What is the Most Important Thing to Do to Improve Overall BRAIN HEALTH?

What is the most important thing to do to improve overall brain health?

My answer: REDUCE the inflammatory process in the body .

The implementation of reducing inflammatory responses in the body is one of the best strategies to stay healthy and feel better. If you hear a diagnosis ending in "itis " it is a process of inflammation or trauma. Just think of arthritis, colitis, sinusitis, gastritis, bursitis, and many more. Many of the ailments our patients present at the office come from the negative effects of inflammation on the body's chemistry.

It is always important to look at mental, emotional, physical, and chemical stressors. Our brain chemistry is affected by all of these factors. In this blog I will be addressing the nutritional foods that reduce inflammation in our body.

TOP 8 foods that should be in your regular DIET:

1. Curry

Curry contains turmeric, a spice that in turn contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant curcumin. Curcumin is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is one reason why it holds promise as a neuroprotective agent in a wide range of neurological disorders.

Research has shown that curcumin may help inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brain of Alzheimer's patients, as well as break up existing plaques. Curcumin has even been shown to boost memory and stimulate the production of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis.

A word to the wise… some curry powders may contain very little curcumin compared to straight turmeric powder, so choose the latter for the best health benefits.

2. Celery

Celery is a rich source of luteolin, a plant compounds that may calm inflammation in your brain, which is a primary cause of neurodegeneration. Luteolin has also been linked with lower rates of age-related memory loss in mice. Make sure to always buy organic celery.

3. Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower are good sources of choline, a B vitamin known for its role in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy "super-charged" the brain activity of animals in utero, indicating that it may boost cognitive function, improve learning and memory,

It may even diminish age-related memory decline and your brain's vulnerability to toxins during childhood, as well as conferring protection later in life. Any food that looks like the brain has to be good for you.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are good sources of plant-based omega-3 fats, natural phytosterols and antioxidants, and have been shown to reverse brain aging in older rats. Walnuts also look like a miniature brain so they are easy to remember if you want a better memory.

5. Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)

Garbanzo beans are one of the best food sources of magnesium (aside from kelp and green leafy vegetables). Magnesium citrate benefits brain cell receptors to speed the transmission of messages, while also relaxing blood vessels, which allows more blood flow to the brain.

6. Cold water fish

Non farmed salmon have a high amount of omega 3 oils that are necessary for proper brain development and function. Supplementation of omega 3 oils is the best way to get regular doses of these vital oils.

7. Red meat

Grass-fed beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is vital for healthy brain function. People with high levels of markers for vitamin B12 deficiency are more likely to score lower on cognitive tests, as well as have a smaller total brain volume, which suggests a lack of the vitamin may lead to brain shrinkage.

8. Blueberries

The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in blueberries have been linked to improvements in learning, thinking and memory, along with reductions in neurodegenerative oxidative stress. They're also relatively low in fructose compared to other fruits, making them one of the healthier fruits available.

Start TODAY...your body and health will thank you for it!