Published on: Nov 28, 2016 @ 01:01
Before we talk about the solutions to Leaky Gut in part 2 of the series, let’s talk about Leaky Brain.
What is a Leaky Brain?
Leaky Brain refers to a malfunction in what’s called the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). The BBB consists of specialized cells that form a chemical and physical barrier between the blood and the brain. It keeps toxins and microbes that might be present in the blood from coming in contact with the brain cells.
Just as the gut could be said to be a barrier between your food and the bloodstream, the BBB is a barrier between the bloodstream and the brain.
The BBB can microscopically break down similar to the gut. Just like a Leaky Gut allows undigested foods to enter the bloodstream, a Leaky Brain allows toxins, microbes, or other unwanted substances to affect or even damage the brain.
What are the symptoms of a Leaky Brain?
Poor memory, foggy thinking, fatigue, moodiness, insomnia, random aches and pains, to name a few.
How do I know if I have a Leaky Brain?
It’s hard to know, but one way is with the GABA test. GABA is a neurotransmitter made in the brain that helps calm the brain. GABA does not cross the BBB. There are over-the-counter supplements containing GABA that people take to help them relax. But since GABA doesn’t cross the BBB, it actually shouldn’t work because it shouldn’t be able to reach your brain. So one test for a Leaky Brain is to take a GABA pill three times a day and see if you notice any calming effects. If you do, we assume that the only way it could have worked is if your BBB was damaged enough to let the GABA reach your brain.
What causes a Leaky Brain?
A Leaky Gut causes a Leaky Brain. Why? Because when undigested whole food particles, microbes, and toxins are entering the bloodstream via the microscopic holes in the gut, they end up damaging the BBB too. Over time, the damage to the BBB turns into a Leaky Brain.
How can I fix a Leaky Brain?
Fix the Leaky Gut and usually the Leaky Brain goes away automatically because the source of the inflammation and irritation to the BBB has been corrected. In the next article “Leaky Gut 2” I will write about how to fix a Leaky Gut.
Looking Forward!
Yours in health,
Dr.Campise : )
559 930 1034