TOP 5 BRAIN REGENERATION PRACTICES
1. DRINK PLENTY OF CLEAN, TOXIN-FREE WATER. Since most of our body is made up of water (around 60%) and pure water is critical to all of our cellular functions, it is imperative that we drink clean water. Even a small dip from optimum hydration can cause decreased cognitive function and headaches. Because our water supply – even and perhaps especially, municipal water – is full of a variety of toxins, we need to remove the toxins from the water we drink. I used to believe that reverse osmosis was the best way to do this. Given new information from leading scientists and doctors, I now prefer distilled water. It seems to be the only method that yields plain, pure water. I know this goes against the grain. I was taught distilled water is dead water. Well, it turns out that our cells rely on plain old H20. We should be getting our minerals from the plant foods we eat. This too has become difficult due to the practices that involve using chemical herbicides and pesticides. These chemicals deplete the natural mineral uptake of plants, leaving our foods devoid of many vital minerals. Instead our foods come to us containing a variety of chemicals. I just heard a renown doctor say this past week that 100% of the people he runs labs on are deficient in minerals. That said, I typically add CT Minerals to the water I drink. Connect if you want to learn more about CT Minerals or which mineral product is best for you. Learn more about distilled water from mypurewater.com.
2. ENJOY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS. Next to drinking pure H2O is eating healthy fats or essential fatty acids. This would mean, minimize or avoid refined sugar, processed foods, refined oils, deep-fried foods, conventional dairy products, and sugary drinks. These foods are toxic to the cells of the body and cause inflammation of the outer membrane of the cells and mitochondria. When this happens, toxins get trapped inside our cells and nutrients can’t get into the cells. You can see how this could lead to a multitude of problems. Consuming foods containing healthy fats like grass-fed butter, organic unrefined coconut oil, an organic cold-pressed olive oil will support the integrity and function of our cellular membranes. The fatty acids in these healthy fats are used to myelinate the nerve pathways of the brain and body to promote smooth cellular signaling and brain function. Increased myelination leads to more efficient signaling and thinking. My top foods to support the brain.
3. REDUCE YOUR BODY’S TOXIN LOAD. If we want to prevent and improve our brain function it is vital that we be able to recognize where the toxins entering our system are coming from. This is a big topic so I will not cover it all here. We have already talked about water and anti-inflammatory foods which is a great first step. Next, we can begin to detox the toxins that have been hindering our health and keeping us from feeling optimal. Finding a qualified practitioner to help with this is critical. There is an art and science to safely detoxing trapped toxins from the cells. Heavy metals, bacterial and parasitic infections can go unchecked and wreak havoc on the body in various ways that include brain function. (Neurodegenerative issues, ongoing fatigue, brain fog, headaches etc.) Connect to learn more.
4. USE TOOLS TO SELF-REGULATE YOUR THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS, AND STRESS. Deep breath in, and release. (Now a couple more deep breaths in and out.) When we’re stressed we tend to take more shallow breaths, depriving our brain of the oxygen it needs. Just doing this can improve your mental/emotional state.
Our thoughts take up space in our brains. The thoughts we hold onto or entertain affect the way we think and act. It is critical to take our thoughts captive so we don’t inadvertently believe in the lies we tell ourselves or hear. For example, if we tell ourselves, “We aren’t good enough” to do something like baseball, we likely will not try at this sport and will avoid it. Thoughts like this are not true, but they can lead to inaction or more self-defeating thoughts. Along with negative thoughts, come negative emotions like fear and anxiety. Which leads us to feel stressed. It becomes a vicious, ongoing cycle that impairs our brain function and prevents us from learning new things or improving in ways that would be possible if we reframed our thoughts. I’m sure you can think of many other examples like this from your own personal experiences. Instead, we can approach new or challenging activities with thoughts like, “I’ll give it my best shot.” “I’m not sure how I’ll do, but I’ll try.” Or “I haven’t had a lot of experience with this, it might take me a few tries before I get it.” All of these thoughts will open the door to the possibility of achieving success. From which can flow more positive emotions and a more relaxed state.
Our brain performs best when we are relaxed and able to think clearly. So we need to be careful what thoughts we tell ourselves as well as the thoughts that we hear from those around us or that we watch on TV. Protect your brain from negative thought stations like the news media. You can check in on what is going on the world without all the constant barrage of negativity. It doesn’t serve any good purpose for your well-being. There are many other resources available to support our emotional and mental health. Reach out if you want to learn more about therapies, essential oils, and emotional support blends.
5. PRIORITIZE SLEEP. While we sleep our brain is actually very active. This is the time the brain’s glymphatic system works to remove or repair damaged cells, and consolidate our memories. In order to think clearly during the day, it starts with a good night sleep. Establish a consistent bedtime routine that puts you in position for getting good restorative sleep. Stop electronic use/screen time at least 1 hour before bed. (Ideally 2 hours before bed.) Have a cool, dark bedroom. Drink plenty of water during the day so you don’t feel thirsty at night and load up on too much water before retiring for the night. Keep a notepad near your bed to download items on your mind to be done the following day. I incorporate prayer and meditation into my routine so I can cast my anxiety on One who knows just what to do with it. 😊 Find more tips for sleep here.
Blessings as you support your body’s innate ability to regenerate and repair itself. Gone is the old adage that said we just have to plan on declining cognitive function as we age. We have neuroplasticity. We can regenerate new brain cells and continue to enjoy good memory for years to come. We just need to take action now to optimize our brain and body’s ability to function.
If you have been noticing declining brain function, don’t wait. You are reading this for a reason. You know it would be best to be proactive. Learn More.