The human brain is the most marvelous creation in the Universe. It can do a variety of things that no computer will ever be able to do, like run and maintain a nervous system, as well as the various other organs and systems is our body. However, like any other part of our body in order for our brain to function well, i.e. in order for us to be able to think, feel, remember and otherwise perform to compacity, it needs to be healthy.
In this section we will review seven essential elements that contribute to brain health and optimal function. These, or variations thereof, are sometimes referred to by doctors and researchers as the 7 Pillars of brain health.
Although our brain has some amazing capacities, it is also a very needy organ, requiring nearly 30% of the energy we produce, although it occupies less than 3% of our body mass. It was once thought to require little maintenances, as it is extraordinarily adaptable; and it seems to do relatively well under a variety of stressful conditions, famines, social pressures, pestilence, even some sleep deprivation and a deplorable diet. (At least under such conditions it can usually still perform basic functions.) However, recent research has revealed that the brain does indeed have a variety of nutritional and other needs, for normal functioning, especially as we age.
Although it’s pretty good at protecting itself, at least for a while, with little sleep or food, the brain is actually a nutrient and oxygen hog. And significant deficits in any of it’s many essential nutrients, digestion, circulation and stimulation, can cause some serious problems resulting in significant malfunctions in mood, memory, emotional control, judgment, information processing, problem solving, and related abilities over time.
Indeed, prolonged anxiety and depression, as well as dementia, (defined as a significant loss of two or more functional abilities like word recall, empathy or math) are now commonly seen as being a consequence of that nutritional deprivation and circulation which often accompany aging.
However, new research shows this decline can usually be prevented with the following fairly simple seven steps. Indeed these 7 pillars or steps are quite basic to supporting the various needs of our brain. Like any living organism, these include, the creation and extension, maintenance and repair of (brain) cells, inter and intra cellular communication, fuel and oxygen to generate the energy needed to support these functions, as well as their protection, and a healthy delivery (vascular) system, sleep and renewal. (If you read the statement linked to above, note that we take exception to the idea that their "Protocol has the world’s only clinical success in treating Alzheimer’s." As you will see other similar protocols have likewise had success in this area, although Dr. Bredesen and his protocol, has likely been the most successful in treating Alzheimer's.)
[Note: The following link to a Fox News special report on 10 Ways to Boost Brain Health, contains a recent news video, and multiple advertisements of supplements and other items. We suggest you ignore those, and try to use this as an exercise in concentration, and just focus on those 10 recommendations for now. You can always return later to watch the news, or checkout the ads : ) Then when you are done reading these 10 steps, X out of that before clicking on anything else, or click the back arrow in the upper left corner of your browser to return here.]
For a quick but fairly comprehensive overview of brain essentials you will find this article very insightful. Click on this link then return here for more details on these and other steps!
For more in-depth information on how to boost brain health, start with Step #1.
