“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted September 14, 2024

Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?

(And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!)

In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself.

Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a potential way to REVERSE it.

Just like your house needs regular cleaning, your brain needs to eliminate waste, too. It has its own built-in cleaning process, the glymphatic system.

This system uses cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to wash away waste products that build up during regular brain activity.

When we’re young, it works efficiently, keeping our brains clean and healthy.

But as we age, this cleaning process slows down. It’s like having a cleaning service that becomes less thorough over time, leaving more and more dirt behind.

Recently, researchers at the University of Rochester discovered that half of the “dirty” CSF leaves the brain through tiny vessels in the neck called cervical lymph vessels.

These vessels aren’t just simple pipes. They’re made up of microscopic pumps called lymphangions that contract to push the fluid along, much like how your heart pumps blood through your body.

The scientists observed that in older mice, these pumps didn’t contract as often, and the valves that prevent backflow didn’t work as well. As a result, the cleaning fluid moved 63 percent slower in older mice than younger ones.

Here’s where it gets really exciting. The researchers found a way to speed up these pumps in older mice. They used a drug called prostaglandin F2α, which is already used for other purposes, like inducing labor.

When they applied this drug to the lymph vessels in older mice, the pumps started contracting more frequently, and the flow of cleaning fluid increased. In fact, it returned to levels similar to those seen in younger mice.

This discovery helps explain why older folks are more at risk for certain brain diseases. If waste isn’t cleared efficiently, it can build up and cause problems.

Plus, it shows that the slowing of the brain’s cleaning system isn’t a one-way street. It can potentially be reversed.

The drug used in the study has already been approved for human use, which could speed up the process of developing treatments. But even more exciting, it could lead to DRUG-FREE approaches to boost lymph flow and reduce “dirty brain” risks.

Of course, researchers must confirm whether the same process works in humans and develop safe, effective treatments. However, this discovery provides a new direction for research and hope for millions affected by age-related brain diseases.

In the meantime, there are already natural methods for supporting lymphatic health and drainage:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially activities that involve muscle contraction and movement, can help stimulate lymph flow. This includes brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This specialized form of massage is shown to help stimulate lymph flow. It’s often performed by trained therapists, but some self-massage techniques can be learned. Look online for videos demonstrating these techniques.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps maintain fluid balance, which is crucial for proper lymph function.
• Dry Brushing: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that dry brushing of the skin may help stimulate lymphatic flow. Again, online videos are a good way to learn this technique.
• Compression Garments: Compression clothing such as socks or arm sleeves can help promote lymph flow, especially in people with noticeable swelling in these areas.
• Diet: Certain foods may support lymphatic health, including antioxidant-rich berries and leafy greens, omega-3-fatty-acid-packed fatty fish and chia seeds, and potent herbs like red clover, cleavers, and calendula.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Deep diaphragmatic breathing can help create pressure changes in the body that may assist lymph flow.
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Alternating hot and cold environments (like a sauna followed by a cold shower) may help stimulate circulation and lymph flow.

While these methods support overall lymphatic health, it’s important to note that we don’t know yet if they can revive lymphangions in the same way the drug did in the new study, so more research is needed.

However, we can all benefit from stimulating the lymphatic system, which removes toxins, increases circulation, and can lead to more energy. As always, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before you try these techniques at home.

P.S. Natural compound jumpstarts the process responsible for clearing away toxic brain buildup.

Source:

Ting Du, Aditya Raghunandan, Humberto Mestre, Virginia Plá, Guojun Liu, et al., Restoration of cervical lymphatic vessel function in aging rescues cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Nature Aging, 2024

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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