Brain health, something we often don’t start thinking about until we’ve forgotten where we put our keys for the third time in a week!

Written By Amber Barone

If we’re being honest, I think anyone over 45 can admit to having at least a few of these moments where you start to question, is this a normal amount of forgetfulness? Age related cognitive decline is common but not normal. Thanks to Blue Zones we now know people can remain sharp and fully functioning, well into their 100’s.

A reasonable question is, what’s going on? Despite all our medical advances the startling reality is, the rates of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis are rapidly increasing every year.

Research shows roughly 24 MILLION people world wide suffer from a neurodegenerative disease. Chronic stress, trauma, toxins, sedentary lifestyle and eating a highly processed (inflammatory diet) are all well researched contributors.

A less talked about association to brain health has been found in low levels of Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF) which at it’s core is really just a group of proteins (Neurotrophins) but specifically designed to maintain the health and integrity of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.

Low levels of BDNF are the problem not high.

Prevent neurodegenerative disease and boost levels of BDNF with daily exercise, HIIT workouts that release nitric oxide are excellent, choose organic, antioxidant and fiber rich foods, healthy fats, whole grains. Incorporating a rainbow of colors naturally elevates mood and nutrient value both.

Evidence supports diet with the most notable being the Mediterranean Diet to prevent neurodegenerative disease and/or decline regardless of genetic predisposition. Be sure to include your B vitamin rich foods too, B1, B6, B12 are imperative for optimal nerve health.

References:

Sanches C, Stengel C, Godard J, Mertz J, Teichmann M, Migliaccio R, Valero-Cabré A. Past, Present, and Future of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Approaches to Treat Cognitive Impairment in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Time for a Comprehensive Critical Review. Front Aging Neurosci. 2021 Jan 20;12:578339. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.578339. PMID: 33551785; PMCID: PMC7854576.

Solch RJ, Aigbogun JO, Voyiadjis AG, Talkington GM, Darensbourg RM, O'Connell S, Pickett KM, Perez SR, Maraganore DM. Mediterranean diet adherence, gut microbiota, and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease risk: A systematic review. J Neurol Sci. 2022 Mar 15;434:120166. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120166. Epub 2022 Jan 26. PMID: 35144237.

Colucci-D'Amato L, Speranza L, Volpicelli F. Neurotrophic Factor BDNF, Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential in Depression, Neurodegeneration and Brain Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Oct 21;21(20):7777. doi: 10.3390/ijms21207777. PMID: 33096634; PMCID: PMC7589016.

Baltrusch S. The Role of Neurotropic B Vitamins in Nerve Regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2021 Jul 13;2021:9968228. doi: 10.1155/2021/9968228. PMID: 34337067; PMCID: PMC8294980.

Amber Barone

Amber is a Holistic RN and Functional Medicine Practitioner who supports whole body integrative health and uses primarily diet changes, whole foods, herbs along with lifestyle tools and supplements to help clients restore balance and align with their highest sense of well being.

Amber started her nursing career in the clinic setting where she built a solid understanding of disease progression and contributing factors along with pathophysiology, biochemistry, psychological and trauma aspects. From there she became a travel nurse, working in various settings including cardiac rehab, med surg, psych, long term care, ICU’s and ER’s. These ever changing environments satisfied her ferocious appetite to learn and grow through challenging and inspiring case loads in diverse settings. It was through all of this that she realized her true passion and where she could serve at her highest capacity was working with patients on how to prevent and reverse chronic disease.

As a functional medicine, holistic RN Amber strives to bring in the best evidence based tools and resources from both conventional and alternative schools of thought. She is dedicated to continuing her learning to stay up to speed with the latest research and trends and has built her practice around educating and empowering patients to be proactive with their health.

Most patients come to Amber through a referral network of practitioners in various medical and alternative settings including MD’s, FNP’s, Acupuncturists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Yoga Teachers… who wish to support their patients in this way but don’t have the time, education or resources to do this effectively.

The functional medicine addition to client care seems to be the missing piece of a true wellness model. It becomes a collaborative movement too, working together to promote wellness in our respective communities. It expedites healing through deep understanding and promotes life long transformation. Win! Win!

Functional medicine is a deep dive into root cause correlations contributing to one’s current state, it views each patient as unique and in so doing, more fully supports patients on their road to wellness by nourishing unique pathways effecting body systems, organs and glands. Much like regenerative farming and soil health, our bodies are designed to be resilient they just need the right inputs and tools to mitigate cumulative stress, toxins and burdens of our time. Feeling empowered with your health starts here.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

BS Nursing Montana State University-Registered Nurse

BA Psychology and Sociology University of Montana

Equine Veterinarian Technician-Penn Foster

Clinicians Mastermind Circle a one-year Functional Medicine Intensive

Functional Nutrition Alliance 10-month Full Body Systems Immersion

Yoga Motion 240 hour RYS teacher training

http://www.bar1wellness.com
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