Just like any other organ in your body, your brain must be properly nourished to work correctly. When it comes to the brain, however, this particular organ is especially important to feed correctly as it controls all other parts of the body. The better fed the brain, the quicker and more effective your reactions, actions and abilities will be.
Brain foods are simply those foods that contain nutrients that are vital for brain function. These include those with omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and so on. Just like every other part of your body, your brain needs fuel to keep going and going strong. The brain relies on complex sugars to keep it working right, and proteins as well.
For those who think good food must by default taste awful, think again. Some of the best brain foods are those we rely on every day to round out our diets with taste, variety and pizzazz.
Some of the best brain foods include such things as bananas, lean beef, broccoli, cheese, chicken, greens, legumes, milk, oatmeal, oranges and brown rice. Eggs, peanut butter, peas, yeast, yogurt and spinach, too, are considered great brain foods.
In general, the best brain foods are good proteins and complex carbohydrates. The brain needs a steady supply of healthy sugar to keep going all day long, but the sugar shouldn’t be processed and refined. Rather, the sugars supplied by complex carbs are the best. Proteins found in meats, nuts, beans and dairy products, too, provide a great boost for the brain.
Complex sugars are better because they feed the body a steady supply of power. Simple, processed sugars give the body a boost, it’s true, but they can also make it crash. Ever feel really, really sleepy after lunch? That’s a crash.
If the brain isn’t properly fed it will not function right. Some foods are even considered bad for mental acuity. These slow down the thought process and they can get in the way of every day function. Foods that are generally not the best for the brain include soda, alcohol, those that contain artificial sweeteners and corn syrup, high sugar foods, white bread and fats. Drugs such as nicotine, too, can cause problems for the brain.
When it comes to feeding the brain, the best thing a person can do is feed the entire body. This means eating a healthy, balanced diet. Of course, it’s okay to splurge once in a while, but to ensure overall better health, balance is key.
A diet rich in fruits, whole grains and cereals, vegetables, beans, dairy products and proteins is the best way to go. Be smart and balance it out. Mix up foods so you keep variety high and interest in a healthy diet even higher.
Here are some of the best brain foods for each of the major groups:
Fruits: oranges, cherries and grapefruits.
Grains: oatmeal, bran, brown rice.
Vegetables/beans: Soy, kidney and chickpeas are all fantastic brain foods.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt.
Meats: Salmon, turkey, chicken and other lean meats.
Eating right is not only good for your brain, but your entire body. Balance your diet, have fun with recipes and be smart with your choices. Brain foods aren’t boring.
Of so many things you take for granted as an individual, the health of your brain is one of such and this is no more evident other than the attention you give to train and exercise it; there are games that you can enjoy, relax and equally deploy as a means to develop your brain.
No one really focuses attention at least in a direct manner to ensure the health and soundness of their brain. You must come to realize that the quality of life you are living and will yet get to live is dependent on the premium you attach to training, developing and exercising your brain.
Your best efforts is to ensure you do not over task your brain while you endeavor to remember names, numbers, directions, faces, places and/or locations, events and processes, etc as best as you could. You can exercise it with games designed for the brain, SURPRISED?
Unlike the level and extent you go to in developing your body into 6 pack abs, maintaining a delectable and desirable super model figure and physique, or a strong athlete’s body; ensuring you eat balanced and nourishing meals in order to take good and adequate care of your body, to prevent sickness or illness, leading an active lifestyle as an indirect form of constant exercise of your body system to maintain function and rhythm, going for routine medical checkups; engaging in sports such as bicycle riding, horse riding, swimming, jogging, football/basketball/badminton/hockey/volleyball/lawn tennis, etc playing; yet, you live the health of your brain to chance.
Discussing an issue such as the health of your brain might be considered an absurdity let alone saying it is possible exercise and train it by deploying healthy, tested and scientifically proven brain games to your rescue. However, one thing that must be a constant reminder with you is in the fact that the health of your brain is an important contributor to the quality of life you live as an individual.
For many reading this article, it will most certainly come as a surprise when you finally get to discover that;
1. You have been under-utilising your brain in relation to the potentials it possesses.2. There are achievements you could have recorded, levels you could have reached and heights you could have attained in your undertakings, pursuits or endeavors.
3. Some opportunities for promotion or elevation in life consciously ignored could have been harnessed or exploited to your advantage.
The human brain is a strong organ endowed and equipped with great potentials the best of geniuses is yet to exploit in any part of the world whether long dead and buried or yet breathing, alive and alert.
Getting to determine the health of your brain is not geared towards bringing out proof that it is either sick or unfit but on the rather as a means to encourage, challenge and ignite in you a passion and a zeal to seek ways by which you can begin to develop your brain to its full potentials and capabilities with a view to attaining and equally achieving the seeming difficult and/or impossible tasks you have intentionally and/or consciously left unattended to before.
This you can do by exposing it to games designed for the brain. Not only will you see noticeable and appreciable changes, you will get to harness opportunities you have been allowing slip-by in addition to living and enjoying life as a whole on a new level.
There is a life you can get to experience and enjoy (whatever your field of endeavor in life) when you determine and work upon improving the health of your brain starting from now on. There are brain training games you can enjoy while you equally achieve your desire to train, exercise and develop your brain in a relaxed manner.
lisa emmanuela is an author, web publisher and entrepreneur. Train your brain THE FUN WAY and get to discover the potentials that lies hidden for your benefit, progress and upliftment in life.
The officially videoclip of Kawashima’s Brain Training.
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Many of us have heard that sea-food excite the human senses or that walnuts and honey are the most effective aphrodisiac. But do certain kinds of meals affect the human erotic impulse? Can specific meals classes be the cause of the rise or lower of male or female libido? Is there any scientific proof that suggests some sorts of meals may help the sex life of today’s individuals, or all these are just a legend that goes again to the ancient instances? Though a balanced eating regimen is taken into account today to be one of the best aphrodisiac, this text will help you boost your life and answer some of your questions with reference to aphrodisiac meals materials.
– What is the position our brain performs?
The sexual disposition and exercise of a person are immediately related with the brain’s activity. Essential for the transferring of sexual stimulus are considered the neurotransmitters, the chemical substances that transfer messages to and out a person’s brain. These neurotransmitters contribute to 1’s good memory and ability to focus, improve the great temper one carries and improve the degrees of euphoria, while on the identical time they are responsible to launch sexual temper.
– The secrets of historic Greeks:
Historical Greeks are legendary for the actual focus they portrayed in the dinner preparation, making it resemble to a ritual as they devoted lengthy periods of time to eat. The information we have now accessible present that they used all the five senses in an effort to create a sensual environment. Moreover, the food served was carefully chosen and prepared they usually used to grab meals with their arms, as they supported that this practice creates a really interesting sensation stimulating additionally the brain. Moreover, ancient Greeks have been agency believers that the food on the desk needed to be served with the correct order and paid special consideration to its look on the plate. The meals smells and appearances had been considered important stimulators for the functions of a wholesome brain.
– Vitamin E, the “love” vitamin:
As scientists and historical civilizations have discovered, vitamin E is without doubt one of the most vital vitamins one should eat daily. Since vitamin E protects the blood cells and directly affects the sexual activity and the fecundity of an individual, it is usually often called the “fertility vitamin” and is advisable by physicians to treat the reproductive organs’ malfunctions of males worldwide. Nuts, olive oil and avocado are great resources of vitamin E, and one should eat roughly 15 mg a day of these types of food.
Certainly, as up to date researchers indicate, the consumption of sure meals classes is said to the activities of the human organism. Dieticians particularly state that people wanting to have a balanced intercourse life have to include these particular kinds of meals in their diet. As specialists agree, exercising usually and sustaining a balanced diet are the secrets and techniques to reduce stress and revel in a better and healthier sex life.
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Even though the interest of human in exploring brain power is evidenced by the preservation of the brains of geniuses about hundred years ago, its vast and incredible power being understood by scientists and neurologists is relatively new. The myth of human using only 10% of its power is not conclusive and no one knows exactly your capacity. Many of the world’s top scientists believe there are ways to maximize the power. The ways to maximize it can be summarized into 2 main categories. Let’s look at them now.
Keep Your Brain Active
* Feed or challenge your brain with new things regularly will keep it functioning continuously. You can input new information or/and change your daily routine. Doing the same routine every day will put it in an autopilot mode. It needs new zest to stay active. The infrequent you use it, the weaker it becomes.
* Frequent brain fitness exercise will stimulate its alertness and increase its sharpness. Brain stimulating activities such as puzzles, brain teasers, listen to music, arts & crafts, and mathematics are particularly effective.
* Here is an exercise interesting to your brain. Sharpen your senses regularly to keep it active. You can do this by, if you are right-handed, try use your left hand instead. You may also try drinking and eating with your eyes closed.
* Having regular social interaction keeps your brain functioning at high level. When you interact with others, it works constantly to receive and send out information throughout your conversation.
Healthy Lifestyle
* Eating healthy diet not only keeps your body healthy, so it does to your brain. Healthy diet provides good nutritions that will enable your brain to remain in its tip top condition.
* Good rest is vital for both physical and mental health. Lacking sleep not only makes you feel tired and less energetic, it also affects your brain’s proper functionality.
* Regular physical exercise will keep the fitness of your body and brain. It also increases the formation of new brain cells and strengthens your memory and learning ability. This can help you to fend off forgetfulness, memory loss and other mental conditions.
* Excessive stress does nothing good for your body and brain. A stressful life gives you unhappiness and tensed emotion. Your brain will not be able to work effectively either. So, manage your stress.
* Proper nutritional supplements provide your brain with nutrients it needs to function at its optimal level in addition to healthy diet. Invest in good support supplements is a sure way to provide good quality input and it is value for money too.
Throughout the Continental USA and worldwide many memory enthusiasts are saying, “How can I improve memory?” I intend to answer this question with precision and accuracy. If you want to build a strong memory you have to use proven methods that encode information in the brain. “Brain Encoding Method” should be interesting and motivating as well as stimulate the brain to encode.
Prior to using brain encoding method(s) you may need basic restoration, maintenance and repairing of the mind. This article will expose the secret to prevent your brain from being attacked. Through years of observation I have witnessed many people using illegal controlled substances, alcohol and even eating the wrong foods, in which their unhealthy habits attacked the brain. Let us focus and concentrate on changing a few consumption habits to help repair, restore, energize and boost the brain to optimize encoding information.
Change is the most courageous and transforming word, but a curse word to many. You should consider changing from brain encoding methods that do not work to using proven brain encoding methods that work. Typically change occurs when most people face exigent circumstances, which forces you to embrace change. However changing your brain encoding methods can be the best choice you’ll ever make.
You’re about to discover (4) four simple ways to improve memory and prepare the brain for optimal encoding.
One you should get adequate sleep, which cause the mind to perform better. You should at least sleep 6-8 hours per day to restore and replenish the mind. A healthy rested mind is a great asset whenever you’re trying to encode information in the brain..
Two you should drink adequate water, which cause the brain to naturally boost and energize. Your body and brain tissue is made up of 90-95% water. It is highly recommended to consume at least 10 glasses of water per day.
Three you should consume the correct memory foods that boost and energize. The correct food consumption can determine the amount of information that you remember. Some Memory foods help fight against free radical diseases that cause memory loss. The benefits you receive from consuming Fruits and Vegetables with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B, B6 and B12 are powerful brain foods. It is highly recommended to snack on brain foods while you’re studying to boost, energize and stimulate the brain as well as help your brain encode information. Also consuming fish with omega-3 fatty acids can help fight against free radical diseases that cause memory loss.
Four you should consume vitamin supplements with memory foods to boost, energize and stimulate the mind to learn. Vitamin Supplements in most cases are used whenever the body is deficient in vitamins, however consuming your memory foods and vitamins together. Your vitamins alone are unable to assimilate and digest without consuming food.
The average person in pursuit of improving their memory should incorporate a well-balanced memory diet.
The main reason for focusing on the above four ways is to guide you in the right direction. These simple ways to improve memory can restore, energize and position you to practice healthy brain encoding methods, which will increase the amount of information that your brain encode. Most people unknowingly build upon an unhealthy mind, but our goal and focus is to build upon a healthy, vibrant and energetic mind for optimal learning.
Your days of overworking the brain and being nutritionally deficient can cease. Let’s re-iterate the 4 steps above:(1) Enough Sleep, which is 6-8 hours per day (2) Enough Water, which is 10 glasses per day (3) Enough Memory Foods, fruits, vegetables and (4) Enough vitamin supplements this may require a memory diet plan. You should consult with a license medical practitioner.
A healthy mind can encode information much better as well as help fight against toxic pollutants that attack the brain from functioning properly.
My question is how can we practice these amazing methods of encoding information in the brain? The answer to this question can be a simple click away, however let’s focus on encoding information for short-term, long-term and sensory memory, which is the most sought after secret amongst the memory improvement world. You may be seeking a true method to memorize important and relevant information. However brain encoding methods are truly the key to the kingdom of memory improvement. Encoding information in the brain affords you the ability to literally recall information at your command. Just like any athlete who trains the body to perform. You must train the brain to encode valuable and relevant information. I use proven brain encoding methods, because my quality of life depends on it. I believe that anybody can learn how recall important facts, figures, dates and information. Your brain creates your thoughts; then your thoughts manifest into action, which means what you encode in the brain can manifest into a reality.
Remember you have absolutely nothing without a good working memory that gets results. Encoding information in the brain is the most powerful way to recall information, in which your memory will obey your command.
Expert and author Kenneth Williams reveals “Brain Encoding Methods” in an e-book called “Improve Memory and Change Life Forever” found here:How Can Improve Memory Also receive a wealth of knowledge by clicking here: 100% Free Mini-Course
You may already know that glaucoma is a disease of the eye that is very serious, but if you’re unsure of just what the disease actually is and what the symptoms are to look for, you’re not alone. As serious as this eye disease is, many people simply are unaware of the symptoms or even what it means to have glaucoma. Since it is something that can lead to loss of peripheral vision and even blindness, and since about 1 in 200 people under the age of fifty and 1 in 10 over the age of eighty actually get this disease, it’s a good idea to learn more about it.
To better understand the disease of glaucoma, we do well to think about how the eye is structured in the first place. Behind the actual eyeball that we can see is a series of nerves that translate the light we take in through the eye into electrical impulses that then travel to the brain. The brain descrambles these impulses and reads them as sight. These nerves are as important to sight as the eyeball itself. Remember, all of our senses actually function in the brain; our eyes, ears, tongue, nose, and skin only act as receptors for the signals that travel along the nerve pathways to be translated into sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. Just like a deaf person can have two perfectly good ears, damage to the nerve cells behind any of our sensory organs can result in a loss of that particular sense. The word glaucoma is applied to a wide range of diseases that affect these nerve endings behind the eyeball itself.
Typically the disease is brought on by continued pressure on the nerve, but this pressure itself is no exact indication of who exactly will eventually contract glaucoma and who will not. Some seem to be very sensitive to this nerve pressure while others seem to have a high tolerance level for it. So, this pressure itself is not an exact indication of contracting glaucoma or not.
The fluid in the eye is called aqueous humor and drains out of the eye through a network of drainage tissue between the iris and the cornea. In people with glaucoma this drainage tissue becomes blocked and fluid is replaced faster that it can be drained. This caused pressure to build up in the eye causing the blood vessels that nourish the eye with essential nutrients and oxygen to become constricted which cause the nerve fibers to die.
When left untreated, any form of glaucoma will lead to permanent damage of these optic nerves which will in turn lead to blindness. Typically this starts with a minor loss of peripheral vision but can lead to permanent cloudiness of vision. Unfortunately, glaucoma can develop slowly over several years so that the patient is unaware that he or she even has the disease until it cannot be corrected.
It’s important to get regular eye exams even if you don’t have problems with your vision. Your optometrist can give your eyes a thorough exam and be aware of any symptoms of the onset of glaucoma. This condition can typically be treated with medication before blindness sets in or permanent damage is done, so it’s good to be vigilant about eye exams.
Common vitamins and over the counter products can help with glaucoma such as Vitamin C, Ginkgo, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Beta Carotene, Vitamin B, Vitamin E, Multiple Mineral, Herbal Diuretic.
Vitamin C has been shown to dramatically reduce the intaocular pressure in patients suffering from glaucoma.
Ginkgo is needed for the proper functioning of the vascular system and improves blood circulation to the brain.
Vitamin A is important for the proper development of the eyes.
Vitamin D plays an important in nerve and muscle function.
Beta Carotene helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation and the body converts beta carotene into vitamin A.
Vitamin B is needed for healthy blood vessels and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin E promotes the healing process of the body.
Multiple Mineral are required for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, blood and nerve cells.
There are several Herbal Diuretic on the market that will help the body to reduce excess body fluids.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
David Cowley has created numerous articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins. Visit Health Related Articles
Several recent studies found a close link between blood pressure and brain power. A paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that people with high blood pressure made more errors on their mental status tests than those with normal pressure. Another study proved that on average people with high blood pressure performed 10% slower on mental tests and were less capable of remembering words, facts or numbers.
High blood pressure can also cause white matter lesions that affect the brain’s ability to transmit information. Clearly, high blood pressure means reduced mental and cognitive skills – all the more reason to ensure your blood pressure levels remain under control. These steps will minimise your risk of high blood pressure:
– Watch your weight. Blood pressure often increases as the kilograms pile up. Carrying too much weight around your waist can significantly increase your risks of hypertension.
– Limit sodium intake and boost your potassium intake. In fact, increasing potassium in your diet can reduce the effects of sodium on blood pressure.
– Give in to your chocolate cravings – but opt for dark chocolate. It contains substances that can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Do exercise restraint: too much of a good thing is eventually bad for you!
– Limit alcohol consumption. Moderate consumption of alcohol can keep heart diseases at bay; it can also bring down your blood pressure. On the other hand, overindulgence can drastically increase blood pressure. So what is the right amount? Doctors suggest one drink a day for women and two for men.
– Avoid tobacco products. Even an hour after your last smoke, nicotine can significantly raise your blood pressure. Puffing all through the day means that your blood pressure remains high. Tobacco also damages arteries, causes fluid retention, and interferes with the efficacy of blood pressure medications.
– Reduce stress. A lifestyle of constant stress can increase your chances of high blood pressure. If you lead a stressful life, take conscious efforts to de-stress through deep-breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, meditation or counselling.
Here are some more proven techniques to keep your brain alert:
– Physical exercise: Researchers say that the areas of the brain most influenced by exercise are those that are associated with learning and memory.
– Mental stimulation: As the saying goes, use it or lose it! The best way to keep your mind shipshape is through consistent mental stimulation. Start a new hobby, learn a new skill, or solve a crossword puzzle. The idea is to challenge your brain and give it opportunities to stretch and grow.
– Sleep: There’s a wealth of truth in the proverbial wisdom of “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!” The healing power of sleep comes from the fact that a good night’s rest can stimulate the formation of new brain cells.
– Socialising: Time spent with friends and family is far from being time wasted. When you are in a social situation, there are unexpected turns in conversation, an exchange of ideas and a sense of relaxation, all of which are beneficial to the brain.
– Laughter: It’s true, laughter is the best medicine. Medical science now acknowledges the health benefits induced by laughter.Apparently, humour stimulates the areas of your brain that use dopamine, a “feel good” chemical. It also improves the memory by reducing stress, relaxing your muscles and increasing the flow of blood to your brain.
– Diet: Good eating habits play an important role in boosting brain power and improving cognitive functions. Eat breakfast every day; incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet; consume whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Don’t take too much caffeine as this can make you mentally dull over the years and elevate blood pressure. A safe limit would be about 200 milligrams. Don’t binge on junk food as the empty calories only make you physically and mentally sluggish. Moreover, the saturated fat and cholesterol present in junk food can increase blood pressure.
Blood pressure and brain power are so closely associated that it is hard to take care of one while ignoring the other. So, go ahead and get blood pressure and brain power conscious!
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In a society where most of the food available can be more harmful to you than helpful, eating right can be quite disheartening. But not all foods available today are unhealthy, if you know where to look. Some foods can actually be beneficial to the body, especially the brain. But what foods are beneficial to the brain and where can you find them? What if you have a strict budget and don’t have hundreds of dollars every month to spend on exotic brain foods. Well, brain food is more readily available than you think, if you just know what to look for. You probably have tons of brain food in your house right now and don’t even know it.
It is a very well known fact that many of the foods we eat today might lead to many illnesses we could be getting later in life. Such illnesses may be heart problems, diabetes, cancer, even Alzheimer’s disease. There have even been reports that the top 5 cancer causing foods are donuts, chips, bacon, hot dogs, and cookies. This can be a frightening fact, especially if you have children. But instead of feeding your children food that may be rotting their bodies, as well as their brains, there is plenty of readily available food that kids like and is good for them. So, let’s dive right in.
Some foods that are great for the brain are obvious choices, while some have benefits that are not so well known. We have all heard of the benefits of eating fish, but it is also very beneficial to the brain. Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that help circulation of blood vessels, bring more oxygen to the brain, and lower cholesterol. Vegetables also have a long standing reputation as being healthy for the body, but they are wonderful for the brain as well. Vegetables have low levels of GI (glycemic index) which means they help slow down the sugar distribution in your blood stream, preventing a sugar crash, while providing more oxygen to the brain.
Some other foods that contain low GI levels are grains, cereals, rice, and spaghetti. Other foods that are great for brain activity are turkey, eggs, oatmeal, oranges even peanut butter. Peanut butter’s high range of protein is excellent for brain health and brain development. That is why in cooking classes for kids the first thing they always teach kids is how to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because not only do kids love them, but they’re great for their brain health as well.
Milk and dairy products oftentimes have lower GI levels than fruit and are needed for proper oxidation to the brain. Also, any food with high levels of protein is great for the brain. High protein foods release high levels of amino acids which help to improve brain power. Two of these amino acids found in high protein foods are tryptophan and tyrosine which are considered essential building blocks of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters serve as carriers sending signals from one part of the brain to another and are essential in high brain activity.
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Chef Shael Berni offers cooking classes for kids in Aspen, Colorado. Her goal is to teach children to eat healthy and stimulate their creativity, while they have fun with food! Her motto is, “Smart Foods for Smart Kids!”
Human beings are master learners – one of our definitive traits. The brain is made of specialised nerve cells, called neurones, that communicate with each other to form the process of thought itself. The brain is constantly restructuring itself and learning by forming new nerve pathways. A healthy new-born baby will form over half its learning pathways between ages one and five years. The number of nerve cells do not increase after age two, but the number of connections do. At birth a child can connect to 2500 other neurones. By age 2-3 years a child can connect to 15000 neurones.
Learning is one of the greatest and most exciting potentials we have to fulfil. But sadly our capacity to learn is being threatened. This is evident in the ever-increasing incidence of childhood learning disabilities seen today, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to autism. Statistics from the UK show that one in three children in every classroom is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Lancet estimate that eight to ten percent of children suffer from this condition. Boys are more prone to ADHD than girls, with a ratio of 10:1 boy to girl sufferers.
ADHD does not usually affect IQ or intelligence and individuals can be highly creative and can sit for long periods completing projects that are of interest to them. Onset is usually by the age of 3, although diagnosis is usually later when the child is in school. ADHD can occur in adulthood as well.
Symptoms of ADHD (one or more may be present):
HyperactivityRisk-taking behaviourRestlessnessReduced concentration & distractibilityShort attention spanAggressivenessImpulsivity (action before thought, abrupt changes in activities, jumping up in class)Reduced coordination and accident prone behaviourSelf-destructive behaviourTemper tantrums and impatienceLow stress tolerance & emotional instabilityDisruptiveness in the classroomExcessive talkingProblems adapting to change/new thingsMemory and thought problems – often losing things.
Causes
Although the cause or causes of ADHD have not been fully established, many theories have been postulated. Recent research has identified that ADHD is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain’s neurotransmitters, with dopamine being low in ADHD sufferers. The reasons for this chemical imbalance are varied.
Conventional Treatment
Conventional treatment does not address the underlying cause of ADHD but merely masks the symptoms by prescribing brain-stimulating drugs. Ritalin, an amphetamine-type drug, is the most commonly prescribed anti hyperactivity drug. It has been classified as a class II drug (alongside cocaine and methadone) by the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Ritalin works by stimulating the production of the brain neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine helps to focus attention and concentration. The long-term effects of Ritalin have not yet been established. Numerous side-effects have been identified with Ritalin. It should not be stopped suddenly, since severe withdrawal reactions can occur (e.g. depression). Supervision during withdrawal is also needed. Ritalin should not be administered to children less than six years of age.
The role of nutrients in mental health
The nutritional approach to ADHD works on the basis that dietary changes influence brain chemistry. Certain nutrients are required to make and maintain the brain itself. Deficiencies of these nutrients at any time can have repercussions on intelligence, learning potential and behaviour.
The key nutrients required to feed the brain are:
Essential fatty acids found in oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines), nuts and seeds, are vital for brain function. These essential fats form part of the myelin sheath, a layer surrounding all neurones, and enable one neurone to communicate with another.
Protein (found in for example salmon, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils, eggs, tofu, quinoa, yoghurt) is important for the formation of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain.
Vitamins and minerals function to keep the brain in tune. The B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and zinc are some of important vitamins and minerals needed by the brain.Phospholipids from eggs and lecithin granules help with brain memory.
The main brain pollutants that hinder brain function are:
Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and aluminium.Trans and hydrogenated fats found in fried foods and foods containing margarine or shortening.Preservatives and additives from processed foods.Food and chemical sensitivities (milk and wheat being the most common)Blood sugar imbalances – hyperactivity is often the result of a sudden burst of sugar. The brain feeds on sugar and low blood sugar can also result in lack of concentration.
There is a strong connection between poor gastro-intestinal function and adverse brain symptoms. Gastro-intestinal tract conditions, such as intestinal permeability, food intolerance, undigested food particles and chemicals, imbalances in gut bacteria and yeast infection, can have a profound negative effect on brain function. The term GAP (gut and psychology) syndrome, has been used to describe this link. Assessing gastro-intestinal function is an important aspect of treating ADHD nutritionally.
Functional Tests
Various tests are useful tools in identifying possible causes and contributing factors to ADHD. The nutritionist may use one or more of the following:
Hair Mineral Analysis – for identifying heavy metal toxicity and nutrient imbalances.Food Allergy or Food Intolerance Testing.CDSA – Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis – for identifying if there are any pathogenic bacteria/fungus or organisms are present.
Nutritional treatment has proven very helpful for many children with ADD or ADHD. It has few, if any, side effects and is therefore worth pursuing before considering other more harmful interventions.
Bibliography
Balch, P.A. Balch, J.F. (2000) Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3rd Ed. New York. Avery Publishing Group. Campbell-Mcbride Dr.N. (2007) Gut and Psychology Syndrome. Cambridge: MedinformHolford, P. (2007) New Optimum Nutrition for the Mind. London: PiatkusMurray, MT (1996) Encylopedia of nutritional supplements. California:Prima Publishing.Murray,M & Pizzorno,J (1998) Encylopedia of natural medicine. Revised 2nd ed. California: Prima Publishing.
The Fresh Earth website offers: Healthy Meal Plans, Vegetarian Recipes, Health Articles, Expert Advice and Organic Grocery Shopping Online. http://www.freshearth.co.za
New research has revealed that vitamin B-12 deficiency may be responsible for causing the brain to actually shrink.* Loss of brain size has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and decreased brain function, energy and cognitive decline.* Dr. John Douillard, DC received his Ayurvedic training in India and runs an Ayurvedic retreat center in Boulder, CO. www.lifespa.com *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Video Rating: 5 / 5
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Breast Cancer Survivor And Pioneer In Brain Nutrition, Dr. Hardwicke Offers Real Help To Those Suffering From Side Effects Of Chemotherapy. This 23-page Report Is Informative, Readable, And Extremely Helpful To Anyone Who Has Had Chemotherapy. The Chemo Brain Report By Susan Hardwicke, Ph.d.
The game, Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day is with us after being inspired by a book written by Professor Ryuta Kawashima, (hence the name, Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training) a prominent Japanese neurologist. Any good though?
Brain Training is already proving to be a great success even though it’s not your typical game seeing as there are no princesses to rescue from a castle, no cars to steal or aliens to hunt and kill. The game requires the use of the stylus and of course the DS touch screen. So if you want to tone your intellectual muscle, Brain Training is a fine way to get started.
The exercises are quick and easy challenges that aid stimulation of your brain. The combination includes arithmetic, reading and memory tests, while the program itself calculates your score in the form of a brain age by assessing the speed and accuracy of your performance in the given tasks. This phenomenon first took Japan by storm with it’s game which includes a series of maths and memory puzzles designed to keep the mind agile.
At the end of the day you have a series of games designed to give your brains a gool old workout as you race against the clock performing a range of tasks. And you don’t have to do it alone as there is a multiplayer mode for up to 15 players to compete with and see who has the youngest brain.
If you’re fed up of playing games that don’t stretch your brain cells and you’d like to give your brain a good, solid workout, then what you need is Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training.
For your Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain? please visit the above site plus you can scroll down to it’s Amazon Store for more choice.
An excellent resource for all those consoles and games you’ve ever wanted, including the Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit, ps3, xbox 360 and Ipod Nano 8GB and lots more. No searching all over the web for different bargains. There’s loads of choice here with all the top sellers and best prices. You certainly will not be disappointed.
Living in the UK with his wife, Sula and daughter Heidi, John has a Business degree and though qualified as a teacher, never pursued this as a full time career. Now running his own online business in Computer Consoles & Games.
www.bbc.co.uk Brain training games do not improve overall brain power, a scientific study launched by the BBC suggests. The largest ever investigation followed 11430 people over six weeks to see what effect, if any, playing brain training computer games would have. Video Rating: 4 / 5
It is a fact that memory power reduces with aging. The fact remains that memory power which is in receding trend as we grow old, can be restricted by applying proper nutrition and memory exercise. Vegetable juices and fruit juices particularly loaded in vitamins and minerals, if taken regularly, can positively facilitate the brain and memory power improvement. We should remember and be cautious against insufficient/poor nutrition because this would create a lot many unstable unbalanced oxygen molecule (free radicals) which may damage our brain cells seriously affecting the thought process.
For protection of brain cells and boosting of brain functioning including memory power, one of the easiest ways is to take sufficient quantity of juices specifically made from raw and organic fruits / vegetables. Intake of a good amount of Vitamin-E & antioxidants contained fruits and a vegetable reduces the damage caused to the brain cells. Fresh juices act as a healthy brain tonic due to presence of zinc if taken regularly. Following tips for healthy juices should essentially be made part of your life for improving your brain functioning and resultant improvement in memory power.
Blueberries Juice: If you drink Blueberry juices sufficiently you would automatically eradicate free-radicals which are liable for cell deterioration in your body including brain as such juices have sufficient antioxidants which can fight and remove free radicals.
Juices from spinach, apples, cherries, grapes and other berries: Do you wish to improve and restore motor coordination and balance of your body, get set to take fresh juices made from apple, cherries, spinach, grapes and other berries as these juices contain sufficient antioxidants. We may use them to turn around the memory loss notably. Lemon Juice : In order to avoid mal-functioning of your brain and other parts of your body you should to control your blood sugar level. Don
We have quite often heard that memory fades with age, but if there is a scope to improve memory why not make the most of it. Memory improvement techniques work to a great extent. There are websites that offer free advice and help in this area.
Brain Boosting Vitamins
A healthy brain guarantees a good memory. If you are well stocked on the necessary vitamins, you are sure to have a sharp brain.
* Vitamin B – Researches indicate that vitamin B is excellent for the brain. Foods containing it create a protective shield in the brain for the neurons. They help produce red blood cells that carry oxygen to the brain.
* Antioxidants – Antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and beta carotene provide protection to brain tissues by breaking down free radicals.
* Omega 3 Fatty Acids – Though these cannot be classified as vitamins, they are equally important for enhancing memory and boosted brain functioning.
These can be termed to be some of the basic vitamins that are important for improved memory. But these alone will not help. What is needed is an effort from your side. You can help yourself improve your memory by adopting techniques specially defined for the purpose.
Memory Improving Techniques
Having a sharp memory may or may not run in your genes but it is definitely true that you can take certain steps towards memory improvement.
* Chunking data is one way of memorizing. You can use this with numbers where you chunk a couple of digits to memorize a larger number. Many of you may be doing this with phone numbers. Or you may have a long list of items to remember. Try sorting out the various types and then chunk the similar ones together to recall when needed.
* Rhyming is something you must have done a lot in play school. The same rhyming can also help you memorize . If you have something long to memorize, try converting it into a rhyme and see the wonderful way you are able to memorize.
* Reciting is yet another means of improving memory. You might have participated in some recital or must have simply heard yourself reading to yourself. When you do so, you mouth every word helping it to register in your brain.
Exercise for Memory Improvement
You might have had the best brain food and must also be adopting all techniques required for a sharp memory. Along with these, there are a couple of other factors that do their job. You can call these brain exercises.
* Meditation: This is an age old method to relax the brain and help it gear up for a renewed session of work. This can be done anywhere, anytime. All you need is a quiet place. You can feel yourself unwind and relax.
* Massage: A massage once in a while is always soothing to the brain and body. It brings about calmness with reduced stress and toxins.
* Physical Exercise: Any kind of physical activity is beneficial not only for the body but also the brain. It functions as a stress buster and helps the brain unwind.
* Recreation: Recreation is not only about having fun. It has its own set of advantages with one serving the brain directly. It can be anything from watching a movie to visiting friends and family.
The human brain is a huge storehouse of data but many a times it becomes difficult to recall things. By adopting means to improve memory, this gap between storing and recalling can be greatly reduced.
Various techniques have been listed to improve memory. It is important to combine these techniques with brain boosting vitamins to keep the brain healthy.
