Tourette Syndrome

Dr. Kovac on Healing Tourette Syndrome Naturally

“Modern medicine often seeks to suppress symptoms with pharmaceuticals, but true healing lies in addressing the root causes. Tourette Syndrome, like many neurological disorders, is deeply connected to nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and inflammation. By restoring balance to the body, we can ease symptoms and support overall well-being.”

Key Nutrients for Managing Tourette Syndrome

โœ… Magnesium โ€“ Known as natureโ€™s relaxant, magnesium helps calm the nervous system, reducing tics and muscle spasms. Many with Touretteโ€™s are deficient in magnesium due to stress and poor dietary intake. Best sources: Magnesium glycinate, leafy greens, nuts, seeds.

โœ… B-Complex Vitamins โ€“ These are critical for brain function and neurotransmitter regulation. B6, B12, and folate, in particular, help with dopamine metabolism, which can ease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Best sources: Whole grains, eggs, dairy, and supplementation if needed.

โœ… Probiotics (Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Kefir) โ€“ Gut health is directly linked to brain health. A healthy microbiome reduces inflammation and stabilizes mood and neurological function. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir provide the probiotics needed to repair gut integrity and support neurotransmitter production.

โœ… Omega-3 Fatty Acids โ€“ These essential fats reduce inflammation and support brain health, improving focus and reducing the severity of tics. Best sources: Wild-caught salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and high-quality fish oil supplements.

Dr. Kovacโ€™s Final Thoughts:

“Tourette Syndrome should not be seen as a life sentence, but as a condition that can be managedโ€”and in many cases, greatly improvedโ€”through nutrition, gut health, and targeted supplementation. Instead of merely suppressing symptoms with pharmaceuticals, letโ€™s give the body what it truly needs to heal.”

? Have you tried natural remedies for Touretteโ€™s? Share your experiences in the comments!

Balancing Cortisol Levels

INT. HOSPITAL EXAM ROOM โ€“ DAY
Amy Schumer sits on the exam table, looking both frustrated and hopeful. Dr. Luka Kovaฤ enters, holding a tablet with her test results. His calm demeanor instantly puts her at ease.

DR. KOVAฤŒ
Amy, your test results confirm itโ€™s Cushingโ€™s syndrome. The good news is, we can manage this.

AMY SCHUMER
(sighing)
Thank God. I was starting to think I was just crazy. So, whatโ€™s the plan?

DR. KOVAฤŒ
First, weโ€™ll address the root causeโ€”whether itโ€™s from a tumor, excessive corticosteroids, or another issue. But lifestyle changes and natural support can make a big difference, too.

AMY SCHUMER
(nodding)
Iโ€™m all ears. Tell me everything.

DR. KOVAฤŒ
(pulling up a chair)
Letโ€™s start with food. Your body needs support to balance cortisol levels and reduce inflammation.

Foods to Include

  1. Leafy Greens
    Spinach, kale, and arugula are rich in magnesium, which helps regulate cortisol.
  2. Fatty Fish
    Salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide omega-3s to combat inflammation.
  3. Berries
    Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants.
  4. Avocados
    High in potassium and healthy fats to support adrenal health.
  5. Nuts and Seeds
    Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and magnesium.
  6. Whole Grains
    Quinoa, brown rice, and oats help stabilize blood sugar levels.
  7. Herbs and Spices
    Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties.

DR. KOVAฤŒ
Avoid processed foods, sugar, and excessive salt. They can worsen fluid retention and inflammation.

AMY SCHUMER
Got it. So, no more late-night ice cream binges?

DR. KOVAฤŒ
(smiling)
Not if you want to feel better.

Vitamins and Supplements

  1. Vitamin D
    Helps regulate calcium levels and supports bone health, which can be affected by Cushingโ€™s.
  2. Magnesium
    Reduces cortisol and improves sleep quality.
  3. Ashwagandha
    An adaptogen that helps balance cortisol levels.
  4. Vitamin C
    Supports adrenal function and boosts the immune system.
  5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
    Fights inflammation and supports brain health.
  6. Probiotics
    Improves gut health, which is crucial for hormone regulation.
  7. Calcium and Vitamin K2
    Protects bone density, which can be compromised by high cortisol.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Stress Management
    Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
  • Sleep Hygiene
    Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Exercise
    Focus on low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to avoid overtaxing your body.

AMY SCHUMER
This all sounds doable. What about medicine?

DR. KOVAฤŒ
Weโ€™ll start you on ketoconazole or metyrapone to lower cortisol production. If needed, weโ€™ll consider surgical options or radiation, depending on the cause.

AMY SCHUMER
(pausing, then smiling)
You know, I was expecting a lot of doom and gloom, but this actually feels… manageable.

DR. KOVAฤŒ
(smiling back)
Thatโ€™s the goal. Small, consistent steps will get you there. And Amy, rememberโ€”this is a partnership. Youโ€™re not alone in this.

Amy nods, a spark of determination lighting her eyes. Luka stands, offering her a reassuring hand.

AMY SCHUMER
Thanks, Doc. Iโ€™ll try to remember all this.

DR. KOVAฤŒ
And if you forget, Iโ€™ll remind you.

As she leaves the room, Amy feels a newfound sense of hope, armed with the tools to take control of her health.

Longevity – Eating Italian

There’s a small village in Italy where 300 of its residents are over 100 years old. For the first time, residents are letting scientists research why their life span is so long.

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KELLY MCEVERS, HOST:

Researchers think they might have found the secret to living a long and happy life, and it lies in a southern Italian village along the Mediterranean. It’s called Acciaroli. About a third of the people who live there – roughly 300 – are more than 100 years old.

ALAN MAISEL: Out of those ones that are over 100, we’re not sure exactly, but we think about 20 percent have reached 110 years of age.

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

That’s Dr. Alan Maisel. He’s a cardiologist at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He’s part of a joint U.S.-Italian research team launching a long-term study of the centenarians of Acciaroli. They want to figure out why so many of them are living so long.

MCEVERS: Maisel has traveled to the village and says people there don’t seem to be trying very hard to stay healthy.

MAISEL: What shocked me is that I don’t see people jogging. I do not see people in active exercise classes. I don’t see them swimming laps in the ocean.

MCEVERS: In fact, he says, many of the elderly residents of Acciaroli are smokers and overweight.

CORNISH: How can that be? Well, Maisel suspects it’s a combination of good genes and good diet.

MAISEL: Everybody ate anchovies. Now, you know, I actually like anchovies on my Caesar salad, but I never thought they would help me live to be 110. But they seem to eat it with every meal.

CORNISH: And another big part of their diet…

MAISEL: Also, every meal they have the plant rosemary in almost everything they cook with. Whatever form they put it in has been shown in scientific studies to reduce cognitive and prevent cognitive dysfunction and some aging.

MCEVERS: Add to this a glass of good, Italian wine and a heavy dash of leisure…

MAISEL: In the evenings, in the late afternoon, they’re all sitting around the cantinas, the restaurants. They’re having some wine, some coffee. They’re relaxed.

CORNISH: Over the next six months, Maisel and his research team will analyze every aspect of the lives of this group collecting blood samples, tracking genealogy and monitoring exercise. As for Maisel, he has a personal goal for his next visit to the village.

MAISEL: I want to find the oldest person, and I want to have a drink with them. And then I want to – as they said in “When Harry Met Sally” – I’ll have what they’re having.

MCEVERS: Us, too.

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