Some Options On How To Better Brain Function

By Patricia Kennedy


The brain is at the center at everything that we perceive (sensory function) and do (motor function). When the organ is functioning sub optimally for one reason or another we can never the best out of ourselves. Although, many things remain unclear about this organ in spite of numerous studies over the years, a lot of knowledge has been gathered. Part of this knowledge is how to better brain function progressively.

The brain is considered a highly malleable organ just like a piece of clay that can take any shape. It responds to various stimuli in the environment. This important property is also termed neuroplasticity. When we are faced with new life challenges new ways of handling them are achieved through the formation of new pathways so that they can be used in solving similar problems in future.

There are a number of activities that one can engage in as part of exercise for the brain. Engaging in brain teasers and solving puzzles is one of the methods that can be used to help the organ form new pathways and keep it alert. Another way of achieving the same is to do ordinary tasks using newer methods. For instance, one can try using their less dominant hand to write, comb their hair or to brush their teeth.

There are a number of foods that are useful in brain growth and the maintenance of alertness. Among those that are considered to have great value are those that are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. The rich animal sources of these fatty acids include squid oil, krill, sea oil, eggs and mammalian eyes and brains among others. Well known plant sources include black raspberry, butternuts, chia seeds and flax seeds among others.

Omega 3 fatty acids have, for a long time, been used as adjunct treatments to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar mood disorder. The mechanism of action is believed to be the ability of the fats to reduce inflammation within the nervous tissue. The fats have also been found to be useful in the prevention of Alzheimer disease, a condition associated with loss of memory in seniors.

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.

Taking part in regular physical exercise will help with proper functioning of virtually all the body organs. During physical exercise, increased metabolic requirements in the brain tissue results in increased blood supply. This helps to maintain mental alertness that is sustained even after the event has ended. Growth factors are released during this period and these are vital to the process of neuroplasticity.

Adequate sleep is important to neural growth and development. Having at least 6 hours of sleep every night gives the brain an opportunity to hit the rest button. This gives you a chance to look at your challenges from a new perspective. Newer synaptic connections between different neural fibers helps to form new pathways. Apart from night sleep, set aside some time during the day for power naps of say, about 30 minutes every day in the afternoon.




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