What Is Brain Health?

Brain health is defined as the ability to function properly with all systems working correctly. Executive function, motor control, memory, focus, movement, ect. Having a healthy brain is critical for our overall experience of life. Often times, the problems in life are do to the structure of our brain. We always focus on the software, but the hardware has a massive impact as well.

How To Have A Healthy Brain

1. Nutrition

Nutrition is critical for brain health. There are certain nutrients that are designed for brain health called neuro nutrition. These nutrients make it past the blood brain barrier and nourish the brain. These can be saturated fat, omega 3s, and water. These are required for synaptogenesis and other processes.

2. Exercise

Exercise is very important for the brain. It helps with oxygenation, and produces something called BDNF, which helps with neuroplasticity. All forms of exercise are good. Strength training really helps with brain function. After 12 weeks of strength training, it has been shown to improve various perimeters of brain health. It’s also been shown to help with neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons.

3. Nootropics

Nootropics are natural substances that are used to enhance cognitive function. They should be able to enhance learning and memory, protect the brain from physical or chemical injury, and has low side effects and toxicity. Smart drugs are similar, but are drugs rather than natural substances, thus having more side effects. Different ones include, methylene blue, Qualia Mind, royal jelly, lions mane, paraxanthine.

4. Functional mushrooms

Mushrooms like chaga and lions mane are great for the brain. Chaga is a rich source of beta glucans. These are compounds that train the immune system, the natural killer cells in particular. This is the mushroom that you would want to use if your primary goal is the immune system. The benefits of lions mane are vast. It has been specifically studied for it’s benefits on the nervous system, and cognitive function. It also promotes something called neurogenesis, or the creation of new brain cells. This happens because it contains many nerve growth factors that regenerate nerves. This has been studied for traumatic brain injuries as well.

5. Relationships

Relationships are the glue that hold our life together. All relationships begin with you and what you perceive your worth. Being in a good social group that you can add value in is key. Look to add value, and help people reach their goals. Let people know that they matter. Focus on the truth. Understand that we all matter.

6. Water

Water is critical for the brain. The brain is actually 80% water, then 11% fat, 9% protein, and the rest is minerals. High quality water is critical for signal transduction, hormonal balance, and neurotransmitters.

7. Electrolytes

There is a difference between salt, and sodium, even know they are often lumped together. Salt, among many things, contains electrolytes, such as magnesium, sodium and potassium. These are responsible for signal transduction, or sending messages throughout your brain. Sodium is required to maintain proper fluid balance in the brain. Magnesium and calcium are also critical.

8. Mindset

Mindset is very important for overall brain function.There are two fields of science called psychoneuroimmunology and psychoneuroendocrinology. These translate to how are psychology influences our immune system and our endocrine system. There is also something called epigenetics, which is how environmental factors effect our gene expression. The number one factor is the brain.

9. Peace

Doing restorative practices such as qigong, meditation, breath work, journaling, and contemplation can be very restorative. This matters because we all have a lot to process; and giving ourselves time to think and relax is key. Cortisol is the number one stress hormone, and cause a lot of damage if it’s not in check.

10. Sleep

This might be the number one thing you can do for brain health. Getting high quality, restorative sleep every night is a must. This is where the glymphatic system goes around in the brain and cleans up all the debris. This system is 10x more active while we sleep than during the day. This is critical for keeping a clean brain that is ready for anything.