The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized barrier that separates the bloodstream from the brain tissue. The main function of the BBB is to regulate the exchange of substances between the blood vessels and the brain, allowing essential nutrients to enter while restricting the entry of potentially harmful substances, pathogens and toxins, thereby maintaining a stable and optimal environment for proper brain function. When the blood-brain barrier is disrupted, harmful substances can get in and cause the brain to react in an effort to protect itself. That immune reaction can lead to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Here are some common causes of BBB permeability:
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- Inflammation: When there is inflammation in the brain due to infections, injuries or autoimmune diseases, it can cause changes in the BBB. Inflammatory processes release substances that can weaken the barrier, making it more permeable.
- Toxins: Toxins can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage the endothelial cells and disrupt BBB function. When toxins enter the brain, they cause oxidative stress and inflammation which are strong contributors to Alzheimer’s.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Severe head injuries can disrupt the integrity of the BBB. The physical trauma can lead to a temporary or long-term increase in BBB permeability, allowing substances to cross into the brain that wouldn’t normally be able to.
- Leaky gut: A condition called Intestinal Permeability (aka leaky gut) allows lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to get into the bloodstream. Chronic inflammation caused by LPS exposure can compromise the integrity of the BBB. This increased permeability allows LPS and other inflammatory molecules to cross into the brain more easily.
- Aging: As we age, the BBB can undergo gradual changes, becoming more permeable. This age-related decline in BBB function may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
Maintaining or repairing BBB integrity is a modifiable target for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and potential reversal of symptoms if the contributors are also targeted.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to maintain or strengthen your BBB:
- Testing to determine whether your BBB has been disrupted is always a good first step.
- Leaky gut testing — because a leaky gut can lead to a leaky brain.
- Avoid gluten and alcohol
- Deep sleep
- Ketoflex diet
- Supplement interventions like Plasmalogens (Prodrome Neuro/Glia), Omega 3 fatty acids, Acetyl-L-carnitine, Mag Threonate and more.
I hope this information gets you thinking about protecting your blood-brain barrier. Feel free to schedule a Zoom consultation with me if you want to talk about your supplements, your Alzheimer’s prevention plan, Mild Cognitive Impairment or helping a loved one.