BRAIN HEALTH & CONCENTRATION

Easy Ways to Boost Your Brain Health and Concentration... Naturally!

The brain is a complex organ. Very generally speaking, the brain receives sensory information from the body, analyzes the 'data' and then responds accordingly, whether it be a motor response, or autonomic function, such as breathing or controlling heart rate. The brain does it all – and without it, we simply do not function. So how do we keep this vital organ in tip top shape? In order for the brain to function optimally, at any age, it requires healthy nerve cells, and an adequate supply of blood, nutrients and neurotransmitters. Read on to find out how we can best supply this vital organ with all it needs.

Brain Basics
The human brain consists of a number of different sections which are all responsible for a slightly different functions. The brain stem, which attaches the brain to the spinal cord, is responsible for some reflexes and autonomic functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The cerebellum, located posterior and inferior, is responsible for position and movement. The hypothalamic and pituitary area, the innermost portion of the brain, is responsible for visceral functions, such as regulating body temperature, sexual response, aggression and pleasure, feeding and drinking. The cerebral cortex is the hub of the brain, the main processing station. Here, almost all the information entering the brain from sensory organs is integrated and processed. Motor function is initiated, emotion and thought processes are controlled and memory is stored. The cortex has the ability to sort out the information it receives and send it out to the specific lobe responsible for the task. The frontal lobe, for instance is in charge of motor skills, including speech, as well as overseeing executive functions/higher order functions, such as self control, planning, reasoning and abstract thought. The occipital lobe processes visual information, while the temporal lobe's main function is to process auditory information. The parietal lobes process touch, pain and temperature (somatosensory information). Wernicke's area is also found here, responsible for the understanding of written and spoken language.

How Your Brain Communicates With You and Your Body
The brain, including all of these lobes, make up one portion of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The spinal cord and peripheral nerves, along with the brain are the key components of this system. The brain is made up of a vast number of nerve cells (neurons), through which electrochemical signals are transmitted. This is how messages are sent within the central nervous system. These messages can travel long distances jumping from one nerve cell to another (across synapses), or a short distance down one single neuron. Not all signals or messages need to travel to the brain in order for a response to be generated. Many reflexes, for example, are messages that enter the spinal cord through a sensory neuron, meet with a motor neuron, which then sends a message to the appropriate muscle (usually to contract.). More complex processes require information to be sent to the brain's cerebral cortex where it is processed and sent on. These signals travel extremely quickly and rely on a healthy environment to function optimally.

Brain Health For Everyone
Even young, healthy individuals can suffer from 'brain fog', or the odd memory lapse and even the happiest of people can have a 'slump', suffering from fluctuations in mood or bouts of depression. Alzheimer's and dementia, among other often debilitating diseases involving brain function, are certainly a cause for concern but we don't have to be suffering from one of these diseases in order to take precautions. There are things we can do now, at any age, to protect our healthy brains from deterioration and provide them with the nourishment and support they deserve. There are a number of different supplements, as well as lifestyle and dietary tips that can support sustained and healthy brain function.

Amino Acids, The Building Blocks of Neurotransmitters
Amino Acids found in protein are integral to the efficient and optimal functioning of the body. The brain requires these amino acids for optimal functioning, as well. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be taken in through diet. It can be found in a variety of meat, fish, seafood, seeds and lentils. One major function of phenylalanine is that is produces the non-essential amino acid Tyrosine. Tyrosine plays a role in a number of different brain related functions. Tyrosine is converted into the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters support such processes as memory, attention and problem solving. They also help to combat depression, provide mood support and balance the overall stress response.

Glutamine is another amino acid with brain boosting abilities. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body, one of the reasons being that it acts as a secondary fuel source for the brain when glucose is not available, as such it provides energy to all the cells of the brain, making it vital to every function. Glutamine is considered both essential and non-essential, depending on the circumstances in the body. Seeing as it is so vital to the brain, as well as both immunological and gastrointestinal functioning, supplementing with glutamine, or at the very least making sure to consciously include it in the diet, is very important. Food sources of glutamine include animal protein, beets, cabbage, beans, raw spinach and parsley.

Just Like a Muscle: If You Don't use it, You'll Lose it.
Just as your body gets flabby and lazy without exercise, so does your brain. Both physical and mental exercise is extremely important to maintain healthy brain function. Physical exercise in the form of cardiovascular activity enhances blood flow to the brain, increasing the density and size of the brain capillaries. This increases oxygen to the brain and therefore optimizes delivery of nutrients and overall cognitive ability.

Crossword puzzles, games like Sodoku, card games, reading and learning new tasks, whether it be a new dance, a new song or a new language can all serve to increase brain function and enhance synapse activity within the brain. September means back to school for a lot of us, but it doesn't have to be a drag, just remember that with each new fact you learn or mathematical equation you solve, you are actually increasing brain power and protecting your brain from early decline. For those of us who have long finished school, remember that even old dogs can learn new tricks. Keep learning, it will keep your brain young and sharp.