Miracle Brain

“Brain power improves by brain use, just as our bodily strength grows with exercise.”

-A.N. Wilson

In our last newsletter we talked about the Blue Zones and people living healthy up to an old age.

Scientists have found, that in these areas throughout the world where, despite living longer, residents have some of the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s disease. Ikaria, a small island in the Aegean Sea has a population of 10,000 people living up to 10 years longer than Americans with half the rate of heart disease, much less cancer, and most extraordinarily, almost no cases of dementia.

We will have a closer look at neurodegenerative diseases in future newsletter, but for now let's have a closer look at our brain:

The brain is the most complex part of the human body. This three part and three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behaviour. Lying in its bony shell and washed by protective fluid, the brain is the source of all the qualities that define our humanity. The brain is the crown jewel of the human body.

⇨ The average adult brain is about the size of a medium cauliflower.

⇨ The average adult brain contains around 100 billion brain cells or neurons with branches connecting at 100 trillion points. Scientist call this the “neuron forest”.

⇨ The brain accounts for about 2% of total body weight, yet receives up to 25% of our blood supply and uses 20% of our total oxygen intake. Our Lung only uses around 10%.

⇨ The energy consumed by 1g of brain during 1 minute is as high as 1g of leg muscle consuming during a marathon!

⇨ 60% of the human brain is made of fat.

The main pillars of supporting your brain are:

• Exercise

• Diet

• Social Activity

• Sleep

• Mental fitness

• Regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit ”

- Aristotle

Your daily habits are the whole ballgame and pivotal for your brain health.

Although more research has to be done on the effects of physical activity on the brain, multiple research studies show that physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

This is due to the benefits of exercise:

• Increased blood flow to your brain

• Improves your weight

• Better sleep patterns

• Healthy cholesterol levels

• Keeps blood pressure stabile

• Improves mental health
  

Health Systems and Alzheimer Associations around the world recommend aerobic and strength training and a combination of balance and flexibility exercises such as Yoga.