Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
The build-up of a protein called Amyloid plaque in the brain is thought to be the leading cause of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s brain has disruptions and twists called neurofibrillary tangles. These nerve endings become unattached and interfere with the intracellular functions of the brain. Amyloid plaque alters itself into beta-amyloid, which can cause the destruction of nerve cells and exacerbate the formation of twists in the brain. When the tangles form together, they produce excessive masses of plaque, which continues to build up over time and cause more and more disruptions and communication disorders.
As we age the blood vessels in our bodies, including our brains lose elasticity and proper circulatory function. They start to become more inelastic and rigid. When this happens the likelihood of atherosclerosis, the formation of plaque in the vessels, is very high. Atherosclerosis is what causes strokes, and other vascular issues. One sign that this is occurring in your body is the diagnosis of high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Food and nutrition play a huge role in the functioning of our brains. We now know that amyloid plaque is caused by:
• Processed Cheese (causes build up of amyloid protein)
• Processed Meat (nitrates cause the liver to build up fat)
• White Flour (bread, pasta, baked goods)
• Butter Flavoring, diacetyl (chemical in beer, chardonnay, microwave popcorn and margarine)
How to Naturally Alleviate Amyloid Plaque and Inflammation:
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Cold Water Fish
• Berries
• Walnuts
• Green Leafy Vegetables
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Medical Marijuana
Numerous studies have concluded that medical marijuana stops the build-up of amyloid plaque and inflammation in the brain. A study from the Salk Institute in La Jolla, CA found that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana may reduce the amount of amyloid proteins in the brain.
“Inflammation within the brain is a major component of the damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but it has always been assumed that this response was coming from immune-like cells in the brain, not the nerve cells themselves. When we were able to identify the molecular basis of the inflammatory response to amyloid beta, it became clear that THC-like compounds that the nerve cells make themselves may be involved in protecting the cells from dying.”
Medical marijuana is made up of THC, CBD (cannabidiol) and terpenes. The CBD is known to bind to receptors and is thought to regenerate cells and brain function, while THC helps to relax and alleviate the physical symptoms of apprehension. We also are now seeing that THC tamps down inflammatory responses, as well as inhibits amyloid plaque growth. Terpenes in marijuana are the green, healthy healing properties that are similar to those found in leafy green vegetables. However, when these three components are used together, the synergistic effect of healing the body is incomparable.
Dr. Gregory Sonn
Dr. Sonn has been studying and working with medical marijuana for years. He reports very effective results for numerous disorders and disease states, including patients with cognitive impairment such as
dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
You must visit a Physician that is licensed to recommend medical marijuana. To legally purchase and consume medical marijuana in Florida, the person must have one of the specific qualifying medical conditions regulated by the government or have a medical condition that is deemed as appropriate. Dr. Sonn is exceptionally adept and knowledgeable in this practice, drawing from his vast experience as a Palliative Care physician and Family Practitioner.
If you or someone you know has Alzheimer’s or would like to find out more about warding off its damaging effects, please visit IonaCannabisClinic.com or call (239) 689-6819.
IONA Cannabis Clinic
Gregory R. Sonn D.O.
(239) 689-6819
15620 McGregor Blvd, Suite 100
Fort Myers FL 33908
FAX: 866.476.5645
Email: info@ionacannabisclinic.com
Website: www.ionacannabisclinic.com
