Our society is experiencing a rampant increase in chronic brain problems currently. The most recent research estimates that between 15-20% of all Australians are suffering from mild to severe problems relating to anxiety-related disorders, depression and degenerative brain conditions. The use of antidepressants doubled from 1995 to 2005 and they are now the most prescribed drugs on the market. There has been a twentyfold increase in ADHD drug consumption over the past 30 years.
This is a very complex puzzle, and there is never a one size fits all technique, however, there are some lifelong, lifestyle choices you can make to increase the health of your brain and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for you and your loved ones. Here are 6 simple ways to improve your brain health;
- Eat Eggs (Do not throw out that yolk!)
Free range chickens who roam outside offer brain food including Choline (important for all hormone function). Choline deficiency shows up with Fatigue, insomnia and memory problems. They are also rich in Omega-3 Fats, which are essential to a healthy brain. Free Range and Pasture fed eggs are three times more brain beneficial than caged eggs.
- Organ Meats
Liver has super powers for the brain. It is a storage organ for many important brain nutrients including A,D,E,K,B12 and folic acid, and minerals such as copper and iron.
- Bone Broth
Without a healthy gut, your brain is at a large disadvantage. The two are best friends via an array of nerve pathways. “The Second Brain” or the gut makes and stores 95% of our feel good hormone (Serotonin). This nutrient rich liquid is filled with Collagen , which acts like a healing ointment to a stressed out, inflamed gut
- Coconut Oil
Medium chain triglycerides, like those found in Coconut oil, have now been shown in multiple studies that they improve cognitive function among elderly with memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Grass-Fed Dairy And Meat
Your brain is 60% fat and contains more cholesterol than any other organ in your body. The healthy fats of grass-fed dairy are where all the brain food is. Saturated fats and Arachidonic acid are essential to your brain. Vitamin K2, which is critical for the formation of myelin (your nerve messenger transporter)
- Sunlight
Moderate sun exposure is healthy and essential in making your endorphins. The dairy and fats listed above have vitamin D within their foods as they are exposed to sunlight as a free-range animal.
This is only one piece to the lifelong journey to maintain and improve your brain health. It is not just the items listed above. We at the Sports And Spinal Group care about more than getting our client’s out of acute, musculoskeletal pain. We empower our clients to live lifelong, active and healthy lifestyles.
