Just what is 'leaky brain' anyway?

There is a membrane that separates the blood that runs through our brains from the fluid that circulates through our central nervous system. This is called the blood-brain barrier.

This protective barrier exists around all the small capillaries in our brain and restricts certain microscopic particles from entering the cerebrospinal fluid. There is about 125mL, or two-thirds a cup, of this clear and colorless liquid found both in our brain and spinal cord.

It is regenerated several times throughout the day. This fluid occupies spaces in our skull and around our spinal cord, acting as a buffer to protect us from both physical and immunological damage.

Cere-brospinal fluid comes from our blood and is very similar, though it does not contain the same levels of protein and has different electrolytes. It also has glucose but at lower concentrations. Our brain floats in this body of fluid so it does not loose blood supply by compressing under its own weight. That would not be good.

When we hit our head on something, this fluid also cushions our brain from the shock. The cerebrospinal fluid also allows for removal of wastes from our brain as the fluid is continuously absorbed into our blood stream and lymph system.

Taking a sample of this fluid and analyzing it can tell us if we have multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, a stroke that caused bleeding around the brain, Leukemia, and even dementia or Alzheimer’s.

One very important aspect of this fluid that supports the brain is that is picks up needed supplies from our blood. This is done through a process called diffusion. This is when molecules in our blood stream cross past the protective blood-brain barrier due to a lower concentration of that molecule on the other side.

This is typically a very important and useful process. Our brain needs a lot of lipids, or fatty acids, to function. These, along with water and other nutrients, need to cross the barrier into our brain.

But when the tight junctions get loose that normally let the good things in and keep the bad things out, then problems can happen. This is when a situation called leaky brain develops.

The blood-brain barrier effectively controls the traffic of molecules, including ions and water, in and out of the brain. It is capable of excluding certain substances from the space between our cells.

For some molecules, like peptides, we now know there are special transporters that help shuttle them across this membrane. This is opening the doors to new science that is studying peptides as a way to deliver drugs into the brain.

Toxic substances and inflammatory cells are generally impeded from crossing into the cerebrospinal fluid. But when leaky-brain occurs, these substances can cross into the brain and contribute to inflammation.

Hyper-permeability of the blood-brain barrier can contribute to dizziness, brain fog, headaches, migraines, anxiety, and depression.

There are many factors that contribute to a decrease in membrane function. This includes toxins in our body either from the environment or poor food choices, as well as infections and concussions. Chronic stress and overall inflammation play a role.

Intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, also is associated with leaky brain. It goes well to say that there is a strong connection between gut health and brain health.

There are several things to consider in reducing leaky brain. Limit grains, especially gluten, and other foods you may be sensitive to. Avoid alcohol. Healing your gut is definitely an important step as well as reducing exposure to toxins, especially molds.

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories can be helpful, like taking a phosphatidylcholine curcumin complex. Sulforaphane, an antioxidant made from broccoli, is very potent. As well, Resveratrol has some good studies behind it.

But always start by looking at your overall stress and get plenty of good sleep. I like to take vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids everyday.

Omega 3’s have strong healing benefits for the brain. I look for triglyceride form with no detectable toxins as I don’t want to put more in when I am wanting to reduce inflammation.

There are a few other nutrients that are neuroprotective. Come on down if you’d like to talk more.

Scott Porter, a functional medicine pharmacist, is the director of the Center for Functional Nutrition at Sandpoint Super Drug.