• How a concussion or more properly termed, traumatic brain injury (TBI), affects your brain
• Your body’s natural defense against TBI
• How CBD reinforces this defense and can help heal TBI

What is TBI?
We’re hearing a lot more about traumatic brain injury in recent years, with increasing diagnoses among many prominent figures from military combat veterans to figures in such high impact sports as football and boxing. There has also been attention focused on child and teen sports, where the injuries can be even more damaging to their more vulnerable bodies. Fortunately, TBI is being taken a lot more seriously now than ever before.

In TBI, the head is impacted by an external force that causes the brain to swell within the confines of the skull, thus decreasing blood flow, and causing other chemical changes that adversely affect brain function. In many instances, the brain fully recovers. Far too often, however, patients are left with lasting issues such as memory problems, depression, motor impairment, anxiety, migraines, vision problems, trouble processing, and much more.

Standard Medical Treatment of TBI
The biomedical standard of care for TBI consists of these doctor’s orders:

• Rest in a dark room
• Don’t spend time in front of screens
• Lay off the books, the job, the studying
• Don’t do excessive thinking

This, in addition to surgery and occupational therapy for more severe cases, is about all doctors have to offer those with a traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as concussion. Then, it’s a game of watch and wait. The brain is left to heal largely without any specific therapies to support the body’s natural healing processes.

Functional Medical Treatment of TBI
In contrast, those of us who use an integrative or functional medicine approach which focuses on treating underlying issues, have found that there is a better way to treat TBI. There are a number of anti-inflammatory herbs, such as curcumin, that help heal the brain. There are modalities, like hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT), which rescue brain cells by enhancing the flow of blood and oxygen. Then there is neurofeedback to train the brain in forming new pathways. Add in acupuncture, an ancient but still powerful treatment for TBI. All these treatments already take us beyond the mainstream standard of care.

A treatment that is (too slowly) gaining more mainstream acceptance are orally administered omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the inflammation and thus, lessen the swelling in the brain. You can read more about this in When Brain Collide, written by my colleague, Dr. Michael Lewis. His omega protocol, in which patients take a mega-dose of fish oil over the course of a few weeks, has had remarkable results. It has restored brain function in many including bringing people out of coma. Some years ago, my friend JJ Virgin’s son, Grant, had a devastating head injury, and I saw personally how high doses of fish oil was instrumental in bringing him back. This was even covered by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on a special on the topic for CNN.

CBD for TBI
Now we have a new modality: the administration of CBD for brain repair. Like many of us, Dr. Lewis is not only enthusiastic about its use, but fortunately is using his platform as a recognized TBI expert to educate the public and doctors alike about the benefits of adding CBD to the protocol.

The proof? Animal studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids can not only reduce the acute effects of TBI, mitigating neurological damage, but can also help with the secondary effects, including those frustrating cognitive deficits that can linger after even after a “minor” TBI.

The Science
CBD takes us from “There’s nothing we can do,” to “We definitely can help you!” How does this happen? Here is some of the science behind the phenomenon.

First of all, as mentioned, TBI causes the brain to swell and induce a potentially toxic level of activity of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate. This can lead to varying amounts of cell death in significant portions of the brain. Inflammatory compounds and free radicals are also released, creating oxidative stress. These acute effects of TBI can lead to a host of secondary effects, potentially killing off more brain cells, weakening the blood brain barrier, and contributing some of the hallmark symptoms of TBI like brain fog, mood disruption, and sleep problems.

In my blog on the endocannabinoid system, you know that the ECS, the bodily system controlled by cannabinoids, is responsible for relaxing your body and returning it to balance in times of stress. It is also your body’s natural defense against TBI.

The ECS has two main receptors: CB1 and CB2. When activated, CB1 decreases excitatory glutamate activity. Excessive glutamate is toxic to brain cells, and the ECS has evolved to fight against it.

CB2, on the other hand, when activated revs up the immune response. It helps repair cells and promotes the creation of new neurons. This directly combats brain damage caused by cell death. Notably, CBD also preserves memory by preventing neuronal loss in the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.

Brain Damaged Mice and CBD
In one study, researchers inflicted a TBI on mice genetically engineered to lack either CB1 or CB2 receptors. Their injuries were more severe compared to those of mice that had both receptors. Moreover, studies have shown that after a TBI, ECS activity increases to enact healing.

Another study showed that after a head injury was inflicted on a group of mice; when half of them were untreated and the other half received a single dose of plant derived endocannabinoid called 2-AG, there was a definite difference in outcome. The mice who received treatment improved in cognitive function, motor function and every parameter examined, even months later—a remarkable success. Of course, in a lab setting the scientists had the advantage of being able to administer the dose of 2-AG shortly after brain injury, so while it proved the point, it may be harder to do this in everyday head injuries.

CBD works best if administered in the “window of opportunity,” the critical moments after a brain injury, in which intervention can actually prevent brain damage. Typically, this window is a matter of minutes, 10 minutes, maybe an hour. CBD widens this window of opportunity. It works best up to 12 hours after an injury.

However, even if you had a brain injury, months or even years ago, CBD can still help by reducing brain inflammation and treating the secondary effects mentioned above, just not as well as if treated at the time. As long as you have symptoms from a TBI, CBD can have a positive effect.

How does it work?
CBD is what’s called a “promiscuous compound,” i.e., a chemical that binds to a variety of different receptors. That means CBD not only binds to the receptors of the ECS, but other receptors such as the serotonin receptor 5-HT1A and the PPAR-gamma nuclear receptor. These two receptors, when activated, protect the essential blood brain barrier which can be damaged during TBI. The blood brain barrier is a network of blood vessels and cells meant to keep unwanted substances out of the brain. It’s exceedingly difficult to pass through, and any weakening of it can allow otherwise unwanted substances to enter the brain. This can lead to inflammation and other brain conditions.

Serotonin, as you may know, is a major regulator of mood, and is the purported target of popular antidepressant medications, the SSRIs. CBD is known to boost mood not only through its impact on serotonin, but also dopamine, the pleasure or “reward” neurotransmitter, and GABA, the calming neurotransmitter. Thus, CBD can ease the depression and anxiety that can be so troublesome for those recovering from TBI.

More Brain Benefits
And it doesn’t stop with mood. CBD can also improve memory and lift brain fog. As mentioned, CBD can promote neuron growth in the hippocampus. It also regulates acetylcholine, which boosts memory and mental acuity.

One more huge benefit is the effect of CBD on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It acts in the area of the limbic system, the seat of emotions, to help “forget” the fearful emotions associated with the traumatic event. This is important since PTSD is difficult to treat successfully by conventional means. There are specific trauma treatments such as EMDR, somatic experience, tapping and more, and they all work well, but even better in conjunction with CBD.

With all of its healing ability, CBD has yet become a standard treatment for brain injury. We hope that with more studies on its use, and simply, more experience by the public and the medical profession, it will become better accepted.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait for researchers to construct the perfect clinical trial in order to start using CBD.

Choose a full spectrum hemp oil extract which delivers the remedy as nature intended, with other cannabinoids and terpenes, so you get the best effect possible, known as the “entourage effect.”

How to Take CBD
Start out with a small dose and increase gradually, using your own response as a guide. Typical doses are 25–100 mg daily in divided doses 1–3 times daily. Doses are quite individual, based on your unique ECS activity.

Interactions with medications:
Even though CBD has a good safety profile, if you are taking medication, you should check with your doctor before trying it. Both CBD and most pharmaceuticals are detoxified by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, anti-epilepsy drugs, and the blood thinner coumadin may be affected. In some cases, you just have to have the drug dose decreased. For a list of potential drugs that may interact with CBD, see this link: https://cbdorigin.com/cbd-drug-interactions/ The fact is, though, we have found that doses under 100 mg a day generally do not interfere with medications.

Adjunctive Care
In addition to taking CBD, take large doses of omega-3 oils. I also agree with the conventional wisdom to rest your brain until medically cleared to become more active. You can enhance this rest with meditation and breathing exercises as well as good nutrition. Steer clear of all processed foods and sugar, and eat a plant-based diet that is also high in healthy omega-3 fats in such foods as avocados and wild caught (or sustainably raised farmed) salmon.

Other integrative supportive measures include neurofeedback, low level laser, PEMF, hyperbaric oxygen, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and acupuncture. The bottom line here is that while we still have a lot to learn, there are increasing resources for treating this serious condition. Most exciting right now is the promise of CBD or more properly, Full Spectrum Hemp Oil Extract for treating TBI.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Researchers say Suntheanine may improve sleep quality, and works even if your child is taking stimulant medication.

When children with ADHD can't sleep night after night, the results can be frustrating for the entire family: the poor school performance … the missed classes … the hyperactive behavior … the problems with moodiness. If only he could sleep better at night, he might be able to function better during the day! Researchers have heard your pleas, and promising new options are emerging.

A newly published University of British Columbia study has found that giving good-tasting, chewable supplements containing Suntheanine L-theanine may help improve your child's sleep quality without significant side effects. The researchers reassuringly noted that the benefits were consistent among children regardless of whether they were also taking stimulant medication.

Study details
It's estimated that 25-50 percent of children and teens with ADHD experience some type of sleep problem, which could affect their performance in school as well as contribute to problems with hyperactivity and emotional issues. It's also estimated that boys are three times more likely than girls to have ADHD.

This randomized, 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial , published in Alternative Medicine Review, involved 98 boys diagnosed with ADHD, ranging in age from 8-12 years. Participants consumed two chewable tablets twice daily (at breakfast and after school), with each tablet containing 100 mg. of Suntheanine, a patented form of pure L-theanine or a placebo. Their parents completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the treatment period. In addition, the boys were monitored with an actigraph—a wristwatch-like device that records sleep activity levels and related data.

The Actigraph watch findings indicated that boys who consumed the Suntheanine obtained significantly higher sleep percentage and sleep efficiency scores, along with a non-significant trend for less activity during sleep (defined as less time awake after sleep onset) compared to those in the placebo group.

"These improvements were compelling and significant," commented lead researcher Michael R. Lyon, M.D., who points out that additional research is needed. "While L-theanine has been studied for its effects on stress, mood and cognition in non-ADHD subjects, this is the first report of its effects in children with ADHD. Given the importance of sleep in assisting children with attention, memory, emotion and behavior in the daytime, it warrants investigation to determine whether L-theanine's effects on sleep are long-term and whether they translate into measurable positive changes in ADHD symptoms."

He cautions: "Some lower cost products may not contain enough of the proper form of L-theanine to be effective. We analyzed six commercially available products labeled as L-theanine, and discovered that five contained significant amounts of another compound. The safety and effectiveness of these mixtures have not been determined. Only Suntheanine contained pure L-theanine, which is why we chose to use it for this study."

This study was conducted at the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine in conjunction with the Food, Nutrition & Health Program at the University of British Columbia. For additional studies about Suntheanine, visit www.nostress.com.

Media Note: For additional information, or to arrange an interview with Dr. Lyon, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.

About Michael R. Lyon, BSc, MD
Dr. Michael Lyon is a practicing physician and the Medical and Research Director for the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine located in Vancouver, B.C. A fun and interesting guy with a real zest for living, he's known by members of his local broadcast media as the 'extreme commuter' because he flies his helicopter to work.

Dr. Lyon heads up a team of clinicians and researchers dedicated to biotechnology, nutritional and natural health product research. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Food, Nutrition and Health Program at University of British Columbia and is involved in collaborative clinical research with the University of Toronto, the McMaster University, Rutgers University and Vancouver Island University. He currently conducts and oversees research teams in the fields of obesity, diabetes and appetite regulation; childhood behavioral disorders; anxiety and insomnia.

CONTACT:
Tel: (612) 798-7220
Toll Free: (800) 999-4859
Website:mediarelations.com

Do your legs kick around a lot at night? Are your sheets and blankets scattered around a lot when you wake up? Does your spouse note they get kicked around a lot at night or that your legs jump? If so, you probably have restless legs syndrome (RLS), more accurately called periodic leg movement disorder of sleep (PLMD), and it is contributing to your fatigue and pain. Although you may be asleep through the night, your legs are running a marathon and you wake up exhausted!

Restless leg syndrome is very common, being present in ˜20 percent of the population.

One of the most common and easily treated causes of RLS is simply iron deficiency. Studies show that bringing the ferritin level (the best iron test) up over 60 is helpful. That your iron levels are in the "normal range" (i.e.— over 12) does not mean that you do not have iron deficiency. Rather, ask your doctor to check a blood ferritin level and get the actual result from them. If it were under 60, I would take iron until your blood ferritin level is over 60.

Other nutrients, especially B vitamins and magnesium, can also be helpful for keeping your legs and muscles calm while you sleep. These (though not the iron) are present at optimal levels in the Energy Revitalization System multivitamin powder.

Are you ready to make your restless leg syndrome go away? Read more...

The Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

A number of factors contribute to RLS. These include:

1. Inadequate levels of the brain neurotransmitter called dopamine. This is very common, and also contributes to increased pain. Iron is critical for the production of dopamine, although once the ferritin level is over 60, you have received the maximum benefit.
2. Medications. These include antidepressants and allergy medications.
3. Suboptimal levels of thyroid. Optimizing thyroid often can be very helpful.
4. Drops in blood sugar while sleeping. This can often be helped by simply eating one to two ounces of protein at bedtime (e.g.-a hard-boiled egg). Try this for a week to see if it helps.

Diagnosing Restless Leg Syndrome

If you tend to scatter your sheets and blankets, and especially if you tend to kick your bed partner or if you note that your legs tend to feel jumpy and uncomfortable at rest at night, you probably have restless leg syndrome. You can also have a sleep study done to look for leg muscle contractions. I recommend that you save yourself $2000 though, and simply start by videotaping yourself sleeping one evening, (you can use your cell phone). Leave off your sheets and blankets when you first go to sleep and aim the video camera so you can see both your legs and your face. This way the next day you can watch and look for evidence of either jumping legs (RLS) or snoring associated with stopping breathing (sleep apnea).

Addressing Restless Leg Syndrome

There are both natural and prescription approaches to calming down your legs at night, so both you and your legs can get a good night sleep.

Natural Options For Restless Leg Syndrome

1. Avoid caffeine in the evening.
2. Because restless leg syndrome may be associated with low blood sugar, eat a 1-2 ounce protein snack at bedtime.
3. As noted above, if your serum ferritin score is under 60, take an iron supplement at bedtime. Do not take it within 2-6 hours of thyroid supplements, or you won't absorb the thyroid. Take 25-50 mg of iron and 50-100 mg of vitamin C with it so that you absorb the iron.

Prescription Treatments
Neurontin can be very helpful for both restless leg syndrome, and treating insomnia and muscle pain in general. I advise people to adjust the dose to not only get adequate sleep, but to also keep the bedcovers in place and to avoid kicking their partners. You can get your 8-9 hours of restorative sleep a night!