A guide to herbal and holistic medicine for brain health and neurologic disorders • Provides detailed herbal, antioxidant, and nutritional strategies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, migraine, and seizures • Supported by scientific studies and years of successful clinical practice • Discusses potential side effects, counter-indications, and the proper dosages to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and lessen the chances of recurrence Numerous medical journals have published studies supporting the use of herbs and nutrients in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Yet in practice most neurologists rarely include them as part of their protocols. In this practical guide, Sidney Kurn, M.D., and Sheryl Shook, Ph.D., explain how to safely and easily incorporate herbs, antioxidants, and nutritional supplements into the standard conventional treatments for 6 common neurologic disorders: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, stroke, migraine, and seizures. For each condition, the authors provide detailed strategies supported by scientific evidence and years of successful clinical practice. They examine the biochemical role of each recommended herb, nutrient, or antioxidant and discuss potential side effects, counter-indications, and proper dosages to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and--in the case of stroke, migraine, and seizures--lessen the chances of recurrence. The authors explore the nutrient deficiencies and physiological mechanisms, including inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction, that can cause oxidative injuries and initiate neurologic disorders. They reveal which common substances, such as aspartame and glutamate, can trigger these mechanisms at the cellular level and recommend specific herbs and antioxidants, such as turmeric, cannabinoids, resveratrol, and N-acetyl cysteine, to counteract their effects. They discuss the importance of sleep to overall well-being, especially for those suffering from neurologic disorders, and offer tips to help ensure a good night’s sleep. Integrating neuroscience, biochemistry, herbalism, and decades of clinical experience, the authors lay the scientific foundation for a holistic, naturopathic approach to neurologic disorders and a way to enhance the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.

This book addresses herbal and holistic medicine for brain health and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, migraine and stroke. "Integrated Medicine" can help patients and medical practitioners tointegrate Western medicine with herbal and holistic medicine to reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.

A practical and in-depth approach to the use of supplements in six neurologic conditions: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, and epilepsy. It draws from the extended clinical experience of one author in combining standardized and alternative approaches in clinical practice and from the neuroscience scholarship and insight of the other author. Although standard pharmaceutical approaches have much to offer, most neurologic patients, a well as their treating neurologists, will attest to their limitations. This is particularly true in the neurodegenerative disorders. The prevention of recurrent stroke may be more amenable to standard treatment through the treatment of risk factors for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The summaries and charts at the ends of each chapter are designed for accessibility and practicality. As a reference, the reader could start with the summary first, before reading the body of the chapter. The book is dedicated to all the patients who have suffered from these disorders, and taught the authors so much over their professional careers. We hope this book helps relieve some of this suffering.

Two naturopaths introduce us to the world of brain biochemistry, translating the science into laymen's terms, so that the reader can understand the potential power of herbs and nutrients to enhance health, prevent disorders, and affect existing health disorders. These alternatives, or supplements, to medication are being used across the country to help treat health conditions with a psychological component—from ADHD and anorexia to insomnia, menopause, and Parkinson's Disease. Authors Meletis and Barker explain 18 of these conditions, and review the most current research into how—or whether—the use of herbs and supplements has been proven to prevent, affect or remove these health conditions, or at least some of their symptoms. Can the Chinese herb Salvia curb cravings in alcoholics? Can niacin help treat anxiety? Other herbs, nutrients, and conditions addressed include the use of zinc to reduce symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer's, and 5-HTP for depression. One appendix to this volume lists the top 20 brain-enhancing herbs and supplements. Another lists nutrient deficiencies and their links to health and brain function. It is not the intent of this book to advocate for the replacement of standard drug therapy, but for the integration of these natural medicines with traditional medical treatments. Consumers are urged to discuss these herbs and nutrients with their physician before beginning use, as some allergic reactions or interactions with traditional medicines can occur. The central argument of this book is that when properly nourished people can operate at maximum physical and mental capacity, with maximum ability to fend off or recover from disease and disorder.

This book offers focused and concise coverage of all issues relating to malnutrition in the field of neurology, and in particular addresses practical aspects of nutritional support from a neurology perspective. In addition to providing basic knowledge on important nutritional concepts (body metabolism, assessment and diagnosis of malnutrition, epidemiology, enteral/parenteral nutrition), detailed information is presented on nutritional support for various neurologic disorders handled in a variety of settings, including the neurointensive care unit. Much consideration is also given to the diagnosis and management of dysphagia, which is a common and highly critical cause of malnutrition in these patients. Finally, the newly developing concept of neuronutrition (or brain foods) – the use of certain nutrients for treatment of neurologic disorders – is discussed. By providing practical solutions to commonly encountered challenges in the nutritional management of neurologic patients, this book will prove a valuable resource for practicing neurologists in a wide variety of fields. It will also be very useful for medical personnel from other specialties such as clinical nutrition, critical care, and geriatric medicine.

This source contains indispensable information, written for the lay person, on the most popular herbs and supplements. Each condition, herb, and supplement includes a concise description, available forms, how to take each dietary supplement, precautions, and possible interactions. The convenient, lay-flat format allows healthcare professionals to easily reproduce and distribute materials to their patients.Coverage includes data on the uses, dosages, safety, and efficacy of 36 of the most popular herbs; clinical information on 44 vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, and nutritional supplements; and practical guidelines on both conventional and complementary approaches to 100 common conditions.