Research has proven disrupting chemicals that target our central nervous system can upset the communication between our endocrine and metabolic systems and organs including our skin and microbiome. So in order to take care of our central nervous system we must take care of our gut microbiome.
Why is microbiome important? “Gut bacteria produce hundreds of neurochemicals that the brain uses to regulate basic physiological processes as well as mental processes such as learning, memory and mood. For example, gut bacteria manufacture about 95% of the body’s supply of serotonin, which influences both mood and GI activity.” (1)
What to avoid in order to be well
1-Caffeine is undeniably a central nervous system stimulant and disrupts microbiome. “It stimulates the brain, increases the secretion of adrenaline and boosts heart rate. Caffeine can cause adrenal fatigue. Long-term use in excess of 250 to 300 mg daily may cause numerous health problems” according to Mark Mayell, author of ‘Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well’ page 112. And, according to Michael Murray, N.D, caffeine depletes the body of B Vitamins, which you need for proper brain and nervous system functioning and for converting food to energy.
2-Breathing in toxic scents can harm our central nervous system. These toxic scents include petroleum candles, incense, perfumes and air-fresheners. These scents can cause internal toxicity within our brain, microbiome, liver, and heart heath.(2)
In the book ‘The Brain Wash’ by Michelle Schoffro Cook, there are seven most common chemicals found in dryer sheets and they negatively affect the central nervous system.
3-Exposure to mercury can cause negative affects to our central nervous systems, kidneys, microbiome, and cardiovascular health. According to Environmental Health Sciences Center, “the nervous system is the principal target for a number of metals. Inorganic compounds of aluminum, arsenic, lead, mercury, and thallium are well known for their neurological and behavioral effects in humans.”(3)
4-Gluten related products have a negative affect on good gut bacteria, our immune system, digestive system, and nervous system, and therefore negatively affect brain cells.
5-Alcohol depresses almost every brain function, constricts brain tissues, causes brain atrophy, and destroys brain cells. Alcohol disrupts microbiome and interferes with balance and breathing.
6-Psychological stress and sugary foods increase stress and harm the immune system, skin, and microbiome. “The microbiome-brain-gut axis is emerging which suggests that modulation of the gut microflora may be a tractable strategy for developing novel therapeutics for complex stress-related CNS disorders.”(4) The exciting news is we can use this information to fight Parkinson’s disease, according to World Journal of Gastroenterology.(5)
7-Pesticides found in foods can disrupt our central nervous system and gut microbiome. The University of Washington, Department of Medicine explains how the brain is disrupted by pesticides and can be linked to most Central Nervous System Disease.(6) The herbicide Glyphosate™ the active ingredient in Roundup® is also very disruptive to cellular systems throughout the body causing inflammation, neurotoxicity and increased risk for Alzheimer’s.
8-“Medications such as antibiotics are xenobiotics in humans, (7) and have been noted to cause central nervous system toxicity.”(7a) “For instance, Levaquin which was the best-selling antibiotic in 2010, faces thousands of lawsuits a year from people who have been seriously harmed after taking it. The reactions can be body-wide, impacting the central nervous system, microbiome, musculoskeletal, visual and renal systems, sometimes simultaneously.”(8)
Reprogramming begins with you
1- Stop antibiotic resistance by choosing healthy organically grown vegetables and grass fed meat products. Switch to nut milk instead of cow dairy. Take a probiotic for gut and brain health. Avoid hand sanitizers.
2- Know your farmer. Eat more foods that are full of antioxidants. These include colorful organic berries and green leafy veggies such as spinach and kale. Organic beets are good for our heart and our central nervous system.
3- Ditch the toxic scents including perfume, air fresheners, and dryer sheets.
4- Let’s not forget the importance of drinking more pure clean filtered. The brain is about 75% water. Water is vitally important for communication to the central nervous system, microbiome and the skin. Avoid tap water.
5- Find ways to get the heavy metals out of your home and your life. You can begin by avoiding high fructose corn syrup, facial bleaching creams, lipsticks, swordfish and sushi, dental amalgams, teflon pots, antiperspirants and more.
Connie Rogers is a 14 year Certified Integrative Nutritional Holistic Health Coach, Certified Cosmetologist & Skin Health Educator, Gluten-Free Practitioner, Reiki Master, Natural Wellness Blogger, Professional Researcher, Expert in non-pharmaceutical applications to chronic illnesses for endocrine, metabolic, and skin health. Connie believes health and wellness are established with proper nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness. Connie takes a natural and holistic, common sense approach to rebuilding wellbeing from the ground up. Her book ‘Path to a Healthy Mind & Body’ is available on Amazon.