Fulvic Acid & Neurocognitive Disorders
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It’s only in recent years that researchers have begun to truly appreciate the complexity of the so-called “gut brain axis,” and how digestive health, immunity, cognition and mental health are all closely connected, mutually affecting one another. The damage that results from a compromised gut lining (i.e. the notorious “leaky gut” syndrome) produces inflammatory molecules called cytokines that enter the bloodstream and have deleterious effects on the entire body, the brain included.
Gut inflammation has been connected to low mood, depression and anxiety, and this is no surprise when we also consider why the gut is considered the “second brain” – because it’s where significant amounts of neurotransmitters are produced, including serotonin. This explains why those with digestive disorders such as IBS, ulcerative colitis or IBD can also experience mood disruptions, brain fog and forgetfulness.
Fascinating new research has suggested a connection between compromised gut permeability and autism. Digestive disorders, allergies, antibiotics and stress can all damage the intestinal barrier, preventing it from blocking the entry of toxins, bacteria and waste products into the bloodstream. Once these foreign particles enter the bloodstream, the body’s immune system responds with the release of inflammatory chemicals. It’s these chemicals that can wreak havoc on the function of the brain.
Where it gets interesting is when this process occurs during the first year of life or so, where it interferes with normal infant brain development. Research is now suggesting that this early inflammation can impact the structure and function of the brain, later leading to conditions in adulthood such as autism. Of course, autism is a complicated disorder and research is ongoing, but it’s clear that there is a close connection between gut microbiome composition and mental health, autism in particular.
While there is nothing to suggest that fulvic acid can treat autism, there is plenty of evidence to show that it can restore healthy gut microbial balance, heal leaky gut and support health and wellbeing, on the cellular level.
Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates in the brain, which literally create “tangles” in the neurons that impair cognitive processes like memory. In Alzheimer’s these tangles form plaques made of tau protein, and potential interventions are targeted at disaggregating or breaking down these plaques.
Interestingly, fulvic acid has shown some promise as a treatment to help stall and even reverse the neurodegeneration that accompanies Alzheimer’s disease. Fulvic acid is a tiny but powerful molecule, and researchers have found that not only does it prevent the development of these neural tangles, but it also has the power to break down existing plaques, restoring cognitive function and improving memory and concentration.
Research into fulvic acid’s therapeutic potential is still in the early stages, but there is no doubt that those suffering from neurodegenerative conditions can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties fulvic acid is known for.
In ancient Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), shilajit (a raw and non-purified form of fulvic acid) is believed to restore mental vigor and clarity, and is said to promote longevity. Perhaps in time scientific evidence will emerge to support these claims.
Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;2012:674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142
Cornejo A, Jiménez JM, Caballero L, Melo F, Maccioni RB. Fulvic acid inhibits aggregation and promotes disassembly of tau fibrils associated with Alzheimer’s disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;27(1):143-53. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2011-110623. PMID: 21785188.