Growing evidence suggests that the common compound silicon (silicic acid) can neutralize the harmful effect of aluminum. Natural mineral waters from many places on earth contain silicic acid. Studies have shown that this substance binds with the aluminum to prevent its toxic effect on cells.
Dr. Christopher Exley, an authority in both aluminum and silicic acid, has also found that adding silicic acid to drinking water may even help the body rid itself of aluminum and may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.
There is one study that raises concern about adding nano-sized silicic acid to drinking water. This study found that even with very low concentrations, there was a marked increase in activation of the brain’s immune cells, called microglia. It is microglial activation that has been linked to immunoexcitotoxicity.
It may be that there is a significant difference between naturally occurring silica and the nano-sized form. This has been shown for no other metals. Dr. Lucia Tomljenovic, another expert on the effects of aluminum in the brain, points out that antioxidants can significantly reduce toxicity, and a new compound called Feralex-G appears to remove aluminum from the nucleus of cells — one of the most difficult areas from which to remove aluminum.
Adding vitamin C to Feralex-G makes it work even better. The advantage of Feralex-G is that it can be taken orally and has very low toxicity. (This compound is still in clinical trials and not yet available to the public.)
One study found that N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) — a compound that increases the levels of the antioxidant glutathione within cells — provided tremendous protection against aluminum damage to brain cells.
Glutathione is one of the most important cell protectors, especially for brain cells. Yet incredibly, vitamin C works even better than NAC. Combining the two should give very powerful protection against aluminum toxicity.
Always take NAC with food, as it can cause stomach upset. The dose is 900 mg twice a day. In addition, studies indicate that the damage done by aluminum in the brain is caused by immunoexcitotoxicity. There are many substances that reduce immunoexcitotoxicity and protect the brain against aluminum toxicity:
• Vitamin C
• Natural vitamin E
As always, it is critical to avoid dietary food additive excitotoxins and eat a healthy diet. Vitamins, such as riboflavin, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, niacinamide, and vitamin D3 can play a major role in protecting the brain. Coenzyme Q10 in high doses (600 mg three times a day) also protects the brain.
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