Nutrition and Your Brain

Think of your brain as a tree full of luxurious leaves that never drop unless the tree becomes diseased or malnourished.  As problems with memory, focus and  the ability to think clearly  develop- the health of this tree is diminishing  and the leaves begin to fall. By the time a person has dementia, Alzheimer’s or is suffering from cognitive impairment  there are almost  no leaves left  and  it becomes difficult  to nourish the tree so that it can hold onto it’s remaining  leaves or regrow more.

Around the world the leaves are falling off everyone’s tree-more than 24.3 million people have age related dementia.  20 million people struggle with problems of memory, focus and the ability to think clearly.  80% of the people who struggle with memory and focus problems go on to develop Alzheimer’s  disease.

Everything Influences How We Feel

Everything that we eat, drink, breathe and touch influences how we feel and how healthy we are. Eating  a diet rich in  vegetables, fruits, whole grains and clean burning proteins  signals  our cells to produce healthy cell growth, repair our DNA, regulate our hormones and metabolism and sustain a healthy brain.  White flour and sugar, high fat foods, artificial colors and sweeteners, fast foods etc  create an inflammatory response in the body  which promotes  metabolic imbalance and disease which rapidly age the brain and makes the leaves fall quickly.

We are all biochemically unique and there is not a universal food plan that will work for everyone however there are a few simple things that you can do right now to jump start your body’s ability to heal itself and protect  your brain and thinking powers.

Send Health Signals To Your Body

A modified Mediterranean diet has been proven to reduce inflammation and send the healthy signals to our bodies and brain so that disease and aging are reduced and healthy brain function is protected.  The antioxidant effects from fresh vegetables and fruit has a beneficial effect on the brain and helps prevent dementia and  Alzheimer’s disease. 

You can help yourself now by drinking ½ cup of fresh vegetable and fruit juice 3 times a week.  Learn how to balance your clean protein & carbohydrates foods with modest amounts of healthy fat and  generous portions  of fresh vegetables and some fruit.

You will feel better, have more energy and think more clearly and at the same time ensure that the leaves on the tree inside your brain stay lush, green and plentiful.

3 Ways to Make Yourself Feel Instantly Better

Ever have a time when you feel tired, run down, unenthusiastic or notice that your mood or energy is low?  Here are three simple low cost steps you can take to bring your mood up, and instantly feel better.


1.    Stand up, Breathe and Smile

Step away from your computer or whatever it is  you are doing. Stand up straight. Take a few deep breaths . Imagine that you are feeling vibrant, creative, receptive, positive and energetic. Breathe those feelings into your chest hold your arms out as if you are receiving them like a big gift and smile.

Allowing yourself to feel like you would like to feel-changing your posture, and smiling all instantly affect the brain and bring on positive happy moods. Frowning and forgetting to breathe deeply actually produces negative emotions. Smiling, stretching out your arms and allowing yourself to feel open and receptive produces happy feelings.

If you find it hard to smile- look at yourself in a mirror and see the changes in your face as your eyes light up. Even smiling when you are alone is a quick mood enhancer.


2.    Inhale the fragrance of essential oils

Apply 1-2 drops of an essential oil to the palms of your hands rub them together and then inhale this lovely fragrance.  The scent from these oils made from the leaves, roots, flowers and bark of plants sends a signal to our  endocrine & cardiovascular systems and the brain to let go of stress, rebalance and produce feelings of calm relaxation and vibrancy.  Lemon, lavender and rosemary oil work very well to change your mood and uplift your senses. Keep a small bottle in your desk and try this when you get bogged down.
         

3.    Drink a Cup of Green Tea

Green tea is a natural drink with less caffeine than coffee. It has a remarkable ability to help the liver by neutralizing toxins and the effects of environmental chemicals on the body. It restores the brain cells and enhances metabolism and the immune response. Taking a break with a cup brings powerful healing to the body while it gently restores the brain and enhances the immune response.  It’s active ingredient EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is 200 times stronger than vitamin C.

If you are not used to doing things like this it might feel awkard  to take a smile, scent, tea break in the  middle of a busy day especially if you are feeling low….. Give it a try- just a few minutes with these steps can make a difference for you!




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