Happy Brain Awareness Month!

What do we know about the brain?

The brain is the fattiest organ in our body and it needs the right nutrients for peak performance and focus. It is said that even after our brains are fully formed in our 20s, their storage capacity is virtually limitless, which means you can keep learning and storing new things everyday!

And as I often say, don’t take your God-given brain for granted, use it daily!

-Intrinsic factors that affect the brain

• Gut-brain axis

Our spinal cord is full of nerves that make communication possible between our body and brain. However, increasing studies indicate that the gut-brain axis is also a very powerful connection that we possess. The gut microbiome is made up of a diverse universe of bacteria and it is said that it has influence over brain behaviour to some extent. There’s truth in the saying, “go with your gut!” after all.

• Diet

The types of foods we eat also have a major impact on our brains. Some foods contain nutrients that are beneficial to the brain, like omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like fatty fish and even nuts. As for fruits and vegetables, the antioxidants they possess can also protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals.

-Extrinsic factors that affect the brain

• Stress

All stress is not created equal, but all types can impact the brain. We have eustress which is positive; distress which is negative; acute which is short-term and chronic which is long-term. When the body experiences stress, it releases cortisol, a stress hormone, which can affect various aspects of brain function. With chronic stress, cortisol levels stay elevated and this can alter the brain's communication pathways, affecting how we feel, think and act.

• Exercise

Physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain which helps with its cognitive function. In addition, it encourages neuron growth through the increase of neurotrophic (relating to growth of nervous tissue) factors.

• Sleep

When we sleep, the brain gets rid of metabolic waste products; the accumulation of which can oftentimes be associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia. It also replenishes energy stores and repairs damaged neurons too. Check this out for more.

A brain, affected

Damaged neurons have an immense impact on brain function, and in non-extreme cases, meditation has been shown to increase grey brain matter, which is responsible for processing information. Additionally, continuous meditation practices can decrease the size of the amygdala, which is responsible for the fight or flight response and anxiety.

Some people swear by meditation while just the thought of it brings about anxiety for others. Have no fear, as there’s almost always an alternative that can work for you! Another way to maintain a healthy brain is stimulating it through social interaction. However you choose to spend time with friends and family isn’t only emotionally uplifting but it helps keep the brain active too.

If you’re not feeling very social, all isn’t lost because brain games may be just what you need to keep your brain sharp! Memory games and crossword puzzles for instance can improve cognitive function and prevent age-related decline by challenging memory and attention.

Remember that training your brain is a lifelong journey and it’s never too late to incorporate habits that are kind to your brain.