The 4 most important ways to optimize Brain Health

 

Early signs of cognitive decline are often missed until it’s too late. Symptoms such as forgetfulness, confusion, unpredictable moods, lack of energy and poor sleeping habits are often overlooked or attributed to stress. Ignoring these key warning signs can lead to difficulty maintaining an active, independent lifestyle and decrease quality of life.

 

DISCOVER PRACTICAL INSIGHTS TO HELP YOU DEVELOP DAILY STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION AND OVER ALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

 

1) Eliminate Toxic Exposure

Environmental toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals can impact metabolism, nutrient absorption, detoxification, organ function and cognition. Reducing your daily exposure to common household toxicants may decrease the occurrence of various health issues.

Choose an organic, whole-food diet that is free of pesticides, glyphosate, and GMO crops. Drink clean, filtered water and eliminate plastic water bottles, aluminum foil, and non-stick cookware. Avoid personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies that contain aluminum, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Check your home for leaks, water damage, and toxic mold growth.

2) Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Maintaining balanced circadian rhythm is vital for optimal health. Your pineal gland produces melatonin in the presence of darkness, causing you to feel drowsy and fall asleep. In contrast, exposure to bright light and the absence of darkness at bedtime inhibits the release of melatonin into the blood stream, resulting in less sleep and poor sleep quality.

Avoid blue-light exposure from electronic devices two hours prior to bedtime. Turn off your smartphone, tablet, or other electrical devices and choose a battery-powered alarm clock to reduce overnight EMF exposure. Ensure that your bedroom is dark, with little to no ambient light.

3) Nourish Cell Membranes and Support Acetylcholine Production

Each cell in your body is surrounded by a semi-permeable cell membrane that is made of a phospholipid complex called phosphatidylcholine. The cell membrane protects the cell from its environment and regulates the transport of nutrients and other substances into and out of the cell. Phosphatidylcholine is also a precursor to acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter linked to memory, cognition and movement. Nourishing your cell membranes with supplemental phosphatidylcholine may enhance optimal immune and neurological health.

4) Support Mental Acuity

What is mental acuity? It is the speed and accuracy at which your brain processes information. Steady focus, accurate recall of information and quick decision-making skills are key indicators that your mental acuity is intact. Enhance your cognition and memory with cognitive exercises and lots of reading. Include Ginkgo leaves (Ginkgo biloba), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) extracts into your diet. These three herbs have been used historically to enhance mental acuity, promote circulation and contain antioxidant properties that support overall brain health.