient function, is also essential. 

 

Lifestyle support, including dietary intake, exercise, and management of stress and sleep are all key to improvement in symptoms. Often diet alone isn't enough to correct imbalances, so therapeutic nutraceuticals can be utilised to optimise nutrient status and balance biochemical pathways. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Conditions we work with: ​​​

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• Motor neurone disease (MND)/Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) 

• Parkinson's Disease

• Cognitive dysfunction, including Alzheimer's disease and Dementia

• Huntington's Disease

• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) 

• Brain and spine injury

• Stroke

• Epilepsy and seizure disorders 

• Mental health concerns

• Neuro-immune conditions, including Lyme Disease, PANS/PANDAS

• Symptoms of pathogen overload, including viruses, bacteria and mould

• Neural autoimmune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Inclusion body myositis (IBM) and myasthenia gravis (MG)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including ADD and ADHD, OCD, dyslexia and dyspraxia 

• ARFID and food challenges

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functional v conventional

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Conventional medicine offers a wide range of support for those with a diagnosis. Integrative functional nutritional therapy aims to work synergistically with your primary healthcare provider while addressing the root cause of your health condition.​ 

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There is a growing body of evidence supporting the utilisation of nutrition, lifestyle and therapeutic supplementation to benefit those who have symptoms of a dysfunctional brain or a diagnosed neurological condition. However, this is a complex journey that requires commitment from both practitioner and client. As such, for any brain-related health condition, commitment to regular consultations over a minimum 6-month period is expected.

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