Phosphatidylcholine: Wake Up Your Brain
Phosphatidylcholine (or PC for short) is the most abundant phospholipid in the body. Unsure of what this means? Let me break it down. Every cell in our body is encased in a double layer of fat or phospholipids. Phosphatidylcholine is an important phospholipid that is very prevalent in young and healthy cell membranes. When we age or become ill, our cell membranes become damaged by toxins, heavy metals, pesticides, smoking, and even stress. As we get older, our body is unable to produce enough PC to repair this damage and keep our cells healthy and functioning optimally. When PC decreases, toxins actually get trapped within these fatty cell membranes.
Because our brain is 60% fatty tissue, our brain cells are particularly susceptible to trapping toxins when Phosphatidylcholine is not prevalent. These toxins can impact cell membrane and mitochondrial function (cells energy production) as well as cellular communication. Phosphatidylcholine also synthesizes an important brain chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is pivotal for memory and other brain functions. Much recent research has been looking at PC therapy for conditions and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and even behavioral problems in children (1).
The Miracle Molecule?
Phosphatidylcholine is often referred to as the “miracle molecule” for its importance in:
- maintaining cell structure
- fat metabolism
- memory
- nerve signaling, as a precursor to important neurotransmitters
- and liver health
It is a very promising area of research in anti-aging medicine because many studies have found Phosphatidylcholine supplements can improve learning, aid your memory, and even help to promote healthy skin elasticity. That’s right…brains AND beauty.
Food Sources of PC
Many foods contain rich levels of PC. However, they are not the foods that we should be eating in abundance. Foods like eggs, beef, fish, and milk are good sources of PC, but they can also lead to more exposure to toxins, metals, and pesticides that act in breaking down our levels of PC.
PC Supplementation
Supplementing with PC is he best way to add this important molecule to our bodies. We can increase the levels found in our cells and reverse age-related decline with proper supplementation. Both oral and IV supplementation is available.
Phosphatidylcholine IVs
Oral supplementation can be taken everyday for PC “upkeep.” PC IVs act more as an overhaul of your cells. Intense intravenous PC therapy might be more appropriate with some people with chronic disease or metal toxicity. Chronic illness is linked to poor cell membrane health. By replenishing your cell membranes with healthy phospholipids, your cellular function will increase and toxic compounds can be transported from your body.
Is PC IV Therapy Right for You?
- proven metal toxicity (this can be assessed with functional lab testing).
- neurodegenerative diseases (MS, autism, ALS, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s
- autoimmune disorders
- toxic mold exposures
- chronic viral infections
- cancer and or family history of any of the above.
To learn more about Phosphatidylcholine or PC IV Therapy or any of our other IV therapies, request an appointment with me at: 561-283-1166. Or, fill out the form below.
