BRAIN HEALTH
Although it only weighs about three pounds, the Brain is the most amazing structure in the known universe. Each of the 100 Billion nerve cells has up to 40000 synaptic connections, which results in the inconceivable number of 1000 Trillion total connections. A single brain can hold 1 petabyte of data, which is almost the entire Internet.
Head First
Considering that 50% of 85 year olds suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, it is glaringly obvious that brain health has to be a top priority. Despite recent advances in the treatment of neuro-degenerative diseases, prevention is still the name of the game.
ARE YOU AT RISK FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE?
The answer is yes if you have:
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A first degree relative with Alzheimer’s
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A history of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, sleep apnea, insomnia or diabetes
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A genetic predisposition (Apo E4 gene)
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A history of head trauma
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Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, smoking, heavy drinking
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Depression and social isolation
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Exposure to Heavy Metals and chemicals.
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Chronic inflammation and infections
Windows into the Brain
SPECT Scans or functional MRIs open up a window into the function of the brain, showing the devastation of substance abuse, the imbalances of ADD, the deleterious consequences of head trauma.
Neuroplasticity and Neurogenesis • Regenerating the Brain
The good news is that the brain can build new synapses and even have the potential for neurogenesis, the creation of new brain cells. Not unlike training our muscles, we can train the brain.
The End of Alzheimer’s
The breakthrough research of Neurologist Dale Bredesen showed that Alzheimer’s is not just preventable, but reversible, at least in it’s early stages. Patients who had to discontinue work were able to return to work, and those struggling at work were able to improve their performance. The program uses a personalized functional medicine approach that looks for inflammation, heavy metals, neurotoxins, hormone and nutrient deficiencies, insulin resistance and relevant genetic factors.
10 STEPS TO A HEALTHY BRAIN
ONE
EAT BRAIN HEALTHY
Eat brain healthy, organic food: low in carbs and sugar, high in vegetables, fruit, nuts, healthy oils and omega-3 fatty acids (fish and flaxseed oil.) But avoid high mercury fish.
Fruit
low glycemic
Avoid processed carbs
Use spices
Cinnamon etc
Avoid sugar
Healthy oils
Sea salt
Healthy saturated fats
TWO
TAKE BRAIN NUTRIENTS
Yake brain nutrients like Fish oil, Acetyl-L Carnitine, CoQ-10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Phosphatidyl Serine and Choline, and Ginko.
THREE
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Weight training and aerobics trigger the release of growth factors (BDNF=Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) and increases the number of synaptic connections. If you train your muscles, you’ll train your brain.
FOUR
IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP
Most people require 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep to replenish the brain. Just recently it was discovered that the brain gets rid of toxins through the glymphatic system - during sleep.
FIVE
REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE
Practice a low toxicity lifestyle and reduce toxic exposure in food, indoor air, cleaning products, cosmetics and in other personal acre products. Avoid exposure to EMFs and dirty electricity, especially at night.
SIX
CLEANSE & DETOXIFY
For heavy metals consider chelation therapy; for chemicals a liver cleanse, a fasting regime and far infrared sauna therapy.
SEVEN
REPLACE HORMONES
Adrenal hormones like DHEA and Pregnenolone and sex hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone have all receptors in the brain that influence memory, mood and aging.
EIGHT
KEEP MICROBIOME HAPPY
Through the gut-brain connection, dysbiosis in the gut causes inflammation in the brain. Gut health is therefore essential for brain health.
NINE
LEARN RELAXATION METHOD
Stress kills brain cells, while relaxation and meditation have powerful brain benefits, such as improved memory, executive function and emotional wellbeing.
TEN
STIMULATE YOUR MIND
If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Therefore stimulate your brain by learning new things.