Understanding The Neurotoxicity of Lead: A Path to a Healthier Brain

by Pamela Costello MD PC 

Observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known and exist before it’s generally received and acted upon. (Translated from old English.) Benjamin Franklin, 1786

Benjamin Franklin was aware of lead poisoning, as were the ancient Romans, Phoenicians, and Greeks. In fact, there exists a multitude of historical references to lead neurotoxicity throughout the ages. Lead poisoning is probably one of the most significant of the known toxic hazards incident to the development of our civilization.

Speed up to the 20th century. Our medical and scientific literature is replete with research addressing the known risks of environmental exposure to lead, as well as the toxic effects of lead on our nervous systems. Furthermore, our legal system includes strict laws mandating new controls of lead exposure. Although these more current efforts are noble, there still exists a general lack of awareness of the sources of lead, the increasing levels of toxic lead exposure, and it’s deleterious effects on our bodies. My ongoing focus as an environmental, holistic clinician is to increase awareness of such neurotoxins and their adverse influence on our nervous systems, as well as offer safe and effective treatment options, along with prevention guidelines to minimize ongoing exposures.

Both acute and chronic lead poisoning through environmental exposure pose an increasing health concern. Exposure to lead can be through lead based paint, pigments (in pottery and cosmetics/hair dyes), plumbing, drinking water, brass, bronze, mining, roofing materials, caulking, petroleum by-products, ceramics, photography, solder, lead crystal, pesticides and fertilizers, etc. Although lead has been removed from some forms of paints and automotive gasoline in the United States, it still remains one of the primary environmental hazards facing humans today.

Much of the public continues to live their lives unaware of the dangers to the nervous system of this poison. Similar to mercury poisoning, environmental lead exposure has both acute and long-term effects on the developing and mature nervous systems, including Autism, developmental delay, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD. In adults, we see an increased incidence of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as MS, ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, brain fog/cognitive difficulties, neuropathies, tinnitus, etc. Research reveals that people who have worked in jobs with high levels of lead exposure are up to 3-4 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.

As our ingestion, inhalation, and skin exposure to lead increases, so does the amount of lead trapped in our bodies and our nervous systems. Such high levels readily surpass our natural abilities to clear these toxins, thus increasing the incidence of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases to which lead contributes, from tinnitus and neuropathy to Alzheimer’s disease. Lead exposure for children includes exposure in the womb, where the developing fetus extracts lead from the mother’s stores, incorporating it into it’s developing skeletal and nervous systems. This initial exposure becomes cumulative with the ensuing life-long exposure to the increasing levels of lead in our air, water, and soil.

The good news is that there exist objective, simple methods of determining your lead burden and potential areas of past and ongoing exposures, as well as safe and effective measures to detoxify the lead in your nervous system. In doing so, you identify and minimize a known neurotoxin, thereby contributing to your brain and body’s highest health.

If you are interested  please contact our office or visit us on the Web atdrpamelacostello.com

Integrative Approach to Healing Nervous System Disorders: Testimonial

by Pamela Costello MD PC

“Medicine is not only a science, it is also an art. It deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided.

Paracelsus 1493-1541

With an incalculable number of ever increasing toxins in our environment, it is not surprising that our society is plagued by so much suffering and disease. I see patients daily who suffer from the adverse effects of environmental toxins on their nervous and immune systems. These toxins are typically comprised of heavy metals (often from mercury based fillings and pollutants), immunizations, food related toxicities, and infectious agents. Identifying and treating these agents, which stress, damage, and imbalance our bodies, is prerequisite to our recovery. Utilizing an integrative holistic approach of allopathy, combined with homeopathic understanding of health and wellness, allows that the causative core issues found at the very base of the illness to be discovered, and for deep, true healing to begin.

To illustrate the complexity of modern day neuroimmune illness, as well as that of an integrative holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, I’ve provided the following testimonial from a recent patient, along with details of her care.

This is the story of Somer, a lovely young 31 year old woman who, until June of 2012, was living a healthy, productive, and joyful life. She began a difficult journey of rapid decline in her health after a mild case of food poisoning, superimposed on an as yet undiagnosed case of Lyme Disease, triggered a progressive breakdown of her immunologic defenses, gastrointestinal balance, and neurologic health.

The underlying issues that precipitated her deep and rapid neuroimmunologic decline were missed by the many practitioners from whom she sought help. Her subsequent treatments, and even surgery, only addressed more surface issues and contributed to her progressive decline. She has graciously offered her testimonial for this article, as a means to inform others who might also be suffering, and to provide them with hope for their own healing and recovery. Here is her story:

Somer’s Testimonial: I had not been feeling well for several months and then in June 2012 my health took a turn for the worst. By September, I had seen 6 different doctors and I was told there was nothing wrong with me. One even told me that it was all in my head. I had every blood test and imaging study imaginable and they all came back normal. I even had my gallbladder removed due to abdominal pain even though it showed that it was normal on imaging. As a health care provider myself, I was quickly losing faith in the medical community. This was the very community I was part of and had so much trust and belief that allopathic medicine was the only way to successfully treat medical conditions.
By the time I got to Dr. Costello I was in pretty bad shape. I was desperate for some answers. I had to take a leave of absence from work. I was no longer able to function. I had to stay with family because it was getting to the point where I could no longer take care of myself. My symptoms which started out as abdominal pain and anxiety had quickly progressed to an array of debilitating symptoms: burning and tingling in my arms and legs, severe headaches, hand tremors, night sweats, fainting spells, tachycardia, heart palpitations, weight loss, depression, insomnia, muscle pains, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and brain fog. I literally felt like I had been poisoned. I knew there was something terribly wrong, but none of the doctors I saw could figure out what was making me feel so terribly ill. I am 31 years old, and I was determined to find an answer. I refused to accept my current state as my life. My quality of life had gone from great to absolutely horrible in a matter of months.
I was referred to Dr. Costello by a friend of the family. I was so discouraged by that point, but was hopeful that a physician that took a holistic approach would maybe have some answers. Dr. Costello evaluated me and knew almost immediately I had Lyme Disease. I was shocked; how could this have been missed by so many doctors? But after learning about Lyme, I realized that it truly takes a doctor with the expertise like Dr. Costello to diagnose and successfully treat conditions like Lyme. I have been on treatment for almost four months and I am so much better! I am even back at work. It will take time and patience to regain my health to 100%, but I am getting there as I am committed to my treatment protocol.
Dr. Costello looks at the whole body system, which is absolutely necessary to reclaim your health. Four months ago I had no hope, I literally felt whatever I had was going to kill me. Dr. Costello saved my life. To all of you out there who are sick and hopeless, there is hope. You can get your life back! Your symptoms are not “all in your head”. I highly recommend Dr. Costello to anyone having a hard time getting well or to anyone wanting to maintain their wellness. She truly has the gift of healing.

Doctor Costello: Somer arrived at my office for an initial evaluation in late September 2012. She was in appreciable pain, with bouts of confusion, anxiety and lethargy. I began her on detoxification treatments of weekly IV Vitamin C, homeopathics, and herbal remedies, addressing a wide spectrum of neurotoxins, including Lyme Disease. Her prescribed laboratory testing revealed Lyme Disease and a number of environmental toxic burdens. I also referred her for biological dental evaluation and mercury amalgam removal.

Using a holistic, non drug focused approach, she experienced significantly less confusion, pain, and lethargy. Within a few weeks, she began to normalize after a treatment program of dietary changes, a gentle exercise program, and herbal antimicrobial, detoxifying, and balancing agents (Byron White Formulas). Acupuncture treatment was later added to her care and we helped her wean off all prescription drugs.

She was well enough at Christmas 2012 to return to her home state of Alaska. Her testimonial above was received in February of 2013, after 5-6 weeks at home and back to work. She will need to remain on the balancing herbal, homeopathic remedies, as well as follow dietary restrictions for awhile, to continue to heal her toxic infectious burdens, and to provide for deep tissue repair and restoration.

If you’d like an integrative approach to your healthcare, please contact us at the address and phone number listed in our accompanying ad.

A Path to Our Best Brain Health for 2013

by Pamela Costello MD PC

“Adversity is the first path to truth”
Lord Byron

As my friend and mentor, Ellen Tadd, has taught me, health, wellness, and illness, are a consequence of a combination of karma, the influences of our environment, and of one’s own attitude toward the adversities of life. The karmic, preordained path of our journey will manifest accordingly. One’s attitude and personal growth through our healing processes is within each individual’s control, as to how they navigate through the process of dealing with illness. Most importantly, environmental influences have become increasingly challenging to our manifesting our highest health. It is in this area I have focused my medical practice.

Our planet, as well as our bodies, have become quite saturated with industrial toxins. Environmental toxins include heavy metal toxicities such as lead from our deteriorating air and water supplies, and mercury from dental amalgams, as well as pesticides, hydrocarbons, electromagnetic pollution, immunizations, an increasingly adulterated food supply. The list of neurotoxins also includes infectious opportunists such as mold, viral and bacterial (e.g., Lyme) infections, all of which are readily stored in our nervous systems, contributing to cognitive dysfunction, emotional imbalances, pain, exhaustion, immune stress, and other physical challenges.

For the New Year, I’d like to offer hope to patients who might be struggling with their health, particularly with their nervous systems. I’ve provided the following check list to assess your brain health and neurotoxin burden:

1. Neurotoxin burden assessment. If you’re finding it difficult to think clearly, then undertake a neurotoxin burden assessment. Do you have mercury/silver fillings? Do you know your current toxic burden, i.e., the amount of heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, e-smog, etc., that is acting to prematurely age your brain? Are your home and work environments safe and clean of molds, solvents, and other threats to your brain and good brain function? Does your personal hygiene, make up, or laundry and household cleaning products contain solvents, or other toxic agents? Electromagnetic fields from electrical lines, lights, computers, cell phones and towers, microwaves, plus infectious opportunists and allergens, also burden our immune and nervous systems.

2. Adequate rest, a good night’s sleep. Sleep apnea? Insomnia? Nighttime pain syndromes? Restless legs? Neck pain? Such issues keep you from the recuperative rest your brain and body need.

3. Dietary evaluation. Eat organically and with the intention of providing the 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.

4. Physical Exercise. Regular exercise increases both endorphins (natural morphine like substances) as well as strengthens the heart and cerebral circulation, upon which a healthy brain depends. It increases our heart rate and mobilization of brain damaging toxins, which we can then excrete through our skin via sweating. A simple daily walk is a gentle, yet effective, start.

5. Intellectual or mental exercise. Reading, crosswords, games. Exercise the muscle of thinking with daily mental exercises which strengthen your neural network.

6. Spiritual exercise/Inspirational support. Meditation and prayer raise your consciousness and bring you a sense of well being and peace. Pursue such practices to 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.

7. Attitude Assessment. 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.

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

Doctor, why am I so sick? Navigating Through the New Paradigm of Medicine: Lyme Disease and Environmental Toxicity.

by Pamela Costello MD PC

“You should not honor men more than truth” Plato

A question asked me by patients on a daily basis is “why am I so sick”….? So many people are suffering on this planet, unsure of what exactly is wrong with them. By the time they’ve seen me, they’ve been to a multitude of practitioners who’ve been unable to diagnose what has caused them to be ill and, consequently, have not been able to help them heal. However, by asking the proper questions and addressing the core issues underlying the patient’s neurologic and immunologic imbalances, a path to recovery and healing can be obtained.

For centuries, civilization addressed illness and disease as an art of mysticism and the occult. With the discovery of Penicillin in the early part of last century, however, rapid inroads were created into dealing with microscopic disease, and an onslaught of technological advances in both medicine and surgery was soon to follow. What was neglected in this pursuit, however, was the humanity of medicine and the ability to see the holistic perspective of the patient’s illness. Under the intense, but restricted, focus of technology and the ever expanding pharmaceutical industry, the idea of ‘one pill for one symptom’ may well have narrowed our perspectives to such a degree as to diminish the ‘art of healing’, an approach which involves seeing the whole being when diagnosing an illness.

From the battlefields of World War II, increasing numbers of patient’s lives were saved due to new discoveries such as Penicillin, whilst at the same time treating physicians began to lose their holistic approach to the human body. It was the emphasis on disease, rather than health, that widened the gap between modern allopathic medicine and the longstanding, yet relevant, more holistic homeopathic approach.

In spite of today’s physicians’ ‘illusion of certainty’ that we have all of the answers due to the advances of modern technology, the sobering truth is that the current toxic state of the planet and the microbes which inhabit same, have outpaced even our best modern technological skills at diagnosing and treatment. This false sense of certainty that we know all that we need to know upon completing graduate medical training has offered the illusion to the masses that there will definitively be a diagnosis and curative treatment after their medical consultation. Newly pandemic microbial and environmental toxins, however, have eluded modern medicine to a great degree, leaving the patient without either effective treatment or diagnosis and, more than ever, in need of a more holistic approach.

To keep up with the technological advances, medical education has become more intense and lengthy, as well as exorbitantly expensive. Physicians leave their training saturated and, when challenged with something as illusive as a diagnosis of modern day Lyme Disease or mercury neurotoxicity (and their textbooks do not hold clear answers or directions), they defer to traditional symptomatic treatments. Not so long ago, in the 1980’s, those of us in medical training at the time found ourselves dealing with a disease that was also not found in our textbooks. Thankfully, we treated those patients to the best of our ability whilst the HIV diagnosis was being defined.

In conclusion, what is a patient to do in their varied attempts to achieve wellness? The answer seems to lie in the practitioners maintaining the curiosity and willingness to investigate in a manner required by our rapidly increasing toxic environment and global medical challenges, allowing them to transcend the oft times myopic paradigm of the medical educational system. Health care practitioners are employed by the patient to effectively diagnose and treat them. Patients therefore need to choose those who subscribe to similar healing philosophies and maintain an open mind, with sufficient investigative curiosity to search further for potentially non traditional answers to our modern day medical challenges.

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light” Plato

Understanding the Environmental Influences of Neurotoxins on Your Brain: Heavy Metals

by Pamela Costello MD PC

“you will observe with Concern how long a useful Truth may be known, and exist, before it is generally received and practice on.”
Benjamin Franklin, 1786