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The neurology encompasses all diseases of the brain and nervous system. A distinction is made between neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
By definition, it is neurological diseasesif the following body structures are affected: brain, sensory organs, spinal cord, peripheral nerves (including nerve roots and muscles), blood vessels of the nervous system and the immune and hormonal systems, provided the disorder is based in the nervous system.
The most common neurological diseases include u.a.: Stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), meningitis, epilepsy, migraine, polyneuropathy and brain tumors.
Neurodegenerative diseases are a collective term for a range of diseases that primarily affect the neurons in the human brain. Neurons are the building blocks of our nervous system. Since they don't reproduce, the body cannot replace them if damaged.
Neurodegenerative diseases are therefore essentially incurable illnesses that lead to progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells. This results in problems with movement (such as Parkinson's disease) or with mental performance (dementia, with Alzheimer's disease accounting for about three-quarters of all dementia cases).
THE OVERALL CONCEPT OF NEUROLOGY
A) NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES
The neural network
At the center of the neural network is our brain. The human brain is the most complex organ nature has ever created: 100 billion nerve cells and many times that number of contact points give it capabilities that no supercomputer can match to date.
Our human brain consists of different brain cells. The most important and common brain cells are nerve cells, also called neurons.
A nerve cell (called a “neuron”) consists of a cell body and nerve fibers – an extended extension (called an “axon”) to send out impulses and usually many branches (called “dendrites”) to receive impulses. D.h. the nerve cells are networked. Between the synapses is the so-called synaptic cleft. The transmission of information between the cells takes place via Neurotransmitters (z.B. Serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine)
Each long axon is surrounded by oligodendrocytes in the brain and spinal cord, and by lemnocytes in the peripheral nervous system. The membranes of these cells consist of a fat-protein compound (so-called lipoproteins), called myelin. The membranes are tightly wrapped around the axon, forming a multilayered covering. This myelin sheath functions similarly to the insulation of an electrical cable. Nerve impulses travel much faster in nerves covered by a myelin sheath than in those without.
Due to the powerful performance of our supercomputer “brain”, it requires large amounts of energy. Around 20% of the total energy requirement is attributable to our brain alone! And cellular energy (ATP) is produced by our mitochondria, the so-called "power plants" of our cells. When the mitochondria no longer function properly, it is called mitochondrial disease—and our brain also loses performance.
To avoid this, it is important to ensure that the mitochondria are adequately supplied with micronutrients, such as R-alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, NADH and cofactors (v.a. B vitamins). Since a kind of controlled oxyhydrogen reaction takes place in the mitochondria, in which oxygen is burned (with macronutrients as “fuel”), a sufficient blood circulation and therefore oxygen supply to the brain Here we make ginkgo biloba and L-Arginine important services.
Chronic inflammation (here, for example, autoimmune reactions play a central role), stress, environmental toxins, etc., as well as energy production in the mitochondria, constantly creates free radicals that can damage tissues like our brainDefusing these free radicals is the job of antioxidants. Particularly strong antioxidants include astaxanthin, OPC from grape seed extract, glutathione or vitamins C and E.
B) NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES
In neurodegenerative diseases, special requirements apply to:
- Avoid
- Postpone start
- Slow down the process
- Influence on all known risk factors (synergistic effects!)
- Regenerative Therapy (z.B. Stimulation of neuron formation)
… also because:
- increasing life expectancy
- long latency (“early prevention and early detection”)
- high standards of quality of life
- high care costs
- and because of mostly unsatisfactory guideline therapy …
Neurological and neurodegenerative diseases have several overlapping causes (“multifunctional diseases”):
- Genetics, gender, age
- Unhealthy lifestyle (poor diet, stress, lack of exercise)
- Oxidative stress and nitrosative stress
- Inflammations and disorders of kynurenine metabolism (Kynurenineis an amino acid that is part of the breakdown of tryptophan into serotonin)
- Immunological problems (z.B. Infections with herpes viruses)
- Mitochondrial disorders
- Environmental and pollutant pollution (including nicotine, alcohol, medications, particulate matter, pesticides, metals)
- Disorders of the PNEI axis (psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological)
- Misfolding of protein structures (“protein poisoning in the brain”), z.B. Amyloid ß/Tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease with simultaneous disturbances of repair and disposal mechanisms (s.u.)
- Disorders of intestinal function and blood-brain barrier (“leaky brain”)
- Acid-base disorders
The accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, so-called amyloid fibrils, is one of the primary causes of neurodegenerative diseases.
Protein misfolding occurs when polypeptides are unable to fold into a correct three-dimensional structure. This usually results in toxic proteins, which, according to recent research, trigger neurodegenerative diseases.
The body has its own protective mechanisms against misfolded proteins: on the one hand enzymatically by so-called peptidasesPeptidases are enzymes that break down proteins or break them down into reusable fragments.On the other hand through “cell recycling”, the so-called autophagyLysosomes then attach to these waste products, and their enzymes break this waste down into its individual components, making it reusable. Lysosomes are therefore also called the "stomach" of our cells.
Unfortunately, with age, this autophagy no longer works so well, so that molecular waste accumulates in the cells and ultimately impairs normal cell functions.Over the years, this cellular waste can contribute to the relevant diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
According to current knowledge, there are two ways to activate and improve autophagy:
- Through Limiting calorie intakeThis can be achieved through fasting or a long-term low-calorie diet. When food is scarce, the body activates autophagy to release nutrients from the "protein waste." And as a side effect of this nutrient extraction, misfolded proteins and defective organelles are broken down. This also fits well with the observation in numerous studies that caloric restriction in laboratory animals has prolonged lifespan and counteracted aging processes.
- Through the Use of so-called calorie restriction mimeticswhich mimic the effects of reduced calorie intake (= calorie restriction). Spermidine is an important representative in the group of calorie restriction mimetics and acts similarly to the secondary plant substances Resveratrol from grapes and Epigallocatechin gallate from green tea.
Studies on the use of resveratrol and spermidine in neurodegenerative diseases:
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is able to activate the sirtuin enzyme even without caloric restrictionIn a double-blind crossover study, overweight but otherwise healthy participants received 150 mg of resveratrol or a placebo daily for one month. Metabolic changes similar to those seen with caloric restriction were observed in the resveratrol group. SIRT1 was activated, fat content in muscle cells increased (where the fat was then burned), while fat in the liver decreased; mitochondria in muscle cells were more active, and blood sugar levels fell, as did systolic blood pressure, blood lipid levels, and inflammation levels (see [see also: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22055504/ ).
Resveratrol in Alzheimer’s prevention: In a study lasting approximately 1 year, patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease received 0.5 g of resveratrol per day; the dose was gradually increased to 2 g (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26362286/ ). It was shown that resveratrol can have an activating effect on the brain, for example, reducing inflammatory processes in the CNS (central nervous system) and improving blood flow in the brain. In type 2 diabetes patients, 75 mg of resveratrol per week was sufficient to noticeably improve cognitive performance and blood supply to the brain (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27420093/ ).
In another study, the administration of 250-500 mg per day in healthy volunteers led to improved blood flow to the brain (see [1]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20357044/ ).When 250 mg resveratrol plus 20 mg piperine were administered on three days, a significant increase in hemoglobin levels was observed (anemia is a relevant dementia risk) (cf. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24804871/ ).
Spermidine
In a small study, researcher M. Fischer succeeded in demonstrating that increased autophagy in brain cells improves memory. He also discovered that T cells and cytokines act as important mediators in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. In high doses, spermidine downregulates all cytokines except IL-17A, promotes autophagy, and increases T cell activation. [Fischer M et al.; Spermine and spermidine modulate T-cell function in older adults with and without cognitive decline ex vivo. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jul 15;12(13):13716-13739].
In his study, Pekar found that spermidine, due to its influence on autophagy, triggers the elimination of amyloid beta plaques. It has a positive effect on dementia and leads to a significant improvement in cognitive performance in nursing home residents after just three months of use. [Pekar T et al.; Spermidine in dementia: Relation to age and memory performance. Wien Klein Wochenschr. 2020;132(1-2):42-46].
In 2020, Schwarz described that higher spermidine intake in older people is associated with larger hippocampal volume. He also found greater mean cortical density and increased cortical thickness in brain areas susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, as well as in the parietal and temporal regions. [Black C et al.; Spermidine intake is associated with cortical thickness and hippocampal volume in older adults. Neuroimage 2020;221:117132].
In an earlier randomized study from 2018, Schwarz found that spermidine can protect against cognitive deficits and neurodegeneration [Black C et al.; Safety and tolerability of spermidine supplementation in mice and older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Aging (Albany NY). 2018;10(1):19-33].
The German Society of Neurology has also now recognized the great potential of spermidine in its protective effect on dementia, writing that previous data suggest that spermidine has a positive effect on brain function and cognitive abilities. These effects are currently the focus of the SmartAge study, which is being conducted under the direction of Professor Flöel. Wheat germ supplements enriched with spermidine are being used. [Diener HC; Brain-Healthy Nutrition: How Food Can Protect Against Dementia; IWD Science Information Service 2017].
ALZHEIMER'S/DEMENTIA
Causes:
- Genetics (z.B. Apolipoprotein E4)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Limited schooling
- Hyperhomocysteinemia (or disorders of the 1-carbon pathway)
- Hypertension, obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidemia (possibly questionable)
- NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) glutamate receptor
- is activated by glutamate (glutamate can act as a neurotoxin)
- increases calcium influx into cells and formation of radicals
- Overexcitation of the nerve cell with disruption of signal transmission and death of the cell (“excitotoxicity”)
- Functional disorders (z.B. Oxidative stress, immune disorders, inflammation, mitochondrial disease)
- Micronutrient deficiencies (z.B.Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin D)
- Pollution (z.B. aluminum)
In the early stages, the progression of Alzheimer's disease can be delayed by micronutrients. The patients' brains shrank by 20% less than those of the control group. More importantly, brain performance declined between 40 and 70% less over three years than in the non-treated subjects.
Example recipe from the u.g. Study:
| DHA | 1200 mg |
(Source: Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, 311 participants; Soininen H et al.; 36-month LipiDiDiet multinutrient clinical trial in prodromal Alzheimer's disease. The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association 2021;17;29-40)
Drugs can cause the death of brain cells (u.a. as a result of intracellular deposition of beta-amyloids and formation of tau fibrils) not stop. A mixture of micronutrients (Omega 3 fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium), which are essential for the construction of cell membranes and support the formation of new synapses, was already able to slow the progression of dementia and brain atrophy in two previous studies (“Souvenir I+II”)The LipiDiDiet also had a positive impact on the two endpoints "physician's assessment of dementia severity" and "hippocampal volume in MRI." The benefit for the patient is greater the earlier the intervention is implemented.
(Source: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial over 24 months with 311 participants; Soininen H et al.; 24-month intervention with a specific multinutrient in people with prodromal Alzheimer's disease (LipiDiDiet): a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial; The Lancet Neurology 30.10.2017)
Recipe example micronutrients:
| Active ingredients | dosage |
| Vitamin C | 2.5-7.5 g |
| Vitamin E | 100-150 mg |
| Possibly.additionally: | 1 g |
- additionally L-arginine, N-acetyl-cysteine, Vit D3, α-lipoic acid
- additionally Ginkgo biloba
- Oxygen inhalation during infusion (to promote intensive blood circulation and optimize energy balance)
Phytotherapy recipe example:
| substances | Dose oral | Application examples |
| sage | 2-3 g | Improves cognition and agitation |
| ginseng | 4.5-9 g | Improves cognition, promotes serotonin/catecholamines |
| Ginkgo biloba | 150-240 mg | Improves cognition, daily life, clinical assessment |
| Hypericum perforatum | 250-750 mg | Reduces β-amyloid, improves cognition and mood, |
| pomegranate | 1-1.5 g | May prevent amyloid formation, has an antioxidant effect |
The neuroprotective effects are particularly evident in secondary plant substances (z.B. Polyphenols, iridoid glycosides, isothiocyanates, terpenoids, alkaloids and saponins) and their effect on neurotropins (signal mediators between nerve cells). The substances act z.B. as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and have antioxidant, anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The current study situation is inconsistent. Nevertheless, phytotherapeutics with high levels of neuroprotective phytochemicals should be tested in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and Huntington's disease).
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Progressive degenerative CNS disease with:
- Degeneration and death of dopaminergic neurons in the subsantia nigra/striatum
- Formation of Lewy bodies (cytoplasmic inclusions) in the substantia nigra
- Extrapyramidal disorder with dopamine deficiency to Imbalance between dopamine, acetylcholine and glutamate
- Dopamine inhibits muscle contraction, stimulates basal ganglia
- Acetylcholine stimulates nerve contraction, dampens basal ganglia
- Glutamate increases Ca intracellularly (overactivation of the subthalamic nucleus)
--> Alzheimer's disease
Causes:
So-called “idiopathic” Parkinson’s syndrome (approx. 75%):
- No additional causes recognized
- Functional disorders (z.B.Oxidative stress, mitochondrial disease, inflammation) and micronutrient deficiencies are likely
Secondary Parkinson’s syndrome:
- Vascular
- Posttraumatic (z.B. Boxer Mohamed Ali)
- Taking neuroleptics (with dopamine antagonism)
- Taking calcium antagonists, metoclopramide or lithium
- pollution, z.B. CO, pesticides, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (produced during the production of synthetic heroin)
Possible starting points for micronutrients:
Note:
- Pyridoxal-(5)-phosphate (active B6) is a cofactor of dopa decarboxylase DCC à It increases the activity of dopa decarboxylase and can weaken L-dopa effect
- Normal vitamin B6 levels are not problematic
- In cans of &> 5 mg, B6 can accelerate the conversion of levoopa to dopamine and reduce levodopa levels
- However, this effect does not occur when levodopa is combined with DCC inhibitors (z.B. Benserazide).
Example prescription for Parkinson’s disease:
| Active ingredients | dosage |
| Vitamin C | 2.5-7.5 g |
- individually additional Vit B2, Vit B3, Vit D, Omega 3 fatty acids, R-alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and secondary plant substances
- Oxygen inhalation during infusion (to promote intensive blood circulation and optimize energy balance)
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Causes:
- Chronic inflammation with degeneration of myelin sheaths and oligodendrocytes by T cells (and by glutamate oversupply)
- Genetics (increased vulnerability of CNS tissue)
- Autoimmune reaction and/or lack of Immune tolerance
- Infection hypothesis (z.B. Herpes, Ebstein-Barr, Chlamydia, Streptococcus mutans)
- Hygiene hypothesis (the more infectious diseases in childhood, the less MS)
- Vitamin D deficiency (and/or “vitamin D resistance” according to Coimbra)
- Oxidative stress, psychological stress, mitochondrial disorder, pollution
(Source: Munger KL et al.; Neurology 2004; 62; 60-65; Lassmann H; Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2003; 4; 11-15)
Possible starting points for micronutrients:
| Effects | Micronutrients |
| Immunomodulation | z.B. Zinc, selenium |
Recipe example MS:
| Active ingredients | dosage |
| Choline (citrate/chloride) | 600-1500 mg |
- Frequency of use: 2-4 times per week for several weeks
- Infuse choline slowly over 45 minutes while lying down and resting after infusion
- Rare side effects of infusion therapy: increased salivation, deepened breathing, feeling of warmth
- Contraindications are acute bronchial asthma, bradycardia, myocardial infarction, Parkinson's disease
- Note: Combination with oral omega-3 fatty acids, alkaline therapy; Ca-EAP (350 mg each) 3x2 orally on infusion-free days. Combination with Betaferon (interferon beta 1b) is also useful.
C) MENTAL ILLNESSES
The term “Mental health"Mental health" means that a person feels mentally and spiritually well. It's a kind of ideal state in which a person can fully utilize their potential to cope with the pressures and stresses in their life. Mental health doesn't simply mean the absence of mental stress or illness. There's no "all-or-nothing" principle here: Most of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle between "mentally healthy" and "mentally ill" most of the time.
Common reactions to psychological stress include feelings of sadness, anxiety, or intense inner tension. These symptoms disappear i.d.R. after a certain period of time. If they persist or if further symptoms occur (panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, etc.) and lead to increasingly serious problems in everyday life, those affected and their families should seek professional help.
The term mental illness encompasses various clinical pictures that occur in varying degrees of severity. Mental illnesses can i.d.R. cannot be attributed to a single cause.For the creation, both biological factors (e.g. genetic predisposition, metabolic changes in the brain), family conditions (e.g. parents with depression) as well as stressful life experiences in the past (e.g. separations, death of an important person).
Examples of mental illnesses:
- depression
- Hyperactivity (AD(H)D)
- autism
- Borderline
- schizophrenia
- Psychosomatics/Somatoform disorders
- Stress and burnout
Depression (“The Exhausted Soul”)
- Despite growing knowledge about depression, its rapid spread cannot be prevented.
- The modern living conditions are now considered the main factor: excessive demands, existential worries, pressure to present oneself, stress and much more
- This makes preventive (and therapeutic) antidotes all the more important.
Source: PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, August 2006
Other theses:
- Disturbance of the dopamine-serotonin balance
- Neurotransmitters such as serotonin influence a variety of molecular processes in the brain that counteract depression u.a. mental disorders.
- They stimulate z.B. the neuronal plasticity (NP) (the ability of nerves to form new connections). Among the substances that influence neuronal plasticity is Ketamine: It increases the release of Glutamate at the synapse, which also promotes NP.
- BUT: Depression does NOT (ONLY) result from a lack of noradrenaline and serotonin (SSRI B. increase serotonin within hours, which is why Effects occur quickly should!)
- Pollution (z.B. Metals, pesticides, air pollutants, nicotine, alcohol)
- Cadmium increases the risk of depression
Source: Berk M et al.; Pop, heavy metal and the blues: secondary analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POP), heavy metals and depressive symptoms in the NHANES National Epidemiological Survey. BMJ Open. 2014; 4(7): e005142. - Lead increases the risk of depression
Source: Bouchard M et al.; Blood lead levels and major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder in U.S. young adults. Arch Gene Psychiatry. 2009 Dec; 66(12):
1313–1319 - Pesticides increase the risk of depression
Source: Koh SB et al.; Exposure to pesticide as a risk factor for depression: A population-based longitudinal study in Korea. Neurotoxicology 2017;62:181-185. - Air pollutants increase the risk of depression and antidepressant use
Source: Vert C et al.; Effect of long-term exposure to air pollution on anxiety and depression in adults: A cross-sectional study.Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017;220(6):1074-1080
- Cadmium increases the risk of depression
- Inflammation theory
- Energy deficit (mitochondrial disease)
- Depression is a multifunctional disease!
Classical therapy:
In depression = signal transmission at the synaptic cleft is disturbed (due to disruption of the neurotransmitter (NTM) balance)
- Pharmacological (“antidepressants”): Slowing down neurotransmitter degradation, inhibiting NTM reuptake or NTM removal from the synapse
- Changes in personality and metabolism
- Why not increase the intake of building blocks such as L-tryptophan and S-adenosylmethionine?
- Non-pharmacological:
- psychotherapy
- Work-life balance
- Stress management and self-confidence training
- Movement
- Nutrition
- Reduce everyday drugs (nicotine and alcohol)
Problems caused by the use of antidepressants:
For four new generation antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine and nefazodone) the differences in effectiveness are increasing placebo with the severity of depression:
There are practically no differences in moderate depression, relatively small differences in very severe depression and differences that meet the criteria for clinical significance were observed only in patients at the upper end of the scale for very severe depression. The relationship between illness severity and antidepressant efficacy is more likely due to a reduced response to placebo in very severely depressed patients than to an increased effect of the medication.
Source: Meta-analysis of approval studies (35 randomized trials, including unpublished studies that were not voluntarily submitted by the manufacturers but were submitted through the FDA). Kirsch I et al.; Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug Administration; PLoS Med 2008; 5: e45)
HYPERACTIVITY/ADHD
Causes:
- Neurotransmitter disorder (especially deficit or reduced effectiveness of dopamine: justification for the use of stimulants?)
- Psychological stress (including over- or under-stimulation, social situation)
- Energy deficits/mitochondrial diseases
- Intestinal dysfunction (and imbalances in short-chain fatty acids)
- Food intolerances (v.a. Allergies, fructose or histamine intolerance)
- Pollutant loads (z.B. Salicylate and chemical intolerance, lead, aluminum)
- Maternal nicotine abuse during pregnancy
- Low birth weight and premature birth
- Micronutrient deficiencies (z.B. Zinc, vitamin B6, iron, unsaturated (omega 3) fatty acids)
- Overload with copper, phosphate and lead
Classical therapy
General (mainly lifestyle):
- Movement
- Nutrition including elimination and rotation diet for food intolerance
- Stress management and rest periods (z.B.“media-free time”)
- Avoiding everyday drugs (z.B. Nicotine (active and passive)
Special: Behavioral therapy
Pharmacologically: stimulant psychotropic drugs (z.B. Amphetamine-like methylphenidate = “Ritalin”)
Source: SZ 11.2.2006
AUTISM
According to the WHO, a “congenital, incurable disorder of perception and information processing of the brain” (genetic defect).
Classic symptoms:
- Developmental delays (lack of eye contact, speech disorders and lack of social contact skills)
- stereotypical behavior patterns
- no sense of dangerous situations
- low frustration tolerance
- hardly notice their surroundings
- Sleep disorders manifest themselves in very early waking
Examples of causes:
Often occurs only after birth (genetics only a partial aspect) à according to current knowledge genetics only about 50%, the other ~50% probably environmental factors etc. such as:
- Pollutant loads (z.B. Lead)
- Metals or dysregulation of elements have been discussed for some time as possible triggers of autism.
- In a twin study, children with an autism spectrum disorder had increased concentrations of lead and on the other hand a Zinc and manganese deficiency in areas of their milk teeth that are formed during a perinatal development phase (intrauterine or infancy).
(Source: Arora M et L:, Fetal and postnatal metal dysregulation in autism; Nature Communications
2017; doi: 10.1038/ncomms15493)
- Changes in neurotransmitter balance
- Intestinal dysfunction (z.B. Dysbiosis, inflammation)
- Liver dysfunction
- Food intolerances
- Overactive immune system and history of infections
- Mitochondrial disorders
- Oxidative stress
- Low cholesterol levels
- Pre-existing and gestational diabetes
- Micronutrient deficiencies (z.B. zinc and manganese deficiency)
- Many similarities with AD(H)D
Classical therapy:
- Behavioral programs: B.conditional behavior (operant-conditioning/discrete-trial therapies)
- Pharmacologically:
- Trileptal (antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine)
- Zyprexa (atypical neuroleptic olanzapine)
- Ativan (oral or intravenous; benzodiazepine lorazepam)
- Remeron (antidepressant mirtazapine)
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
= BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) (counts as affective disorders)
- Unusual behaviors and feelings
- Rigid inappropriate reactions in personal & social living conditions
- Instability in social relationships, in self-image (tendency to self-endangering behavior) and mood (strong emotional outbursts)
- Symptoms of Neurosis and psychosis alternate off
Causes:
- Environmental factors (childhood trauma, experiences of abuse, air quality)
- Constitutional factors (exaggerated temperament)
- Interactions of 1 + 2 or trigger event
Classical therapy:
Non-pharmacological:
- In the 1980s, the dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). It is still the most scientifically proven treatment for borderline personality disorder
- In addition, psychoanalysis, schema-focused therapy (SFT), mentalization-based therapy (MBT) or transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) are used.
Pharmacologically: v.a. Neuroleptics, tranquilizers and SSRIs
INNOVATIVE THERAPY
Psycho-mental health in general:
| Promoting | Inhibiting |
| oxygen | Oxygen deficiency |
| Optimal nutrition (micronutrients) | “Normal” diet and |
| Movement | Lack of exercise |
| relaxation | Unrest |
| Positive stress (avoiding | Negative chronic stress |
| Sufficient sleep | lack of sleep |
| Brain training, goals | Mental inertia |
| Avoiding drugs | Smoking, alcohol, other drugs |
| Finding yourself (cf. “soul, mood”) | discontent |
| Physical health | (Chronic) diseases |
| Medications (“brain boosters”) | Medications (z.B.Antihypertensives) |
a) General therapeutic approaches with micronutrients:
Orthomolecular Medicine (OM) – Unique Selling Point in Optimization & Normalization:
- General and specific metabolic functions ("Resource strengthening"), including redox, detoxification, immune and energy production systems, intestine
- Special Neurotransmitter balance and Stress hormone balance (“Psycho-neuro-endocrino-immunological axis”)
OM as a partner of “classical” therapy:
- Supports psychotherapies and makes patient z.B. more easily treatable for behavioral therapy (gets him out of the “metabolic slump” or “energy low”)
- Provides serotonin precursors (5HTP, tryptophan) and can save or replace SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors = antidepressants)
- Provides catecholamine precursors
- Uses lifestyle and stress management modules
b) Special therapeutic approaches with micronutrients:
Use lead substances
- Treat energy and cofactor balance
- Detoxification (in case of pollution)
- Treating acid-base disorders (subclinical acidosis)
- Strengthen antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune systems
- Influence neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin sides)
- Influence stress hormones (normalize cortisone or “adrenal fatigue”)
- Optimize bowel function (v.a. intestinal flora, barriers)
- Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract influence
- Release of stress hormones and neurotransmitters
- mental health and stress management
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- depression
- autism
- Mental disorders, in turn, have a negative impact on the gastrointestinal tract (with changes in motility, gastrointestinal secretion, mucosal regeneration, composition of the intestinal microbiome, and increased intestinal permeability) and promote gastrointestinal diseases.
- Dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract influence
Where it seems reasonable to treat
- Histamine intolerance (z.B. Methionine, calcium additionally)
- Deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B (see “cryptopyrroluria”)
Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Functional Axis:
- Dopamine supports memory performance (v.a. Ultra-short-term memory) and processing of learned information
- zinc enhances glycine response (glycine = inhibitory neurotransmitter) and is involved in redox and immune control
- (Omega 3) fatty acids are important structural components of the nervous system. They are important for the function of the dopaminergic system, for intracellular signaling systems, for synapse formation, and for dendritic junctions in inflammation control. They support the treatment of ADHD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Phytotherapeutics influence serotonin metabolism and interact with serotonin receptors, z.B.:
- ginseng
- Rhodiola rosea (z.B.Rosarin, Rosavin)
- Ginger (gingerols)
- St. John's Wort (Hyperforin)
- Sage (Tujon)
- Passionflower (z.B. Chrysin and Schaftoside)
- African black bean (z.B. 5 HTP, lectins, alkaloids)
Ideal complement to orthomolecular medicine, especially since their effect is also based on micronutrients (z.B. secondary plant substances, vitamins, minerals).
Recipe examples
Depression:
| substance | dosage | Remarks |
| SAM | 400-800 mg | |
| Tryptophan | 0.5-3 g | |
| Folic acid | 500 mcg | improves the effect of fluoxetine |
| Omega 3 fatty acids | 1-6 g | also improves the effect of antidepressants |
| Melatonin | 0.3-3 mg | |
| zinc | 25 mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 50 mg | improves serotonin supply, |
| Vitamin B1 | 100 mg | Deficiency increases lactic acid levels in the brain |
| Vitamin B2 | 200 mg | is important for glutathione supply |
| Vitamin B12 | 5-15 mcg | |
| Calcium | 800 mg | Particularly important for seasonal depression |
| Vitamin D | According to Spiegel | Particularly important for seasonal depression |
| magnesium | 400 mg | Deficiency often results from stress (increases depression) |
| iron | 30 mg | Iron deficiency often leads to depression |
| Phenylalanine | 1-2 g | Precursor of noradrenaline (NA lifts mood) |
ADHD:
| substance | dosage | Remarks |
| zinc | 20-30 mg | Lack of essential fatty acids has a negative impact on mental development |
Autism:
| Active ingredients | dosage |
| Vitamin C | 3 x 500-1000 mg |
- Optimize your diet (less sugar, alcohol, coffee, meat, fast food)
- Optimize acid-base balance
- Vitamin B6, zinc and manganese (after testing for zinc and manganese and possibly for kryptopyrrole)
Possible control (and treatment) of:
- Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress
- Intestinal function, histamine, gluten and casein intolerance
- Pollution and detoxification performance
- Vitamin D (rule out deficiency)
- Neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine)
Borderline:
| Active ingredients | dosage |
| Vitamin C | 3x 500-1000 mg |