With the epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease and similar degenerative neurological conditions effecting more people every year, Americans are becoming more aware of the issue of brain health and its importance to preventing such diseases. There are a number of common elements in the environment that have been linked to damage or destruction of neurons and these are important to keep in mind when becoming educated on this issue. Read on to find out what they are and how to avoid them.
1. Fluoride
Avoiding fluoride intake can be as simple as installing a high-quality water filter in the home, but it can have enormous benefits, Fluoride was originally added to most municipal drinking water systems in order to fight the widespread problem of tooth decay, but this movement has had serious unintended consequences. The Fluoride Action Network (FAN) has found multiple studies linking fluoride to lower IQ’s, memory and learning impairment, fetal brain damage and altered neurobehavioral function. In addition, a UNICEF-funded study on this matter found that even at levels of 0.88mg/l, fluoride could cause a reduction in IQ. This level is well within what is considered to be a normal range and is part of the American drinking water system that serves some 200 million Americans daily.
2. Heavy Metals
Most Americans have already been exposed to heavy metals like mercury in some form, mostly from vaccines and dental procedures as well as exposure to agricultural chemicals and industrial pollution. The best way to avoid further exposure is to avoid getting the flu shot or mercury fillings during dental procedures and taking safety precautions when consuming fish and seafood. Heavy metals are a problem because they have been definitely linked to damage to the brain. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to this, as their blood-brain barrier is not fully developed and being subjected to an intense vaccination schedule that injects mercury directly into their bodies can lead to neurological damage and autistic symptoms.
3. Artificial Sweeteners
America’s strong sweet tooth combined with its craze for dieting has made artificial sweeteners prevalent in a number of common products such as sodas, yogurt, chewing gum and other candies, cooking sauces, flavored waters and cereals, just to name a few. However, reading the ingredients list carefully on any prouduct and avoiding those which contain aspartame is a good idea. Aspartame has been linked to negative effects on the brain as well. Aspartame is a collection of chemicals including aspartic acid, methanol and phenylalanine and as aspartame breaks down in the body, it produces a chemical which is known to promote the growth of brain tumors.
4. Monosodium Glutanate (MSG)
Avoiding MSG can be difficult, but the best way is to read food labels carefully and avoid products which contain it (it is also known as yeast extract) or simply stop eating processed foods altogether. MSG is a concentrated salt used as a flavor enhancer and is present throughout the food industry today. Dr. Baylock, a noted neurosurgeon, made the discovery of the link between MSG and damage to the brain that could cause Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and a number of other neurological conditions.
All of these substances are readily present in our evironment. Fortunately there are also fairly simple ways to avoid these toxins and promote continued neurological health.
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