There Are Many Reasons You May Need To Nourish Your Brain
Did you know…that your brain is the most nutrient and energy-dependent, toxin and stress vulnerable organ? It also takes up 20% of your blood and oxygen supply and uses 25% of your caloric intake! 🧠
Brain health can seem complicated and it can be challenging to discover what is at the root of how you’re feeling. Similarly, mental wellness can feel like a moving target.
There are many reasons you may need to nourish your brain. Root causes of brain imbalances include concussion, infection, childhood trauma and adverse childhood effects, PTSD, inflammation, poor nutrition, substance use, poor sleep, chronic stress and even hormone imbalance.
Signs are everywhere, but we need to also be aware of what those signs are. They can be seen throughout your body – through emotional regulation, mental speed and focus, energy and sleep.
So how can you tell if your brain is healthy?
- You’re becoming more forgetful and memory is beginning to be a concern
- You’re having trouble making decisions.
- Thinking feels harder and slower.
- It has felt harder to connect with loved ones and friends.
- You’re having trouble getting restful sleep.
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- You get frustrated or depressed easily.
- You’re feeling more sensitive than usual.
- You crash midday.
- You are feeling less motivated.
- You can’t seem to focus or get things done.
- You’re struggling to manage your stress effectively.
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Why is this important? Because adding muscle adds more mitochondria (the energy source for your body), which helps muscles receive oxygen and breakdown proteins! Proteins are then broken down into amino acids, which help to repair, recover and grow the muscle for the next time you workout. The importance of resistance training and building muscle are also known to help improve health biomarkers such as cholesterol, testosterone and even oxygen levels. Combine that with the ability to improve insulin sensitivity, and you have discovered the fountain of youth – muscle!
Not only do brain imbalances affect the brain and nervous system, but they also affect your digestion, immune system and energy levels. No matter what the sign is, it is important to address the root cause so that you can get back to feeling your optimal self!
How do you do that?
At the VERY least it is imperative that you’re consuming a healthy well-balanced diet, but what does that even look like? My next blog will have some suggestions for you, but in the meantime reach out! I, Dr. Alioto, work with mood, behavior and concerns involving the nervous system! We can begin the investigation sooner than later!
In my next Blog I will follow up and talk about what someone can do about brain health
(aka how to give it some love)
so be sure to check back soon!
