Brain Inflammation & Chronic Disease

---

How Brain Inflammation Affects Health

Injury or attack activates a body-wide immune response, with macrophages, leukocytes, and other cells heading to the site of injury or invasion. Cell signaling pathways are activated in circulation to bring more immune cells, eradicate the issue, and ramp up blood flow.

However, the brain operates differently. The vessels within the central nervous system (CNS) are divided from peripheral circulation by a restrictive blood–brain barrier (BBB). Your usual blood immune cells cannot pass this barrier. (1) But ongoing systemic inflammation can erode the BBB over time. Systemic inflammation triggers The brain’s immunity when inflammogens enter the cranial circulatory system.

Microglia form the bulk of innate immunity in the CNS. Generally, they “overlook” what occurs but can be motivated when inflammatory cytokines surpass the BBB. When triggered, microglia summon additional pro-inflammatory cytokines to the scene, and a positive feedback loop further undermines the BBB over time. (2, 3) This leads to an inflamed brain.

The repercussions of minor brain swelling can include: 

Mental exhaustion 

Sluggish reasoning 

Weakness 

Gloominess 

Alterations in vision 

Nervousness 

Our dietary patterns and way of life decisions can prompt synapse irritation—which has destructive impacts on our wellbeing. 

Present-day Way of Life Sets the Phase for Cerebrum Inflammation 

A few current perpetual disorders and ways of life add to systemic irritation that results in neurological aggravation, negatively impacting the cerebrum. 

Vulnerable Gut Wellbeing 

Entrail microbial overgrowth (SIBO), gut microbiota dysbiosis, intestine penetrability, and other intestinal issues can all influence the cerebrum. An undesirable gut adds to neurodegenerative illnesses, including Alzheimer’s infection and Parkinson’s sickness. (6) Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO),

The enteric nervous system is highly connected to the brain through a complex web of neurons and chemical messengers. This connection allows our gut health to influence mood, energy, memory and overall cognitive functioning.

Specific molecules, such as gallic acid, a metabolite of polyphenols from dietary sources, are known to affect the brain positively. On the contrary, bacterial metabolites such as lipopolysaccharides can cause inflammation when ingested.

Unsurprisingly, the current dietary habits of many Americans are fueling a widespread chronic inflammation and disease epidemic. The Standard American Diet comprises ultra-processed foods high in industrial seed oils (like cottonseed, corn, soybean and sunflower), processed sugar and refined carbohydrates, all of which contribute to reduced synaptic plasticity and other impaired cognitive abilities.

The body’s accumulation of excess fat cells has long been known to cause various medical issues. The body’s attempt at storing energy in these fat cells causes them to work overtime and produce excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). This triggers inflammatory responses that have a systemic effect on the entire being, leading to higher levels of cytokines in obese individuals. Studies suggest that losing weight helps alleviate some of these symptoms by lowering the cytokine level.

The brain is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its high metabolic rate and low antioxidant defense. High blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes increase this metabolic rate, thus upregulating ROS production, eventually leading to oxidative stress. Inflammation markers like interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin are elevated in people with diabetes, leading to impaired cognition, brain atrophy, dementia, and neurodegeneration.

This inflammation caused by obesity and diabetes affects the brain differently but can lead to similar outcomes. Neuroinflammation is observable even before significant weight gain in mice, while Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to insulin resistance driven by neuroinflammation.

The Unpredictable Tech Revolution

We are all familiar with the benefits of technology; it can help us stay in touch with family and friends and provide us with news from around the world. But like most other things, too much can harm our brains. Studies indicate that excessive use of digital media is linked to memory loss, reduced empathy, impulsiveness and anxiety. (21) With Google at our fingertips, many of us no longer need to remember facts—it’s become so easy to retrieve information online. We spend more time socializing virtually than with real people in person.

As a result of our reliance on technology, our brains are changing. Receiving emails or notifications causes a surge of dopamine in the reward area of our brain—the impulsive-driven amygdala region. (22) Over time, this could lead to an increased efficiency of this reward system and consequently reduce the gray matter in regions that control self-control and decision-making abilities. Heavy internet users are less able to delay gratification, which leads them to make poor decisions. (23)

Various brain imaging studies demonstrate striking similarities between tech addicts and those suffering from substance addiction. (24, 25) It has been noted that some may even suffer withdrawal symptoms if they are deprived of access to their beloved gadgets. The severity of tech addiction is exhibited by “gaming disorder” being considered an official medical condition. (26)

Stress

Stress can reach deep into the body, creating physical manifestations of itself. When a person is exposed to stress, their gut microbiota changes to produce neurotransmitters sent out on the vagus nerve. Furthermore, gut permeability can become more porous, allowing potentially harmful particles to travel through the bloodstream. Evidence shows that molecules such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin one increase during periods of stress.Unmanaged chronic stress brings a domino effect of health problems, including depression, anxiety and even OCD.

The causes of neuroinflammation are multifold, but most often, it is caused by chronic exposure to environmental toxins and microbes like LPS. (31-32). These can wreak havoc on your brain, even compromising the BBB. Many viral infections, including measles, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and the flu, can activate microglia and lead to rapid inflammation in the brain. This type of inflammation is much more severe than the neurological inflammation discussed previously and requires immediate medical attention as it could quickly progress toward encephalitis or meningitis. The long-term effects of sustained inflamed brains include several health problems, such as cognitive deficits, multiple sclerosis neurodegeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Brain inflammation should be a temporary state to neutralize active threats; otherwise, neural homeostasis will be disturbed, leading to significant health risks. 

Battling Brain Inflammation

---

Technology

Technology can be beneficial in small doses, but too much can have harmful repercussions affecting our judgment, thinking abilities, and impulse control. Take a moment to evaluate your usage and practices. If needed, consider a digital abstinence period for a change of pace.

Fuel Your Brain

Have you ever had a foggy head and wished there was something you could do to clear it? It turns out that what we nourish our body with directly impacts the health of our brains. Eating high-quality foods can help us stay mentally sharp and avoid systemic inflammation.

Unfortunately, the Standard American Diet is full of highly inflammatory items such as industrial seed oils, sugars, and refined carbohydrates. Overindulging in these can impair cognitive function, learning, and memory.

To maximize brain health, switch to nutrient-rich and whole foods like colorful vegetables, fruits, and berries. These are full of antioxidants, proven to protect against oxidative damage. An additional way to support your brain is through nootropic supplementation.

Commune with Nature

Immersing oneself in the natural world is a key to ancestral wellbeing. Soaking up the atmosphere around us can fortify our immune systems while tempering cortisol levels. Even more, it can diminish depression and protect against cognitive impairment. 

Pursue Physical Activity

Exercising regularly brings physical and mental perks. Physical activity boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, also known as neuron growth factor. It further increases the brain’s capability to purge toxins via the glymphatic system and lowers blood-brain barrier permeability. Evidence even shows that exercise dials back neuroinflammation by blocking microglial activation. If you’re looking for a way to care for your health inside and out – exercising may be just what you need!

Ensure Adequate Restful Sleep

As scientists uncover new information about sleep daily, one thing remains certain: it is necessary for good health. Regrettably, 70 million Americans are plagued with sleep-related illnesses; sadly, a third of all people do not get enough restful hours. Sleep loss sets off symptoms of inflammation and interferes with brain function. Also known to cause learning impairments, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease, adequate slumber must remain top-of-mind when making healthy decisions.