The Brain's Immune System

['lizbeth]

a few paragraphs from: Why is my brain not working? Brain Inflammation chapter p201 by Dr. Datis Kharrazian, DHSc

"At the root of brain inflammation are microglia cells, the brain's immune soldiers. They determine whether your brain is inflamed and aging too quickly. Microgia cells have received attention only in the last 20 years or so. Prior to that they were merely to be glue that held the brain together: glia is the Latin word for glue.

Newer research, however, hows the complex interplay between microglia and hormones, ctyokines, neurotransmitters, and other chemical messengers in the body and brain. There are 10 glia cells for every neuron in the brain, and if you weigh the brain, more than 50 percent of it is glia cells. In other words the brain is more glia cells than neurons.

Microglia are either in a resting state or an active state. In normal conditions the microglia perform many functions vital for healthy brain function. They dispose of dead neurons, beta amyloid plaque, the substance that predisposes one to Alzheimer's and other cellular debris that may interfere with healthy communication between neurons. However, in a heightened state of activation, they create an overzealous inflammatory response that cause brain inflammation, or neuroinflammation.

Neuroinflammation leads to both immediate and long-term complications. Short-term consequences are that it immediately hinders the transmission speed and conductivity of neurons, which mean neurons fire more slowly. This slows down brain function and creates symptoms of brain fog, slower mental peed, slower recall, and slower reflexes.

Another consequence of neuroinflammation is that it shut down energy production in the cells so that brain endurance plummets. This cause limited endurance for reading, driving, or mental tasks, and may also cause depression. A longer consequence of chronic neuroinflammation i neuron death and the development of neurodegenerative disorders.

Many things can activate the microglia and inflame the brain, such a diabetes, high-carbohydrate diets, poor blood circulation in the brain, and inflammatory triggers from areas outside of the brain, including an inflamed gut or environmental pollutants. In the end it comes down to whether the brain's microglia cells have been activated. Luckily, there are things you can do about it."