"Chemo-Brain" or "Chemo-Fog" Cancer treatment using chemo drugs is associated with delayed mental problems that are referred to as "chemo-brain" and sometimes "chemo-fog". Chemo-brain and chemo fog refer to a decline in mental ability, lack of concentration and muddled thinking in some patients receiving chemotherapy. The problems are in retrieving memories, focusing and organizational skills rather then forming memories or intelligence. Sixty one percent of chemo patients complained of these problems, and even 1 year later, over half of these patients still did not show any improvement. False Causes? Some doctors think that these side effects are due to:
None of these have been scientifically proved! Breakthrough Research Scientific research published in 2008 done by Mark Noble and fellow scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York,* found the scientific reasons for this problem. In their study, they found that nerve cells would become damaged and that this damage increased even weeks after the administration of the chemotherapy drug was completed. They found that the myelin sheath (protective outer covering) of the nerve was damaged and that this damage often became worse over time. In other words, the problem was caused by the loss of this fatty insulation protecting the brain's vital nerve connections. Dr. Mark Noble, team leader, said "This is the first study that puts "chemo-brain" on a sound scientific footing, in terms of neuro-biology and cellular biology." What does this mean? When damage is done to the myelin sheath it causes this outer sheathing (protective covering) of the nerve cells to degenerate. This is similar to an electrical wire that is covered with insulation, and the insulation is beginning to crumble. Without insulation the unprotected wire will start short-circuiting. In the same way, when the sheathing of nerve cells degenerate, the signals being transmitted are scrambled. This nerve damage is what is known as neuropathy. How does Neuropathy create Brain Fog? Nerves are the communication lines of the body. Electrical signals from the brain travel through the nerves and give instructions to the various body parts. The body receives information from the environment through the senses and sends this information to the brain via the nerves. When the nerves are damaged this does not happen. The signals short circuit. What to do about the Nerve Damage It has been known for some time that increased levels of Tiamine (vitamin B1) in the blood stream are very effective in reducing and reversing nerve damage, Additionally, neuropathy has been found to be caused and made worse by insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 supports the sheathing that protects nerve cells and has shown in studies that it promotes the regeneration and growth of nerve cells. The Problem with "Ordinary" Vitamin B1 & B12 Unfortunately, the oral intake of vitamin B1 does not greatly increase the levels of B1 in the blood stream. Previously, the way that blood stream levels of B1 were increased was through periodic intravenous feeding or through injections every few weeks. The reason that methods like this had to be used is that Tiamine (sometimes spelled Thiamine),like all of the B vitamins, is water-soluble. Tiamine cannot be stored in the body and flushes out within 4 to 5 hours. Oral intake of Tiamine over 5 mg results in greatly reduced bioavailability and immediate flushing from the body (this is why urine frequently turns yellow when taking larger doses of B vitamins). In the past it has also been difficult to remedy the B12 deficiency. The reason for this is that while vitamin B12 is readily stored by the body, it is not readily absorbed by the body. For this reason much larger amounts have been used in supplementation, but even large oral dosages have not been an adequate solution. The most common type of vitamin B12 used in supplements is called Cyanocobalamine. Taking Cyanocobalamine can result in absorption of as little as 1/2 of 1% of the amount taken, which makes it almost impossible to get enough of this vitally important vitamin. In addition to the very low absorption, the body must convert the Cyanocobalamine (which cannot be used by the body) to a form of vitamin B12 the body can use called Methylcobalamine. Unfortunately, as the body gets older it loses this ability to convert Cobalamine to Methylcobalamine. For the above reasons, as people get older, many physicians recommend regular monthly injections of vitamin B12 to maintain adequate body levels or to replenish greatly depleted stores of this vital nutrient. A Solution to the Problem! Now, a new type of vitamin B1 has been produced, called Benfotiamine. It is a fat-soluble version of vitamin B1. What does this mean? It means this new form of vitamin B1 can be taken orally in large dosages and it will not flush out of the body the way ordinary Tiamine (vitamin B1) does. The result is that by taking Benfotiamine the blood stream levels of vitamin B1 can now be greatly increased, nutritionally supporting the body to rapidly and effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy. Also available is Methylcobalamine (called Methyl B12). This is the form of vitamin B12 that can be directly utilized by the body and is available in the quantities nutritionally needed by the body to repair itself. Methyl B12 can be taken orally and is immediately available to the body much like injectable vitamin B12. Now Available Together For The First Time! The WSN® Nerve Support Formula now contains both Benfotiamine and Methy B12. The result is that the blood stream levels of vitamin B1 and vitamin B12 can now be greatly increased, providing the nutritional support needed by the body to rapidly and far more effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. Many individuals previously using just our Benfotiamine reported a lessening of their neuropathy symptoms within 4 to 7 days. Now, the WSN® Nerve Support Formula is far more effective than either the Benfotiamine or Methyl B12 alone. Both Benfotiamine and Methyl B12 have been shown to be non-toxic and without any side effects even in very high dosages. What Is The Next Step? Now that you know how and why people develop neuropathy, here are your choices:
Fortunately, your body has miraculous healing powers, is very resilient and operates in a very intelligent manner. If you give it the right fuel and the right nutrients, it will respond very quickly. Begin using the WSN® Nerve Support Formula, and help decrease or eliminate this problem! Where to Find the
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