Researchers from the University of Alberta found that the hepatitis C virus can penetrate the blood brain barrier and infect and replicate in the brain.  They autopsied the brains of people who had died with HCV and found the virus living there.  It is generally difficult for any type of infection to be able to get passed the blood brain barrier.  My own conjecture is that the very tiny size of HCV makes it pass more easily.

The study found that 13% of the HCV patients they looked at also had neurological issues. The researchers led by Chris Power saw that HCV in the brain triggers inflammation and damaged neurons responsibe for motor functions, concentration, and memory.  Further they saw that the virus inhibited a process in the brain called autophagy.  This is how cells get rid of unwanted proteins.  This causes further brain damage. Most brain and neurological deficits in hepatitis C patients has been previously ascribed to ammonia accumulation, though this research clearly shows that is not the entire picture.  The liver primarily clears ammonia and when its functions are diminished ammonia can build up in the brain poisoning neurons.  Ammonia is a by-product of protein digestion.

The Alchemist Lab treatment of neurological issues in hepatitis C patients starts with L-Ornithine L-Aspartate to clear ammonia.  The basic process in the liver that clears ammonia is called the urea cycle or alternatively the ornithine cycle.  This is a very effective product.

We also use Calcium and Lithium Orotates which help tighten up the blood brain barrier.  The Orotates have a secondary action of clearing ammonia.

To help heal neurons we use Phosphatidyl Serine which helps induce the production of Nerve Growth Hormone, which typically peaks by age two in humans.  PS also balances out the effect of cortisol on the brain.  Prolonged high levels of cortisol which is a major stress hormone has been found to damage the brain.

We utilize Membrane Complex which helps repair the myelin sheath of neurons.  Krill Oil has a highly unusual lipid structure allowing the krill to live in freezing waters. This allows it to be incorporated into the cell membrane which is home base for affecting the nervous system.

We also use Acetyl Glutathione for all neurological complaints.  This detoxifies the body including the brain.  One patient described taking Glutathione as ‘melting the rust off of his brain’.