Brain Health

Naturopathic Treatments

For The Brain

By Dr. Michele Burklund, ND

Dr. Michele Burklund, ND

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic doctors are primary care

doctors that emphasize prevention,

treatment, and optimal health through

the use of therapeutic methods and

substances to encourage an individuals

inherent self-healing process combining

ancient wisdom and evidence-based

medicine


So What Does That Actually Mean?

Premedical studies undergraduate degree

4-5 years of medical school studying

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Pathology,

Histology, Immunology, Neurology, Physiology, Bio-

statistics, Lab Diagnosis, Radiology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics,

Psychiatry,...

310 credits, 1500 clinical hours, 150 precept hours

2 Rigorous Board Examinations


…And also

Medical Herbalism

Physical Medicine

Pharmacognosy

Hydrotherapy

Therapeutic Nutrition

Nutraceuticals

**It’s very important to understand allopathic medicine and the benefits and interactions with natural substances.


ND’s look at all areas of your life Stress

Relationships

Energy Level

Diagnosis (current and previous)

Lab work

Diet

Sleep

Medications

Supplements


My Passion For Brain Health

My father was diagnosed with a glioblastoma back in 2003 and this is what

fueled my passion to become a naturopathic doctor and specialize in brain

health

He is in the audience right now! We both came to this amazing

conference together over 12 years ago and really love the research

and the compassion here at UCLA!


My Background

EDUCATION

Seattle University: Finance and Premed (BA, MBA)

Bastyr University: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD)

ADDITIONAL SPECIALTY CLINICAL TRAINING• University of Washington Hospital, Neuro-oncology preceptorship

• Bastyr University preceptorship Naturoapthic Neurology clinic

• Medical Detoxification

• Neuroplasticity Research and Stroke Rehabilitation

• ADHD and Mental Illness

• Botanical Medicine and Stem Cell Phytotherapy

• Northwest Naturopathic Neuroscience Award in 2013 for Ashwagandha Research

Presentation


Natural Treatments Doesn’t Mean

Safe!

It’s very important to meet with a doctor before starting

any supplement, diet, herb, or new plan to rule out any

contraindications


Timing Is Important

Each Phase of Treatment Has Different Approaches

Recovery From Surgery

During Chemotherapy

After Chemotherapy

During Radiation

After Radiation

Long Term Brain Support


Not All Vitamins & Supplements Are

Created Equal!

Make sure the product is standardized and of clinical

grade

See if the company had any outside testing performed

free of bias

Look at the parts used (flower, bark, root) and make sure it’s what you are looking for.

Use organically sourced herbs

3rd party Tested


ND’s Approach Cancer Treatment

with MD’s

ND’s work with MD’s to enhance treatment and reduce

side effects

There is NOT enough evidence, research, or treatments

for naturopathic medicine to be effective on their own

for brain cancer


How Can Naturopathic Treatments

Help?


Topics

Foods

Plants that Improve Cognition

Overall Brain Support

Holistic Treatments

Brain Exercises

Current Research


Food As Medicine

Fruits with a low glycemic index and high in antioxidants

like blueberries, plums, raspberries.

Focus on greens like kale, spinach

Add spices like sage, tumeric, cinnamon.

Get protein

Dark Chocolate

Add Coconut Oil into your foods


2/3rd of your brain is made up of fat!

2/3rd of your brain is composed of fat.. But not just any fat

70% of the myelin if fat (the protective sheath that covers

communicating neurons)

In the myelin the most common oeic acid which can be

found in olive oil, almonds, pecans, macadamias, and

avocados


Hydrate

Dehydration can negatively impact short-term memory,

and concentration!

Bring a water bottle with you and eliminate soda

If your urine is darker than a glass of lemonade you

probably need to drink more water.

Drink a glass of water for every cup of coffee

Infuse the water with mint, rosemary, ginger

Try coconut water


Prebiotics & Probiotics

Prebiotics

Leeks, Onion, Asparagus, Kale, Broccoli

Probiotics

Kefir, yogurt, fermented foods, miso soup


Add Some Spice

Cinnamon: Helps control blood sugar, overall support

Tumeric: Decreases Inflammation, Anti-tumor

Cayenne: Blood Flow

Ginger: Reduces Nausea

Sage: Prevents Break Down of Ach

Rosemary: Prevents Break Down of Ach


Smoothies

If the idea of preparing food sounds exhausting then just

blend it!


What To Blend

Spirulina: blue green algae and packed with vitamins &

minerals, most bio-available protein

Greens: add spinach, kale, avocado

Fruits (low in sugar) like blueberries

Unsweeted almond milk or coconut milk

Nuts like cashews and almonds


Reducing Sugar Intake

Increase fiber which prolongs the absorption and

reduces blood sugar spikes

Try to use natural sweeteners like vanilla bean, nutmeg,

and cinnamon

Start with protein

Pack nuts as snacks to reduce cravings during the day

like walnuts


Plants That Improve Cognition

Bacopa

Ashwagandha

Gotu Kola

Rosemary

Huperzine A

Melissa Officinalis


Bacopa


Ashwagandha


Gotu Kola


Huperzine A


Rosemary


Lemon Balm


Managing Symptoms

Nausea: Add a hint of fresh ginger to your water, chamomile tea

Aromatherapy with peppermint

Ginger infused ice cubes

Studies have shown that some seizure medications can deplete vitamins over a long period

Consider a multi-vitamin if yours in one

Folate

Biotin

Vitamins D, K, and B6


Ginger Infused Ice For Nausea


1. infuse fresh ginger in hot water.

2. Strain, then freeze the concoction in

ice cube trays.

3. Add them to water or chew on

them

Natural Treatment Research

Boswellia for cerebral inflammation (Janssen G et al 2000)

Green Tea: increased radiation sensitivity (Holick et at 2010)

Quercetin with temozolomide (Braganhol E et al 2006)


Boswellia

From the resin of the tree Boswellia serrata

Capsule form, Standardized extract from clinical grade

company.


Green Tea

Choose brewed over bottled (1 cup of brewed

contained the same amount of polyphenols as 20

bottles)

Journal of Toxicology 2013 found that tea coming from Sri

Lanka had the lowest levels of heavy metals

Opt for organic to limit pesticides


Quercetin

It’s a group of plant pigments called flavonoids which

are antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables

Capers

Onions

Blueberries & Cranberries


What Supplements Should I Take?

No “one size fits all”

Important not to conflict with therapy like N-acetyl cysteine or

alpha lipoic acid

Quality matters

See a trained doctor for proper dosages and appropriate

treatments

More does not equal better


How Can Supplements Help?

Support neurotransmitter pathways

Balance gut flora

Improve deficiencies

Provide additional support

Support detoxification pathways

Enhance therapies

Improve quality of life

Decrease inflammation


Looking At The Whole Body


Sleep


How To Improve It

Stay away from bright light 1 hour before bed (TV, laptop)

Calming teas like passionflower, chamomile, valarian

Aromatherapy

Meditation

Breathing exercises

Visualization

Progressive Muscle Relaxation


Support

Brain Tumor Support Groups

Creating a calendar for friends and family to help

Local organizations

Asking for help


Exercising Your Brain

Reading

Computer Based: Cognifit and Luminosity

Crossword Puzzles

Learning a new language


Meditation

Over 19,000 studies on meditation!

A recent study (University of Massachusetts) showed that 27 minutes of meditation over a 6-week period showed an increase in gray matter in the hippocampus

Many Forms

Guided audio meditations

Classes

Deep breathing exercises

Visualization

Focus on a mantra


Exercise To Enhance Brain Function


Melatonin & Glioblastomas

20mg of melatonin with radiation showed increase

survival rates (1996)

A 2013 study thinks that it’s action could be related to

suppressing cell migration (inhibition of HIF-1a)


Interesting Research


The Gut Brain Axis


Curcumin

Studies involved human GBM cell lines with curcumin and other studies

Involving temozolomide showed promise. More research needs to be done

Acts as a natural COX-2 inhibitor


Sodium Dicholoroacetate (DCA)

More studies and research need to be done for brain

cancer patients

Phase 1 study performed on tolerance but not treatment

effects

Works on the mitochondria of cells and changes the way

tumor cells utilize glucose


Remember to always consult your doctor before

starting a new treatment


How To Find Naturopathic Doctor

For ND’s Trained At Accredited Medical

Schoolshttp://www.naturopathic.org/

Board Certified In Naturopathic Oncology

http://www.oncanp.org/find_fabno.html


http://www.naturopathic.org/

http://www.oncanp.org/find_fabno.html

Questions?


Keep in Contact

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 805-770-2607

Clinic: 523 Chapala Street # 2 Santa Barbara

CA

Website: nestspasb.com


mailto:[email protected]

Bibilography

Szuhany KL, Bugatti M, Otto MW. A meta-analytic review of the effects of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic

factor. J Psychiatr Res. 2014 Oct 12;60C:56-64. PubMed PMID: 25455510.

Zheng X, Zhang X, Kang A, Ran C, Wang G, Hao H. Thinking outside the brain for cognitive improvement: Is

peripheral immunomodulation on the way?. Neuropharmacology. 2014 Jun 28;PubMed PMID: 24978103.

Santarnecchi E, D'Arista S, Egiziano E, Gardi C, Petrosino R, Vatti G, Reda M, Rossi A. Interaction between

Neuroanatomical and Psychological Changes after Mindfulness-Based Training. PLoS One. 2014;9(10):e108359.

PubMed PMID: 25330321; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4203679.

Posner MI, Tang YY, Lynch G. Mechanisms of white matter change induced by meditation training. Front Psychol.

2014;5:1220. PubMed PMID: 25386155; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4209813.

Gareau MG. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and cognitive function. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014;817:357-71. PubMed PMID:

24997042.

Downey LA, Kean J, Nemeh F, Lau A, Poll A, Gregory R, Murray M, Rourke J, Patak B, Pase MP, Zangara A, Lomas J, Scholey A, Stough C. An acute, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 320 mg and 640 mg doses of a

special extract of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08) on sustained cognitive performance. Phytother Res. 2013

Sep;27(9):1407-13. PubMed PMID: 23281132.


Bibilography-2

Aguiar S, Borowski T. Neuropharmacological review of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri. Rejuvenation Res. 2013

Aug;16(4):313-26. PubMed PMID: 23772955; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3746283.

Martín V, Sanchez-Sanchez AM, Herrera F, Gomez-Manzano C, Fueyo J, Alvarez-Vega MA, Antolín I, Rodriguez C. Melatonin-

induced methylation of the ABCG2/BCRP promoter as a novel mechanism to overcome multidrug resistance in brain tumour

stem cells. Br J Cancer. 2013 May 28;108(10):2005-12. PubMed PMID: 23632480; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3670480.

Amen DG, Wu JC, Taylor D, Willeumier K. Reversing brain damage in former NFL players: implications for traumatic brain injury

and substance abuse rehabilitation. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2011 Jan-Mar;43(1):1-5. PubMed PMID: 21615001.

Knaepen K, Goekint M, Heyman EM, Meeusen R. Neuroplasticity - exercise-induced response of peripheral brain-derived

neurotrophic factor: a systematic review of experimental studies in human subjects. Sports Med. 2010 Sep 1;40(9):765-801.

PubMed PMID: 20726622.

Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Willis LM. Grape juice, berries, and walnuts affect brain aging and behavior. J Nutr. 2009

Sep;139(9):1813S-7S. PubMed PMID: 19640963.

Stough C, Downey LA, Lloyd J, Silber B, Redman S, Hutchison C, Wesnes K, Nathan PJ. Examining the nootropic effects of a

special extract of Bacopa monniera on human cognitive functioning: 90 day double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Phytother Res. 2008 Dec;22(12):1629-34. PubMed PMID: 18683852.


Bibilography-3

Wattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, Tongun T, Pasuriwong O, Piyawatkul N, Yimtae K, Sripanidkulchai B, Singkhoraard J. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Mar 5;116(2):325-32. PubMed PMID: 18191355.

Zangara A. The psychopharmacology of huperzine A: an alkaloid with cognitive enhancing and neuroprotective properties of interest in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003 Jun;75(3):675-86. PubMed PMID: 12895686.

Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002 Jul;72(4):953-64. PubMed PMID: 12062586.

Lissoni P, Meregalli S, Nosetto L, Barni S, Tancini G, Fossati V, Maestroni G. Increased survival time in brain glioblastomas by a radioneuroendocrine strategy with radiotherapy plus melatonin compared to radiotherapy alone. Oncology. 1996 Jan-Feb;53(1):43-6. PubMed PMID: 8570130.

Kudo H, Mio T, Kokunai T, Tamaki N, Sumino K, Matsumoto S. Quantitative analysis of glutathione in human brain tumors. J Neurosurg. 1990 Apr;72(4):610-5. PubMed PMID: 1690792.

Said HM, Redha R, Nylander W. Biotin transport in the human intestine: inhibition by anticonvulsant drugs. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Jan;49(1):127-31. PubMed PMID: 2911998.

Tohda,*C.,*Kuboyama,*T.,*and*Komatsu,*K.*Dendrite*extension*by*methanol*extract*of*Ashwagandha* (roots*of*Withania*somnifera)*in*SKQNQSH*cells.*Neuroreport*6Q26Q2000;11(9):1981Q1985.

Kuboyama,*T.,*Tohda,*C.,*Zhao,*J.,*Nakamura,*N.,*Hattori,*M.,*and*Komatsu,*K.*AxonQ*or*dendriteQpredominant*outgrowth*induced*by*constituents*from*Ashwagandha.*Neuroreport*10Q7Q 2002;13(14):1715Q1720


Bibilography-4

Weinstein RS, Bryce GF, Sappington LJ, King DW, Gallagher BB. Decreased serum ionized calcium and normal vitamin D metabolite levels with anticonvulsant drug treatment. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1984 Jun;58(6):1003-9. PubMed PMID: 6725504.

Hahn TJ, Hendin BA, Scharp CR, Haddad JG Jr. Effect of chronic anticonvulsant therapy on serum 25-hydroxycalciferol levels in adults. N Engl J Med. 1972 Nov 2;287(18):900-4. PubMed PMID: 4561667.

Reynolds EH. Mental effects of anticonvulsants, and folic acid metabolism. Brain. 1968 Jun;91(2):197-214. PubMed PMID: 5721926.

Goodman, G.E. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec. 1, 2004; vol 96: pp 1743-1750. Duffield-Lillico, A.J. and Begg, C.B. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Dec. 1, 2004; vol 96: pp 1729-1731. News release, JNCI.

Newmaster S.G., Grguric M., Shanmughanandhan D., Ramalingam S. & Ragupathy S. (2013). DNA barcoding detects contamination and substitution in North American herbal products, BMC Medicine, 11 (1) 222.

Bercik P, Park AJ, Sinclair D, et al. . The anxiolytic effect of Bifidobacterium longum NCC3001 involves vagal pathways for gut-brain communication. Neurogastroenterol Motility 2011; 23: 1132–1139

J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jul;14(6):707-13. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0018.

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain/

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Grey_matter.html


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18611150

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2011/01/eight-weeks-to-a-better-brain/

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Grey_matter.html

Brain Health

Health & Medicine

Transcript of Brain Health