Brain Power

By now you realize that I have a huge interest in how our brains work. I thought it might be interesting to have a few inside peeks at some things that go on with our brains. I hope you find some thing that is helpful for you.

I used to have the world's record for misplaced car keys until a dear friend gave me one of those giant clips. I always use it to attach them to my purse. I think she got tired of time wasted running around looking for my lost keys. (Hi Jane!)

The way our brains work, we can reduce moments of forgetfulness by jazzing up our temporal lobes. That is the portion of the brain where short term memory is stored. From short term location, items are either moved along into long term or tossed because they are no longer needed. So, how do we increase nerve activity in the temporal lobe? Take on new challenges! Something as simple as learning a new card game, taking a cooking class, even finding a new route to work gets that sleepy temporal lobe up and moving again. And no more of those embarrassing moments of forgetting where you left your CAR in the mall parking lot!

One of my favorite researchers in Dr. Daniel Amen of UC Irvine. He is a real pioneer in brain research and imaging. Also, if you want to take a great self test to learn if you have any form of ADD check him out on line. You will find an amazing wealth of information that may prove to be helpful.

Now that we have our car and our keys let's talk about SAD (Seasonal Affect Disorder). The further north we go the greater the incidence of "winter depression". I have had clients who are almost debilitated by it. SAD is caused by a drop in dopamine. Dopamine keeps the brain working correctly as it is a central nervous system stimulant. Without it symptoms of depression rise.
A little known fact is that when we change to a more typical summer diet and eat less protein, our dopamine levels drop as does our ability to concentrate and focus. So, be sure to get enough protein (4 oz of meat daily for example) so that your brain's supply of the amino acids work to bring the dopamine levels up. For those of us on a vegetarian diet, this is an extra caution. Some of my clients swear by using tanning beds once a week for 15 minutes (along with imaging that Caribbean vacation). University of Miami researchers report that a 15 minute massage (even a self massage) boosts the brain's ability to focus and stay on track. They explain that it rids us of stress, which throws off the brain's natural chemical balance. So whatever helps you to reduce stress also helps your brain chemistry, thus putting you in a better mood.

Sleep disruptions impact our brain chemistry. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter which impacts the speed of the functioning of our brain cells. Something as simple as changing the time you go to sleep can disrupt this delicate balance. One result can be difficulty with recall- you know, having the word "on the tip of your tongue." Dr Pavel Yutsis author of Why Can't I Remember (Avery) suggests increasing the intake of the amino acids found in eggs, soy, rice and leafy greens. You can also take the amino acid as a supplement _ phosphatidylserine. It will take up to 12 weeks to correct the deficiency but memory and ability for recall is said to improve by 15 percent. I have not had anyone try this, but this is what the research is saying.

This information is just the tip of the ice burg in the fascinating world of our amazing mind. I would remind you to speak with a trusted health professional who has an awareness of the information shared here. I have found folks who run vitamin stores to be a good resource.

A happy heart probably has the best impact on creating a healthy mind! And from that point the mind is LIMITLESS in what it can do.
Be a joy to others and it will come back to you!
Dr. DyAnn