Positive Outlook in the New Year: How Detoxing the Brain with These 3 Critical Supplements Can Help*

Mercury fillings, conventionally-grown vegetables, air fresheners, food wrappers—we are continually exposed to toxins every day. What do heavy metals, pesticides on our produce, phthalates from air fresheners, and forever chemicals from food wrappers have in common? Like many toxins, they all harm cognitive function and contribute to low mood, by damaging neurons or promoting neuroinflammation. Human studies are mounting that show these everyday toxins are taking a harmful toll on the brain and on emotions. The New Year is an ideal time to address toxic overload as an often-overlooked cause of sadness, low mood, and cognitive decline. 

An abundance of research shows that toxic exposure can lead to neuroinflammation that can result in:

• Mood changes
• Neurological problems
• Cognitive effects

In this article, we’ll discuss the scientific connection between toxins, mood disorders, neuroinflammation, and neurological health. Then we’ll recommend three powerful DaVinci® detoxification supplements to help protect the brain from unwanted toxins, support a healthy inflammatory response in the brain, and promote cognitive function and positive mood.* 

How Toxins Affect Your Patients’ Mood*

Everyday chemicals pose a significant risk to cognitive and emotional health. Human studies show that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), referred to as “forever chemicals,” phthalates, and heavy metals all interfere with a positive mood and well-being. 

PFAS are widespread persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have been linked to low moods in humans.¹ One group of reviewers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2005-2018) to analyze the correlation between PFAS and sad emotions in U.S. adults.¹ Included in the study were 12,239 adults aged 20 years or older who had serum PFAS measured. The higher the serum PFAS levels, the higher the score for low mood. 

Other research in pregnant immigrant women in San Francisco indicates that higher PFAS levels are associated with decreased mental well-being during pregnancy.²  Similar research in pregnant women living in China found that increased PFAS during pregnancy was linked to an increased risk of sadness and despondency for up to six months after giving birth.³ 

Exposure to phthalates may also predispose adults to an increased risk of sadness and despondency, according to an analysis of data from NHANES (2005 to 2018).⁴ Additionally, in the elderly, higher levels of urinary phthalate metabolites are associated with reduced mental well-being.^5,6 

Heavy metals like cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic are known to impact mood and mental well-being.⁷ These heavy metals alter the genes involved in oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and antioxidant protection.⁷ 

Animal studies have shown that air pollution can harm the brain. Harmful substances in particulate matter from air pollution are known to deposit in the prefrontal cortex of rats and trigger neurotransmitter imbalances that adversely affect mood.⁸ 

A Primary Mechanism of Toxin-Related Cognitive Problems

 Any damage to the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to an inflammatory response in the brain.⁹ Likewise, exposure to toxins can trigger neuroinflammation, which in turn can lead to neurodegenerative and other cognitive problems and impacts to mental health.¹⁰ For example, air borne pollutants enter the body through the respiratory system, migrate to the bloodstream, and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to inflammatory responses in the CNS.¹¹ 

The Effect of Toxins on Neurons and Cognitive Function

On-going environmental exposures result in persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, causing neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment.¹¹ As an example, these effects are seen in veterans exposed to military burn pit toxins. They have higher rates of neuroinflammatory markers, accelerated cognitive decline, and enhanced risks of neurodegenerative disorders.¹¹

Certain pesticides, the solvent trichloroethylene, and air pollution all disrupt neuronal health. Pesticides in particular are harmful to dopaminergic neurons. Researchers have found a correlation between damage to these neurons and the use of the pesticides rotenone and paraquat, which damage the mitochondria and cause oxidative stress.¹² Organochlorine pesticides also are detrimental to dopaminergic neurons.¹³ 

The risk of neuronal damage from exposure to these pesticides extends beyond that of farmers using them on crops. Studies have found an increased risk of neuronal harm to people living near farms or vineyards.¹⁴ Exposure to pesticides may also promote a faster progression of neuronal loss.¹⁵ 

Three Detoxification Supplements Critical to Brain Health*

The first step in toxin removal is, of course, to eliminate exposure as much as possible. Detoxification supplements can help defend against the inevitable exposure that occurs despite our best efforts to remain toxin-free. Specific liver cleanse supplements can enhance Phase I and II detoxification, ensure toxins are eliminated via the GI tract, and simultaneously support well-being, mood, and brain health.* 

Multiphase Detox™

Multiphase Detox™ is specially formulated to assist the body with Phase I and II detoxification pathways and in the detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins.* In Phase I detoxification, the liver prepares the toxin for processing by breaking it down so that it is more water soluble and easier to work with. During Phase II, the unstable toxin is then attached to a molecule (such as an amino acid or a methyl group) where it can easily and safely be removed from the body. 

The ingredients in Multiphase Detox™ provide targeted support to Phase I, II, and the pathway of elimination, which is commonly known today as Phase III detoxification.* 

Amino Acids

The formula contains important amino acids for supporting normal liver repair like glycine, glutamine, and taurine that bind to toxins in Phase II.* In addition, emerging research indicates glycine supplementation may have beneficial effects after exposure to the herbicide glyphosate.*¹⁶ The amino acids also are building blocks for glutathione, a heavy metal chelator and “the master antioxidant."* 

Botanicals

Ingredients like Siliphos® Silybin Phytosome™—a patented form of milk thistle’s active component silymarin—supports the liver’s ability to rid the body of toxins.* Silymarin also is neuroprotective, indicating it has a dual role in liver and brain health.*¹⁷ 

CurcuWIN® turmeric extract enhances liver health by supporting bile production.* The liver makes bile to remove toxins through the intestines. Furthermore, curcumin is neuroprotective, due to its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response in the brain and reduce oxidative stress.* ^18,19 Research suggests it can maintain cognitive function in animal models of traumatic brain injury.¹⁸ 

Chlorella-Cracked Cell Powder binds with heavy metals and unwanted elements like mercury, lead, and cadmium to help clear them from the body.*^20,21 

Other Powerful Ingredients

N-acetyl-L-cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, and LeucoSelect® Phytosome™ (grape seed extract) all neutralize free radicals while supporting liver health.* Free radicals are a unhealthy byproduct of Phase I detoxification and can be harmful. That’s why Multiphase Detox™ contains ingredients that help make free radicals harmless, while supporting Phase II and Phase III clearance of toxins as well.*

MultiPhase Detox™ contains the probiotic Bacillus coagulans to support intestinal wellness and elimination.* The B. coagulans used in this formula is from a vegetarian, dairy-free source. Burdock root is included in MultiPhase Detox™ as a source of the prebiotic inulin and mucilage, which soothes the GI tract.* 

Glutathione with Provail®

All cells in the body make glutathione, but it is especially important to detoxification in the liver.* Glutathione binds to a wide range of toxins and makes them easier to remove from the body.* Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to boost glutathione levels with supplements because most glutathione supplements are not easily absorbed. However, DaVinci® Laboratories overcame this obstacle by formulating a glutathione supplement with 2.5 times better bioavailability.*²² This Glutathione supplement uses polymerized whey protein to coat the glutathione to help maintain its structure as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract. This novel delivery system, Provail®, allows glutathione to be properly absorbed and reach the tissues where it’s needed most.*

Methyl Benefits™

Methylation is a critical biochemical pathway that, if in tip-top shape, can help to ward off toxic effects on the liver and the brain.* Methylation helps the liver in Phase I and Phase II detoxification.* In Phase II methylation, a methyl group (-CH4) is bound to unwanted toxins, medications, and even hormones, making it easier to clear them out of the body.* B vitamins, which are fundamental players in the methylation pathway, are also important cofactors in Phase I and Phase II liver detoxification pathways.*

Methylation doesn’t stop there. It is not only important to detoxification; it also promotes neurological health.* Methylation helps make feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to mental health.* When the methylation pathway is running well and has adequate B vitamins, such as folate, the result is a good mood.* On the flip side, if methylation is weak due to low B vitamins, it can contribute to sadness or the blues. 

Methyl Benefits™ from DaVinci® Laboratories is formulated with active forms of B vitamins that support liver and brain health.* These active forms of folate, vitamins B6, and B12 don’t have to be converted by the body before use so that they can get to work immediately supporting healthy methylation.*

Detox the Body and the Brain*

People who are exposed to toxins are vulnerable to cognitive and emotional challenges. Toxins like phthalates, forever chemicals, and heavy metals are significantly linked to low mood. Pesticides and air pollution are harmful to dopaminergic neurons and can lead to neurodegenerative disorders. There’s little doubt that toxic exposures are holding back brain health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function.* 

After eliminating chemical exposures as much as possible, consider a comprehensive brain health protocol that tackles the often-overlooked problem of toxicity. Give patients a fresh, new start by lowering toxins, controlling neuroinflammation, and optimizing brain function.* By using Multiphase Detox™, Glutathione with Provail®, and Methyl Benefits™, you can set your patients on a path to better emotional and cognitive health.*

References

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.