Brain Diseases Symptoms | Brain Diseases Causes | Brain Diseases Treatments
Home remedies of brain diseases include consumption of multi-nutrient rich diet with inclusion of healthful foods such as fish, flaxseeds, asparagusracemosus wild, licorice, turmeric, Indian gooseberry (amla), drumstick, protein rich foods, cinnamon and green tea. Herbs with neuroprotective qualities such as sage, Asian ginseng, chamomile, kava-kava, ginkgo biloba, brahmi, holy basil, ashwangandha, St. John wort’s herb and lemon balm are also useful in the prevention and treatment of brain diseases. Furthermore, relaxation and breathing techniques, regular physical and mental exerciseand stress-free attitude contributes a lot in curing a range of brain diseases.
What Are Brain Diseases?
Brain diseases are characterized by the malfunctioning of brain or central nervous system which is the super power hub that controls the functioning of the entire body. A healthy brain works promptly and triggers the right connection at the correct time automatically while; a breakdown or problem in the brain may disrupt that functioning and may lead to devastating consequences such as vision loss, paralysis, loss of brain cells and disturbed brain and nerve functioning. Brain diseases are a terrifying spectrum which comes in different forms such as tumors, seizures, infections and trauma affecting different parts of the brain. Most common brain diseases which influence the people across the world are anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, amnesia, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and mental retardation.
Causes Of Brain Diseases
The exact cause of the brain disease may vary for different cases however, scientific findings have revealed that brain health is significantly affected by the environmental, psychological and biological factors and contribute towards the progression of psychiatric disorders.
Psychological Aspects: Psychological factors may include excessive emotional stress, physical or sexual abuse, feeling of abandonment and any negative conditions that promote continuous distress. Basically, it largely depends upon an individual’s response towards stress which determines the role of psychological factor in development of mental disorders and may influence anyone from a small child to a well grown adult. Children neglected by parents or individuals neglected by peers may give rise to the condition of emotional detachment and may eventually contribute in the development of state of depression or anxiety.
Biological Aspects: Research study has suggested that the role of genetics in the development of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, dementia and autism. Prenatal damage or damage caused to the fetus during the stint of pregnancy as a consequence of various reasons such as nutritional deficiencies, exposure to excessive stress, alcohol or drug intake is another major cause of brain diseases in the offspring. Other biological factors like poor general health, nutrient deficient diet, brain injuries, excess exposure to toxins, chemical imbalance in the brain, various infections such as HIV, ear infections, medications side effects or substance like caffeine, drug or alcohol abuse may also pave way for the brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, schizophrenia and anxiety .
Environmental Aspects: The environmental aspect is closely related to psychological feature and complements each other in the progression of brain diseases. Dealing with relationship issues such as parental conflict, parental aggression, divorce, losing a loved one, handling poverty or financial issues, having low self confidence and many other influencing factors in the environment may draw a person towards mental disorders such as depression.
Symptoms Of Brain Diseases
Symptoms of brain disease may broadly differ on the basis of specific conditions ranging from mild indications to a severe impact. Most common symptoms of brain diseases which are not so severe in nature include dizziness, headache, memory loss, photo-sensitivity, nausea, confusion, tinnitus or ringing in the ears, stiffness in the neck and double vision. Intense or serious symptoms of brain disorders include numbness in the limbs, dilated pupils, seizures, spasms and incoherent speech. One should never ignore the signals which the body sends for example- continuous and recurrent severe headaches may indicate migraine headache, tension headache, an inflammatory headache or an underlying serious concern such as aneurysm or weakening of artery walls which may burst. Proper diagnosis is utmost critical to evade lethal consequences.
Home Remedies For Brain Diseases
Home remedies which may provide relief from different brain diseases have been discussed as under:
High-Protein Foods
High protein foods such as eggs, fish and meat may prove useful in the treatment and prevention of many brain disorders owing to the presence of amino acid, creatine in such foods which exerts a defensive effect on neuronal survival. Reduced levels of creatine in the body are associated with the progression of disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and depression. Regular consumption of creatine rich products helps in improving body’s ability to handle stress, prevent energy enervation and neuronal death.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are helpful in preventing and treating various brain diseases such as depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and schizophrenia. This attributes to the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha linoleic acids which gets converted to DHA and contributes fruitfully towards brain health.
Dietary Remedies For Brain Diseases
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice or liquorice is a valuable herb in the treatment of various brain diseases such as conditions related to stress, anxiety and memory loss. Since the older times, roots and rhizomes of licorice have been trusted for their anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. A study conducted on licorice has shown promising results with respect to the improvement in the memory functions and learning ability of the subjects. It also possesses the ability to reverse the effects of amnesia attributing to the tremendous antioxidant profile of licorice. Another study has shown the anti-convulsion action of licorice which helps ameliorate neuronal damage caused in the seizures.
Indian Gooseberry or Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Indian gooseberry is a time-honored remedy trusted for curing multiple disorders including brain conditions. This attributes to the presence of antioxidants, vitamin B, vitamin C and many other healthful components in the Indian Gooseberry which helps in strengthening the immune defense and aids in boosting body’s capability to fight infections and other harmful factors which may cause brain disorders such as schizophrenia. Recent scientific studies have also proved the capability of Indian gooseberry in healing depression, seizures, scavenging free radicals, enhancing memory, reversing the effects of amnesia and management of Alzheimer’s disease.
Eating Balanced Diet
Eating right food at right time with right set of nutrients is one thing which can help you prevent the occurrence the many brain diseases including the Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s diseases, stroke, memory loss to name a few. Natural products are rich in phyto-antioxidants which protect the body including brain cells against oxidative damage and age-related depletion. Foods particularly rich in vitamin C, Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), carotene possesses incredible antioxidant profile which boost the cumulative disease fighting ability of the body. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin B such as folate, vitamin B6 and B12 also plays an important role in reducing the progression of various brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive disturbances and dementia. Healthy diet, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle can help prevent dementia. Opt for an anti-inflammatory diet rich in appropriate food items chosen from all major food groups. Look for healthy fats and diet particularly rich in brain boosting components such as omega-3 fatty acids which is the best researched interface between food and brain development. Keep the consumption of processed, refined and foods with high saturated fats at very low levels and focus more on nuts, fresh fruits and leafy and colorful vegetables. This would keep a check on obesity, inflammations, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and keep your heart and brain healthy.
Asparagus racemosus Wild (Shatavari)
Asparagus racemosus wild, also known as wild carrot is another long-established remedy for treating a broad spectrum of disorders including brain diseases. Scientific research reveals that asparagus is loaded with powerful antioxidants which help in enhancing the memory and provides protection against amnesia attributing to its positive effects on the cholinergic system. Another study has validated the curing effects of Asparagus racemosus against the excitotoxicity and oxidative stress which are few of the chief reasons behind neuronal cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon spice has been prized as a health boosting food which brings relief in numerous health conditions including brain diseases. Scientific studies reveal that cinnamon contains active fat component such as cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate which exerts inhibitory action, cures cognitive impairment and contributes in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.
Fish
Inclusion of fatty fish such as salmon in your diet may also improve your mental health and contributes in healing various disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This again attributes to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids which have anti-depressant actions and helps in improving the mood. Choosing fatty fish over lean fish ensures more DHA and EPA as compared to the latter.
Green Tea
Consumption of green tea has also been found to be effective in anxiety owing to the presence of theanine amino acid. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the brain without cause any major side effect.
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera)
Moringa oleifera extracts have been found to be effective in treating multiple brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and memory impairment. Scientific studies reveal that Moringa Olefeira leaf extracts exert nootropic activity which aids in enhancing memory and possesses tremendous antioxidant potential which fights oxidative stress implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Curcuma or haldi contains neuroprotective components such as phenylheptanoids, monoterpenes and most importantly curcumin which have tremendous antioxidant potential that may prove valuable in the prevention and treatment of various brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s diseases. These components provide immense scale of protection to the neuronal cells and tissues against beta-amyloid depositions and brain lipid peroxidation. Curcuma oil helps in healing many mental disorders owing to its modulatory action on the response mechanism of nitric oxide system to cerebral ischemia injury. It exerts anticonvulsant activities which help in calming the hyper excited state of the brain and is useful in curing brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Herbal Remedies For Brain Diseases
Kava-Kava (Piper Methysticum)
Kava-kava is a wonderful herbal remedy for treating psychiatric disorders attributing to its healing assortment of compounds called kava lactones which possess anxiolytic, sedative, neuroprotective, anti-stress and anticonvulsant qualities. Its healing action include reduced excess secretion of neurotransmitters due to calcium ion channel blockade, improved binding to GABA receptors and inhibition of voltage reliant sodium channels. GABA is a non-essential amino acid which is valuable in curing brain and nerve dysfunction. These tremendous properties of kava-kava herb help in healing anxiety associated with various medical conditions or during special phases like menopause.
Prolonged usage of kava may result in allergic reactions in some people with symptoms like skin lesions and liver toxicity in rare cases. In milder cases, reduced dosage or stopping the use of kava-kava herb temporarily may bring relief in the allergic symptoms. Correct dosage of the herb basis an individual’s age and condition needs to be discussed with a healthcare professional. Also, use of kava is banned/restricted in many countries, so consult your health specialist before use.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a valued medicine which aids in healing from various brain diseases. The roots and leaves of ashwagandha have anti-stress, hypnotic and sedative qualities which makes it an effective anti-depressant remedy. It exhibits remarkable improvement in the factors related to anxiety and is valuable in treating the individuals suffering from depression.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is a neuroprotective herb which is effective in the treatment of multiple brain disorders such as schizophrenia. It improves mental ability, stimulates the flow of blood and aids in the restructuring of brain cells which helps in communicating messages to the entire body. Asian ginseng also helps in accelerating the recovery process from brain diseases caused alcohol’s after effects. Although Asian ginseng has fewer side effects as compared to other competitive drugs, it does interfere with the effect of pharmaceutical drugs such as sedatives, narcotics and heart medicines. It recommended for the people already suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and those taking antipsychotic medications to consult a doctor before considering Asian ginseng for therapeutic purposes.
Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis)
Lemon balm extracts have been found effectual in the treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. According to various scientific researches, oral consumption of lemon balm extracts and topical usage of lemon balm essential oil helps in reducing the propensity of anxiety. It has a sedative effect and works by easily getting absorbed into the skin. Due to the sedative properties of lemon balm, it may interact with other sedative medications and intensify their effects.
Ginkgo Biloba (Maiden hair-tree)
Ginkgo biloba herb is another herb which is helpful in retarding the progression of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This herb contains glycoside, a useful flavonoid and diterpine lactones which are valuable in relieving the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease such as short term memory loss and non-Alzheimer’s dementia.
Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
Sage herb has been used for food as well as therapeutic purpose since the earlier times. Scientific studies have validated the effectiveness of sage herb in ameliorating the psychiatric functions. The leaves of sage plant helps in decreasing the levels of anxiety and aid in elevating the mood. It aids in enhancing the memory functions and is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.