ProHealth Nutrition

Terry is an inspiration!

Back to Brain function.. let’s talk stress.. it affects ALL ages. Most everyone has experienced that deer in headlights feeling of not remembering things you know when you are stressed or nervous. We know from research, stress increases oxidative damage to the brain. We know B vitamins are depleted in stress, but they are essential for memory and learning new things, as well as mood management. ... In research found in Penn Medicine, prolonged stress (as with the pandemic) has a profound effect on brain function. Many report increased brain fog, anxiety and lack of motivation. Studies show it is not just stress, but perceived stress.. what we subjectively choose to believe is stressful has more effect than actual stress. Dr. Caroline Leaf’s studies show the effects on the brain of stress, past trauma, and negative emotions, especially fear, anger, hate. Antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and minerals selenium and zinc are very important the brain in stressful times. A good high potency B complex with ALL the B’s as well. Stress supplements include GABA, ginkgo, gotu kola, Passion flower, kava, tyrosine, glutamine, theanine, magnesium threonate ( crosses the blood brain barrier). Single or combinations of these are available at our store. Plant antioxidants such as grape seed and pycnogenol have had extensive studies showing improvement of attention span, memory, and decision making as well as Bacopa, Lion’s mane mushroom. Lastly, one of the best remedies for stress on the brain is excercise! 30 seconds here, 5 minutes there, the more active you can be.. one half hour daily is recommended for brain circulation and helping the body to increase endorphins ( positive mood hormones) and flush out the brain waste chemicals that our glial cells work on while we are sleeping! References Who Switched Off My Brain/ Caroline Leaf VitaminRetailer- Think About It ; Lisa Schofield Comprehensive Guide to NSP- Steven Horne

Brain Matters Pt 2: So what factors affect our state of mind? 1. MOST importantly, Nutrition: Good unprocessed fats such as Olive oil, fish oil, flax oil.. our brain is made up of a majority of fat. Cut all fried and processed trans fats out of your diet. Next is quality protein: low fat, early, and often throughout the day. School age children and adults benefit from eggs, a protein shake, meat or organic dairy before going to work or school. Recent research has found a ...high sugar- carb- gluten diet has been correlated with Alszheimers, dementia and learning problems ( Grain Brain by Dr. Amen). Cutting your portions in half and never snacking on a carb without a protein with it is a good start. Eating more (organic when possible )vegetables and fruits with bright colors signifying high antioxidant and polyphenol content such as blueberries, carrots, kale have a nourishing, anti inflammatory and protection effect from damage and deterioration with age. Getting high probiotic containing foods such as yogurt, coconut milk yogurt and kefir can greatly benefit the brain ( Perlmutter M. D.) We ALL need to keep these in mind and on our grocery lists: Olive oil Flax meal or oil Frozen or fresh blueberries Organic juices or smoothies w containing berries carrots grapes Whole fruits are even better than juices: oranges, grapes, pineapple, apples or precut fruit combinations from the deli Low fat ( organic when possible and no artificial flavors or nitrates) meats Fish: Salmon, tuna, Cod ( avoid shellfish like shrimp crab lobster)at least 2 meals per week A variety of vegetables: spinach, broccoli, dark spring greens salads, carrots green n red peppers, slaw.. whatever you will actually eat! More nuts and natural nut butters and less high carb processed fat snack foods We must think about feeding our brains when grocery shopping this week!

Some brain facts.. recent state of our minds: 1 in 5 top health concerns in US is brain function ( J Weinhardt senior R n D specialist Blue Bonnet) Millennials age 13-34 are more likely to forget what day it is, where the keys are, to bathe or shower, or remember to bring their lunch..(Trending Machine Poll)... 55% of US says they need help concentrating. ( Spins Data) In 2000, the average attention span was 12 seconds .. in 2015 it had shortened to 8.25 seconds! (Statistics from The Brain Research Institute) Children have had increased cognitive health challenges with increased virtual learning, according to some parents. WANT to PRESERVE OR IMPROVE your state of mind? Watch for our next post!

Good for Energy Aging AND memory! ( at least for me) available are ProHealth! 770-914-7955