Mental health is a growing concern. This often debilitating condition, is not just classified to the ageing with dis-eases like dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and alzheimers. We are now seeing an alarming increase to other mental disorders like depression, anxiety or brain fog. Mental illness does not have an age bracket and can impact any of us.
Research has now shown that our brain health is directly related to our gut. Some doctor’s have said that our gut is the brain because this is the master controller of what happens to other areas of the body, particularly our grey matter. Start to feel stressed and you might notice your stomach doing flips.
In the last few years there has been a wave of information about gut health. Take pro-biotics, take pre-biotics, and consume raw fermented foods. And it is true that pro-biotics can help repopulate the gut with healthy flora if the microbiome is unbalanced. Pre-biotics in the form of fresh fruit and vegetables provide plenty of fibre and food for the good bacteria which helps to rebalance the microflora. Raw fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut or kombucha are good additions to help keep the gut happy.
In particular, consuming healthy fats daily such as avocados, small quantities of raw nuts, hemp seed, olives and a limited amounts of good quality olive oil, will dramatically improve and sustain the brains health. Consuming good fats directly contributes to an optimal functioning brain.
The following supplements can assist in longevity and memory sustainability:
- Astragalus, specifically helps to repair damaged chromosomes due to ageing
- Gotu Kolu, an Ayurvedic herb used to increase brain function
- Chaga & Reishi mushrooms, both balance the nervous system and brain. Chaga is King and Reishi is Queen of the mushroom world
- Schizandra, assists with anxiety and a good general brain booster
- Raw Honey, Bee power equals brain food.
It is concerning that our brain can be affected by not only what we consume, but also environmental factors such as pollution. So, it is vital to pay attention to how you feel every day so that you can live your life to the fullest.
Choose wisely. Live vibrantly.
Photo by Lavi Perchik Unsplash
