Optimal Health

A little reminder to get started. Viruses as messengers As the eminent American physician Zach Bush MD points out, viruses, which are not living organisms, are merely messengers of genetic information between different systems in an environment.  It is our ability to adapt to this information that may or may not be disrupted. And as Louis Pasteur mentioned on his deathbed about his theory on germs: Germs are nothing, it’s the immune system that counts, and Lavoisier was right.  Yet modern allopathic medicine mainly kept Louis Pasteur’s words on germs to develop his theorems and thus support the prevalence of industrial pharmacology, which quickly became the successful market of pharmaceutical companies thanks to diseases. 5 factors that disrupt our immune system The following factors are known to impair our ability to adapt to these messengers and lower our immune system.   1- Stress.  Fear. These two elements of a psycho-emotional nature are known to have a direct impact on the physical body and hinder its ability to build a quality immune system.  By keeping stress-related hormones high, fear and stress are to be avoided and must be replaced by higher emotions of a positive nature that bring a more harmonious cardiac coherence and maintain a more stable health. It is by sometimes cultivating the small details of life and by promoting healthy choices that we have the power to transform these emotions towards gratitude, sharing, love, etc.   2- Sugar. Simple and refined sugars are one of the most crucial elements to take out of the diet in order to maintain optimal health.  To be removed from the diet today, their disruptive effects are often underestimated and pave the way to the unbalancing of the immune system.  They are sometimes hidden in many processed foods.  It is important to promote an anti-inflammatory diet without sugars and with low glycemic variation on a daily basis and by conserving sugar for special occasions.  Visit my article on a paleo anti-inflammatory diet.  A diet of paleo or cyclic ketogenic style in which the body is maintained in « ketosis » until the evening when the body is replenished with certain quality carbohydrates.   3- Lack of sleep. A complete, deep and restorative sleep is essential to maintain daily health.  The body needs rest, especially in times of stress.  The relaxation of the nervous system and the repair of the cells, the deep cleansing, is done at rest, at night.  You can find a set of solutions to promote sleep by reading my article for a deep sleep.     4- Lack of exercise. Sitting all day long is probably one of the worst choices for human beings.  In addition to engaging the movement of muscles, fasciae and the skeletal and nervous system, physical activity circulates the lymph and disposes of cellular waste, activates the heart and breathing, promotes the secretion of neuropeptides favorable to the maintenance of health and happiness!  Always try to move every day, have a practice of movement and breathing such as sports, yoga, dance or martial arts.   5- Lack of sunlight and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is in fact a hormone that activates a large number of special genes to optimize the immune system as well as all the body’s systems.  Vitamin D is necessary for the maintenance of health and in the Nordic countries, unless you spend your time outdoors as indigenous people did, there is a strong chance that the body will lack vitamin D because of the angle of the rays in winter.  The FDA recommendations of 600-800 IU per day are far too low according to Doctor Joseph Mercola and 5000 IU per day can drastically optimize the immune system and the prevention of chronic diseases.   In these critical times, it is important to take the necessary actions to transform our daily life in order to optimize our body’s adaptation to our environment and its information messengers, viruses, as well as to prepare a resilient immune ground.  You can find even more info on the best tricks to boost the immune system here as well as my daily routine to optimize mine.  

COVID-19 – Botanical compounds that help against Sars-cov-2 In my daily practice in Osteopathy in Montreal, I am sometimes asked how to help with the post-covid healing that some people seem to struggle with in order to regain their full health and respiratory capacity.  Not being a doctor, I can only refer them to official sources and one of them is the Institute of Functional Medicine. A few months ago, the Institute of Functional Medicine in the United States issued a list of compounds from medicinal plants that have been studied and would be particularly effective in countering the replication of the Covid-19 Virus in humans. This institute, for those who are not familiar with it, is the cutting edge of modern holistic medicine with a thorough and precise understanding of the systems of the human body in relation to its environment.  With approaches that combine accurate blood testing and screening and treatments that include diet, lifestyle, botanical supplements, manual therapy and certain medications when deemed necessary, functional medicine is becoming an increasingly common approach among experienced physicians, particularly in the United States because of its effectiveness and integrative approach. Their recommendations to fight covid-19 obviously list the hygiene measures recommended by official sources but also emphasize the optimization of lifestyle habits in order to bring the immune defenses to their full potential. The botanical compounds feeding the reflection on the fight against Covid-19 are based on studies and effectiveness against coronavirus strains such as Sars-cov-2.  These compounds called  »nutraceuticals » are defined as immuno-adjuvants, which allow to accelerate, prolong and increase the immune responses of specific antigens. We know that coronaviruses such as sars-cov-2 can be lethal to some individuals with their ability to stimulate an uncontrolled cascade of inflammatory cytokines, which can result in sometimes irreversible damage to the respiratory epithelium.  It is the activation of an inflammatory network called NLRP3 that sars-cov-2 can trigger in some individuals. Why some people more than others? To go further in these details, see my article on Zach Bush MD’s analysis of the pandemic and you will understand the mechanisms of action of virus replication related to the application of glyphosate pesticides, air pollution and interactions with certain medications. Several specific compounds have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the Mpro protease of covid-19, which is vital to virus replication.  Some of these are included in the list below. The following is a list of compounds from their Functional Medicine Institute website to support the body in limiting the inflammatory damage associated with covid-19 replication.  In order to validate the dosages, you can consult their website.  Most of the compounds cited have a much broader list of recognized and demonstrated beneficial effects on human health than the specificity described that accompanies them in this text.   QUERCETINE This compound, naturally present in apples and onions among others, has demonstrated its antiviral effectiveness against RNA and DNA viruses.  It has a role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and signaling agent for post-viral healing. CURCUMINE Extracted from turmeric root, it modulates the NLRP3 inflammatory network and appears to specifically target the main sars-cov-2 protease by inhibiting its replication. EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG) The green tea extract also positively modulates the NLRP3 network and targets the Mpro protease and its replication.  Demonstrates its effectiveness in preventing influenza. N-ACETYL-CYSTINE(NAC) NAC increases the production of Glutathione, one of the body’s natural antioxidants, protecting against influenza. RESVERATROL This well known polyphenol modulates the NLRP3 network and has demonstrated in vitro activity against sea cov. VITAMIN D Activated Vitamin D, is a steroid hormone and a modulator of immune system activity reducing inflammatory cytokines and promoting macrophage function.  It increases the activity of anti-pathogenic peptides and there is evidence that Vitamin D supplementation can inhibit respiratory infections.  According to Dr. Jack Kruse, for most northern countries, it would appear that Vitamin D supplementation is necessary to provide adequate levels for the fall through spring seasons. 5000U per day seems to be the recommendation. MELATONIN Melatonin is a hormone naturally secreted by the body with adequate exposure to the sun and the absence of blue wave light from artificial lighting and screens at night.  It inhibits the NLRP3 network.  Supplementation is necessary in most cases. VITAMIN A Vitamin A is a critical macronutrient for vision, growth and development, as well as for the integrity of epithelia and mucous membranes.  It is anti-inflammatory and critical in its immune role in T cell production and cytokine production. SUREAU Elderberry has a history of being used in traditional preparations to fight viruses and studies confirm this.  Care must be taken in the selection of products containing elderberry and they must be prepared appropriately. PALMITOYLETHANOLAMIDE(PEA) PEA has anti-inflammatory activity linked with the body’s endocannabinoid system.  Found naturally in cocoa and E3LIVE blue algae, studies also demonstrate its potential to limit cytokine cascades and to control respiratory infections. VITAMIN C Vitamin C is well known to support various cellular functions related to the immune system and prevent respiratory infections.  The doses here are more in the range of 1-3 grams per day. ZINC Zinc is often overlooked as an essential mineral for supporting innate and adaptive immune functions and zinc deficiency is common.  Research demonstrates the effectiveness of zinc against respiratory infections and treating viral infections.  Zinc lozenges are becoming increasingly common to fight these infections.  Here again, the doses are particularly high in the 30-60mg daily.     Janeck Olczyk, Ostéopathe – Santé Holistique Osteopath – Holistic Health OptimumOsteo Montréal

  To understand the reality behind the pandemic, we need to listen to and understand the American physician Zach Bush MD, who is bridging several disciplines to elucidate the Covid-19 pandemic.  This eminent physician is recognized by his peers in functional medicine as an « Einstein of medicine » and is one of the few to be three times « Board certified » in the world.  Zach Bush links the importance of biodiversity on earth and our microbiome with soil depletion, agriculture and the dramatic increase in toxins generated by human activity.  He points out how the use of glyphosates in pesticides used in particular on conventional and GMO crops is a virulent disruptor of population health and the rising incidence of chronic diseases is clearly linked since their emergence between 1976 and 1980. The following is a summary of his analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic that highlights the importance of viruses and the complete aberration of the medical system’s response in its management and understanding of the pandemic. What is a virus There are 1031 viruses in the air and again this number in the water and again this unimaginable number in the soil.  That’s more than all the stars in the universe.  We know that there are at least 3 times more bacteria in our microbiome, that is, in the digestive tract and on our skin, than there are cells in our own body.  But there are even more viruses in and on us. It is important to understand that a virus does not fit the definition of a living organism.  It cannot reproduce on its own, does not produce energy, has no metabolism as such.  A virus is a messenger of information, genetic information.  Viruses have been present on the planet for more than 3 billion years and allow the exchange of genetic information between the cells of the same organism and between the different organisms of an ecosystem and of a planet. Some viruses are created by our own cells.  These are called exosomes, vesicles secreted by our cells sometimes in response to exogenous toxic damage or stress to alert other cells in the body. Viruses create proteins and these can be regulated by our system or can become an attack on our immune system when they get out of control.  In fact, the immune system reacts to these proteins and not to the virus itself. The body has the ability to normally regulate the replication of viruses and their proteins within us through certain enzymes in order to receive the genetic information that viruses carry and to be able to make an upgrade, such as an « update » of a computer program. For example, by analyzing blood banks dating back to the 1960s, it was discovered that the AIDS virus was already present in North America, but it was well managed by the population, i.e., it did not create any symptoms. The point is that the body can adapt and manage the genetic codes that viruses share as messengers on the planet.   Understanding the Pandemic The coronavirus of the current pandemic has a very specific link to Ace-2 receptors in the lungs.  This is critical to understanding why some people are at greater risk of developing virulent symptoms in the presence of this coronavirus. Air pollution Polluting emissions from human technology suspend particles known as PM2.5, less than 2.5 microns, which are particularly dangerous to health.  Some of these include a family of cyanide toxins that bind affinity with Ace-2 receptors in the lungs. The coronavirus binds to these particles and together they overload the receptors. Let’s take a look at the rest to understand Glyphosates Glyphosates present in the air, water, food and soil are a range of toxins that are disruptive to the human body.  As undesirable weeds in monocultures become more and more resistant, the doses of Round up and other pesticides are increasing and companies are adding even more toxic products to manage soybean, corn, wheat, etc. crops. Glyphosates in the body prevent the production of certain proteins by inhibiting specific enzyme chains such as Shikimate.  This inhibition prevents the activation of a specific gene that allows the control and adaptation to viruses in general. The use of glyphosates began between the years 1976 and 1980 and since then, the incidence of chronic disease, allergies, autoimmune diseases has only increased.  The AIDS virus began producing symptoms in the 1980s when it was already present in the population long before without any problems. In 1992, the year the United States began spraying wheat monocultures with Round-Up, there was a resurgence of symptoms related to the Hepatitis C virus. The epicentres of the Covid-19 Pandemic were in China in the places where the most glyphosates were sprayed and where air pollution was the highest in all of China.  As was northern Italy, the region with the highest air pollution and where glyphosates are used to prevent adaptation to the virus. Let’s look at other factors to explain the symptoms in older populations with a medical history. Age With age, there is an increase in Ace-2 receptors in the lungs, which allows for the uptake of even more coronavirus and more PM2.5 cyanide. Medication Of the entire population, the people who had the most complications with coronavirus were mainly those with a history of heart disease, kidney problems and diabetes.  Why is this?  They share two common classes of medications.  Statins and cholesterol-lowering drugs, both of which have the side effect of increasing Ace-2 receptors. We’re beginning to understand more clearly what’s going on. Influenza vaccine In addition, studies have just shown that people who have received the influenza vaccine are more likely to develop coronavirus symptoms.  In fact, integrating the genetic information of influenza viruses makes it possible to better assimilate other coronaviruses.  To assimilate the genetic information and to have, as they say, « immunity ». Pandemic cocktail So an older person, exposed to air pollutants, with a medical history and taking specific medication and exposed to

Optimizing your immune system We are all living in this humanitarian crisis. Obviously, as with any damage to our health, some will be more affected than others and some better prepared. The strength of our immune system can have a positive impact in order to counter the reproduction of a virus in our body. I am sometimes asked here in Montreal if osteopathic care can help the immune system? We will see some possible applications while taking into account that any form of bodily tension and damage to health reduces the protective efficiency of the organism because they require an amount of energy or ATP to maintain them. Osteopathy is always a great way to optimize all of the body’s systems. Repairing the digestive tract and relaxing the organs is particularly important since the immune system is affected by a deterioration of the intestinal membrane and a good osteopath can prevent a deterioration in health. I recently listened to a podcast by Dr. Matt Cook, a specialist in infections and immune system in California who offers avant-garde treatments to treat Lyme disease and various serious health problems, among others. I’ve included in this text some relevant information from his speech. How does the immune system work? In fact, the immune system is divided into two, an innate system and an adaptive system. The first is the response to a viral infection or antigen that makes you feel sick. The fever and the various associated symptoms which generally last between 7 and 10 days are the consequences of the innate immune system which defends itself with its different cells and inflammatory responses to take over the invaders. Then the adaptive immune system keeps in memory specific proteins of this viral or bacterial attack and the next contact with this attacker is entirely taken care of by the adaptive system and we have no symptoms of disease. The response of the first immune system, by the response of the fighting cells, is crucial for healing and the presence of fever is in itself a sign of healing and not a sign of disease which must be suppressed with drugs according to Dr. Thomas Cowan , an expert in immunology. It is good to consider that 60% of the immune system, IS, seems to find itself at the border of the digestive tract. So the microbiome and the integrity of the digestive tract is essential in order to prepare a solid foundation for the IS. Adding bone broths and colostrum with their glycosaminoglycans and a whole arsenal of molecules essential to the functioning of the SI seems to be an excellent asset in order to maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall and strengthen the IS. The repair of the digestive tract in itself is a whole subject that would come in a future blog. How does a virus reproduce? A bacteria is said to be invisible to the human eye. If the bacteria had eyes, a virus would be invisible to them. These more than tiny organisms seek to survive inside a host, an animal cell, and hack into DNA transcription mechanisms so that the cell can reproduce their own. Thus viruses can multiply and transfer to neighboring cells. When a cell, or a set of cells, is hit, the immune system sets in motion and sends its fighting cells to the scene to stop the invasion. Edema is created, through the dilation of the arteries, and the ground becomes the site of inflammation. A variety of molecules are secreted to carry out this process and some are pro-inflammatory like cytokines nf-kappa-b (nuclear factor kappa B) and Tnf and some are anti-inflammatory like Nrf-2 which decrease the inflammatory response when the area is under control. However, when the inflammation gets out of control, there is what is called a cytokines storm, when these pro-inflammatory molecules are constantly secreted and perpetuate the general inflammatory. This was the case during the Spanish flu of 1918, which in this particular case rather affected children and young adults, perhaps because older people had passed through the epidemic of the Russian flu to the late 19th century. There was a chain reaction of cytokine production which led to excessive inflammation and possibly dramatic consequences in the lungs, sometimes leading to death from sepsis as well. The same is true for Corona Virus, according to Dr. Matt Cook. The epithelial cells of the lungs, the surface cells, are affected and go into apoptosis, or cell death, which creates even more inflammation. There is edema and less exchange with the outside and therefore less oxygen in the blood and possibly, sepsis and death for some. Boosting the immune system We will see several tips tactics  to stimulate and optimize the immune system. You are also invited to do more research to deepen these means and be able to apply them healthily. 1. Stimulate the lymphatic system The lymphatic system involves a circuit of fluids which circulate thanks to the movement of the body and under the action of muscles and joints. These fluids carry back waste and serve as transport for the immune system. Without movement, there is stagnation and therefore a possibility of developing various symptoms linked to the accumulation of toxins and cellular waste.  Jump, bounce, move and exercise 10 minutes a day, you can jump and bounce, shake the body, dance and engage in physical exercise daily.  Massage Massage has been known for millennia to circulate the lymph. A Deep Tissue massage will seek therapeutic relaxation while activating the lymphatic system. However, if you are already with symptoms of low immunity or fighting a viral attack, refrain from massage or Deep Tissue which will put more toxins in circulation in the body.  Osteopathy Osteopathy is a great way to release internal tensions that block the path of the lymph in order to accentuate the cleaning of cellular waste. A good osteopath will create more mobility in the thoracic frame where several important lymph nodes are

  OPTIMIZING YOUR SLEEP In this blog, we will discuss the main factors that promotes a good night of sleep, essential to both the body and also to an optimal neurogenesis. The system glymphatic, in reference to glial cells the representatives of the immune system in the brain, ten times in numbers compare to the neurons, organizes the cleaning process of the brain during sleep and allows the evacuation of wastes and toxins in the blood circulation. During the sleep: – The muscles are repaired – The organs are repaired – Is the consolidation of the memory – The immune system is strengthened – the brain discharges its wastes and toxins – Neurogenesis is increased – Decreases the presence of stress hormones in the body   When the quantities of sleep or the quality of sleep are not met: – The cognitive functions are decreasing – The memory is less good – The stress hormones are not evacuated – Immunity is decreased – Anxiety and depression increases – Neurogenesis is slowed.   In order to promote a restful sleep, here are the essentials to adopt in your habits of life and your ritual before bed. A routine Develop a routine, a ritual, which causes the body and the mind to prepare for sleep. As for the children, the adults respond favorably to a routine. Examples are reading, a bath, light candles, meditate, do restorative yoga, all these possibility that brings the nervous system in a state of appeasement and favorable to sleep. Screen Avoid the stimulations of movies and the screen of the computer and telephone in general 1h to 2h before sleep. The light projected in the eyes is stimulating for the body and if in addition the emotions conveyed generate a stressful response in the body, it just gets harder to fall asleep.  Some people always being more sensitive than others. Lighting 1h before sleep, lower the lighting ambiance to mimic the natural conditions with the arrival of the night, the body being very sensitive to these stimuli. The candles are a perfect lighting for the preparation for the sleep. Sugar and fluids Avoid simple sugars before sleep as well as the excess fluid, this promotes a deep and restorative sleep. The last meal Notice that the quality of sleep immediately after a heavy meal is impaired, generally less deep. It is favorable to avoid food after 19h in the evening, in an ideal scenario.  An ayurvedic saying is that ‘’After 7pm, food is poison.’’ Caffeine and stimulants Some people take a lot of time before eliminating the caffeine of their system. As well, if you are having difficulties falling asleep, ask your habits of coffee, tea and cocoa, as well as any form of stimulants, in the afternoon and in the evening. Avoiding caffeine the whole day can be beneficial. Alcohol The alcohol initiates usually in first a state conducive to sleep but prevents the steps of deep sleep, necessary for the repair of the brain and the body in general. Total darkness The production of melatonin in the brain is greatly favored in maximum darkness. Thus, avoid light sources in the bedroom, from the dials or the phone and place the ‘’blackout’’ curtains in order to cut the traces of light from the street in cities if you are not in the countryside.  You will generally notice a deeper sleep in the dark. Electromagnetic fields it is favorable to keep the more possible the head, 1 m minimum, away from sources of electromagnetic fields from electrical appliances, dials, or radios, but also away from the wall outlets, generating a disturbance at the level electromagnetic means. Electricity and EMF Observe the difference during a power failure, and observe the deep silence installed. The difference is particularly striking in the urban areas. It is possible to cut off the electric current in the parts of the house or apartment where you sleep, thus fostering a climate more natural and less loaded in abnormal electrical waves for your brain. Nature Nothing is worth the depth of a sleep in full nature, surrounded with forest, far from the wifi waves and the electromagnetic pollution of cities. Adopt sleeping as much as you can  in nature, camping or at least in remote locations in order to enjoy the pleasure of a deep sleep. Earthing In order to reproduce the effect of the direct contact of the skin with the earth, which allows free electrons located in the soil to spread in the body and to have an extremely positive impact on the whole body and mind, there is a system designed in California called earthing. With the assistance of a conductor material and a connection in the round socket of our wall outlets, the ground, the flow of electrons can reach up to us. The effects are the following: – deeper sleep, and more regenerative (cyclists of the Tour de France have used this technology to recover more quickly). – Decrease of the mental restlessness, either for meditation or the focus of an activity, read, write. – Decrease of inflammation in the body. – Decrease of anxiety. For a complete list, refer to the book, Earthing. You can get the sheets of the earthing on the site www.earthingcanada.ca. Plants as allies The following plants, in ascending order of power in their sedative effect, will definitely help you to find an appeasement of your nervous system and promote your route to sleep. Always make sure you check the certain contraindications if you are taking medicinal plants. Each of these plants can be taken in herbal tea or supplement. – Ashwagandha – Chamomile – Valerian – Kava Kava (it may be more difficult to wake up the next day) (Not recommended for people suffering from depression) Stress and the emotions it would be impossible to avoid these key elements which influence sleep. Each has already noticed how periods of stress, the constant stress, and strong emotions, ranging from sadness and grief, anger,

CBD AND ITS THOUSAND QUALITIES   It’s the boom. The boom after years of prohibition on the active components of cannabis. And the green goldrush that carries it. While the plant was already used for its Omega3 ALA and its complete source protein, now it is the psychoactive properties of THC and the extraordinary benefits of CBD that open their doors. Let’s leave aside THC, tetrahydrocannabinol and its psychoactive components that influence sensory perceptions to focus on CBD, one of the 100 and more cannabinoids found in cannabis, and its full range of highly medicinal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. The molecules of Cannabidiol, CBD, are extracted and concentrated to offer its virtues to the human body. The body is composed of receptors as well as chemical molecules naturally conceived in the endocannabinoid network, notably anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG. Anandamide also comes from the Sanskrit term designating the state of bliss. These govern a system of homeostasis with internal changes and external stimuli, stress and stress response as well as the immune system[1]. There is an abundance throughout the human body of the two main receptors, CB1 (in the central nervous system) and CB2 (in the cells of the immune system and distributed around the periphery and in the digestive tract), and a failure of this network is associated with certain medical conditions including ADHD disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), drug dependence, obesity and depression.[2] According to the World Health Organization, CBD acts as an anti-agonist of the effects of THC on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, those to which THC attaches and which provide the euphoric but also addictive effects.  CBD rather acts on these receptors to encourage the endogenous production of anandamide.[3] CBD also influences a receptor belonging to the serotonin network, 5-HT1a, which has a reducing effect on general anxiety.[4] The first drug extracted from cannabis with CBD stood out to treat epilepsy remarkably and particularly two of its most cruel variations, Dravet syndrome and that of Lennox-Gastauf.[5] One of the distinguishing features of CBD is the lack of dependency on short or prolonged use.[6] CBD can give the same pain-reducing effects as some opioid medications without causing the classic addiction.[7] Not only has there been no death from a CBD in the scientific literature, unlike alcohol, tobacco and several pharmaceutical drugs, but most studies fail to demonstrate negative effects for the use of CBD. However, a recent study on mice with high doses of CBD, observed an increase in liver enzymes in a percentage of subjects, suggesting a slight toxic action on this organ, just like alcohol would do. On the other hand, another study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and its positive effect on some liver-related symptoms.   A thousand virtues Let’s now look at the antioxidant, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. CORTISOL REDUCTION AND SLEEP One of the most interesting CBD effects is the protection of the nervous system against stress by acting on the hormonal HPA axis, linking the hypothalamus and the adrenals. CBD greatly reduces the level of cortisol in plasma and therefore it seems very useful for counteracting stress and promoting restful sleep when taken before bedtime.[8] ANXIETY CBD appears to have an anxiolytic effect by reducing the blood circulation of the limbic system parts associated with stress and anxiety, and increases cognition and motivation.[9] This study even demonstrates the benefit of CBD for those who have a stress of public speaking by making the experience more comfortable.[10] EFFECTS ON PARKINSON AND ALZHEIMER It seems to be becoming more and more common to use CBD to counteract Parkinson’s progress. Some interesting studies reveal the therapeutic potential of CBD on neurodegenerative diseases. CBD appears to have an anti-agonist action on GPR6 receptors which increases the production of dopamine and could positively affect Parkinson’s,[11] which is marked by a decrease of this neurotransmitter by basal ganglia and substancia nigra of the brain. This also seems to be the case for Huntington’s syndrome and tremor related diseases.[12] Among the most interesting results are those linked with Alzheimer’s, the disease that causes neuron death, affecting 35 million people and 7.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year.[13] The recognized high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD give it a prominent place in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.[14] Its effects promoting neurogenesis also appear to be acting in the role towards this disease.[15] ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Cannabidiol appears to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent since it induces the state of apoptosis (the programmed death of  » sick  » cells), the inhibition of cell proliferations, the suppression of cytokine production (marking the inflammatory process) and induction of T-regulatory cells. Cannabinoids, with their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory actions, are an effective treatment to overcome the effects of multiple sclerosis.[16] CARDIOPROTECTIVE CBD could have cardioprotective effects. In rodent studies, CBD has a relaxing effect on the arteries and its anti-inflammatory side could protect against heart attacks and strokes.[17] CROHN AND THE INFLAMMATION OF THE DIGESTIVE TUBE The anti-inflammatory action of CBD is also transmitted to symptoms associated with the digestive tract such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, and any other form of inflammation of the tube.[18] Its action uses the endocannabinoid system of the body to decrease the inflammation of the tube, and in particular the interleukin-6 cells in the digestive tract, which is promising treatment for the irritable colon and associated diseases.[19] THE MICROBIOMA, THE TUBE AND THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS In addition, the endocannabinoid system is highly interacting with the intestinal flora. The bacteria appear to interact with the CB2 receptors of the digestive tract and the endocannabinoid network modulates the gut-brain axis by promoting the connection between the two, which positively affects the regulation of good bacteria.[20] NEUROGENESIS The action of CBD via another kind of receptor has been shown to fuel neurogenesis, i.e., the creation of new neurons, in the hippocampus region.[21] MITOCHONDRIA The molecule also seems to have effects on the increase of metabolism of mitochondria, these organelles within the cells that operate

THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER A very important biological function is the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB), which unfortunately runs the risk of becoming permeable. This barrier acts as a filter in the blood which determines which molecules and substances will be able to cross it in order to penetrate into the brain. This barrier is semi-permeable in its natural state and sorts through the materials the brain needs such as glucose, amino acids, fat-soluble nutrients and ketones, and blocks the passage to toxic substances and pathogens. Like the intestinal wall, which can be permeable and whose tight junctions can open to admit undigested proteins and other substances, the brain wall runs the same danger. The integrity of this barrier can be compromised by a variety of factors; exposures to toxic products; chronic inflammation of the body; chronic stress; alcohol; and probably other factors still undetermined. The point is that once the barrier becomes permeable, the brain is vulnerable and an inflammatory cascade ensues that can have serious repercussions on optimal brain function.[1]  A slow and subtle decrease in brain function can begin as well as a feeling of daily mental fog, loss of concentration and memory loss and give way to chronic brain inflammation that can degrade into neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.[2] As the permeability of this barrier is often linked with a loss of integrity of the intestinal wall, it is often related to digestive problems. How is the blood-brain barrier constituted? The BBB is made up of three systems that regulate the entry of molecules between the blood and the blood system of the brain. The physical barrier between the blood and the brain, consisting of a single layer of endothelial cells lining the rim of the walls of the blood capillaries. Specific transporters between the blood and the brain An enzymatic barrier that contains neurotransmitters and enzymes that manage the toxins that come close to it. As the physical barrier containing only a single layer of cell, like the intestinal wall, it can be weakened and thus leave room for the entry of toxic molecules and undigested proteins instigating an inflammatory cascade in the brain by the glial cells. These are the cells of the immune system present between the neurons and are 10x more numerous than the latter. How is the BBB affected? One of the first causes that can affect the regulation of the barrier is lack of sleep or lack of restful sleep. A research team has demonstrated that REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phases in sleep cycles are directly related to the integrity of the barrier.[3] Chronic lack of sleep induces a cascade of problems with normal glucose use and can ease BBB degradation. Chronic inflammation, the evil of the century, linked to constant stress, junk food and environmental toxins is an agent that promotes the degradation of the BBB. Unfortunately, this so common condition seems to have tragic repercussions on the brain.[4] Chronic consumption of alcohol is also another cause studied.[5] The degradation of alcohol in its by-products, which gives this feeling of headache for those who have already consumed too much, creates in the end damage to our precious wall. Another very common factor is high blood pressure. Researchers have found a direct link between this state of tension in the arteries and the integrity of the BBB.[6] It appears that the permeability of the barrier also increases under the effect of certain pathogens.  It occurs also following concussions and also after the inflammation caused by a cerebral  stroke. In the latter case, the integrity of the barrier could be compromised more during the following hours and gradually until four or five weeks after the accident. It is interesting to note that hyperglycaemia following an ACV showed a worsening of the inflammatory effects and an increase in the degradation of the BBB.[7] It appears that the permeability of the barrier also increases under the effect of certain pathogens, following concussions and also after the inflammation caused by a stroke. In the latter case, the integrity of the barrier could be compromised more during the following hours and gradually until four or five weeks after the accident. It is interesting to note that hyperglycaemia following an ACV showed a worsening of the inflammatory effects and an increase in the degradation of the BBB. Although there seems to be little study on this subject that may seem obvious, heavy metals are also a cause of the degradation of the BBB. Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and Mercury are all accused.[8] The last explored factor presents another piece of evidence that proves once again that glycemic stability seems to be a keystone of health. This study demonstrates that the glycemic variability associated with hyperglycemia causes damage to the integrity of the BBB, changes in the transport functions of the BBB for essential nutrients, and oxidative stress in the blood capillaries of the Central Nervous System.[9] It even advances the link between BBB degradation and Beta-Amyloid plaque protein transport between blood and CNS setting the stage for Alzheimer’s disease, now known as Type 3 Diabetes. In summary, here is what is involved in the degradation of the BBB Lack of sleep Stress and chronic inflammation Alcohol Heavy metals ACVs, Concussions and Head Traumas Certain pathogens Hyperglycemia or diabetes I and II   Testing the blood brain barrier The easiest test to see if the barrier is permeable or not according to the specialist in the field, the practitioner of functional medicine Datis Kharrazian N.D., D.C, is to take a capsule of the neurotransmitter GABA and observe if the sedative effects are felt. This molecule is usually too big to pass through a healthy brain wall and if the calming, relaxing and sedative effects of this capsule are felt, it indicates a deficient wall. He proposes to take 1000mg, on an empty stomach, around 6pm and see if the person feels tired, calm, relaxing. In the positive case, this would indicate an impaired BBB.