Dr. Datis Kharraizan | Practical Solutions For Brain-Based Fatigue
Jul 20, 2024
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Dr. Datis Kharrazian, a functional medicine provider, discusses brain-based fatigue, cortisol patterns, circulatory health, vagus nerve function, chlorine exposure, and gut microbiome diversity with a focus on practical solutions for brain health and preventing neurodegeneration.
Managing cortisol levels is crucial for brain health and avoiding brain atrophy.
Identifying unique brain patterns can help uncover root causes of chronic fatigue.
Maintaining good circulatory function requires lifestyle changes, especially physical activity.
Deep dives
Effects of Cortisol on Brain Function
Elevated cortisol levels have various negative impacts on brain health. Cortisol can thin the blood-brain barrier and break down the gut barrier, leading to potential health issues. Prolonged use of cortisol and high cortisol levels can contribute to brain atrophy, highlighting the importance of managing cortisol levels.
Different Theories on Brain Function in Chronic Fatigue
Various theories exist regarding brain function in chronic fatigue. Different researchers focus on limbic system dysfunction, glymphatic system issues, gut health, neurotransmitter imbalances, and psychological stress as potential contributors to chronic fatigue. Understanding the unique brain patterns and addressing specific dysfunctions can help identify the root causes of fatigue.
Addressing Brain-Based Fatigue and Metabolic Fatigue
Brain-based fatigue manifests when individuals experience fatigue related to mental tasks, indicating potential brain health issues. Distinguishing between brain-based and metabolic fatigue is crucial, as brain health plays a significant role in energy levels. Assessing brain function, understanding neurological patterns, and addressing underlying issues such as neurodegeneration can offer insights into treating fatigue effectively.
Circulatory Function and Sedentary Lifestyle
Maintaining good circulatory function relies heavily on lifestyle factors, particularly the impact of a sedentary lifestyle. Individuals affected by genetic predispositions leading to poor circulation may combat these challenges by altering gene expression through lifestyle changes. One of the predominant factors influencing circulatory health is physical activity, with a sedentary lifestyle posing a significant risk. Genetic variations and other lifestyle elements like stress and sunlight exposure are also highlighted as important considerations in improving circulatory function.
Stress and Brain Health
Chronic stress exerts detrimental effects on brain health, primarily through elevated cortisol levels that negatively impact brain structures like the hippocampus. The degenerative effects of prolonged cortisol exposure include thinning the blood-brain barrier, breaking down the gut barrier, and inducing brain atrophy. Stress responses involving cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine can lead to negative plasticity in the limbic system, potentially resulting in conditions like PTSD and autonomic dysfunctions. Understanding the complex interplay between stress hormones and brain regions highlights the multifaceted impact of stress on overall brain health.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Datis Kharrazian, an award-winning researcher, academic professor, and functional medicine provider with extensive clinical experience treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
Today, we focus on how the brain contributes to chronic fatigue. Dr. Kharrazian provides a really pragmatic viewpoint that both respects and, I believe, supersedes many of the other theories I’ve heard throughout the years.
This podcast was initially released in Oct 2018
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