Mental Nutrition: Regulating Brain Functions : Brain Foods

Article by Kristine Anne Gonzaga

Aside from your heart, your brain is another organ in your body that is constantly at work. Even if you decide not to think, the brain is constantly processing data from your different senses and trying to make sense of everything. It also regulates everything from your hormonal cycles to the functions of your body systems. Your brain also works even in your sleep. It is a center of constant activity with neurotransmitters sending impulses and signals to be processed and interpreted 24/7.

Anything going wrong in your brain function such as an overproduction of certain hormones or delays in processing of nerve signals can mean trouble for you. Depression and a lot of disorders are often rooted in inefficient brain function. As such, if there is any part of your body that needs a boost, it is your brain. Feed your brain healthily by following these tips for daily mental nutrition:

BreakfastIf you want to be alert throughout the day, start it right by giving your brain an energy boost. Swap coffee for a glass of OJ. True, coffee can wake you up instantly, but its effects are short-lived. You may need to drink at least three cups to get you through the morning if you rely on coffee alone. Instead of downing several cups of coffee, indulge in a fruit bowl or a large glass of fresh orange juice. The fiber in the fruit can fill you up while its glucose content can keep your energy levels up sans the sugar rush. A bit of protein or a bowl of cereal with milk are also great alternatives.

LunchTo get you through the day and enable you to eat a light dinner, a substantial lunch is needed. Opt for a lunch comprised of fish, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Fish, especially the oily varieties like salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which help regenerate and repair brain cells. These fats can also help stabilize your moods and keep you feeling positive. Complex carbohydrates in the form of fruits and grains can also do a lot stabilize your mood and increase your focus. Vegetables, especially the bright, colorful ones like tomatoes, carrots, and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants which help fight free radicals in the brain and promote more efficient brain function.

DinnerSince eating a full meal can disrupt your sleep and deprive your brain of a chance to slow down and rest, a light meal is perfect to end your day. A meal of a small vegetable salad, a fish or turkey sandwich, and a glass of warm milk is a perfect way to end your day. A light meal is easy to digest and will cause too much discomfort and bloating. The tryptophan in milk and turkey is also good at producing a calming effect.

So if you want to prevent depression, anxiety, stress, or any other type of disorder that is rooted in poor brain function, load up with brain food now. By feeding your mind