Creating our best brain health in 2014

by Pamela Costello MD PC

Every man can, if he so desires, become the sculptor of his own brain.
– Santiago Ramon y Cajál, Neuroscientist, Nobel Laureate Medicine, Physiology (1852-1934)

As a holistic physician, neurological surgeon, and a neuroscientist, additionally trained in biological and energy medicine, I offer a comprehensive healing approach to identify and correct root imbalances in the brain and nervous system. After completing a neurotoxin burden assessment, a customized repair program allows the patient to ‘sculpt’ their best brain/neurological health.

For the New Year, I’d like to offer an option of health restoration to those who want the highest health of their brain and nervous systems, and to those struggling with their health in general. I’ve outlined below a list of questions that is part of my patient evaluation:

1. Neurotoxin Burden: Do you have mercury/silver fillings? Do you know the amount of heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, e-smog, radiation, etc, that is acting to prematurely age your brain? Are you aware that a vast amount of retained toxins, acquired while you were in your mother’s womb, and throughout childhood, is adversely affecting your neurological and physical health?

2. Environmental Exposures: Are your home and work environments clean of molds, solvents, and other threats to your good brain function? Do your personal hygiene, make up, hair coloring, laundry/household cleaning products contain solvents, heavy metals, or other toxic agents? Electromagnetic fields from electrical lines, lights, computers, cell phones, microwaves, plus infectious opportunists and allergens, also burden our immune and nervous systems.

3. Dental Health: As biological dentist Dr. Bill Wolfe says, “Your teeth are a big piece of the health care puzzle.” Are chronic infections, toxic fillings, root canals, implants, or jaw malalignment compromising your best brain health? (See www. drwolfe.com).

4. Dietary Evaluation: Eat organically and with the intention of providing your brain with good fuel sources, rather than short term energy fixes. What are your greatest food sensitivities? The immune system and nervous system are inextricably linked. What antagonizes your immune system also affects your brain.

5. Physical Exercise: Regular exercise increases endorphins (natural morphine-like substances) and strengthens the heart and cerebral circulation, mobilizing brain damaging toxins, which can be excreted via sweating. A simple daily walk is a gentle, yet effective start. For a more focused program, exercise therapist Sean Plake, CPT, advises to start off with 2-3 days/week with 20 min. of controlled bodyweight exercises followed by 15-20 min. of cardio/walking…gradually progressing to 30 min. each’resistance and cardiovascular exercises (splake02@gmail.com).

6. Adequate Rest: Sleep apnea? Insomnia? Nighttime pain syndromes? Restless legs? Neck pain? Such issues keep you from the recuperative rest your brain and body need. All can be successfully managed with a comprehensive neurological approach.

7. Proper Elimination: Keeping the bowels emptied on a regular basis keeps excreted toxins from being reabsorbed, decreasing the level of neuroactive toxins.

8. Mental Exercise: Exercise the brain with daily intellectual exercises such as crossword puzzles or reading, strengthening your neural network.

9. Spiritual/Inspirational Support: Meditation and prayer raise your consciousness, bringing you a sense of well being and peace. Such practices bring you joy and inspiration. Listening to or creating music, art, speeches, lectures, or seeing plays which inspire you, reinforce the pathways of higher cognitive functioning, supporting the brain’s longevity.

10. Attitude Towards Life: Do the challenges of life appear to you as stumbling blocks or stepping stones? Your attitude towards adversity dramatically influences your sense of wellness. Positive thinking strengthens the mind and the immune system.

NOTE: If you’d like a comprehensive brain health/ neurotoxin burden assessment, please contact my office at 505-503-8325.