It's all cerebral - brain health and nutrition

[Guest guest]

It's all cerebral - brain health and nutrition

Okay now that we got Valentine out of the way, let's move away from the heart a

bit and focus more on the gray matter.If you are like most people caught in the

rat race yet suffering from numerous bouts of stress and low serotonin levels -

a sign of depression - chances are you also pay little or no attention to your

brain and emotional health.It's about time you did because you may be sitting on

a time bomb!

The brain is arguably the most important organ in our human package. It is the

centerpiece of the nervous system that regulates all of the functions of the

body, which we at times take for granted, such as breathing, our heart beat or

the regulation of our body temperature - something very importance for all of us

as the temperatures continue to soar and reach upper 30s. To achieve these

seemingly mundane functions, however, the brain needs food. Without adequate

nutrition, our brains actually can and do shut down on us. I don't think you

want this to happen any day soon or ever.

Our brains also allow us to enjoy life - whether it is in sports or in the

creation of an artistic masterpiece, reading a book or the newspaper, the brain

is key to all of this. Therefore, the brain also demands the best nutrition for

optimum performance. It is not " luck " that some people are more astute, active

and always seem happy. Their secret? Good nutrition that nourishes their brain

and keeps their mood afloat.

All nutrients are important for the brain, but scientists agree that the most

crucial include vitamins A, D, E, B1, B2, B3, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, iron,

calcium, and the long chain fatty acids found in olive oil, fish, and nuts. If

daily requirements of these nutrients cannot be met through the regular diet, it

is advisable and safe to take a quality supplement to safeguard against

nutritional deficiencies especially for a pregnant woman. Remember that brain

development begins in the womb. For small babies and children, breast milk is an

excellent source, otherwise a fortified food is recommended.

These nutrients are responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that send messages to and across the nerve

endings of the brain and the rest of our body. So the equation is fairly simple

and logical: no nutrition, no neurotransmitter and therefore, NO brain function.

Is it any wonder that when you are hungry or under a lot of stress and cannot

eat probably, your brain shuts down and you experience that ever irritating

mental block? Next time this happens to you just reach for a handful of nuts and

a fruit or two. You will be up and running in no time.

A simple guideline for attaining these brain nutrients is to eat a balanced diet

with a wide variety of foods. But importantly if you aim for vegetables, fruits,

nuts, and dairy products you can be sure that you are covered and your brain

will be on target. Improved nutrition has been shown numerously to enhance

mental performance, and learning capacity. Furthermore, inadequate nutrition can

adversely affect learning ability and concentration. The importance of a

healthy, nutritious breakfast for brain is also increasingly being recognised.

Similarly providing healthy school meals for children is important for their

brain and other development for learning.

The type of nutrients taken in a single meal can affect mood, behaviour and even

symptoms of depression.Compounds such as amino acids are important for the

synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones, which regulate the function of the

brain.

Mood boosting foods contain lots of vitamins and minerals. Fats and sugars may

momentarily satisfy the taste buds and pacify a dull mood but this is

short-lived since the calories are empty and thereby do not supply the essential

building blocks for the neurotransmitters. This exacerbates depression and mood

swings. Regular exercise, both mental and physical also plays an important role

in mood regulation.

In later life, low blood levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 have been

associated with depression and poor mood.That is why good nutrition for the

elderly is crucial to keep them happy, feeling younger and productive. Adequate

intake of antioxidants may guard against loss of memory and brain function.

Furthermore, Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to retard the progression

of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It is official, it's cool to be a nerd!