No matter what your age, your brain health is an essential part of daily living. Our brains process thousands of thoughts and actions every day. Because they are constantly communicating with the rest of the body, they have enormous nutrient requirements. Yes, the more active our brains are, the higher our requirement for nutrients. When we run out of stores, we experience brain fog and poor memory.
The good news is that if we maintain a healthy balanced diet, we should be okay. However, there are always circumstances in which additional brain support can significantly improve outcomes.
Students Studying for Exams Need Brain Strength
The world of academia often comes with high expectations, high pressure and a high demand for the best possible grades. Students in high school, university and beyond have all experienced the stress of midterms, papers and exams. This is often paired with poor dietary habits, lack of sleep and little-to-no exercise. With temporary nutritional supplementation and herbal support, students are able to get through exams with confidence. They report feeling more resilient to stress and rarely get sick.
Adrenal Herbs Improve Focus and Concentration
Adrenal herbs are also known as Adaptogens because they help the body adapt to stress. Some common herbs include Ginseng, Licorice, Magnolia Bark, Withania and Rhodiola. Each herb has a specific profile and is indicated for a different type of person. Some of them increase energy, while others help to calm the mind. Some of them moderate stress levels and others improve focus, concentration and memory.
These herbs are ideal for students and working professionals alike. Students find the greatest benefit taking them around exams, while professionals may need to support their bodies all year round. Any career involving overnight work, being on-call or dealing with difficult people should seriously consider adrenal supports.
Rebuilding Brain Strength after Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma most commonly occurs in sports and motor vehicle accidents. Previously, the medical recommendations for a concussion included being sedentary in a dark room with painkillers. New research backed by neurologists suggests that this approach may increase damage and slow recovery. Instead, the new recommendations include light to moderate cardiovascular activity. This improves circulation to the brain and clears away damaged cells.
Individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries are much more likely to experience anxiety and depression post-injury. Before considering pharmaceutical intervention, it is important to investigate whether this is a concussion-related effect or a true anxiety/depression. Depending on the extent of the brain injury and any possible bleeding, the nutritional recommendations will vary.
Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Our genetics may put us at risk of certain chronic diseases, but our lifestyle and environment will determine how those genes activate. Yes, believe it or not, you have the power to control whether or not you get diabetes.
Alzheimer’s Disease has often been termed Type 3 Diabetes because of insulin resistance noted in the brain. Lower Vitamin D levels in early life has been correlated with increased risks of Alzheimer’s and Dementia later in life. In fact, a study found that seniors with low Vitamin D levels were more than twice as likely to develop cognitive decline than those with adequate levels.
While there is always something that can be done later in life, healthy aging begins in adolescence and continues throughout a lifetime. The decisions we make around our diet, exercise and sleep, will play a big role in how we spend our retirement.
1. RESET BRAIN-GUT COMMUNICATION
Because your gut is your second brain, a clean and balanced gut environment is essential for a clear and balanced brain. Your digestive tract is also crucial for the extraction and absorption of essential brain nutrients. This means that healing the gut is very important for optimal function of all organs downstream.
2. FORTIFYING THE DIET
In our typical North American diets, we rarely get the nutrients we need in sufficient amounts. Supplementation is a very useful way to boost levels of vitamins for the short term, and allow us to feel the benefits of adequate nutrient levels. Vitamins such as B3, B6, B9 and B12 all play important roles in brain function and are required in higher amounts for different ages and stages of life.
3. ELIMINATING WASTE
Things that our bodies no longer need are termed ‘waste products’ or potential toxins. When our elimination pathways are blocked (ie. constipation, dehydration, sedentary lifestyle), waste products accumulate in the body and can cause harm. In order to reopen these pathways, we need to clean out the liver and kidneys, encourage regular bowel movements, flush the body with water and get ourselves on an exercise regime.