The term “neurodegenerative disease” can be scary. It brings to mind the idea of losing control over our own body and mind, becoming unrecognizable to ourselves and those we care about. It’s a constant worry and unknown and it can cause a loss of hope for families. But I’m here to give you hope.
By digging into what’s really causing these neurodegenerative diseases, we can begin to rewrite your health story with natural treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.
A crucial piece of the puzzle is chemical toxicity, something that often doesn’t get the attention in conventional care it deserves in treating these diseases. Imagine a world where we’re able to slow, or even stop, the progress of these neurodegenerative conditions. A world where people can take back control of their lives and continue making precious memories with their loved ones.
That’s the future we’re working towards and what I help my clients so every single day. It starts with a better understanding of, and approach to chemical toxicity.
Here’s more insight into how I help patients everyday manage their neurodegenerative symptoms and give hope back into their lives.
What are Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, MS, Dementia, and Parkinson’s result from the progressive degeneration and death of nerve cells or neurons.
This degeneration can occur in various parts of the brain, which then affects different bodily functions.
For instance, Parkinson’s usually impacts neurons in a part of the brain that controls movement, leading to tremors and rigidity.
In functional medicine, the holistic view considers multiple levels of influence on neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic factors can predispose individuals to these diseases, with certain genes linked to higher incidences of these conditions. However, genes are not the sole determinant, and environmental factors also play a critical role.
Exposure to toxins, both biological (like certain bacteria, viruses, or fungi) and chemical (such as heavy metals, mold, or pesticides), can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. This can lead to neuronal damage and eventually, neurodegeneration.
Similarly, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress can also negatively impact brain health, contributing to the development of these diseases.
Therefore, the functional medicine approach to treating these conditions involves not only managing symptoms but also addressing underlying causes at the ROOT. This may include detoxifying the body of harmful substances, improving nutrition, reducing stress, and enhancing overall lifestyle. By addressing these root causes, functional medicine aims to slow or even halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Conventional Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Why it Doesn’t Provide Lasting Management
Conventional treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, such as medication and physical therapy, primarily aim to simply manage your symptoms.
For instance, in Parkinson’s disease, common treatments may include drugs to increase dopamine levels in your brain, helping to control motor symptoms. Likewise, in Alzheimer’s disease, medications may be used to manage memory loss and confusion.
However, these conventional treatments for neurodegenerative diseases do not address the root causes of neurodegeneration, such as genetic factors, environmental toxins, or lifestyle influences. Therefore, while they may provide temporary relief from symptoms, the underlying disease process continues to progress. As a result, over time, the effectiveness of these treatments may diminish, and your symptoms may worsen.
Plus, these conventional treatments often come with side effects. For example, long-term use of certain Parkinson’s medications can lead to complications such as dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary movements. In Alzheimer’s disease, some drugs can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances.
On the other hand, a more holistic approach, such as functional and naturopathic medicine, strives to identify and treat the underlying causes of neurodegenerative diseases.
Why Chemical Testing is Important for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Chemical testing plays a crucial role in your treatment of neurodegenerative diseases from a functional medicine perspective. This approach focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of your diseases, rather than merely alleviating your symptoms.
Chemical testing involves analyzing your body for the presence of toxins that may contribute to various health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases.
These toxins include man-made chemicals like dioxins and pesticides, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, and biological toxins like mycotoxins produced by molds.
Even in small amounts, these substances can cause significant harm to your body. They trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, two processes that damage cells and can lead to their premature death. In the context of neurodegenerative diseases, your neurons, or nerve cells, are the primary victims of this damage.
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation, often spurred by ongoing exposure to toxins, can harm your healthy tissues. In the brain, this prolonged inflammation can kill neurons, leading to the symptoms seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
Similarly, oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells—and your body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects. Many toxins, particularly heavy metals, promote the production of free radicals. In the brain, the resulting oxidative stress can cause neuronal damage, contributing to neurodegeneration.
By identifying and addressing these chemical toxicities, functional medicine can help you slow down, halt, or even reverse the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
The Link Between Toxicities and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Research has shown a correlation between toxicities and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, a study published found that long-term exposure to lead and other heavy metals can lead to the progression of Parkinson’s and ALS.
Another study reported that exposure to certain pesticides and solvents increased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Yet another research published found that people with higher exposure to air pollution had a significantly increased risk of developing MS. These examples highlight the strong link between various forms of toxicity and the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
How Do You Stop Neurodegeneration?
So, how do you stop neurodegeneration? To stop neurodegeneration, a functional medicine or naturopathic medical doctor would guide you through a systematic approach. Firstly, comprehensive lab testing would be conducted to assess potential mold toxicity, heavy metal toxicity, and underlying infections in your body. These tests help identify harmful substances that may contribute to your neurodegenerative diseases.
Once the test results are available, Dr. Jamie Ahn would create a personalized treatment protocol for you. This could involve a detoxification regimen to eliminate toxins from your body, nutritional advice to counteract the effects of toxicity, and strategies to boost your immune system. You might also be recommended lifestyle modifications such as stress management techniques, physical activity, and sleep optimization.
Your progress would be tracked through regular follow-up appointments. During these sessions, I will assess your symptom improvements and conducts additional lab tests if needed. Your treatment plan is then adjusted based on your progress and current health status. The ultimate goal is to halt or slow down the neurodegenerative process, improve your quality of life, and empower you to take control of your health.
Take the Next Step: Book a 30-Minute Eye Opening Session Today!
Embarking on a journey towards optimal health may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dr. Ahn, a respected Functional Medicine and Naturopathic Doctor in Norwalk, CT is here to guide you every step of the way. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards understanding and managing your neurodegenerative disease.
Remember, the first step in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is understanding the role of chemical toxicity. So, don’t wait – take control of your health today.
