There are many clients that ask me about brain health. How can I maintain a healthy brain? First off, let me say: I am not a doctor, though I played one in a TV Show. J Talk to a doctor before trying anything new. Also find out how certain prescription drugs and other vitamins and minerals interact with one another.
The first thing to consider is that we are whole persons. The Hebrew Bible describes your soul (NEPHESH) as everything you were ~ are ~ are going to become ~ as being your soul. It’s very holistic. In addition is the mind — body connection. One effects the other. With that, goes the old adage: you are what you eat. In other words, what you consume becomes you. Therefore, it’s vital that we provide for our brain the nourishment that it needs. It’s also important that we protect it from the things that can do it harm. Here are some helpful tips that you may help.
Serrapeptase — is an enzyme that I’ve been personally been taking for 4 and half years. It’s very popular in Germany and it helps with blood flow by eating the plaque and other foreign intruders that do not belong. Google it and keep an open mind. (Feel free to ask me about my 68 year old friend named Joe and his wonderful story!)
Omega 3 DHA EPA ALA-Fish oil is very good for the brain. Check to make sure that the source is from fresh water cod. It’s important to balance our Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio.
Vitamin D3 & K2– are fat soluble vitamins that need to be taken with food. D3 can also be received via the sun, but be careful and get a little bit every day. K2 is more of a recent discovery. It is very important for taking calcium out of places where it doesn’t belong (calcification, bone spurs, joints, etc.), and putting it into the teeth and bones. You’ll hopefully be feeling more flexible in no time!
L-tyrosine– is a precursor of the neurotransmitter L-DOPA- which is used for the production of dopamine. This is useful for when you need that extra focus and concentration. It’s very helpful for staying “in the zone”, or keeping that sense of creative “flow”.
5-HTP– is very helpful in being a precursor to tryptophan which is made to create serotonin. This can be good for promoting a more relaxed and calming sensation. Comedian Jim Carrey has been known for taking these for many years.
There are some that think, if you are low in dopamine, you will likely crave something sweet (e.g. chocolate); whereas, if you crave something salty or savory (e.g. chips), you’re more likely serotonin deficient. Is this really true? (Feel free to chime in with your thoughts down below.)
Vitamin C and B6– are good in getting both L-tyrosine and 5-HTP beyond the blood-brain barrier. They are excellent for everyday health.
Sleep– Getting plenty of uninterrupted sleep can also be helpful. 71/2 to 9 hours per night can really make a difference. If you don’t get enough sleep, you will likely die young. (Did I scare you? J ) Don’t use the snooze button.
Donate blood– (NB.* This is only for women that are post-menopausal) Donate blood a couple of times per year. Having too much iron may be detrimental to good health.
Learn a new language– is a great way to keep a brain from shriveling up. The old adage is true: either use it, or lose it. Having the ability of speaking more than one language can be very helpful in keeping a healthy brain.
Regular exercise– getting out and moving the body is very good for the brain. Whether it is going for a swim, a walk in the park, bike ride, doing yoga, Tai Chi, etc. This will promote health and help to reduce stress.
Word games and puzzles– Keeping the mind active can help in retaining our sharpness.
These are just a few tips to help you along with keeping the brain healthy. If this topic is of interest to you, then I would highly recommend that you check out some of the books by Dr. Daniel Amen. All the best you and always remember to play hard!!