Brain Power for all Ages

Did you know that good brain work requires over 20% of the body's total energy supply?  Did you know that your brain has a large appetite for blood sugars, oxygen, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids?  Did you know that your brain cells communicate with one another by means of neurotransmitters?

Signs of poor brain health and energy include spaciness, lack of concentration, inability to remember well or for a reasonable length of time.  What are some of the causes of poor brain health, reduced brain capabilities?  Lack of protein, potassium, or other minerals, mental burnout, overwork with no rejuvenating "down time", stress, and poor diet play a big factor in loss of brain power.  Tobacco, alcohol, some blood-pressure medications, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, hormones, painkillers, muscle relaxants, diet pills, and recreational drugs are some of the factors that can impair your memory, your concentration and your attention.  Did you know that conditions such as allergies, candidiasis, stress, thyroid disorders can also have a negative impact on the performance of the brain?

The best way to get good brain enhancement is to feed it and use it.  It takes a healthy diet of protein, fruits and vegetables to provide your brain with an excellent vitamin and mineral intake.  A wise course of action is to choose foods that are rich in Beta-Carotene/Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, and Selenium.  Brains foods include chicken, sea vegetables, fish and cold water fish, sea foods, sprouts, fertile eggs, wheat germ, un saturated fat oils, brown rice, tofu, apples, oranges, grapefruit, and beans.  These brain foods are especially rich in porassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, sodium, and iodine.  Did you know that good, consistent brain nourishment can have a definite positive effect on severe mental, emotional and coordination problems?  The saying "we are what we eat" is true in more ways than one.  Man does not live by food alone -- plenty of water intake is crucial to brain health.

A daily intake of a good multi-vitamin and mineral complex will go a long way to ensure your brain receives its daily supply of major nutrients.  The B-Complex is extremely important for ongoing brain health.  B1 protects your brain's nerve tissue; B3 enhances your memory; B5 improves mental and physical stamina; B6 is essential for manufacturing your brain's neuro-transmitters; and B12 helps you learn new material faster.

Phosphatidyl Serine, also known as PS, is a biological detergent for the brain.  It keeps cell membranes fluid, fats soluble and brain neurons flexible.  It can increase the number of receptor sites on brain cells, giving us more docking points and circuits for neural communication.  This combined impact improves memory, energizes thinking and counteracts stress-related neurological damage.  Many mineral-rich herbs provide key biochemical ingredients for effective neurotransmission.  Alfalfa, cayenne and dandelion are effective herbal neurotransmitter stimulants.  Effective herbal brain foods include rosemary, royal jelly, kelp tabs, parsley, and sage.  Gingko Biloba increases the blood flow to the brain thereby improving mental functioning and ability to concentrate.

A daily 20 minute walk will improve your body's overall circulation and will ultimately provide good oxygen and nutrients to your brain.  Want to increase your brain's oxygen level and nutrient intake?  Do deep breathing while walking.  It's a winning combination.

To be mentally sharp and alert, your brain needs daily stimulation along with a good dose of cheerfulness, optimism and relaxation.  Have fun challenging your brain with crossword puzzles, brain teasers, hobbies, learning, group card playing, etc.  If you don't use it, you will lose it.  What is the fastest way to improve mental function?  Turn off the TV and get involved in life.

Now for the big one -- memory lapses.  Let's lay some myths to rest.  Please be aware that occasional memory lapses are a natural, normal part of life at virtually any age.  Most memory lapses have nothing to do with Alzheimer.  Memory is the mental registration, storage and recall of information, experiences, ideas, sensations, and thoughts.  Studies have shown that we do not register information well because we do not pay attention.  Each and everyone of us are guilty of not paying attention.

With proper diet and nutrition, daily water intake, daily exercise, a positive outlook on life, and daily mental stimulation, your memory should remain sharp and active well into your nineties and beyond.