Protect Your Brain

Photo by Dierk Schafer.

The mind-body connection comes up more often as science explores the dynamics of neuro-synthesis and I’ve noticed a shift–it seems like it’s not just about valuing longevity anymore but valuing quality of everyday life. Even among my own patients, it seems like they’re asking me how to preserve and improve their health rather than how they can live to a hundred years old. Both those things tend to go hand in hand, of course, and protecting the physiology of the brain is one of the best things you can do for your body.

Hey Fat Head

Comprising about 60 percent of the brain, the myelin sheath that protects neuronal axons acts as a tunnel for neurological messages to travel safely to their destinations. Just as a tunnel might be subject to erosion or leaks, myelin is fragile. Pollution, environmental toxins, heavy metal exposure and drug use are a few of the big stunners that wreak havoc on the lipid components of the brain.

Once eroded or permeated, neurological messages are left incomplete resulting in unfulfilled physiological activity. This is seen in multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease, when the myelin scars and can make something as simple as brushing one’s hair a difficult task.

Neuro-protection is important for everyday experiences you might simply take for granted. Keeping your brain intact ensures your memories remain vivid longer, your sleep soothes you, you keep smiling, your heart beats stronger, you remain physically agile, and you maintain your ability to continue learning and integrating new information into your everyday life.

Move it

Lack of exercise combined with environmental stress sends mixed messages to the brain. Without exposing the body to differing types of exercise or movement over time, the brain shifts neuro-chemically favoring particular ranges of motion less than it once did. There are plenty of fun and rejuvenating activities to help prevent this shift.

Marked by their slow, subtly powerful movements, tai chi, yoga, and qi gong practice offer agility of mind and body. Perfect for those that prefer to participate in movement-based forms of meditation. As our limbs fluidly move through space, the brain is engaged with each transforming pose and posture. These movements elicit physiological responses.

With each movement the brain builds new neurological connections, enlivening stamina as energy and blood circulate.

This is your brain on fish

Fatty fish provides the essential lipids your brain can use to build and protect the myelin sheath. Unlike fatty acids derived from vegetable sources, DHA and EPA from fish directly cross the blood brain barrier, skipping conversion processes and acting immediately.

The environmental defense fund has developed an eco-friendly system to help you determine which fish are best to consume. Check out their comprehensive list to see the eco-best.

If you opt to supplement your diet with fish oil, go for cold-pressed sources that are contaminant free. Look to the labeling to contain the following:

• Omega 3 and EPA/DHA are listed
• The source is from salmon, sardines, or anchovies
• Should NOT be molecularly distilled

More Fun Tips to Boost your Brain

• Acupuncture
• My favorite games for the brain
• Brain teasers for tots

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and was the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.