Addiction is real. So is the damage that was obtained along the way. One of the side effects of the overconsumption of alcohol is chronic inflammation. Lets explore how this inflammation effects brain health and how we may possibly be able to repair it.
The human brain and inflammation
Inflammatory brain disease has a variety of symptoms that are similar to what occurs during a state of heavy alcohol consumption. Some of these symptoms are:
blurred vision
impaired speech
decreased alertness
memory loss
the inability to concentrate
According to the ‘World Journal of Gastroenterology’ chronic inflammation and diseases from alcohol consumption are related. In a recent study it is stated that, “The central nervous system contributes to anti-inflammatory regulation through neuroimmunoendocrine actions. Chronic alcohol use impairs not only gut and liver functions, but also multi-organ interactions, leading to persistent systemic inflammation and ultimately, to organ damage.” (1)
How to treat this damage?
After years of drinking heavily there are neurological synapses that no longer connect properly. This can cause serious side effects such as permanent loss of a large period of life. Milestones, fond memories with family and friends can all disappear.
According to an article at the Daily Beast, “alcohol consumption can disrupt or damage the hippocampus, a region of the brain that aids in forming new long-term memories. “As the amount of alcohol consumed increases,” he wrote, “so does the magnitude of the memory impairments.” (2)
In the same article it is mentioned that Matthew Perry, from the hit American show Friends, lost three years of memory while in a period of his life where he was actively consuming alcohol and prescription pills in high dosage amounts.
Can the cognitive damage be reversed?
I believe that it can be treated. In most cases the inflammatory response induced during this time of heavy consumption was self induced. The body learned to respond this way based on actions that were being taken every day. It is my general hypothesis, at this time, that creating new habits that incorporate supplements for the repair and strengthening of cognitive tissue will repair and reverse the damage brought on by overconsumption of alcohol and other drugs that have a similar harmful effect on the body. The beautiful thing about the human body is that it is organic. Meaning that when fed well it behaves well. When given crap it behaves just like that.
Suggestions for self care to improve cognition
In my research I have found that there are dietary supplements that can decrease inflammation and potentially alleviate the damage caused my self induced brain inflammation.
Omega 3
There are many sources for Omega 3 supplementation. This is a vitamin that has to be obtained through food. According to researchers at Harvard university Omega-3 dietary supplementation can be found in fish, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables. (3)
Recently I discovered a company called HVMN who are at the forefront of providing research based herbal nootropics. These supplements have the possibility of improving various functions in the human body. One supplement that they offer has three heavy hitters in one bottle.
According to the HVMN site
“Found in fish and krill oil, Omega-3 acts as a signal in the body and as the building blocks of cell membranes
Omega-3 fatty acids in Kado help the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (D & K)
The main types of Omega-3 fatty acids derived from animal sources are EPA (signaler to help reduce inflammation), DHA (promotes fluidity at synaptic junctions, where memories are formed in neural networks)
Kado contains a high 2:1 ratio of DHA:EPA for cognitive health
Improve memory and reaction time
Supplementation has many other benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health
Can reduce depression
Shown to improve attention, executive function, and memory
Protective against cognitive decline
Helps reduce inflammation and soreness after exercise”
Click here to receive $15 off you first order
Tumeric
The research on the benefits of turmeric has grown tremendously over the last few years. Tumeric has been clinically proven to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of arthritis and depression.
Research has found that combining turmeric with black pepper increases its efficiency.
Gaia herbs has a beautiful supplement called ‘Agile Mind’ that incorporates Turmeric and Bacopa for brain health.
Click here to check out Gaia Herbs plethora of herbal supplements
Have you found something that has worked for you to improve your cognitive function during recovery? Share it with us. Also follow us on social media for updates, and inspiration. Be well, and journey on.
This article is based on my own opinion and is not meant to diagnose or treat any disease or disfunction. If you are in need of medical support please see a medical professional. This article is not sponsored by any of the companies mentioned. All information was gathered on my own and shared with intention to share my experience.
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