Today's Podcast is on PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD was first added to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association.

When I first heard the term PTSD in the 80's and 90's it was something that I thought was tied to veterans coming back from war. Now when I hear about someone suffering from PTSD I recognize it as a someone who has experienced trauma in some way. Could be a car accident, a sexual assault, a mugging or in the case of today's guest, a bike accident.

Today's guest is David Field. Before becoming a Trauma Therapist in training he worked with artists that included Radiohead, Crowded House and Carly Simon. After a traumatic bicycle accident in California, David spent years in pain and rehabilitation and suffered from depression and PTSD. Last year he made a life changing decision to go back to school and become a trauma therapist.

 

DAVID'S BOOK RECOMMENDATION:

 Peter Levine:

In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness

 

SHOW NOTES ON PTSD RELATING TO BRAIN TRAUMA:

PQQ - pyrroloquinoline quinone - discovered about 50 years ago, PQQ is currently being researched for its role in healing the brain.

• PQQ has been found to increase the formation of new nerve cells.
• PQQ can promote growth of new mitochondria and improve the function of existing mitochondria.
• PQQ has been shown to help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases and the effects of traumatic brain injury, including damage from stroke.

 

Mitochondria - Mitochondria are rod-shaped organelles that generate power for a cell.

• Responsible for aerobic cellular respiration, the process of converting oxygen and nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the chemical energy that powers the cell's metabolic activities. 
• Mitochondria divide independently of the cell in which they reside, meaning mitochondrial replication is not dependent on cellular division. 

 

Healthy Fats - It's easy to understand the importance of omega 3's and phospholipids when one realizes that the human brain and nervous system are made up of approximately 60% fat (mostly DHA - an omega 3 fatty acid).

 

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Support inflammation response
  • Support mood and cognitive function
  • Brain and nervous system mostly DHA
  • Omega 3 protocol used for brain injury

 

• Phospholipids - fats needed to build brain cell membranes that are fluid enough to release the neurotransmitters

• phosphatidylserine - required by the brain to manufacture memory-related neurotransmitters and functional membrane lipids, one of the few things shown to reverse age-related memory loss in clinical studies.

• phosphatidylcholine - required by the brain to manufacture memory-related neurotransmitters and functional membrane lipids. Essential nutrient necessary for normal brain function and the most abundant phospholipid found in the body. It's found in its highest concentration in the liver and brain.

• alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha GPC) - Required by the brain to manufacture memory-related neurotransmitters and functional membrane lipids it's believed to support cognitive function in high doses.

 

Lion's Mane - powerful medicinal mushroom and nerve tonic that benefits the brain and nervous system.

• Lion's Mane has been used successfully if Japan with patients with mild cognitive impairments.
• Lion's Mane is believed to have nerve-regenerative properties.
• Lion's Mane contains at least two classes of Nerve Growth Factors (NGFs) 

 

Bacopa Monnieri - a powerful adaptogen commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine that is believed to support brain health, memory, and cognitive function.  

• Has been used for centuries for memory support and to cope with stress.
• Research has found the compounds in Bacopa to support the brain cells that prompt the regeneration of brain tissue.

 

Curcumin - the extract of Turmeric that supports the bodies inflammation response when used properly.

• Is currently being used to treat central nervous system injury,inflammation, and specifically for traumatic brain injury.

Nervines - herbs that are of general benefit to the nervous system, whether they be tonifying or simply help to calm the nerves.

• Oatstraw
• Chamomile
• Lemon Balm
• Motherwort
• Lion's Mane - really more of a long-run tonic.  The best results come in time with this one.

 Adaptogens - herbs or compounds considered to be safe that improve the bodies resiliency in dealing with physical, emotional, or environmental stress.  

• Cordyceps
• Ashwagandha
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Asian Ginseng
• American Ginseng 
• Moomiyo (Shilajiit)