Brain Health, Longevity and Lifestyle Part II

Brain cell degenerators

Foods packaged in aluminum, foods with chemical additives, saturated and hydrogenated oils, statin medications, calcium supplements, painkillers (NSAIDs), fluoride, wheat, cow’s milk, MSG, artificial sweeteners, low-fat diets, pesticides, airplanes, cell phones, proton pump inhibitors, heavy metals in teeth fillings, unclean water, chemical hair dyes, tobacco, certain recreational and prescription medications, head injuries.

Brain Cell Generators

  • Exercise/movement
  • Stress Management
  • Sleep, rest and relaxation
  • Water, hydration
  • Optimistic Thinking/Positive Attitude
  • Loving touch
  • Aromatherapy
  • Music (listening to) especially Mozart
  • Light and Color Therapies
  • Learning a new language
  • Meditation including guided meditation such as Yoga Nidra, Concentration
  • Specific brain exercises incl. brain teasers, riddles, puzzles, sudoku, board and card games
  • Learning to play a musical instrument
  • Nutraceuticals and Pharmaceuticals (see below)
  • Herbs
  • Visualizations
  • Grounding practices/Walking barefoot
  • Dragon’s Den Anti-inflammatory Spice Mix
  • Qigong/Ta’i ji quan, Yoga asana practice, Dancing


The following is a list of natural medicines for brain longevity with general dosages.

These dosages may not be appropriate for all people. We all have different nutritional needs and constitutions. Please check with your doctor or healthcare provider before adding medications and/or nutritional supplements. Also, please do research about any food, drug or supplement you may be taking.

Nootropics enhance emotional and mental well-being, promote cerebral circulation, enhance memory, slow or prevent age-related cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease, reduce oxidative or ischemic damage to the brain and improve mood.

Herbal Cerebral stimulants – Herbal Nootropics

Asian Ginseng – improves concentration, alertness and regulates blood sugar levels, helps balance hormones, and enhances brain function.

Siberian Ginseng, Chinese red or white Ginseng, or American Ginseng, alone or in combination. Siberian Ginseng, eleuthero, appears to work well for everyone.

Brahmi (Bacopa) – Brain tonic that promotes memory and mental alertness, increases intellectual and cognitive functioning, calms and relieves stress (nervine), relieves anxiety, used to control ADHD. Memory enhancement, promotes restful sleep, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and a cardio tonic.

Gotu kola – nervine, increases memory, relieves stress, anxiety and mental fatigue, reduces irritability

Ashwangandha – improves memory, enhances brain function

Gynostemma (Jiao gu lan) – nutrient-rich, calms the nerves

Rhodiola – improves nervous system function, enhances cognitive function, memory, mental productivity, and builds resistance to stress.

Schizandra – improves memory, sharpens concentration and alertness, enhances brain function

Rei Shi – nerve tonic, supports the heart and vascular system, opens awareness to higher frequencies

Cordyceps – nerve tonic, supports the central nervous system

Ginkgo Biloba – increases cerebral circulation, aids in poor memory, degenerative effects of Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia. 60 – 320 mg.

Lion’s Mane – boosts memory, creativity, and attention span. Lion’s Mane tea enhances concentration, is a powerful brain regenerative, encourages neuroplasticity, and releases nerve growth factor, supports the nervous system.

Lavender – nervine, relieves emotional stagnation, depression and constant repetitive thinking, relieves nervous exhaustion

Rosemary – strengthens the brain and memory, breaks stagnant depression

Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia) – calms the spirit, relieves anxiety, dementia, mental confusion

Nutraceutical Cerebral stimulants – Supplemental Nootropics

Nutraceuticals -take daily, 6 days weekly. Give at least 4 – 6 weeks to notice results, although results may occur sooner.

Neuro Replete – NeuroReplete’s a balanced nutrient formula that supports healthy normal serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine production in a proper ratio.  Serotonin is associated with mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, and temperature regulation. Dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (the catecholamines) are associated with control of movement, balance, motivation, focus, addiction and the drive for reward. This formula contains L-tyrosine, 5 HTP-tryptophan, vitamin B6, lysine, vitamin C, folate, and calcium citrate.

Vinpocetine (Vinca minor) – enhances memory, improves blood flow to the brain. Improves cerebral blood circulation, improves oxygen utilization, is an antioxidant for the brain, improves red blood cell plasticity, raises blood glucose levels in the brain and prevents blood platelet clumping. Improves concentration and memory, reduces age-related effects in the brain, reduces seizure activity and helps improve brain function after a stroke.

Huperzine, Chinese Club Moss,– inhibits acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine.

Grape seed extract (Vitas vinifera) – prevents age-related memory loss

Phosphatidyl Serine – 100 – 300 mg. Facilitates the storage, release and activity of several neurotransmitters, helps cellular intercommunication in the brain. Helps release dopamine, increases acetylcholine production, improves brain glucose metabolism, lowers excess cortisol levels, boosts nerve growth factor needed for healthy neurons. Improves memory, mood, learning and concentration.

Acetyl L-Carnitine – Has neuroprotective effects. Treats age-related dementia. Involved in the transportation of fats into the mitochondria. Improves learning, memory and counteracts depression. Improves immune function and receptor sensitivity for several neurotransmitters, benefits heart function, improves sperm count, and is an antioxidant. Has cell-protective properties and prevents excessive brain cell death. It helps in the formation of acetylcholine, and decreases glycation.

Phosphatidyl Choline (from Lecithin). Soy products, sunflower seeds, and eggs.

DMAE – 100 – 150 mg. daily

SAM-e – 200 mg. daily

DHA and EPA oils combined – 1,000 mg. daily

CoQ10 – 100 mg. 1-2x daily

Green Tea – 1-3 cups daily, matcha is best

Vitamins and Minerals (See if you can find a vitamin-mineral combined pill that contains close to the below doses)

  • Vitamin A – 10,000 – 25,000 units with 25,000 units of beta-carotene
  • Vitamin B12 – 1,200 – 2,000 mcg.
  • Vitamin B6 – 50 mg.
  • Vitamin B1 – 50 mg.
  • Vitamin B complex – high dose
  • Folic Acid – 1 – 5 mg.
  • Niacin (non-flush) – 100 – 200 mg.
  • Vitamin B5 – 100 mg.
  • Vitamin C – 1,000 mg. 3 X daily
  • Vitamin E – 400 – 800 I.U.’s
  • Magnesium – 400 – 800 mg. in divided doses
  • Selenium – 100 mcg.
  • Zinc – 30 mg.

In addition – Amino Acids – 1 serving of protein powder, High alkaline ‘green grass’ powder mix – 1 tbsp. 1-2x daily

Toenail Fungus Part III

Supplements and Essential Oils & Lifestyle

  • A probiotic supplement – will help you get rid of the yeast and candida in your system. Bottle dosage, daily
  • A prebiotic supplement – assists in building the internal gut flora colonies. Bottle dosage, daily
  • Digestive enzymes with meals
  • G.I. Fortify bowel fiber, bottle dose, daily
  • Olive leaf extract – a powerful antimicrobial action that can help eliminate yeast within your system. Bottle dosage 2X daily
  • Pure Encapsulation “Antioxidant Capsules”. Take 3 caps 2X daily.
  • A blend of Mushrooms like “Immune Assist” or “Stammet’s 7”. Bottle dosage 2X daily
  • Goldenseal powder – 500 mg. daily
  • Silymarin/milk thistle – 300 mg. 2x daily
  • Take 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil daily
  • Oil of oregano has powerful anti-fungal properties. Not only can oil of oregano kill fungus, but it can also kill mold and other causes of candida within your system. 1 capsule in the evening.

Topical Application

Mix oil of oregano with tea tree oil – 3 drops of oil of oregano and 2 drops of tea tree essential oil applied directly on the toenail, 4 times daily. The key to effectively killing toenail fungus with essential oils is consistency. Alternatively, use a combination of lavender and tea tree essential oils. Lavender oil has several volatile compounds and antiseptic properties that fight infections and prevent skin irritation.

  1. Mix five drops each of lavender oil and tea tree oil.
  2. Use a cotton ball to apply this solution under the top edge of the affected toenail and surrounding area.
  3. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes, rinse it off and dry your toes thoroughly.

Repeat two or three times a day.

Lifestyle Practices

  • Breath practice – Long, slow, deep breathing. Mornings and before bed. 
  • Sleep and Relaxation – Sleep 8 hours nightly, and nap if needed during cleanse.
  • Exercise – Daily exercise
  • Gratitude Practice – Be grateful and appreciative every day in every way.
  • Time in nature – Often and whenever possible
  • Meditation – Daily time to center

Following the protocols outlined in this 3 parts series for several months might be able to help solve the problem for good, and then you can slowly reintroduce sources of sugar like fruit, or whole grains while monitoring your progress. However keep in mind that some candida or yeast sufferers have lived with their condition for years, so combating the issue might take more than just a few weeks or months.

Click the link for > Part I of this series

Click the link for > Part II of this series

Toenail Fungus Part I – The Approach

Toenail fungus is usually a sign of a Candida yeast or virus inside the body and topically. “Onychomycosis” or tinea unguium is the name for the type of infection that causes the fungi to appear on the nails. The cause is an underlying fungal growth from dermatophytes or

non-dermatophyte molds and yeasts (mainly Candida species).   

Dietary protocol for eliminating yeast overgrowth:

  1. Cutting out all sugars, alcohol, milk products and any processed or junk foods that feed the yeast and unwanted bacteria
  2. Eating beneficial foods that help replace good bacteria in the gut, (sauerkraut, kim chee, miso) and taking a pre-biotic powder to also assist in the microbiome regeneration
  3. Eating more fiber, clean sources of protein and nourishing fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, flax seed oil, hemp seed oil, and ghee

Step 1: Eliminating the Source of Yeast and Fungus

An important tactic for treating candida overgrowth is to eliminate what feeds the yeast and candida virus living in your digestive tract: sugars and grain products. Candida albicans yeast commonly grows inside the human body, the immune system needs to be strong to fight it so the Candida doesn’t take hold and root.

Once it does take hold, the bacteria and yeast thrive off of sugar molecules entering the digestive tract through the foods you eat.  Our treatment principle is to restore the body’s pH balance, improve the immune function and boost the good bacteria in your gut.

It’s difficult to effectively overcome any type of yeast infection or toenail fungus without kicking sugar and going grain-free.

Step 2: Replenishing Healthy Bacteria

Eat large amounts of food that support the growth of good bacteria.

Superfoods that will help replenish healthy bacteria include fermented foods, cultured vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi. Have daily serving of fermented vegetables along with other probiotic foods. In the beginning, introduce fermented foods slowly as they can cause digestive upset.

Step 3. Fiber, Protein and Quality Fats

Eat a high fiber diet. Fiber, due to its structure and the body’s inability to absorb it, passes through our digestive system unabsorbed by digestive enzymes and acids within the stomach, taking with it toxins, waste, fat and cholesterol particles that can accumulate within the gut.

Remove sugars and grains from your diet, add more fiber and increase the protein foods. If you eat animal products make sure to eat only grass-fed meat; organic, cage-free eggs or poultry; raw dairy; and wild-caught fish.

Your gut will also need plenty of healthy fats, especially coconut oil. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid and lauric acid, which are antibacterial and antimicrobial fatty acids that kill off candida.

Eat a diet that’s high in good fats and proteins along with quality fiber, eliminate sugars and starches, and we’re on the way to eliminating candida in your body, and the toenail fungus.

Click the link for > Part II of this series

Click the link for > Part III of this series

Rejuvenating Foot Soak Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sea salts
  • 2 tablespoons Epsom salts
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 20 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops spearmint essential oil

Directions:

  1. In a small dish combine dry ingredients and mix evenly
  2. Sprinkle mix with essential oils and mix thoroughly until a slightly damp powder forms
  3. Transfer to an airtight container
  4. To use, dissolve 1-2 tablespoons into a basin of hot water and soak feet until water is tepid. Rinse and towel dry.

Tip: Replace spearmint with teatree or an additional 5 drops of peppermint.

Resource: Aura Cacia DIY Recipes for body care and home

Detoxification Baths

Baths are especially useful for people with toxic bioaccumulation of xenobiotics. The hot water increases the blood flow and capillary action near the surface of the skin, causing a faster release of toxins. The heat also increases sweating and opens pores, allowing toxin-containing perspiration to be excreted more readily. Follow these general instructions for both the plain-water baths and the detox baths.

  1. Wash your body thoroughly with a mild soap in the shower before you take your bath and scrub with a loofa sponge, sisal mitt, skin brush or rough washcloth to remove excess body oils, dead skin, and any accumulated toxins. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Fill the tub with water as hot as you can tolerate without burning your skin, Cover the tub’s overflow valve so the water level will be high enough to immerse your body up to your neck.
  3. Begin with a 5-minute soak in hot water. Do not exceed 5 minutes for your first bath, Gradually increase the time by 5-minute increments until you can soak for 30 minutes without experiencing symptoms,
  4. Gently massage your muscles with a skin brush while soaking to increase circulation to the skin,
  5. After soaking, take a cleansing shower. Scrub thoroughly and wash your hair. If you continue to perspire, repeat shower.
  6. Take your tolerated dose of Vitamin-C before and after each bath. If you’re taking any antioxidant supplements, take them before your bath.
  7. Drink an 8 ounces glass of filtered water before, during, and after your bath.

Take detox baths 3 times a week until your general health has improved. The use of baths once or twice a week prevents the accumulation of toxins.


Why Cleanse?

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information pertaining to your personal needs, please see a qualified health practitioner.

All rights reserved Dr. Malik Cotter, www.malikcotter.com, Copyright © 2019

Papaya Tahini Smoothie, Serves 1

Ingredients

Combine the mylk, papaya, tahini, and powders and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a large glass.

List of Superfoods

  • Aloe Vera
  • Amla fruit
  • Apple cider vinegar (moderation)
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Blue-green algae such as Chlorella and Spirulina
  • Camu Camu
  • Cereal grasses such as wheat, barley, alfalfa, clover, Original Green Drink powder
  • Fermented products: miso, kimchee, fermented nut/seed yogurts & cheeses, sauerkraut, natto
  • Fruits: avocado, berries, Goji berries, lemons, Acai berries
  • Garlic (raw or pickled)
  • Herbs: lemongrass, rose hips, horsetails, nettles leaves and root, oat straw marshmallow root, rosemary
  • Herbs & Spices (culinary): parsley, cilantro, turmeric, ginger, sage, cayenne, edible flowers
  • Hemp seeds
  • Bee products: honey, raw, Lehua & Manuka, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen
  • Lecithin
  • Maca
  • Millet
  • Moringa leaves
  • Noni
  • Nuts & seeds: almonds, chia seeds, coconut water, coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oiil and hemp seed oil
  • Oregano oil
  • Quinoa
  • Rejuvelac
  • Sea vegetables
  • Vegetables: Yacon root, gobo/burdock roots, watercress, broccoli, beets, sprouts, kale, spinach, celery, dandelion leaves & root

The information on this handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information pertaining to your personal needs, please see a qualified health practitioner.

All rights reserved Dr. Malik Cotter, www.malikcotter.com, Copyright © 2019


Principle Sources of Toxicity

Plastic bottles on beach
  • Environmental toxins/Airborne pollutants; heavy metals, smoke, pollution, gas fumes, etc.
  • Food and drink: poisons, additives, the processing of the foods, chemicalized water, etc.
  • Micro-organisms; bacteria, viruses, parasites, mold, etc. and their toxic waste materials.
  • The chemical structures of pharmaceutical drugs and some recreational drugs.
  • Endotoxins; the digestion of food, drink and the waste that’s created by metabolism. Oxidation and free radicals.
  • Poor hygienic lifestyle
  • Stress overload; physical, mental, and emotional; relationship, health or financial
  • Mercury based dental amalgams
  • Mercury in seafood and the poisons of shellfish
  • Pesticides and herbicides
  • Insecticides in the living quarters
  • Chemical solvents
  • Emotional trauma as in the death of a family member or close friend, a failed relationship, etc.
  • Insect and animal bites
  • Taking the incorrect medications or medications that have been over-prescribed
  • Polluted water swimming and bathing
  • Toxic paint and inks; either breathing it in or on one’s body
  • Alcohol
  • Insomnia

The information on this handout is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information pertaining to your personal needs, please see a qualified health practitioner.

All rights reserved Dr. Malik Cotter, www.malikcotter.com, Copyright © 2019


Liver Lover’s Juice Recipe, 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 apples
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pineapple
  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1-inch ginger
  • 1 bunch celery
  • 1 cup loosely packed parsley
  • 1 cup sprouts and/or microgreens
  • 4 small radishes
  • 1 cup loosely packed dandelion greens
  • 2 teaspoons Original Green Drink

Directions:

  1. Push listed ingredients through the funnel of a juicer, use a plunger to push through. For easy processing – Alternate veggies, herbs, and roots, etc. Drink as fresh as possible.

Note: Orginal Green Drink powder may be added to any juice. Power-packed with nutrients and blood cleansers. To add – whisk in or shake with fresh juice in a Mason jar to combine.