SuperSize your Brain: Tips to Optimize Your Cognitive Function

Have you ever lost your keys or struggled to remember the correct word for something (or worse, someone’s name)?

Some “brain fog” is normal, especially when we’re stressed.

But cognitive issues can signal a deeper problem, or serve as a sign that we need to make changes in our lives.

Many of us pay a lot of attention to our physical health but assume that our brain will look after itself. However, especially as we age, protecting our cognitive health can help us stay sharp, engaged and on top of our game.

There could be many causes for sub-optimal brain function: stress and high cortisol production, fatigue, poor sleep, declining hormonal production, nutritional deficiencies, toxicities and heavy metals, and of course the more concerning conditions like Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

From our team at the Hormone Rebalance Centre, we wanted to share with you some tips for optimal brain function:

• Go to bed before 10:00 am: this practice is more in line with our natural circadian rhythm and hence allows your brain to function at its best. Going to sleep much later overrides the natural sleep and wake cycle and can result in lowered cognition.
• Support Serotonin Production for a Happy Brain: Serotonin, our “feel good” hormone is produced in the brain and you may be surprised to learn that up to 95% percent of it is actually produced in our gut. That means that having enough “good” bacteria in our gut can help us feel better overall, and even improve our memory function. Some foods that can help boost serotonin production include turkey, salmon, eggs, nuts and seeds and spinach.
• Vitamins for Brain Health: Omega-3, antioxidants, and flavonoids are all known to help our brains. Fish, walnuts, and blueberries can all help protect your brain health – what’s not to like?
• Balance your Hormone Levels: declining estrogen levels can lead to memory loss and even increase the risk of dementia. While most women worry about having too much estrogen, not having enough is a health risk as well. It’s all about balance!
• Exercise your Brain Muscles: keeping your brain active will help it stay in shape. Using an app like Brain Gym, or even playing games like Sudoku, puzzles, chess, crosswords and anything else that keeps you engaged will help keep your brain alert, clear-thinking and fit!
• Keep Sugar Consumption Minimal: did you know that Alzheimer’s has been coined Type III (3) Diabetes? This is because insulin resistance in the brain can lead to foggy thinking at best and severe memory loss as worst. Our patients that follow a low carb and sugar diet not only see improvements in their waist, but in their brains as well!

There’s no one simple solution to acquiring maximum brain power and super memory function. As with many aspects of health, a holistic approach works best.

Testing your hormone levels and optimizing your diet, vitamins, and sleep will set the stage for not only optimal health but a super brain that will make you feel young and vital!

Don’t take your brain health for granted and don’t accept suboptimal brain function as a normal state to live in or part of aging. If you’re troubled by memory issues or fuzzy thinking, or just want to take some proactive steps, contact us and we can help you out!

See you next time!