Tips for a Healthy Brain

We all have the power to accomplish extraordinary results in our lives by tapping in to the brain’s potential. Discover how to improve your brain power, memory and overall success with three simple steps to a healthier brain.

1. Diet plays a huge role in brain health, and, luckily, it is in our hands. 
 
Eat clean - Choose real food that grows in the ground, mainly fruits and vegetables, which are especially high-antioxidant and anti-     inflammatory foods; adding in real foods reduces exposure to neurotoxins in processed foods that damage or destroy brain cells and their ability to communicate (MSG, aspartame/artificial sweeteners, dyes, refined sugar). 

Choose foods that are particularly beneficial for flushing out heavy metals and other toxins, healing brain tissue, supporting healthy neuron signal transmission, providing glucose to the brain, calming the mind and strengthening the central nervous system:

        glucose (brain’s fuel) - fruit, especially berries and bananas

        berries - bursting with flavonoids, a group of potent antioxidants that protect brain cells
                   from oxidative damage, berries reduce inflammation and promote the production of
                  brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that stimulates the formation of
                  new brain cells

        cilantro - removes mercury and other metals that are toxic to the brain

        wild blueberries - draw heavy metals from brain and help to heal and repair tissue 

        omega 3s - key structural component of brain cell membranes and nerve cells, omega-3s are
                 strongly anti-inflammatory.  This is important since chronic brain inflammation
                 contributes to depression, anxiety, brain fog, and ADHD and even serious degenerative
                 disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Foods rich in omega 3s are walnuts, arugula,
                 flax and chia seeds.

         healthy fats (brain "super fuel") - avocado (high in tyrosine, an amino acid that’s a precursor
                 to dopamine, the brain chemical that keeps you motivated and focused), olive oil
                 (monounsaturated fats support the production of acetylcholine, the memory and
                 learning brain chemical) and MCT fats like coconut (MCTs are found in human breast
                 milk and are added to baby formula since they’re essential for babies’ developing
                 brains)

         superfoods - cacao boosts serotonin, anandamide; spirulina draws out heavy metals from
                brain, central nervous system and liver

         organic foods - reduce toxic chemicals to the brain; reduce GMO exposure (disrupts the
                neurotransmitter cascade in the brain)

         water - makes up 75% of the brain, but most of us are chronically dehydrated.  Even mild
                dehydration results in shrinkage of brain tissue and temporary loss of cognitive     
               function.   Forty-one studies on fluoride in water concluded that it lowers IQ. 

2. Shift self-talk

Experts estimate that we have some 50-75,000 thoughts per day, 70% of which are negative.  What are you repeatedly saying to yourself?  Recognize the voice behind the self-talk as someone other than you.  Reduce negative self-talk and add in supportive thoughts.

 3. Exercise and deep breathing practices

Oxygen to the brain stimulates neural function by increasing BDNF, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that’s integral in keeping existing brain cells healthy and stimulating new brain cell formation.

Want more on brain health?  Check out the classes page to access the members-only audio class:  "Top 10 Tips for a Super-Healthy Brain"