Consciousness medicine employs different mental states and thought patterns to promote desired physical changes and health benefits in the body. Ketamine therapy is less of a medication treatment and more of an experience that induces a state of deep meditation that allows for powerful rewiring in the brain through a process of neuroplasticity. These microstructural changes occur in part from new proteins called dendrites synthesized at nerve endings to form new synapses that connect brain cells, also called neurons.
While this concept may be complicated, the gist is that the brain makes small physical changes after ketamine therapy. Most patients notice these changes with an improved mood and less negative thought patterns. An important goal of all patients should be focused on how to make these changes last. At Genesis, we advocate for reinforcing these changes through a regular a mindfulness and meditation practice, and other lifestyle changes, such as diet and nutrition.
What you eat and put into your body makes up the chemical building blocks of all the cells and proteins in your body. While many people think about diet in terms of losing and gaining weight, it should also be thought of as a fundamental factor in your physical health and brain function.
A healthy diet can be achieved by following simple intuitive principles. To quote author Michael Pollan, “Eat food. Not too much…If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don’t.” If this advice is followed, you will benefit greatly. To further refine your diet to enhance brain function and promote the neuroplastic benefits of consciousness medicine, you will want to consider the following additional principles based on strong scientific research:
- Your brain cells require glucose or sugar to function. However, too much sugar slows down and impairs function, especially when blood sugar spikes up and then bottoms out by the built-in glucose regulation that occurs with insulin release. To help reduce this impact, we recommend as much as possible avoiding all food products that contain added sugar and corn syrup. The worst culprits are soft drinks and candy, but ketchup, syrup, baked goods like white bread, potatoes, and fruits like grapes can also wreak havoc on your blood glucose levels. Make a habit of looking at food labels for sugar content.
- An additional fuel source of the brain is called a ketone body, which is a breakdown product of fat, and these have been shown to be more efficient than glucose. Ketogenic or Paleo diets are strict eating habits that prioritize eating healthy fats and extremely low carbohydrates. This creates a shift in your metabolism that more readily mobilizes your fat stores as an energy source. Ketogenic diets are very challenging to maintain, although the benefits on mental health are dramatic. Additional approaches that can help push the body to a ketogenic state include fasting or intermittent fasting for at least 16 hours. Please consult a physician before taking on a diet like this.
- Eating food that is high in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, or plant-based options that include flaxseed oil or walnuts are known to promote brain health. Alternatively, an Omega 3 supplement or cod liver oil is a time-tested effective dietary supplement.
- Vitamin D is extremely important for appropriate neural function, and lower levels are linked to diseases such as seasonal affective disorder, depression, certain cancers, and osteoporosis. Vitamin D is synthesized through sunlight exposure but is also present in various food sources such as fish, dairy products fortified with Vitamin D, and egg yolk. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 is strongly encouraged, particularly if you spend most of the day indoors.
- Ensuring that your diet is rich in B vitamins, namely Vitamin B12, is critical to proper neural functioning. Good sources of Vitamin B12 include meat, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Supplementation with a vitamin is a smart option, but it is important to purchase good quality sources. IV vitamin therapy with a Myers’ cocktail is an extremely effective and reliable way to ensure your body receives this vital nutrient. These treatments also provide an energy boost to many people as well.
- Magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a role in many functions in the body. Proper levels of magnesium ensure optimal nerve transmission and protect against excess neuron excitation and oxidative stress. Low levels of magnesium have even been linked to disorders such as migraines, depression, chronic pain, stroke, and dementia. Incredibly, research has estimated that 48% of the US population is insufficient in magnesium. Common food sources include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Oral supplementation is a beneficial option and even better is through an intravenous route. Magnesium plays a key component to all IV formulations.
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a powerful and very promising coenzyme that works naturally to boost many health functions in the body including enhanced cognitive processing and promotes anti-aging properties. NAD is naturally synthesized by the body but declines as we age or undergo stress, and this may factor in fatigue, depression, and memory issues. We offer IV infusions to work at the cellular level to boost energy stores that have wide-ranging effects on one’s overall health.
The foods you eat, and just as important, the ones you avoid and the time that you spend fasting, have an important role in promoting healthy brain function and reinforcing the gains from ketamine therapy and meditation.
At Genesis Ketamine Centers, we offer IV vitamin infusions that can help boost the important changes in the brain in a more lasting manner. IV infusions are not approved by the FDA to treat any medical condition.
A Myer’s cocktail is an affordable start, but we offer three infusion packages that have promising research to promote brain health and reduce inflammation. Check it out: https://genesisketamine.com/iv-therapy/
Let our staff know if you are interested in adding IV vitamin therapy to the end of your ketamine session or if you want to schedule a separate IV Vitamin treatment.