Scott, Trudy. Carefully note any patterns of symptoms that emerge. This elimination diet was created by John B. Symes, a veterinarian who calls himself Dogtor J. hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can trigger the release of glutamate, Choose organic, non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) produce. 1997;94(25):1406014065. An antibiotic called gentamicin has side effects including hearing loss and nerve damage that can lead to seizures. They act and operate exactly like the glutamate receptors in the brain. A host of conditions are associated with a GABA/glutamate imbalance: Excessive glutamates, which come primarily from ones diet, can overstimulate the nervous system and produce adverse neurological symptoms which affect: When the immune system is compromised and not functioning properly, then a GABA/glutamate imbalance becomes more pronounced and problematic. Supplement with phenylethylamine (PEA) and honokiol to reduce excitotoxicity. It regulates the receptors of other important neurotransmitters such as: Dopamine and norepinephrine are part of a group of neurotransmitters called catecholamines which are hormones released into the bloodstream by the adrenals in response to physical or emotional stress. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The interesting part is that all of these different health-issues respond to the same foods being eliminated; it makes one wonder if glutinous grains and cow dairy should be in our diet at all. How to Increase GABA and Balance Glutamate, Katie Reids pantry list of recommended foods, Unblind My Mind: What Are We Eating? Medical Hypotheses. Provides full spectrum b-vitamins, including a low dose 400mcg of methylfolate. You get very high glutamate levels in the blood after eating a meal containing MSG. Glutamate is also found in significant quantities in other foods that are not matured in any way. 5. The glutamate story. Having said that, bone broths can be great for gut healing. PLoS One. Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS and Autoimmune Encephalitis. Regulation of learning and memory: Glutamate helps with the strengthening or weakening of signals between neurons over time to shape learning and memory. Acta Paediatr. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can be found in a bound form, where it is part of an unmodified protein, and is generally digested slowly, to be used by the brain and gut for healing, repair and stimulating our nervous system. Excess calcium in the body and glutamate together can cause ongoing misfiring of neurons, becoming a vicious cycle resulting in neural inflammation and cell death (excitotoxicity). Others may develop irritable bowel, or if they have irritable bowel, it makes it a lot worse. Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many different types of food. In addition to epilepsy, modern research has found multiple health-issues linked to gut damage including: alcoholism, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, lupus, chronic fatigue, diabetes, schizophrenia, major depression and other mental illnesses, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and many more. Energy source for brain cells. with Trudy Scott, Release opioids in the brain, triggering feelings of spaciness, Deplete glutathione levels, the master antioxidant in the body that is necessary for detoxification, reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy gut, Increase the survival of unwanted microbes in the microbiome, Contribute to an acidic gut condition causing heartburn and reflux. Multiplicity of the antibody response to GAD65 in Type I diabetes. 2017 Nov;42(12):2456-2465. Pall, M.L., Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltagegated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects. Naaijen, J., et al. 2015. Later, gradually re-introduce some of the more natural sources of glutamate back into your diet. As important as glutamate is for brain functioning, it is also a double-edged sword in the brain. These include mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, broccoli, walnuts and peas. PLoS One. Cass, Hyla MD. To provide a diet that excludes foods naturally high in free glutamate, and food additives containing glutamate. Legislation requires that if monosodium glutamate has been added to a food, the label must declare this in the ingredients listing. Additionally, the low glutamate diet is balanced, nutritious and palatable, with no side effects. Autism and EMF? Herbert, M.R, et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (Apparently a certain amount can be used before declaration is required thats terrible!). Glutamate is one of the principal neurotransmitters in our brains and is important for learning and memory. It can be found in a 'bound' form, where it is part of an unmodified protein, and is generally digested slowly, to be used by the brain and gut for healing, repair and stimulating our nervous . Katie Reids pantry list of recommended foods. 4) Nightshades, IF one just can't live without them. Walls, A.B., et al. Health Press, 1996. BrainRes. However, it can also be in an unbound or free form, where it is no longer bound to an amino acid, so it is then digested and absorbed faster by the body, creating a spike of glutamate in the blood which can create damage to our nervous system and beyond. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Eggs are a great source of protein that are low in glutamate and aspartate. However, a food that naturally contains glutamate is not required by legislation to state this on the product label, so knowing what food sources contain MSG is key. Chicken is fairly low as well. 1) Gluten-free grain substitutes (millet, flax, sorghum, tapioca, amaranth, quinoa) 2) Nuts and seeds (with tree nuts being ideal) 3) Legumes/beans (if necessary and if desired. A 2012 study out of Hungarymeasured baseline levels of vitamin D in 13 subjects. The amount of glutamate and aspartate in a normal serving of meat would normally not be an issue. 92 (2013) 149153. [PubMed: 17561949], All MSG found often in restaurants and canned foods, Wheat (30-35% of the protein in wheat is glutamic acid), barley, oats, rye, corn, Artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet, Splenda), Grain-fed meat which is higher in glutamate and aspartate: choose grass-fed meat, especially lamb and eggs which have the lowest glutamate and aspartate, Nuts, beans and seeds very sparingly; avoid nut butters, Potatoes and cauliflower will serve as the best grain substitutes, Tree nuts (e.g. 2) Vegetables. The best way to avoid high free glutamates is to cook whole foods yourself from scratch at home, but even then, there are pitfalls to avoid. 6. The ketogenic diet for epilepsy was initially formulated to produce biochemical changes that occur during fasting . Glutamate is essential for life, but there are many people who are sensitive to it. Delayed increase of Ca2+ influx elicited by glutamate: role in neuronal death. Be sure to keep a daily food diary and be sure to look for improvements or decline in your childs physical, emotional, behavioral and academic symptoms. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of the low glutamate diet on anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). The lungs, the ovaries, all the reproductive systems and sperm itself, adrenal glands, bones and even calcification are all controlled by glutamate receptors. Schauwecker, P.A. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of. The authors noted that a low glutamate diet was previously shown to reduce symptoms in fibromyalgia, . Glutamate can be used as an energy source when glucose levels the main source of energy are low. Be wary of spice mixes as many of them contain hidden glutamate. There is evidence to support the unfavorable effects of some anti-epileptic drugs on plasma homocysteine concentrations. Characteristics. 3) Potatoes. originally stood for the "glutamate-aspartate restricted diet" after its limitation of these two non-essential, neurostimulating amino acids that are also the parent compounds of MSG and aspartame (Nutrisweet) respectively. 2010 Jan;15(1):38-52. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 9) Meats: Meats are naturally rich in glutamate and aspartate, but this is offset by other amino acids in the food that balances them, in almost all cases. Some have even seen those diagnosed with autism change for the better on a low glutamate and aspartate diet. Supplement with bacopa to reduce excitotoxicity, brain inflammation and improve blood flow to the brain. Tree nuts such as pecans and macadamias are the lowest. Ding, H., et al. Voltage-gated Calcium Channels and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 100(2012)841849. Brain Res. Here are other recommendations to avoid high free glutamate foods: The daily portions of whole foods are broken down as follows to ensure a healthy nutrient balance in a low glutamate diet: Other factors, including supplements, can increase or decrease glutamate. Rabbit and turkey are the highest in glutamate, while lamb and eggs are the lowest. Mmmmsuspicious? pecans, walnuts). . Energy source for brain cells: Glutamate can be used when reserves of glucose, the main source of energy for cells, are low. Keeping a balance between the two is very important otherwise an excess of glutamate over time can cause neurological damage and inflammation to the nerves, which can also lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as: The body normally keeps all the neurotransmitters balanced in the brain, but for some this doesnt always happen. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. 2004;138(2):337341. The low glutamate diet was previously shown to reduce symptoms in fibromyalgia, and thus, was a candidate for this funding. Many people have a sensitivity to glutamate and a higher percentage are children as they have under-developed myelin sheaths, which is the protective coating around nerves (like insulation on wires) which makes them more prone to the stimulating effects of glutamate. Correction of vitamin D deficiency improves seizure control in epilepsy. One example would be evidence which shows that when people with epilepsy switch to a low-carb diet they often experience reduced depression along with a reduction in seizures. Psychosocial deficits across autism and schizotypal spectra are interactively modulated by excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Limit usage of glutathione because it contains glutamate. The 4-Step Program to Take Charge of Your EmotionsToday, Dr. Reids daughter rather quickly extinguished all autism-like behaviors, development of glutamate-induced brain-cell death depends strongly on calcium channels in the brain, EMFs such as that from cell phones, wireless phones, WiFi routers, baby monitors, etc., cause these calcium channels to flood via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, while GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, rubella virus can reduce GAD by as much as 50%, Lead, mercury, aluminum and other heavy metals. Epilepsy is definitely on the rise in pets and the combination of wheat and soy in pet foods is playing a huge role. Avoid white rice because free glutamates are involved in the processing of it. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is a common ingredient in processed foods, can cause seizures in mice if it is injected into their bodies. 2012 Aug 6;13:94. Foods and Substances to avoid on a Low Glutamate Diet. Small quantities of nuts and seeds as snacks. The longer and slower you cook meat, the more free glutamate is present e.g. My research showed many varied responses, with many citing the virtues of glutamine, and even glutamate as being beneficial. The different treatment options for epilepsy include the following. Minimal beef is also fine. Introduction to a Low Glutamate diet. The role of glutamate and its receptors in autism and the use of glutamate receptor antagonists in treatment. A ketogenic diet encourages glutamate to become GABA, rather than aspartate. Eliminate all bottled juices and drinks with a shelf life unless they are freshly squeezed because a ingredients containing glutamates such as citric acid are typically used to preserve them. Avoid slow cooking meats because that frees up more glutamates from protein. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. A ketogenic diet increases the GAD enzyme and neurons can use ketones produced from fat burning as a precursor to GABA. Terpstra, M., et al. Glutamate can also be produced artificially and, when combined with sodium to keep it stable, is known as the flavor-enhancer monosodium glutamate, or MSG. Youre stimulating all of the glutamate receptors. Epileptic Disord. Epileptic syndromes have very diverse primary causes, which may be genetic, developmental or acquired. Palmieri, L., et al. As a practitioner, for years I have used glutamine powder or glutamine rich foods to help heal leaky gut and inflammatory conditions (especially of the gut) with great success. - an elimination diet for the treatment of most conditions afflicting man and his four-legged companions. Carefully note any symptoms that may emerge, and you can then use this information to build a low glutamate diet that suits you best for the long term. The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, adequate-protein diet that has been used for almost a century in the treatment of epilepsy. Because microglia cells are immune cells, they have the mechanism to become inflamed and trigger excitotoxcity at the same time they are acting as an immune cell; this condition is called immunoexcitoxicity. Curr Mol Pharmacol. The study is investigating if following the low glutamate diet for 1 month can improve seizure frequency, severity, and duration; cognitive functioning; and/or quality of life, in children with epilepsy. BMC Neurosci. The Glutamate Aspartate Restricted Diet is used to treat certain medical conditions such as celiac disease and epilepsy. I would always avoid soy, however. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine 17.8 (2013): 958-965. 130 (1991) 125127. On the flip side, foods that are high in carbohydrates such as any sugary food, bread, and other grain/wheat-based products, most fruits, and beans shouldn't be eaten on the keto diet. Therefore, astrocytes are logical targets for metabolic therapies. The ketogenic diet (KD) is defined as a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet with appropriate amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The most damaging, however, is monosodium glutamate, or MSG. One of the reasons that we see the above lists of symptoms occurring is when people (especially children with underdeveloped nervous systems) eat foods and additives that contain the nervous system stimulants glutamate and aspartate, another neuro-stimulant. Increase magnesium levels to offset calcium levels and stop glutamate misfiring. natural vanilla flavor). Can also lead to too much acetylcholine causing: Infections that have crossed the blood-brain barrier (, Brain inflammation stemming from any of the above factors or other factors. Grains Grains, such as wheat, barley and oats are highest in glutamate. The low glutamate diet was previously shown to reduce symptoms in fibromyalgia, and thus, was a candidate for this funding. Increase serotonin by supplementing with 5-HTP or SAMe and by. Mackenzie Cervenka, a neurologist and director of the Adult Epilepsy Diet Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, explains what the ketogenic diet is and how it can benefit people with epilepsy. The study is investigating if following the low glutamate diet for 1 month, as compared to care as usual, can improve seizure frequency, severity, and duration; cognitive functioning; and/or quality of life in children with epilepsy. 2011 Oct; 1(4): 182186. Foods to Eat (low in glutamate and asparate): Anti-convulsant drugs can cause nutrient depletion. This means eating foods high in free glutamate will cause the excess glutamate to remain outside of brain cells. Other foods to consider include cured meats, fish sauce condiments and soy sauce. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Aspartate is found in food and drinks as an artificial sweetener additive (aka aspartame or aspartic acid). Your comments are welcome, however if you wish to contact Sue please click here. GABA is found in almost every area of the brain and in very high levels in the hypothalamus. Names for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) to Know, Food-Info.net; Review on Monosodium Glutamates; Sylvia de Jong; 2003. Plausibility of a pathophysiological link Part II. Ripe tomatoes and tomato products (tomato sauce, tomato paste etc), Bone broths and meats cooked for long times, anything hydrolyzed such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, soy protein (including isolate and concentrate), whey protein (including isolate and concentrate), flavors or flavoring (i.e. Presence of GAD65 autoantibodies in the serum of children with autism or ADHD. Many people with epilepsy turn to alternative treatment options either alone or in combination with conventional medication. In this episode, we are discussing how a low glutamate diet effectively improves pain and fatigue, and veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illness. So, when youre consuming MSG, the level of glutamate in the blood can rise as high as 20-fold. (Oil Wheat Germ) Brain Res Bull. Casein, the protein in dairy, especially in parmesan cheese, is 20% glutamic acid by composition. The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a medical or therapeutic diet a diet designed to help manage or treat a medical condition. Epilepsy may be idiopathic, which means the cause cannot be identified. This can be a deadly cocktail of chemicals and sugar (not to mention the alcohol itself). . With strong symptoms in conditions such as ADHD, epilepsy, or fibromyalgia its best to avoid all nuts and seeds until symptoms settle down. Thats why some people get explosive diarrhea, because it stimulates the receptors in the esophagus and small bowel. Plausibility of a pathophysiological linkPart I. Pathophysiology 20.3 (2013): 191-209. It is essential for life, which means it is not only found circulating in the human body but also in a natural form in many foods commonly eaten. For further information on the diet and recommendations of processed foods that do not contain high amounts of free glutamates, please see Dr. Reids pantry list of recommended foods. Be cautious in supplementing with GABA, as it may convert back to glutamine and then glutamate. The effect of a 1-month low-glutamate diet on cognitive functioning in children with epilepsy. Nuts Nuts such as peanuts are very high in glutamate, as are cashews and pistachios, but less so in almonds. The low glutamate diet removes dietary excitotoxins and increases consumption of micronutrients which are protective against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. They are caused by abnormally excited electrical signals in the brain. The primary role of MSG is to enhance the savory flavor of the food and make it taste more meaty. No wonder these are so bad for so many. Epilepsy in mice deficient in the 65-kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase. GABA System Dysfunction in Autism and Related Disorders: From Synapse to Symptoms. Glutamate neuroexcitotoxicity leads to excessive oxidative stress in the brain, causing hyperactivity, seizures and neuronal damage, particularly in the hippocampusthe seat of learning and memory. Nuts and seeds. 2012 Sep;61(4):546-58. Vitamin C is crucial for GABA to inhibit excess glutamate, and lower high copper levels. Manev, H., et al. 3. With this low glutamate diet, Dr. Reid's daughter rather quickly extinguished all "autism-like" behaviors and eventually recovered from autism. Glutamates role in the body is to stimulate our brain cells to deliver messages throughout the body and is particularly important for memory, learning, and general growth and development of the brain, especially for children. Speak to your health provider for further clarification. An important consideration for those wishing to follow a low glutamate diet is that glutamate is found in many foods naturally and not just as an additive. This article reviews research on the use of diet, nutritional supplements, and hormones in the treatment of epilepsy. DeHavenon, A., et al. GAD65 is essential for synthesis of GABA destined for tonic inhibition regulating epileptiform activity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. The ketogenic diet includes a lot of saturated fats, which in excess can contribute to other health problems like high cholesterol and heart disease. Truth Publishing, Inc., 2010. 2007; 48(10):19901994. The Teaching Company. Epilepsy is a brain disorder involving repeated, spontaneous seizures of any type. 2019 Jul 24:1362361319866030. Breakfast (8:00-8:30AM) 1 cup strawberry smoothie + 1 cup cottage cheese + 5-6 tofu pakora. As epilepsy symptoms occur as a result of excess glutamate, scientists believe that the state of ketosis prompts the more efficient disposal of excess . However, if you are unsure about a symptom at any time, check immediately with your medical or health care professional. This is the first study to examine the low glutamate diet in patients with epilepsy. Legumes/beans. 4) Lamb and eggs are relatively low. Additionally, glutamate can be turned into GABA or aspartate. High levels of natural glutamate are found in foods that have been matured, cured or preserved for some time, allowing the proteins to break down to release the glutamate amino acid. Altered calcium homeostasis in autism-spectrum disorders: evidence from biochemical and genetic studies of the mitochondrial aspartate/glutamate carrier AGC. Choudhury, P.R., et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Rice Bran Oil. A keto diet involves consuming foods that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat. Kash, S.F., et al. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LOW GLUTAMATE DIET AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT FOR PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY By Gabrielle Sarlo Submitted to the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences . Neurochem Int. GABA receptors are found in the gastrointestinal tract and are important for bowel contraction to avoid constipation, abdominal pain and impaired transit. Dr. Katherine Reid at [emailprotected], About Us Contact Us Get Involved. By reducing their brains exposure to glutamates, they can reduce the over-stimulation of their brain cells and reduce or remove symptoms. There are no cures for either illness, and treatments are being sought . An elimination diet allows the villi to heal, lower inflammation and allow the body to begin absorbing critical nutrients again. DSouza, C.E., et al. glutamate and GABA, even at very low intensities. Molecular Pathogenesis of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis. Fermented foods Fermented foods of any kind contain glutamates and glutamines. 4. ABSTRACT. Answers Publications, 2018. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, while GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Herbert, M.R., et al. Humphries, P., et al. Investigators suspected vitamin D deficiency would be even higher in epilepsy patients, in large part because antiepileptic medications can affect vitamin D metabolism and lead to deficiency. If you suffer from glutamate sensititivy, eliminate as much natural and artificial glutamate as possible from your diet and any symptoms should subside. Neurochem Int. Some processed foods contain the artificial additive MSG and these tend to be savory foods, such as stocks, sauces, savory snacks and instant meals. Vitamin D Council, April 18th, 2012.http://blog.vitamindcouncil.org/2012/04/18/correction-of-vitamin-d-deficiency-improves-seizure-control-in-epilepsy/, 8. MSG is often found in cheaper meat products. Neurohospitalist. The study is investigating if following the low glutamate diet for 1 month can improve seizure frequency, severity, and duration; cognitive functioning; and/or quality of life, in children with epilepsy. It is planned to include 40 participants. Therefore, reducing glutamates and increasing GABA is one way to restore the GABA/glutamate balance needed for appropriate brain functioning. Supplement with magnesium L-threonate, a form of magnesium that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Diets aren't just for weight loss. 1997;94(25):14060 . Hacohen, Y., et al. Khalifa, D., et al. Pain transmitter: Higher levels of glutamate are linked to . Mid-Meal (11:00-11:30AM) 1 cup black beans soup + 1 cup sauteed vegetables (mushrooms, spinach, capsicum- with butter and olive oil) Lunch (2:00-2:30PM) 1 plate chicken salad with veggies (chicken breast) (onion, tomato, capsicum . These seizures usually begin between ages 5 and 20, but they can happen at any age. Although more famous for its weight-loss effects, the ketogenic diet was originally proposed as a treatment for epilepsy. Eating protein with each meal and not going more than 3-4 hours without eating is important to keep blood sugar level. A 2021 review notes that animal studies have shown that following a keto diet may help decrease glutamate levels. Supplement with selenium, B vitamins, polyphenols, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin E and vitamin C because they all have unique properties which are beneficial in protecting the brain. Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats. pecans, walnuts, macadamias in small quantities). The Truth About Aspartame, MSG and Excitoxins. Increase gut microbes with a multi strain probiotic such as Kirkman Labs Microbiome Probiotic. Fernell, E. Further studies of GABA and Glutamate imbalances in autism are important challenges for future research. Excitotoxicity occurs when receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate are over-activated. Once the villi are damaged, they can no longer absorb minerals and vitamins, fats and amino acids, nor can they protect the brain from the thousands of toxins in our world today. STIMs (self-stimulatory behaviors) such as: Increases production in the brain of alpha waves, slow brain waves that produce a reflective meditative state, Is needed for speech and language production, comprehension, conversation and the pause and space between words, Maintains healthy levels of IgA (antibodies that protect the gut and other mucous linings from harmful foreign toxic matter) which supports a healthy immune system and prevents a , Is needed for action of the pituitary which regulates sleep and HPA axis which regulates stress response, Too much free glutamate coming from dietary sources (believed to be the primary issue), Chronic infections that have crossed the blood-brain barrier, such as seen in. I mention this because you may see this name if you research this topic, and it can get confusing when different names are used. Rojas, D.C. Also avoid mushrooms, peas and broccoli initially or only eat small amounts. (So lamb, eggs and chicken are the best). [PubMed: 12399074], 9. While free form glutamate can be found in many natural foods, it is also commonly found in additives in many processed foods with disguised names that we will see later in this article. Apparently, glutamate and aspartate consumed together can have even more harmful effects on the nervous systems of young children because of the incomplete myelin sheaths of their nervous system. Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. Recommended diets include the modified Atkins diet, ketogenic diet, and low glycemic diet. Examples of these medications are: See a MAPS physician to have your childs GAD levels checked. Acute glutamate toxicity and its potentiation by serum albumin are determined by the Ca2+ concentration. 2011. I've found information about a clinical trial currently being run for this diet. Aim. Clin Exp Immunol. Nightshade fruits (tomatoes) and vegetables (eggplant, peppers, potato) in small amounts provided there are no reactions when re-introduced. Plausibility of a pathophysiological link Part II. Epilepsy in mice deficient in the 65-kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase. High concentrations of glutamate have also been linked to epilepsy . cooking bone broths, soups and casseroles. Eimerl, S., et al. Diabetologia. 2011 Jul 15;85(6):313-20. While on the diet do not stop any medications or supplements previously prescribed unless advised otherwise by your medical or health care professional. The origins of the diet came from child Epilepsy, where . Brain infection with Staphylococcus aureus leads to high extracellular levels of glutamate, aspartate, -aminobutyric acid, and zinc.