Dr. Russell Blaylock on ADD--Excitotoxins

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Dr. Russell Blaylock on ADD-- Excitotoxins

JoAnn Guest Jun 25, 2003 16:50 PDT

Thu, 3 Sep 1998 19:39:02 -0500

add-ho-

" Russell Blaylock, M.D. "

ADD excitotoxins

 

Thanks for the questions.

 

 

Concerning the person who inquired about the baby having the unbilical

cord wrapped around its neck, and the relationship to hypoxia induced

excitotoxicity. If the cord was indeed compressing the carotid arteries

or interfering with breathing then sufficient hypoxia/ischemia to the

baby's brain could occur and produce a rise in brain glutamate and

aspartate levels.

 

This is a natural response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and reduced

blood supply ( ischemia). The degree of damage would depend on the

severity of the hypoxia/ischemia episode and its duration. We know that

the fetal brain is especially sensitive to excitotoxic injury.

 

And, as I stated in the post, excitotoxin excess during these critical

developmental stages can result in destruction of groups of brain cells

( called nuclei) and alter how the brain's pathways would form.

 

The former would cause damage to such critical areas as the arcuate

nuclei ( most sensitive), supraoptic nuclei and paraventricular nuclei

of the hypothalamus. This can result in endocrine problems later in

life.

 

It is interesting that thyroid problems have been seen in cases of ADD

with increased frequency. In fact, hypothalamic axis disorders are seen

in 50% of such children. This could present as problems with

reproduction later in life, thyroid problems, adrenal problems, or

weight problems, as well as behavioral difficulties.

 

Obesity is one of the most common defects seen with excitotoxin

hypothalamic damage. It is ironic that we are seeing a significant rise

in childhood obesity and ADD.

 

Abnormal pathway development means that the connections ( that number in

the trillions) between neurons would be altered. Minor alterations may

cause little problems, but major alterations could result in severe

learning difficulty, episodic outburst of violence, emotional dyscontrol

and attention problems.

 

In my book I have a whole chapter on the effects of excitotoxins on

brain development. As I stated in my post, experimentally it has been

shown that fetal exposure to maternal glutamate ( as MSG) resulted in

profound changes in brain neurotransmitters that persisted until

adulthood.

 

It has also been shown that early postnatal exposure to glutamate can

result in a 56% rise in brain free radical levels over several years.

 

 

As for nutritional ways to prevent excitotoxicity, there are several

principles that have shown benefit. We know, for example, that low

energy supply to neurons greatly magnifies excitotoxicity.

 

An example of this would be hypoglycemia, which can be very common in

newborns and toddlers.

 

For example, poor dietary intake during illness, or with prolonged

diarrhea, aspirin consumption, and sensitivity to certain amino acids,

such as leucine sensitivity, can all cause hypoglycemia. This can not

only magnify excitotoxicity but can cause the brain to release its

stores of glutamate as well.

 

Second, low magnesium also magnifies excitotoxicity. This can occur with

vomiting, poor dietary intake of prolong diarrhoea. Magnesium

supplementation protects the brain from excitotoxic damage.

 

Here is a short list of supplements shown to protect against

excitotoxicity:

 

 

acetyl- L- carnitine

Phosphotidylserine

Vitamin C, E, and the carotonoids ( beta carotene, lycopene, alpha

carotene, etc)

Coenzyme Q10

N-acetyl-l-cysteine ( NAC)

magnesium

methylcobalamin ( Vitamin B12)

pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide

grape seed extract ( and other flavonoids)

Zinc

Juice plus+ is a well compounded formula

with high concentrations of flavonoids, vitamins and minerals.

 

 

The dose depends on size and weight of the child or age of adult.

 

Supplements to avoid:

 

 

cysteine

glutathione (converted to cysteine in brain )

glycine

aspartate

aspartame

 

N-acetyl-L-cysteine is safe because it is converted to cysteine within

the neuron, where it is then converted to glutathione. Cystine is also

safe.

 

 

As for a list of excitotoxin names in food, the major ones are:

 

 

hydrolyzed vegetable protein

vegetable protein

textured protein

hydrolyzed soy protein ( or any other processed protein)

natural flavoring

sodium or calcium caseinate

yeast extract ( autolyzed yeast extract)

monosodium glutamate ( or potasium glutamate)

aspartame, NutraSweet, equal

accent

malt flavoring or extract

broth

bouillon

stock

 

There are more, so see book. The food industry changes the names all the

time.

 

http://www.holisticmed.com/add/blaylock.html

 

 

 

The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO "

Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

 

 

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