‘Tid-bits’ of Health
You’re in the dentist’s office reclined in the chair. The assistant, in mask and gloves, sits beside you and reaches for “THE PICK.” Your hands grip the arms of your chair as the pick makes its way around each tooth scraping away the plaque. “Hang on!” You tell yourself, “This will all be over soon!”
Plaque is a mixture of food and saliva that builds up on the teeth. As plaque builds up, bacteria start hanging out to eat the built-up food. Bacteria eat and poop like every other living thing. Bacteria poop is acidic, and the acid dissolves the enamel surface of the tooth. Then cavities form. Brushing with baking soda and salt will easily dissolve away the acid and plaque.
That’s how it is in the mouth, but what happens when plaque builds up in the brain? What! Plaque in my brain? How does that happen, and who’s going to pick the plaque out? Hang on!
When the brain is in the top of its game, it focuses easily, remembers details forever, concentrates well, falls asleep on time and wakes up with energy. Every brain is designed to work that way. A full supply of nutrients, water and oxygen will keep the brain fully functioning throughout life.
The brain is full of nerves that are insulated like electrical wires. The insulation is made from healthy fat, and it’s easily damaged by heat. The heat in the brain is called inflammation. Inflammation in the brain is good until it gets outof-control. How can inflammation get out-ofcontrol? What happens when it does?
Inflammation needs two things: 1) something to burn, and 2) a spark of fire. The fuel for inflammation is sugar, and insulin provides the spark. Brain cells use amino acids to make the protein structures they need. When the protein structures end up being the wrong size or configuration, they are not usable and are piled outside the cell. These piles create the amyloid plaques that form between the nerves and cause the brain malfunction. Extra dietary sugar can be added to the piles which makes them burn more easily.
The brain’s immune system comes along and builds little campfires to destroy the plaque piles. Once the proteins are burned and the ashes cleaned up, the brain continues its normal function. The brain’s immune system is like the dental assistant, and inflammation is “THE PICK.”
A bit of research shows that the brain’s immune system can use certain nutrients to help clear the plaque. Those nutrients include Vitamin D together with curcumin found in turmeric spice, oxygen, antioxidants, coconut oil and other high quality fats. Moving the muscles will move the blood and that delivers the nutrients to the brain. Taking deep, unmasked breaths will help fill the blood with oxygen. Drinking enough water will help put the fire out as well. These actions will offer the immune system the tools they can use to pick the plaque out of the brain. Hi-ho, Hi-ho …
Until then … TAKE CHARGE! … Sylvia
Sylvia J. Harral is a digestive health specialist and Michele Stewartbuller is a pilates master trainer. They each have more than 15 years experience. Send your questions by e-mail to familyhelm@hotmail. com; by mail to Family HELM Health Center, 379 N. Hockett St., Porterville, CA, 93257; or by phone at 202-9105.