Tourette's Disorder

Tourette's disorder is a neurological condition driven by dysregulated dopamine signaling, neuroinflammation, and impaired inhibitory control in the basal ganglia. High-carbohydrate diets and repeated insulin spikes contribute to blood sugar instability, increased glutamate activity, and inflammation—factors that lower the threshold for tics. Leaky gut and endotoxin exposure (LPS) activate microglia and increase neuroinflammation in the basal ganglia, the brain region responsible for motor gating and impulse suppression. This inflammation amplifies dopamine fluctuations and reduces GABA inhibition, causing involuntary motor and vocal tics.

Tourette’s is also strongly influenced by HPA-axis dysregulation. Stress-induced cortisol spikes increase dopamine release and excitatory neurotransmission, directly worsening tic severity and frequency. This is why tics often flare during stress, fatigue, unstable blood sugar, or high inflammation. Nutrient deficiencies—especially magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and omega-3s—impair neurotransmitter balance, reduce GABA synthesis, and weaken the brain’s ability to inhibit unwanted movements.

Fasting, ketogenic diets, and carnivore diets reduce tics by stabilizing dopamine and glutamate activity, increasing GABA, and lowering neuroinflammation. Ketosis provides a clean, anti-excitatory fuel that reduces glutamate-driven motor overactivity and improves mitochondrial function in the basal ganglia. Stable blood sugar prevents cortisol spikes and dopamine surges that trigger tics. Animal-based diets restore zinc, magnesium, and omega-3s required for neural stability and GABA production. Fasting activates autophagy, reduces microglial inflammation, and resets neural firing patterns. Together, these interventions improve inhibitory control, calm overactive motor circuits, and significantly reduce the frequency and severity of tics.