Unlocking Your Brain’s Detox System: The Power of the Glymphatic System

Did you know your brain has its own unique waste-clearing mechanism? It's called the glymphatic system—a relatively recent discovery (2012) that completely changed our understanding of how the brain detoxifies itself.

In this video, Dr. Paul Hrkal ND explains how the glymphatic system functions as the brain's "garbage disposal," clearing away toxins, metabolic waste, and inflammatory molecule. This system plays a key role in protecting your brain against neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

We explore how sleep quality, sleep position, and deep diaphragmatic breathing influence glymphatic drainage. You'll also learn about the connection between concussion recovery, sleep apnea, lymphatic flow, and chronic brain inflammation, and what practical steps you can take to optimize your brain's detox pathways.

Whether you're dealing with brain fog, persistent post-concussion symptoms, or just want to improve your cognitive longevity; this is an essential topic to understand.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to the glymphatic system
01:15 – What the glymphatic system does
02:35 – How sleep activates brain detox
04:00 – Best sleeping positions for brain waste removal
05:00 – Diaphragmatic breathing and CSF flow
06:10 – Sleep apnea’s impact on detox
07:10 – Other tips: hydration, exercise, alcohol

Key Topics Covered:
Glymphatic system 101
Brain detox during sleep
Role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Sleep position for optimal drainage
Deep breathing and lymphatic flow
Sleep apnea and cognitive function
How aging affects detox
Practical tools to support brain healing