Brain Health

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• Memory & Concentration
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Just like our muscles, our brain needs regular use, like the saying goes ‘If you don’t use it you lose it!’ The key to improving your memory and keeping your brain active is to eat well and include plenty of super-brain foods, as these give your brain the nutrients it needs to function optimally. It’s also important to ‘exercise’ your brain as often as possible, like doing ...Read more crosswords, maths, and basically challenging yourself mind-wise. There are many other factors that play a role in brain function including stress, depression, many prescription drugs, heavy metal toxicity, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. The vast majority of cases of poor memory are a result of years of eating the wrong foods, which ultimately leads to the brain becoming deficient of nutrients and ultimately oxygen.

If there is any sudden/rapid change in memory or alteration in brain function please see a medical practitioner.

One reason many people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients (especially the B vitamins and amino acids) to the brain.

The brain is surrounded by a protective layer known as the ‘blood-brain-barrier’, which allows only certain substances to pass from the bloodstream into the brain. The aim is to keep this stream of oxygen and nutrients flowing to prevent the brain from becoming malnourished. This can happen as a result of years of bad eating and living causes the blood vessels to become clogged, depriving the brain of oxygen and nutrients.

In addition the functioning of the brain depends upon substances called neurotransmitters which are brain chemicals that are ultimately responsible for all functions of the body.

Exposure to free radicals is another important factor regarding brain health and memory. Allergies, candidiasis, stress, thyroid disorders and poor circulation are all contributing factors to brain health. Blood sugar levels also affect brain function and memory.

Dietary & Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid:

•    Reduce/eliminate ‘refined’ and ‘white’ carbohydrate foods especially cakes, biscuits, pastries, pizza, white bread, white pasta etc
•    Reduce/eliminate saturated fats and trans fatty acids such as red meat, dairy products, refined vegetable oils, fried foods
•    Reduce/eliminate alcohol
•    Avoid excess sodium-based table salt, replace with Himalayan or sea salt
•    Avoid excess sugar
•    Avoid artificial sweeteners/additives such as aspartame and MSG


Recommendations:

•    Always eat breakfast and make sure you have good quality protein with each meal (this ensures optimal blood sugar balance and         therefore energy levels)
•    Eat a diet high in raw foods
•    Consume often foods such as organic eggs, brown rice, fish, legumes, millet, nuts, whole grains
•    Eat foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids such as deep sea oily fish (sardines, mackerel, herring, cod, tuna) and raw nuts & seeds         (flaxseeds, walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts)
•    Eat lots of flavonoid-containing foods such as blueberries, citrus, peppers, spinach and sweet potato. Eat a wide variety of coloured      fruits and vegetables, aim for 8-10 servings per day!
•    Take 2 tablespoons of lecithin granules daily ( add to cereal, yoghurt, smoothies or salads)
•    Eat more garlic and ginger as both increase circulation and are tonic to blood vessels
•    Reduce stress, consider yoga, meditation &/or tai chi
•    Keep mentally active
•    Exercise regularly