Brain and Neurology Care with Functional Medicine from Toronto
Brain and Neurology Care with Functional Medicine from Toronto
The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre’s integrative approach to brain health
If you’ve been experiencing cognitive issues lately, functional medicine from our Toronto clinic has the potential to recover your cognition.
The brain is an outstanding organ. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the human “think tank” weighs about 3lbs and consists of 60% fat and 40% of a blend of water, salt, carbohydrates and protein.
The brain controls our mental health, balance, vision, body temperature, long- and short-term memory, hunger, fine and gross motor skills, and more. If you notice dysfunction in your neurological-based tasks, it could signify brain or central nervous system discrepancies. Thus, brain care is significant because, as we age, a healthy brain can help avoid or delay the onset of cognitive decline.
To promote brain optimization, our clinic’s integrative approach to wellness can help determine the root cause of your concern. We can also customize a comprehensive treatment plan for your neurological needs.
Our Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine Approach to Brain and Neurology Health
If you were to visit the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) for brain and neurological issues, you would have an integrative medicine consultation; this appointment would explore primary health inquiries and your wellness/medical history. During this session, you and your functional medicine practitioner would also collaborate on customizing a patient care plan for your cognition.
Symptoms of a compromised brain may include:
- Issues with concentration or memory loss
- Having trouble remembering words; short-term and long-term memory issues
- A decline in motor skills
- Having issues with balance and dizziness
- Persistent headaches/migraines
- Previously experiencing concussions (PCS/post-concussion syndrome)
- Unable to stay alert
- Or you’re able to stay alert, but continue to function in a state of confusion or disorientation
- Mood swings
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor sleep patterns
Additionally, those diagnosed with particular medical conditions or who have undergone particular experiences are at risk of cognitive decline or impairment: traumatic brain injuries, neurotoxin exposure, alcohol and/or substance abuse, select vitamin deficiencies, Parkinson’s, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic diseases.
The TFMC applies integrative medicine to treatments, which allows us to address a wide range of health issues through a blend of conventional, complementary & alternative medicine. We adhere to the functional medicine model, which views each patient as a distinctive entity. A functional medicine health care provider acknowledges that no two patients are alike. This means that every recommendation from our clinic is based on individual dynamics, including lifestyle factors, diet (nutritional deficiencies), the type of wellness goal in mind, family history/genetics, and surrounding environment.
For brain and neurological care and symptom management, the TFMC practices integrative and functional medicine, while emphasizing different modalities: naturopathic medicine, Western medicine or allopathic treatments, Eastern medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, preventative medicine, IV vitamin therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and other clinical therapies.
Functional medicine testing may be recommended for patients concerned with brain impairment. This is because lab testing helps our functional medicine team get an accurate diagnosis and how to go forth in personalizing treatments.
Take note: NAD IV Therapy support can promote recovery from substance compulsion and withdrawal symptoms. Our clinic offers NAD drip adjuct support, which also addresses brain optimization through our neurorecovery program.
Click here to learn more.
Functional Medicine Treatments From Our Toronto Clinic
After diagnosing your condition, our functional medicine practitioners will discuss treatment methods for targeting brain and neurology issues. These treatments are recommended for your individual symptoms and aim at addressing the triggers.
Some of these treatments include (but are not limited to):
- Dietary changes: Blood sugar imbalances and poor nutritional status can influence brain functioning. For instance, beta-carotene in one study was found to have a positive link to cognition, especially in octogenarians and centenarians. Another study revealed that long-term use of beta-carotene in men age 65+ could optimistically impact cognition, the ability to list words and verbal recall. Our functional medicine health care team can recommend ways to improve nutrition for brain care, such as dietary changes, tailored oral supplements, medications and IV vitamin therapy treatments.
- NAD IV therapy: Known as intravenous vitamin therapy, NAD IV therapy from our IV Lounge could promote brain optimization, help alleviate brain fog and boost energy levels. An NAD IV is inserted directly into your bloodstream and bypasses the digestive tract, making the nutrients immediately available for the body to absorb. NAD IV therapy from our Toronto practice can be combined with an assortment of nutrients, including amino acids and glutathione.
- Bioidentical hormones: Hormone imbalances can affect brain function and mood. In fact, irregular hormones are known to cause insomnia and memory loss. The brain is optimally functional when hormonal fluctuations are consistent. But it can be difficult to optimize brain functioning when hormonal imbalances are causing neurological difficulties, like brain fog. In this case, we may consider hormone balancing or replacement with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.
- Supplements: A personalized restorative medicine plan may include customized and uniquely formulated nutraceuticals. The supplements we recommend have the potential to promote physiological benefits and help prevent chronic diseases and neurodegenerative disease.
- Heavy metal chelation/detoxification: Did you know that memory issues and brain fog are symptoms of heavy metal toxicity? If you’ve been exposed to heavy metals, heavy metal testing and treatments may be beneficial for neurological concerns. Depending on the severity of your exposure, chelation therapy may be the treatment of choice. Chelation therapy is a treatment that eliminates heavy metals from the blood. Through functional medicine testing, our Toronto clinic can determine if heavy metals are triggering your brain health issues.
Take note: NAD IV Therapy support can promote recovery from substance compulsion and withdrawal symptoms. Our clinic offers NAD drip adjuct support, which also addresses brain optimization through our neurorecovery program.
Click here to learn more.
Overall, maintaining cognitive function and brain health beforehand could help maximize brain function and avert or delay the onset of age-related decline. So let’s get you started on the path towards optimal health with our clinical care.
Contact the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre for Brain Care
The TFMC is currently accepting new patients who are committed to meeting their health goals. If this is you, feel free to reach us! Let’s recuperate your concentration levels with quality care and an individualized, patient-centred, science-based approach.
Our clinic has a special interest in holistic and conventional medicine. Our functional medicine-practicing naturopathic doctor, medical doctor, and nurse practitioner are devoted to helping patients reach optimal health. Health care can be a collaborative approach and positive personal experience between the health practitioner and patient – our local clinicians follow this functional medicine wisdom.
Our integrative approach to health care can be applied to other chronic and acute health concerns. Conditions that our private practice supports include: hormone imbalances, chronic conditions, chronic pain, digestive issues, postmenopausal health, infertility, and other health issues.
How can we upgrade your focus, memory and overall wellness? Let’s figure out the root cause of your neurological concern. Call (416) 968-6961 or send a message to save your spot for functional medicine in Toronto.
References:
“Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works” by John Hopkins Medicine, viewed on March 16, 2022.
Chea EP, Lopez MJ, Milstein H. Vitamin A. [Updated 2021 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482362/
Fulgenzi A, Ferrero ME. EDTA Chelation Therapy for the Treatment of Neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(5):1019. Published 2019 Feb 26. doi:10.3390/ijms20051019
Gómez-Pinilla F. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(7):568-578. doi:10.1038/nrn2421
Grodstein F, Kang JH, Glynn RJ, Cook NR, Gaziano JM. A Randomized Trial of Beta Carotene Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Men: The Physicians’ Health Study II. Arch Intern Med. 2007;167(20):2184–2190. doi:10.1001/archinte.167.20.2184
Johnson EJ, Vishwanathan R, Johnson MA, et al. Relationship between Serum and Brain Carotenoids, α-Tocopherol, and Retinol Concentrations and Cognitive Performance in the Oldest Old from the Georgia Centenarian Study. J Aging Res. 2013;2013:951786. doi:10.1155/2013/951786
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68. Published 2016 Jan 27. doi:10.3390/nu8020068
Suh SW, Kim HS, Han JH, Bae JB, Oh DJ, Han JW, Kim KW. Efficacy of Vitamins on Cognitive Function of Non-Demented People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2020; 12(4):1168. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12041168
Understanding the Aging Brain: Toronto Functional Medicine Centre Q&A’s
It’s not uncommon for our Toronto functional medicine clinic to help patients with brain health concerns. Here, we answer some questions about the aging brain and its connection to diet, gut health, hormones, and more.
First, it must be understood that aging naturally alters your physique, hormonal balance, and the brain’s chemical reactions and structure. The Postgraduate Medical Journal states that both brain volume and weight lower with age, “… at a rate of around 5% per decade after age 40…”
Thus, slight cognitive blips may ensue (i.e. trouble recalling names, delays in processing information, etc.). But this does not necessarily cause concern for dementia. Some memory loss is expected and may not be problematic as long as it doesn’t obstruct your daily life. But if you’ve noticed that cognitive lags are affecting your everyday tasks, that you’re having trouble recalling new information, and/or you have a medical condition that affects your reasoning, formal health interventions may be advised.
Keep in mind, we’re unique individuals with different biological needs. We may experience aging symptoms differently due to genetics, nutrient levels, environmental factors, hormones, disease conditions, etc. With that, we firmly advise you consult with your healthcare provider for any concerns about memory loss and other cognitive issues. A functional medicine practitioner in Toronto may be consulted if you prefer a tailored treatment plan.
Both lifestyle factors and environmental exposures (i.e. pollution, heavy metals) can impact your current and future brain health status.
According to a Scientific Reports article, 40% of dementia cases could potentially be delayed or prevented by removing certain risk factors, such as smoking. Here are some examples of how your surroundings and lifestyle may hinder brain function:
- Regular alcohol overindulgence: Alcohol overconsumption can impair brain cells. This is discerning if you’re on prescription medications that should not be combined with alcohol.
- Smoking and air pollution inhalation: Inhaling pollutants can boost inflammation in the hippocampus, which is where memory and learning are emphasized in the brain.
- Sedentary living: Spending excessive time sitting each day has been linked to thinning in a vital brain region known as the medial temporal lobe (MTL) — an area responsible for memory formation and consolidation, emotional regulation, and spatial navigation. The gradual thinning of this region may contribute to cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. Research has shown that longer periods of inactivity are associated with an increased rate of MTL thinning over time.
- Lack of good quality sleep: According to a MEDtube Science article, “When one sleeps, the brain reorganizes and recharges itself, and removes toxic waste byproducts which have accumulated throughout the day.” Thus, 7 hours of sleep minimum is recommended to support cognition.
- Poor diet: According to a Nature Mental Health article, people who eat a balanced diet tend to have healthy brain functions, such as fluidity in solving problems and performing executive functions.
Making healthy lifestyle decisions can potentially support the aging brain. These positive changes can help prevent or delay additional chronic symptoms and foster disease prevention down the road.
There are various ways to adapt your lifestyle to support the aging brain! Consider some of these tips:
- Adopt the Mediterranean Diet: According to a study, the Mediterranean Diet was shown to positively alter cognition after people consumed it for 10 weeks. This diet has also been linked to decreased amounts of beta-amyloid peptides in the brain; increased amounts of beta-amyloid are related to the formation of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Get regular exercise: Moderate amounts of physical activity support the formation of blood vessels and help strengthen the health of brain cells. Regular exercise also helps manage stress, potentially leading to mental health improvements.
- Quit smoking: Studies show that smoking could fast-track aging in the brain. Cigarette smoke contains unwanted amounts of lead, iron, and copper and when excessive quantities are inhaled, they can contribute to cognitive decline.
- Get enough sleep: Evaluate your current sleep routine to see what needs to be changed. Remove electronics from the bedroom and refrain from eating a heavy meal before bed.
Along with the tips above, adopting healthy habits could benefit your cognition, immune function, and several aspects of health. To determine how your daily living should change, consult a functional medicine practitioner for a personalized medicine approach to your brain health.
Cognitive decline is the slow diminishment of thinking skills, such as focus, thought, learning and recall. As we explained in the section “Is it “normal” to experience memory loss with age?”, these cognitive shifts are in response to aging. But this doesn’t mean you can’t continue to understand new information; you may just require extra time to learn and perform some tasks. “There is growing evidence that the brain maintains the ability to change and adapt so that people can manage new challenges and tasks as they age,” confirms the National Institute on Aging (NIH).
Cognitive decline is experienced differently between people, as risk factors can exacerbate it. The following are potential risk factors that can increase the severity of cognitive decline:
- Genetics
- Poor cardiovascular health
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol overindulgence
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Lack of physical activity
- Injuries (i.e. concussion)
- Hearing loss
- Hormone imbalance
- Misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications
- High cholesterol and blood pressure
- Lack of socialization
- Depression and anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Certain health conditions (i.e. Alzheimer’s, diabetes, etc.)
If poor memory is affecting daily functioning, such as issues recognizing people or getting lost in familiar settings, please see your healthcare provider. Understanding the causes of cognitive decline can inspire us to apply lifestyle modifications to help prevent or delay aging concerns. A functional medicine doctor may be of assistance to customize a strategy for your unique brain health. Functional lab tests may be recommended, too, to measure vitamin levels, oxidative stress, inflammation, etc.
Also referred to as MCI, mild cognitive impairment is when you experience memory loss or the loss of another cognitive ability (i.e. language) – however, this type of loss is at an early phase. A person with MCI can still live independently and fulfill daily tasks, but the cognition changes are perceptible by the person affected and family/friends.
When you have MCI, you may or may not form dementia. But MCI can be an indicator for nutrient deficits and some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. It may also result from a stroke, concussion, or poor mental health. Also, some prescription medications can impair thinking and this may be mistaken for MCI. It’s imperative to see a healthcare provider when you notice changes in cognitive functions.
There are ways to adapt or aid your memory if you have MCI. Here are some examples:
- Sticking to a regular daily routine
- Making use of lists, agendas, calendars, etc.
- Socializing regularly
- Refraining from alcohol and other harmful substances
- Consulting with a mental health expert (i.e. psychotherapist)
An integrative and functional medicine provider can scrutinize your risk factors for MCI and tailor a comprehensive treatment plan. This may involve using functional lab tests to help explore underlying concerns. For instance, vitamin D and B12 nutritional deficiencies have been linked to cognitive drops; if your body is lacking these nutrients, supplementation may be advised. Due to the fact that MCI forms disparately between patients, a personalized medicine approach is advised.
Also referred to as MCI, mild cognitive impairment is when you experience memory loss or the loss of another cognitive ability (i.e. language) – however, this type of loss is at an early phase. A person with MCI can still live independently and fulfill daily tasks, but the cognition changes are perceptible by the person affected and family/friends.
When you have MCI, you may or may not form dementia. But MCI can be an indicator for nutrient deficits and some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. It may also result from a stroke, concussion, or poor mental health. Also, some prescription medications can impair thinking and this may be mistaken for MCI. It’s imperative to see a healthcare provider when you notice changes in cognitive functions.
There are ways to adapt or aid your memory if you have MCI. Here are some examples:
- Sticking to a regular daily routine
- Making use of lists, agendas, calendars, etc.
- Socializing regularly
- Refraining from alcohol and other harmful substances
- Consulting with a mental health expert (i.e. psychotherapist)
An integrative and functional medicine provider can scrutinize your risk factors for MCI and tailor a comprehensive treatment plan. This may involve using functional lab tests to help explore underlying concerns. For instance, vitamin D and B12 nutritional deficiencies have been linked to cognitive drops; if your body is lacking these nutrients, supplementation may be advised. Due to the fact that MCI forms disparately between patients, a personalized medicine approach is advised.
Studies have shown that the gut microbiome can influence cognition. “A well-balanced gut microbiota may help reduce inflammation, which is linked to neurodegenerative conditions,” says a Nutrients article.
The brain and gut “talk” to each other through the nervous system, and this is known as the gut-brain axis. It’s been confirmed that this axis helps regulate your digestive health, mental health, pain levels, immune function, hunger, and cognitive function. Some conditions, such as Parkinson’s, IBS, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain, are linked to dysfunctions in the gut-brain axis.
In our fast-paced Western world, there are several pressures to “keep up” with a busy schedule. This may include eating fast-food options often, which can impede gut health and, over time, potentially promote poor brain functioning. Healthy interventions are key to improving gut and brain health elements – start improving your gut and brain with these tips:
- Look into prebiotics and probiotics to replenish “good” bacteria in your gut.
- Explore new stress management techniques, such as psychotherapy, acupuncture, or meditation.
- Exercising can enhance beneficial bacteria in the microbiome, while fostering bacterial diversity. So, get jogging to experience those feel-good endorphins!
- Speak to a naturopathic doctor about food recommendations for your gut. The Western diet has been linked to the formation of several chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s. You may be advised to adopt a Mediterranean-based Diet, which embraces leafy greens, olive oils, and fresh fish.
Please consult with a functional medicine clinic to customize a treatment plan for your gut-brain concerns.
Studies have tied healthy diet regimes to optimizing cognitive function, mental health, and ideal amounts of grey matter inside the brain. Eating processed food items should be limited, as they’ve been linked to the formation of some neurological conditions.
Some functional health practitioners (i.e. naturopathic doctors) may recommend the MIND diet, which is short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. This combines different diet regimes and focuses on foods for potentially improving brain health.
Some of the foods emphasized in the MIND diet include:
- Olive oil: In a 28-year study on American adults, it was shown that, “…higher olive oil intake was associated with a lower risk of dementia-related mortality, irrespective of diet quality,” reported an investigation from JAMA Network Open.
- Nuts: Ingesting 60g of mixed nuts daily has been shown to boost brain blood flow and improve verbal memory.
- Leafy greens: One cup of leafy greens daily could help decelerate cognitive decline. This may be due to the vegetables’ rich nutrients, such as vitamin K, folate, beta-carotene, kaempferol, and alpha-tocopherol.
- Fish: Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are shown to be crucial for optimizing cognitive health by reducing inflammation.
- Whole grains: “Greater intake of whole grains… is consistently associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, both of which are associated with cognitive decline,” confirms an article from Advances in Nutrition.
- Berries: These offer neuroprotection due to its amount of flavanols, which are types of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory functions.
If you have any queries about your nutrition and brain health, please speak to your healthcare provider.
Hormones are chemical messengers that stimulate body systems to perform tasks. It’s mandatory for the human body to maintain a unique balance between all hormones. When this balance is ‘off’, it can contribute to surprising symptoms, such as cramping, hair loss, weight fluctuations, mood swings, and cognitive concerns.
The status of the aging brain can be affected by the decline of estrogen in women and testosterone in men. According to a Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience piece, “… loss of sex hormones has been suggested to promote an accelerated aging phenotype eventually leading to the development of brain hypometabolism, a feature often observed in menopausal women and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease (AD).”
If you opt for the functional medicine approach, don’t be surprised if hormones are mentioned. Here’s a brief list of how some hormones can contribute to neuroprotection, recall, and other cognitive functions:
- Insulin: Has roles in fostering attention span, learning, and executive function.
- Testosterone: Low testosterone levels can affect sexual health, mood swings, and poor energy levels.
- Estrogen: Optimal amounts affect the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, two regions in the brain that are responsible for various cognitive tasks.
- Progesterone: Ideal amounts in the body may offer neuroprotective effects; the hormone is also linked to verbal processing.
- Cortisol: Low amounts can impair emotional regulation; high cortisol levels are correlated with brain atrophy and poor memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
Functional medicine therapies are advisable for dealing with hormones and the aging brain, as treatments are individualized. Testing may be recommended to further investigate hormones, inflammation, oxidative stress, and other factors that can contribute to thinking troubles.
Brain functioning requires a certain amount of nutrients. But a poor diet of ultra processed foods, combined with chronic stress, fatigue, and hormone changes (i.e. irregular periods), can be the source of nutrient deficiencies. Some of these deficits can manifest as brain fog, sluggishness, absentmindedness, depression, and poor focus.
The following are nutrient deficiencies that can potentially impede cognition. When these shortages are treated with a balanced diet, exercise, and other functional medicine therapies, they may contribute to enhancing brainpower:
- Vitamin D: Recall issues can be caused by mood disorders. Optimal vitamin D levels can reduce your risks for depression, cognitive decline and brain fog.
- Iron: Lacking this may lead to “…short-term and long-term impacts on psychomotor development, cognition, and social behavior…,” explains a Pharmaceuticals article.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: In one study, enhanced serum DHA was shown to lead to “…better non-verbal reasoning, mental flexibility, working memory and vocabulary in 35 to 54 year-olds with no neuropsychiatric disorders and no supplemental fish oil use,” confirms a Nutrients article.
- B12: One study found that when people who lacked B12 alleviated this deficiency with supplements, they were able to improve language, memory, and attention span.
- Choline: This essential nutrient is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps form memories and supports brain synapses.
Consulting with a functional health provider may be beneficial, as various lab tests can scrutinize your personal vitamin and mineral levels. Your treatment plan may include dietary changes, nutraceuticals, and if necessary, adjunct intravenous therapy may be prescribed.
Key Takeaways
- The brain responds to aging, so it’s normal to experience some memory setbacks. But when this affects daily functioning and independence, a healthcare provider can rule out underlying issues and discuss treatment options.
- Ignoring nutrition, smoking cigarettes, frequent exposure to pollutants, and lacking sleep can promote cognitive decline. Lifestyle modifications may help with preventing or slowing down the formation of neurodegenerative conditions.
- Cognitive decline is when some aspects of thinking gradually wane, affecting learning, memory, and concentration levels. If you have cognitive decline, you can still learn new things. However, it affects people differently due to family history/genetics, hormone levels, mental health status, etc.
- If you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), you can still live independently and perform everyday tasks – but mental changes are noticeable by loved ones and the person with MCI. MCI does not always lead to dementia; but it may be a symptom of nutrient inadequacies and neurodegenerative conditions.
- Dementia is when nerve cells are damaged in specific brain regions, triggering a progressive loss of cognition. It may be exacerbated by poor lifestyle factors and certain health conditions. Health interventions are necessary for dementia to be managed.
- The gut and brain communicate through the nervous system (the gut-brain axis). Poor gut health has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s.
- Eating processed foods can contribute to forming some conditions, including Alzheimer’s. The MIND diet may be adopted to potentially prevent/delay age-related brain concerns.
- Vitamin deficiencies can cause forgetfulness, mood swings, and poor concentration levels. Replenishing the body with key nutrients, such as vitamin D and B12, may be needed for optimizing brain health.
- Some hormones (i.e. adrenal and sex hormones) can affect cognition. When hormones are off balance, the brain may respond with poor attention span, depression, and memory issues.
Let’s bring zest back into your mental performance! Confront your cognitive concerns with our functional medicine clinic in Toronto. Request a consultation with one of our clinicians here.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.
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