Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Some Options On How To Better Brain Function

By Patricia Kennedy


The brain controls almost everything that we perceive and do. It is an organ that has been studied over many years but a lot of things still remain obscure. All of us desire to have an optimally functioning brain because we understand that it makes the difference between failure and success. There are a number of things that one can do to better brain function and unleash as much of their potential as possible.

The brain has been found to be highly flexible. In fact, some experts have compared it to a piece of clay being handled by a potter; it will take a different shape depending on the desires of the potter. The world around us acts as the potter presenting various challenges that shape it so that it becomes most appropriately adapted (also known as neuroplasticity). As we learn how to handle these situations, new pathways of memory are established.

You need to exercise your brain regularly. Some of the ways of doing this is to engage in puzzles and brainteasers. Such exercises will help you from new pathways that are vital to maintaining optimal function. Doing normal or ordinary things in a different way work in almost the same way. An example is teaching yourself to write, comb your hair or brush your teeth using the less dominant hand.

A healthy diet improves both mental and physical health. Foods that are most useful in the improvement of mental function include those that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Both animal and plant sources of omega 3 fats exists. The animal sources include squid oil, sea oil, krill, eggs, mammalian brains and eyes and meat. Plant sources include flax seeds, chia seeds, black raspberry and butternuts among others.

Omega 3 fats have a role in the management of a number of mental illnesses. For instance, the fats are often used as add-on treatments for conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar mood disorders among others. The mechanism behind this action is believed to be a reduction in inflammation of nervous tissue mediated by chemicals known as prostaglandins. The fats are also useful in preventing Alzheimer disease, a neuro-degenerative condition.

The vitamin B12 is another vital nutrient involved in the growth and development of brain tissue. Better growth is most likely to give you better function. Some of the sources of B12 include seafood, pork, eggs, chicken and cereals. Deficiencies in this nutrient cause a range of neurological disorders. When taken in adequate quantities, in contrast, it helps reduce the risk of developing atrophy and Alzheimer disease.

Physical exercise improves the function of many body systems including the neurological system. During intense physical strain, there is increased demand for oxygen and nutrients. Consequently, the blood flow to the organ is increased. Persons who exercise regularly have been shown to have sharper mental function than those who do not.

Strive to get enough sleep both at night and in the form of power naps during the day. A single power nap during the day lasting about 3o minutes significantly improves mental performance. As for the night, get a minimum of 6 hours of quality sleep. During sleep new synaptic connections between neural fibers are formed. This forms the basis of new pathways.




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