Help with MY BRAIN

I got the results of my brain MRI two days ago. I have ‘brain volume loss’. I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder-recurrent, and ADD (arguably ADHD). I am working with my doctor to find a workable balance with my medications, but I know there are things I can do to help myself nutritionally. I already eat right, I know I need to exercise, and get enough sleep. My chiropractor (and natural health advisor) recommended Hawthorne Root and a minimum of 64 oz. of water a day. Any suggestions that I can implement are welcome. I seem to be in a holding pattern…don’t quite know what to do.

You might have already heard of Daniel G. Amen, but I figure it's worth mentioning. He's a double board certified psychiatrist who talks about a variety of well documented (he's big into MRI comparisons) ways to improve brain health (including as it relates to things like ADHD, depression, dementia, etc).. He has specials on PBS every so often, usually when they're looking for donations.. on the high end of investment, there's lots of audio programs available for sale, but his work has been around for a while so used paperbacks will also available on the cheap.


Amazon.com: Daniel G. Amen: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

I struggle with similar issues -- while I haven't had a second brain MRI since the last one some years ago in order for a comparison to be made, I don't doubt that if they took one today they would find decreased volume as well, because I've been struggling with a particularly chronic depressive episode that can be measured now in years, and am no spring chicken to begin with.. And I need to do more. Thanks for inspiring me to pull up my copy of Dr. A's book.

Here's an excerpt from the section on nutrition in my copy:

Unfortunately, low fat is not the complete answer. In two studies in the American Journal of Psychiatry, men who had the highest suicide rates had the lowest cholesterol levels. Our deep limbic system needs fat in order to operate properly. Certainly, some fats are better for us than others, such as the omega-3 fatty acids found most prevalently in fish. Protein is also essential to a healthy “deep limbic diet.” Proteins are the building blocks of brain neurotransmitters. Low levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine have all been implicated in depression and mood disorders. It is essential to eat enough protein in balanced amounts with fats and carbohydrates. Too much protein for some people may actually restrict the amount of “brain proteins” that cross into the brain. Not enough protein will leave you with a brain protein deficit. The richest sources of protein are lean fish, cheese, beans, and nuts.

Low serotonin levels are often associated with worrying, moodiness, emotional rigidity, and irritability (a combination of deep limbic and cingulate problems). To enhance serotonin levels, eat balanced meals with complex carbohydrate snacks (such as whole-grain crackers or bread). Exercise can be a tremendous help along with nutritional supplementation. The amino acid l-tryptophan, which was recently reapproved by the Food and Drug Administration, is an option. L-tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid found in milk, meat, and eggs. I have found it very helpful for patients to improve sleep, decrease aggressiveness, and improve mood control. In addition, it does not have side effects, which gives it a real advantage over the antidepressants. L-tryptophan was taken off the market a number of years ago because one contaminated batch from one manufacturer caused a rare disease and a number of deaths. The l-tryptophan itself actually had nothing to do with the deaths. I recommend l-tryptophan in doses of 1,000—3,000 milligrams taken at bedtime. There have been some recent studies with inositol, from the B vitamin family, which you can get from a health food store. In doses of 12—20 milligrams a day it has been shown to decrease moodiness and depression. Check with your doctor before taking these or any other supplements.

Low norepinephrine and dopamine levels are often associated with depression, lethargy, trouble focusing, negativity, and mental fuzziness. To enhance norepinephrine and dopamine levels, it is better to have protein snacks (such as meat, eggs, or cheese) and to avoid simple carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, cakes, and candy. Also, I often have my patients take natural amino acids such as tyrosine (1,000—1,500 milligrams a day) for energy, focus, and impulsivity control, and dl-phenylalanine (400 milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach) for moodiness and irritability. Again, check with your doctor if you want to try these supplements.

Good luck. Hope you get to feeling in better health.

Thank you.

Hi momathome,

Watch this video and you'll see some very encouraging news about what kind of recoveries are possible:



Also, are you taking any antipsychotics? Those are known to cause brain volume loss.

How are things going?

- vital