Optimizing Your Brain
We've all had our moments of forgetfulness, brain fog, struggles to remember a word or a task. Many people say that they are feeling "their age" because they can't find the words, or are forgetful. They assume and accept that they will have cognitive decline as they age. There are many people that do, but there are ways to fight off cognitive decline and enhance brain function.
We are bombarded by information and stimuli from our environments that our brains are constantly processing. We ask a lot of our brains. Our brains have about 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts per day, and on top of that, the brain is responsible for keeping our bodies running efficiently. These are some of the ways to keep our brains sharp and healthy.
I will start with the simplest thing that everyone should be doing:
Exercise
Exercise stimulates glial-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, both of which stimulate the formation of new brain cells. Many people stop exercising as they get older. In fact, you should be exercising more the older you get-not less. Walking reduces dementia by 60 percent. You need to walk at least three times per week for 45 minutes to optimize your brain.
Weight training stimulates the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is important for memory. Aerobic exercise stimulates the neurotransmitter dopamine. Walking in the middle of the day is the best for the production of serotonin because serotonin production is enhanced with exposure to the violet light spectrum (most prevalent in the middle of the day).
Sleep
The brain doesn't have a lymphatic system where toxins can drain. Toxins drain through glial cells. Glial cells compose 85 percent of the brain. Sleep causes glial cells to open up and detox. These cells are ten times more active during sleep vs. being awake. If you are not getting six and a half to eight hours of sleep (depending on the individual), your brain isn't able to fully detoxify. People that sleep less than six and a half hours per night are more prone to dementia and cognitive decline because they have toxic brains.
What to Eat for Brain Optimization
Berries (especially black and blue), almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts and pecans, at least 4 servings of leafy greens per day (bok choy, beet greens, collard greens, swiss chard, and arugula are some of the healthiest, as well as my favorites), orange veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots), red fruits (pomegranate), olive oil, rape seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, wild Alaskan salmon, coconut oil, cinnamon, coriander, cloves and basil.
Nutrients and Herbal Supplements
B12 (helps to make hemoglobin, which brings oxygen to cells), B2, B3, B6, B9, magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, phosphorylated serine, phosphatidylcholine, ashwagandha, selenium, vitamin C, zinc, CoQ10, PharmaGABA, acetyl L-carnitine, green tea, turmeric (effective in reducing amyloid plaques which are linked to Alzheimer's disease), rosemary, bacopa, and gingko. Each of us has a specific genetic requirement that determines what our brains require to function at its best. What works for one person may or may not work for someone else. Have Muscle Testing done to determine what nutrient or herb will optimize your brain health.
Learning
Learning new information stimulates new brain cell formation. People with higher education have the lowest incidence of dementia. Learning a new language is one of the best ways to stimulate brain activity.
Balancing
Standing on one foot is great for stimulating your brain. Try it with your eyes open and closed. If you can't do it for more than a few seconds with your eyes closed, this could mean you have heavy metal toxicity or another form of nutrient imbalance. Whichever side is harder to do, tap the opposite side of your head while standing on one foot. For example: If you are standing on the left foot and are falling over much quicker than on the right foot, tap the right side of your head while balancing. The right brain controls the left side of the body and vice versa, so this stimulates the right brain.
Ping Pong and Dancing
Ping Pong increases dopamine and is a great brain stimulator. Who doesn't love a good game of table tennis? Dancing is another activity that is great for cognition. Dancing while playing ping pong is double the brain enhancement = Dance Pong.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading NY Chiropractor who specializes in traditional chiropractic care and holistic healing through nutrition response testing. Learn more by visiting his website at www.HolisticChiropracticCenter.com.
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