Health and Your Brain
Despite accounting for only 2 percent of our body weight, the brain consumes an astounding 20 percent of our body’s energy. There are specific foods and dietary practices that can boost focus, memory, and mental performance. However, there are a lot of misperceptions out there.
Myth 1: “I am the way I am because of genetics. Diet doesn’t matter much.”
Truth: Genetics do play a role in brain health, however your diet and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your cognitive function and brain health and can help prevent cognitive decline and enhance mental performance.
Myth 2: “Fats are bad for the brain.”
Truth: Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are crucial for brain health.
Myth 3: “I’m getting all the nutrients your brain needs.”
Truth: The quality of the food you eat is just as important as the quantity. Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key to ensuring your brain gets all the nutrients it needs for optimal function.
Myth 4: “Taking a multivitamin is enough to cover all your brain’s nutritional needs.”
Truth: While quality multivitamins can help fill in the gaps, they shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole source of nutrients. There are specific foods for brain support.
Myth 5: “Sugar is brain fuel.”
Truth: Excessive intake of refined sugars is one of the leading causes of metabolic disturbances, inflammation, and impaired cognitive function.
Think about this saying: “Your weight is not just what you are eating, it is what’s eating you!”
Our energy is also consumed by our feelings about ourselves. The three most common:
· I am not worthy/enough.
· I am different/defective.
· I can never achieve/attain….
Additional areas to be aware of are our blind spots, limiting beliefs, ANTS (automatic negative thoughts), and succumbing to other cognitive distortions. Operating in these areas repeatedly creates neuro ruts that can undermine or exacerbate what we are eating.
Plus, science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. Get simple tips to fight inflammation and stay healthy (Harvard Medical School).
So, what can we do?
I work with nutritionists and fitness experts to allow you to address the mind, body, and spirit and to share whole body wellness. Contact me today!