Healthy BrainA healthy brain is a prerequisite for a healthy body. As “mission control” of our amazing bodies, a healthy brain is responsible for triggering the necessary but subtle processes that make our bodies function, such as cell regeneration. There are also the not-so-subtle functions performed by the brain, such as memory, that we want to enhance as well. Scientists predict that in the near future, brain diseases, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons, will kill or disable more people than cancer and heart disease combined. Other diseases in this category include ADD, autism, depression, Lou Gehrigs disease and MS.
In addition to nutrients, a healthy brain needs oxygen and stimulation to provide the building blocks to good health. But oxygen intake is often inadequate due to shallow breathing or inadequate exercise. And after formal education is complete, many people simply stop learning. The brain requires a lot of energy, 20% of the body’s supply, which comes from your diet. And the brain is 60% fat, another reason why healthy fats are so important. Since toxins tend to store in fatty deposits, they end up in your brain. You can begin to see why a healthy diet is so important for a healthy brain.
THESE ARE THE BAD GUYS. -smoking: you already knew this, but here’s another reason – cigarettes contain a lot of chemicals. One of the worst is cadmium which can interfere with healthy processes, inhibiting absorption of essential nutrients. -aluminum: causes nerve cell death, promotes inflammation and produces numerous toxic reactions. It is often found in food containing baking soda or baking powder (baked goods); used as an emulsifier and can be found in many processed cheeses, cookies, gelatin desserts, etc. As well, it can be found in antacids – improve your diet and you may be able to leave the antacids behind. -lead: there are many negative side effects associated with a toxic load of lead in the body. It builds up over time and toxic effects may take a lifetime to develop. Like other metals, it has an affinity for fats and thus gets deposited in the brain. It is used extensively in the home and in everyday materials such as tin cans with soldered seams, ceramic dishes, tap water (if lead pipes present) and colored glossy newsprint. -mercury: another heavy metal omnipresent in the environment. It often measures high in the body and can cause toxic effects. According to The Brain Diet by Michelle Schoffro Cook, the hot list of foods and supplements high in neurotoxins . In other words, if you want a healthy brain, do not eat this stuff. -antacids -any food containing artificial sweeteners -any food containing MSG -any food made with hydrogenated oils or trans fats -calcium supplements contain lead -commercially grown foods high in pesticide residues -farmed salmon and predatory fish like shark, trout and swordfish -fried and high-fat foods, and most cooking oils (excluding olive oil) -highly processed foods containing foods additives -shellfish -soda pop which contains excess sugar -Vitamin c containing aluminum HOW TO FIGHT BACK. The digestive system plays an important part in the battle against inflammation and aging in the body. In developing and maintaining a healthy immune system, healthy foods must be assimilated and digested to be of any use. The field soldiers in this battle are the healthy bacteria known as lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. As the population of these friendly bacteria dies, harmful bacteria can thrive and contribute to protein by-products that have neurotoxic effects on the brain. THESE FOODS ARE HELPFUL in increasing the healthy bacteria.
-ginger and honey MORE FOODS THAT WILL HELP improve brain health.
-eat good carbs: fruit, whole grains and non-instant rice -B-vitamins; supplement daily -C and D-vitamins; ditto -eat a wide variety of foods to ensure you get a good range of minerals
-emphasize antioxidant rich foods, such as: berries, brassicas, citrus fruits, cherries OTHER IDEAS TO IMPROVE DIGESTION. -chew your food very well; count to 29 before you swallow or take another bite -don’t have beverages with your meals as it can fool the stomach into thinking digestion is finished by diluting the acids -eat fewer but smaller meals with fewer ingredients at each sitting -when you eat, just eat; try not to focus on the days stresses or watch tv at the same time -eat earlier rather than later; nothing after 7:30 -if bowel regularity is a problem (and it is very important since you want to remove waste which contains toxins), you might want to add a probiotic supplement to your diet, such as those found in yoghurt
HERBS THAT PROVIDE BRAIN BENEFITS. -sage -turmeric (curry) -ginkgo biloba -rosemary -parsley -gingerroot -oregano OTHER THOUGHTS ON BRAIN HEALTH. While people with higher education seem to be less afflicted with Alzheimers, it’s not enough in itself. Learning must be a constant, ongoing process throughout life. It’s important to keep challenging yourself to learn new skills.
Reduce stress wherever possible and make time to enjoy life. Remember to get out for some fresh air; hop on your bike or just go for a walk. Enjoy exploring your own town; no matter how small, there is always something new to see. Develop your sense of curiosity. Treat everyday as what it is: a gift. A brand new one arrives every morning; what will you unwrap today?
Return from Healthy Brain to Home
|
Among the suspected causes of these brain diseases are chemical pollution, obesity and bad diet. There is a growing amount of research that indicates that foods, herbs, spices and a healthy lifestyle are the best protection against brain disease.
It is also important to eliminate free radicals as they cause damage to cells in the body, especially the brain. So, there is an urgent need to consume antioxidents which can help protect the brain by reducing free radicals. That means taking supplements or (ideally) eating foods that contain vitamins C and E, carotenoids (found in carrots and 
-Omega 3’s, found in fish and 
-make sure you eat adequate amounts of protein while balancing off the negative side effects of excess fats from animal sources (less meat and cheese, more soy, beans and nuts)
-gets lots of fiber in your diet to ensure regular and adequate removal of toxin-laden waste material: ground 
-eat foods which help the liver detoxify as it does so much important work removing toxins in the body. Try: oatmeal, leafy greens, 
And don’t forget to 
