At some point, it has been thought that our brains do not regenerate our brain cells and that our brain cells are not renewed. However, this is completely false information because the brain cell can regenerate. In fact, it’s the rate at which your brain cells regenerate that determines how your cognitive functions are going to work or not work as you get older. Today, we’re going to talk about how to increase the regeneration of your nerve cells by a factor of 5x.
Neurogenesis
The general term for nerve regenerating is called neurogenesis. A lot of research is done on a part of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is involved in the relay of information that’s connected to memory, learning, spatial navigation, remembering layouts of certain things, problem-solving, reasoning, and object in place memory. It’s important to note that just because you don’t remember where you put your keys does not mean you have a problem with your brain. It could be that you just ate poorly the day before, or your blood sugar is not quite correct.
The Brain’s Energy Requirements
One thing that’s really interesting about the brain is that if we take a look at the size of the brain and how much it weighs and we compare that to the rest of the body, it only really makes up like two percent of the whole body weight. Yet it requires 20 percent of the oxygen of the body, and 20 of the metabolism of the body is given to the brain. It’s an energy hawk, and this is why the first thing I’m going to tell you is so important.
Exercise
Out of all the things you can do to increase the size of the brain and prevent atrophy, regular, consistent exercise is the most important. The type of exercise that would be best is aerobic exercise, getting a lot of oxygen. This is not to say that other types of exercise are not also really good, but if you can include long walks or some type of exercise where you can get a lot of oxygen, that would be even better.
Fasting
The second most important thing for your brain would be fasting. I’m going to say just like intermittent fasting, but also periodic prolonged fasting, a very potent stimulator of certain factors that help grow your brain and repair brain function. Two meals a day with maybe a fasting period of at least 16, 17, or 18 hours would be ideal. If you can do longer, like a one meal a day and fast for 23 hours, that would be even better. This would all depend on your lifestyle and how much repair you need to do on the brain because maybe you have some other issues. The point is that when you eat too frequently and have these snacks, which is just a killer for a lot of problems, the brain suffers the most. This idea that you have to constantly fuel the body and the brain is false information. It does very well when you don’t eat so frequently and then periodically fast for 48 hours.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is a very potent stimulator of neurogenesis, which is the regrowing of your nerve cells. That could be an ice bath, that could be in just taking a cold shower.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is a very, very potent stimulator of growing your brain, like cod liver oil. Why? Because a good portion of the brain is composed of something called DHA, which is a type of omega-3 fatty acid.
Low-Carb Diet
A low-carb diet is important because sugar and refined carbs and just eating a high carb diet create a lot of oxidation to the brain.
Stress Management for Optimal Brain Function
Moving on, we have the importance of stress management. Chronic stress can lead to a decline in cognitive function, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress in your life. Some ways to do this include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular exercise. It’s also important to get enough rest and relaxation, as well as social support.
The Power of Social Support for Cognitive Function
In addition to stress management, social support is also important for maintaining cognitive function. Social isolation and loneliness have been shown to be risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. So, make sure to maintain close relationships with friends and family, and engage in social activities that you enjoy.
Mental stimulation
Lastly, we have the importance of mental stimulation. The brain is a use-it-or-lose-it organ, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function. Some examples of mental stimulation include reading, doing puzzles or brain teasers, learning a new skill or language, and engaging in creative activities like painting or playing music.
In conclusion, there are many things you can do to increase the regeneration of your nerve cells and maintain cognitive function as you age. Regular exercise, fasting, cold therapy, and a low carb diet are all important factors. Additionally, consuming omega-3s, probiotics, and plant-based phytonutrients, getting enough sleep, managing stress, maintaining social support, and engaging in mental stimulation can all help support brain health. Remember, you don’t have to do everything on this list – just pick what works for you and start making small changes to support your brain health.
Amazing that the entire list to help the brain also helps you lose weight and stay healthy. Also, I love Cold showers! When I was taking cold showers for several weeks and I felt much sharper and alert. My work was a lot easier! Seems like a simple list just to stay healthy!
Always beautiful simple advice to keep us healthy and away from the poisonous chemicals of the big pharmaceutical corporations. Thanks.
Our brains are awesome impossible machines! Also, I’d look into psychoactive mushrooms, they’re being used and studied for PTSD and depression therapy. They massively induce neuroplasticity.