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Brain Health
Brain Health
Even if we are very physically fit, energetic and healthy, but if
we lose our brain power all is lost. This has increasingly
become a major problem as deaths from heart disease have
decreased in the last 10 years, deaths from Alzheimer’s have
increased 145%. It is now the 6th leading cause of death in the
US. Currently one in 10 people age 65 and older, which is 5.8
million Americans, are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.
This report is primarily about what you can do right now to
energize and protect your brain. If you want more in-depth
information about brain function, brain diseases and memory
improvement please consult the following in-depth references:
1. Detoxification
One of the first steps is to identify the cause of your brain
symptoms or disease. Common toxins encountered on a daily
basis are a major cause of a deteriorating brain. Identifying the
toxins and then eliminating them from your brain and body is
essential to heal and reverse brain diseases.
Removing toxicity
Toxins in our environment are the leading cause of neurological
illnesses. When our natural defensive and detoxification systems
become overwhelmed these poisons can cause severe
neurological damage. Take these steps to remove as much
toxicity as possible:
that are not approved for use by the US Food and Drug
Administration. The ben- zophenones and dibenzoyl methanes
are the most commonly implicated chemicals. The
Environmental Working Group puts their stamp of approval on
zinc-based sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
1 cup water
Detoxification
In a can with a perforated lid, mix together the baking soda and
rosemary essential oil.
ALL-PURPOSE DISINFECTANT
1 cup water
2 tablespoons Castile soap
1 teaspoon tea tree oil
8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
In a spray bottle, mix together the water, Castile soap, tea tree oil, and
eucalyptus essential oil.
GLASS CLEANER
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
10 drops lemon essential oil
In a spray bottle, mix together the water, vinegar, and lemon essential
oil.
PORCELAIN POLISH
2 gallons water
In a large bucket, mix together the Castile soap, vinegar, tea, and water.
2 cups water
2 tablespoons vinegar
2. Bowel Detox
Cleansing of the colon is very beneficial to eliminate
accumulated toxic waste material and parasites. This also
enhances nutrient absorption. The bowel detox
supplements should be taken for one month. Bowel flora
should then be added.
3. Systemic detox
This is accomplished with a cleansing diet, eating
primarily low stress water containing foods such as juicy
fruits and vegetables. And by taking herbal supplements.
I do recommend consulting with your holistic healthcare
practitioner before undertaking a cleanse. If you have never done
a cleanse or fast and your body is fairly toxic, or if you are
experiencing health challenges you need to be examined by your
naturopathic or holistic doctor.
2. Oxygen Therapy
Another theory of the cause of brain dementia is lack of oxygen.
There are some doctors who have been treating patients with
oxygen protocols ranging from oxygen nutritional supplement to
3. Diet
A healthy diet is very important for the overall good health of
your entire body including your brain. For this report, I will just
give a basic overview of what a healthy diet should be. For a
more comprehensive nutritional training please check out my
Real Food Real Fast module of the complete
Vitality For Life Training Program.
The brain is involved in all bodily functions, however, it’s the
gastrointestinal tract or the gut, that is in charge of the brain.
We’ve known for almost 20 years that the gut has a role in
modulating mood and thinking: In 1999 Dr. Michael Gershon
showed us in his book, The Second Brain, how much our gut
affects our brain. Anytime you’re dealing with a brain problem,
the first place you want to look is the gut. A healthy gut is what
makes it possible for us to have clear conscious thoughts.
When you want your brain to function better, pay attention to
your gut.
1. Beets
Beets are high in both antioxidants and nitrates. Antioxidants are
cancer-fighting and help detoxify the blood, while nitrates
increase blood flow to the brain. Beets allow the brain to think
clearly and increase attention span. Additionally, beets naturally
increase energy levels and help boost athletic performance. This
root vegetable can be eaten raw in salads or alone, and also make
a great addition to a roasted vegetable medley.
2. Avocado
Avocados are a superfood high in monounsaturated fats. These
healthy fats keep blood sugar at a steady level and keep the skin,
hair, and nails looking and feeling healthy. More importantly,
avocados are rich in folate and vitamin K, which improve cognitive
brain functions such as concentration and memory.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is high in both choline and vitamin K. Both contribute to
memory function and focus. Broccoli is also high in vitamin C and
fiber. High levels of fiber help a person to feel full quickly,
reducing the amount of food they need to consume to feel
satisfied.
4. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, which improves
all-around cognitive function. It's high in flavonoids, which have
5. Salmon
Salmon is very high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce
brain fog and increase memory and concentration. The fish can
reduce the risk of ADHD in children, and certain cancers. When
looking to take advantage of these benefits, the best salmon to
consume is Alaskan wild-caught salmon. Avoid farm raised fish.
6. Nuts and Seeds
Walnuts are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Almonds can increase memory, alertness, and concentration.
Studies show including walnuts, almonds and a variety of raw
nuts in one's diet on a regular basis may help to decrease the risk
of Alzheimer's disease. Seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin
boost your mood and affect your brain power. They contain
thiamine which increases memory and cognitive function as well as
zinc, Vitamins A and E, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
7. Berries
Blueberries in particular, protect the brain from toxins,
degeneration, and stress. Berries have the highest antioxidant
level of any foods and are also high in fiber and vitamin K and can
help ward off certain cancers, aging, and environmental toxins.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a diverse superfood. It has powerful
anti-inflammatory properties and can boost memory and
cognitive function. Replacing the fat in any baking or cooking
recipe with coconut oil is a simple way to incorporate it into one's
diet. Applying it topically can help dry skin, stretch marks, and
eczema.
9. Eggs - organic pasture raised
Eggs are a complete source of protein and contain choline which
helps boost your memory.
10. Green Tea
Green tea has catechins which help you relax. It also has
polyphenols, which stimulate the development of dopamine. These
help the brain run smoothly by maintaining levels of glucose in your
body. Tea enhances memory and focus and helps in fighting
mental fatigue.
Rosemary
An aromatic plant common to the Mediterranean that helps the
brains boost neurotransmitters and boosts the speed at which
you access your memories. Rosemary protects the brain from
signs of aging, Alzheimer's, and neurodegeneration. It contains
carnosic acid, which guards against chemical-free radicals that
contribute to aging and degenerative disease. This savory herb
can also protect against stroke and decrease macular
degeneration and other vision problems. Rosemary has these
benefits whether consumed fresh, dried, or as an oil.
Ginkgo Biloba
Revitalizes and improves concentration by improving blood flow
to the brain.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an energy boosting herb which stimulates mental
activity.
Rhodiola Rosea
Another botanical your brain loves because it helps your body to
better regulate your “happy” chemicals so you’ll enjoy less stress
and help you keep the memory you have.
Centella Asiatica
This is an herb commonly found in Ayurvedic and Traditional
Chinese medicine. It helps maintain your memory by helping
Ashwaganda
Ashwagandha has many medicinal uses among them
improving thinking ability, decreasing pain and swelling
(inflammation), and preventing the effects of aging. It is also used
as an "adaptogen" to help the body cope with daily stress and as
a general tonic.
Supplements
• Glutathione may be the most powerful antioxidant on Earth.
Some scientists call it the “master antioxidant.” It prevents
3. Exercise
Yes its exercise. Neuroscientists around the globe agree that
physical activity is the best medicine to maintain brain health
throughout your lifespan.
Why is physical activity so good for your brain?
There are many reasons that exercise is good for your brain.
These include increased blood flow, which improves
cerebrovascular health; the release of neurotrophic factors like
BDNF, which stimulates the growth of new neurons; and the
benefits of glucose and lipid metabolism which bring
nourishment to the brain.
The brain is like a muscle that needs to be stimulated every day,
which will help it create new neural connections. Since a healthy
brain learns new things each day to meet the needs of our
emotional world, it needs a continuous supply of oxygen and
nutrients.
Oxygen increases your ability to understand and retain new
information. Activities that involve physical coordination support
neural development. Exercise can lead to the growth of new
neurons.
According to a report in the New York Times, exercise influences
neurons to secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor with a role in
the activation of stem cells. From those neurotrophic factors, also
known as BDNF, new neurons will form. Bone morphogenetic
protein is a compound that reduces neurogenesis, i.e. the
formation of new neurons. Exercise reduces its level, which allows
the formation of new neurons.
Many research studies have shown that people who exercise
regularly are, on average, less likely to develop dementia. They
are also more likely to have better cognitive function than those
who don’t exercise. This has been found for people at middle
age and also old age. Increased brain blood flow, healthier brain
cells and reduced cardiovascular risk may all contribute to
physical activity’s effects.
Examples:
• In a study that followed 1,449 people for over 20 years,
those who exercised at least twice a week at midlife were
on average 52% less likely to develop dementia in old age
(Rovio S, et al. Lancet Neurology, 2005; 4:705-711).
• In another study involving people aged 65 and over,
exercising at least 3 times per week was associated with a
38% reduced risk of developing dementia (Larson EB, et al.
Ann Intern Med, 2006; 144:73-81).
So we know regular physical exercise is associated with better
brain function and reduced risk of cognitive decline and
dementia. Even simple exercise like walking has been shown to
be good for the brain. Getting the recommended minimum 30
minutes of physical activity daily will help keep your body and
brain healthy.
Participating in regular physical activity cannot guarantee you
won’t develop some form of dementia, however, the existing
evidence points to greatly reducing the risk.
So no more excuses, get off your but and get some exercise on a
daily basis. Check out my Real Fit Real Fast Training module to
learn what and how to develop your personalized lifetime fitness
program.
The Ageless Brain and Sleep
We now know that during sleep our brain actually cleans off an
amyloid plaque that builds up on our neurons from normal day to
day metabolism. We also know that the majority of people who
have Alzheimers or Dementia have a build up of this neuron
plaque. So it seems there is a direct correlation between brain
health and the amount of deep sleep. We know the importance
of getting adequate sleep for overall health and once again what
is good for your body is good for your brain.
This following information about the importance of sleep and
how to get adequate sleep on a nightly basis is from a report I
previously wrote.
How Important is Sleep?
It is rare to find someone in our society today who doesn’t feel he
or she has a very busy and demanding schedule. We tend to
push too hard and do not allow enough time for adequate rest.
According to the American Sleep Association over a fourth of
adults have some sort of a sleep disorder. It is projected that the
growth rate for sleep aids will rise by 27% in 2018, amounting to
over 700 million in sales.
It is well documented that inadequate sleep is a major health risk
factor. Recent studies by the National Sleep Foundation found
that over 40 % of those surveyed suffer from insomnia and 37 %
experienced a lack of sleep so severe that their daytime
sleepiness interfered with their normal daily activities. This
percentage was 52% with shift workers. 80% of nighttime
workers reported falling asleep while driving. The most alarming
information that came from this study was the fact that more
Think about this
You can live without water for about 7-10 days and without food
for about 30-40 days. How long can you stay awake and function
well? The answer is only 24 hours. Yes, people have forced
themselves to stay awake for days but at a high cost.
The consequences of sleep deprivation at 24 hours is
comparable to the cognitive impairment of someone with a
blood-alcohol content of 0.10 percent, according to a 2010 study
in the International Journal of Occupational Medicine and
Environmental Health. Judgment is affected, memory is impaired,
there is deterioration in decision making, and a decline in
eye-hand coordination. Attention is decreased, hearing is
impaired, and there is an increase in risk of death from a fatal
accident.
At 36 hours your health begins to be at risk. High levels of
inflammatory markers are in the bloodstream, which can
eventually lead to cardiovascular disease and high blood
pressure. Additionally, hormones are affected and your emotions
can be all over the place.
At 48 hours of no sleep, the body begins compensating by
shutting down for micro sleeps, episodes that last from half a
however, midway through the night the chemical is gone and the
desire for sleep is depleted.
If this awakening occurs toward morning, the ability to return to
sleep will be compromised due to the lower levels of adenosine.
Sleep may be greatly delayed, fragmented, or disrupted in
insomnia, but awakenings near morning can be especially
troublesome.
The Unexpected Influence of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea may contribute to early morning awakenings. To
better understand this relationship, it's necessary to carefully
consider the structure of sleep.
In the first half of the night, slow-wave sleep occurs more
frequently, especially among young people. In the second half,
rapid eye movement (REM) sleep makes a more frequent
appearance. Though the cycles of sleep occur regularly through
the night, REM sleep becomes more prolonged towards morning.
Therefore, we are more likely to awaken from it near morning and
recall the vivid dreams associated with the state.
Sleep apnea is also more likely to occur during REM sleep. The
muscles of the body are actively paralyzed during this stage, so
we are unable to act out our dreams. If this does not occur, a
condition called REM behavior disorder may result. Muscles
lining the upper airway are also paralyzed, which makes the
throat more collapsible and collapse manifests as disrupted
breathing and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is often worsened
during REM for this reason. Morning awakenings may, therefore,
occur in the setting of sleep apnea that's worsened during the
periods of REM that become more frequent and prolonged
towards morning.
The last major contributor to early morning awakenings is the
class of conditions that are collectively known as circadian
rhythm disorders. These include the natural tendency to wake
early in the morning, advanced sleep phase syndrome and
natural changes that occur in sleep ability as we get older. Some
people are just naturally morning people: they may prefer to fall
asleep earlier (such as at 9 PM) and wake earlier (by 5 or 6 AM).
This may be a lifelong preference, and while it isn’t necessarily
abnormal, it may lead to early morning awakenings. If a sufficient
amount of sleep is obtained before getting up for the day, then
there's no reason to be concerned.
As we get older, our ability to maintain a continuous,
uninterrupted period of sleep diminishes. Sleep may become
more fragmented, and there may be more time spent awake in
the transition to falling asleep and during the night. Slow-wave
sleep diminishes, and total sleep time may be reduced.
2. Breathing Disorder
Interruption in regular breathing patterns or oxygen uptake can
also affect sleep. The discomfort associated with a deviated
septum or other breathing disorder such as asthma, triggers a
disturbance in the breathing patterns which can make sleep
difficult. Oftentimes these disturbances can deprive one of REM
sleep producing carry-over anxiety, mental fatigue and other
complications during waking hours. There are many new devices
that can help this situation, do your research.
3. Hormonal imbalances
Particularly for women, the period of menstruation and
menopause is accompanied by a disruption in sleep patterns.
The shift in levels of serotonin, progesterone, and estrogen can
be accompanied by night sweats, hot flashes, and vivid dreams
or nightmares. This plays havoc with one’s peace of mind and
can trigger a biochemical stress-response that fights the ordinary
sleepiness necessary to fall or stay asleep. Hormonal imbalances
such as thyroid issues can also affect men’s sleep patterns.
4. Over stimulation of the nervous system
Younger people tend to over stimulate their nervous systems
with cell phone use, video games, TV, electronic music and other
electronic gadgets and sometimes recreational drugs. Some
drugs are specifically ingested because of their ability to
stimulate the nervous system and keep one going for longer than
normal periods. A good rule is no screens 2 hours before
bedtime
5. Poor Nutrition
Highly processed fast foods are grossly lacking in essential
nutrients such as B vitamins and minerals that are essential for
proper brain function. Magnesium in particular, is vital for
calming the body, reducing stress and is a natural sleep aid.
Magnesium is known to be an important cofactor in more than
700 enzyme reactions in the human body.
Surveys have shown that more than 75% of Americans do not
receive adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet. The
minimum recommended dosage for adults is approximately 400
mg/day. Magnesium citrate is one of the most absorbable forms.
6. Indigestion and Constipation
Gastrointestinal problems like indigestion, acid reflux or
constipation can mess with restful sleep. Eating late can leave
you feeling full and uncomfortable before bed and the action of
digestion itself is an energy intensive process that can rev up
metabolism in the body beyond its ability to rest. Poor digestion,
flatulence and constipation can result. The excess amount of
acid in the GI tract from acid reflux can flow backwards into the
Position
The ideal sleeping positions are on your back with neck
supported and feet elevated. Sleep on your side with head in
alignment with the spine, resting on a supportive pillow, with your
bottom arm extended out to take pressure off the shoulder. Your
top leg should be bent with the bottom leg slightly flexed. Never
sleep on your stomach. This position compresses the spine and
restricts breathing.
Establish a Routine
We are creatures of habit, and our sleep is no exception. Once
you determine your sleep needs, you should do your best to
meet those needs every day. By consistently going to bed and
getting up at the same time, we condition our body to follow a
regular pattern of sleep. This allows our body’s natural clock,
called a circadian rhythm, to help initiate and maintain our sleep.
So train your body to go to sleep and wake up at the same time
everyday. Our bodies function best with consistent cycles of rest
and activity. Establish a routine 30 minutes before going to bed,
such as brushing teeth, stretching and meditation.
Sanctuary
Use your bed exclusively for sex and sleeping. Do not eat, watch
TV, read or work in bed. This will train your body to fall asleep
when in bed.
Atmosphere
Studies have shown silence and darkness are required for the
deepest sleep. Use ear plugs and masks if necessary. Darkness
also signals the pituitary gland to begin releasing growth
hormone.
Temperature
Keep your room comfortably cool with fresh air and no artificial
heat. Use quality bedding to keep you warm.
Sleeping surface
Invest in a high quality firm mattress that supports your spine. I
recommend natural latex without metal springs. You spend
nearly one third of your life in bed, it will be money well spent
Stimulants and relaxants.
Both alcohol and sleep aids may help you fall asleep initially, but
they inhibit deep, restful sleep and can become addictive. Try an
herbal tea mixture of peppermint, rosemary and sage before
going to bed
Food
Discomfort with heartburn or acid reflux, as well as needing to
get up multiple times to urinate, can be very disruptive to a good
night’s sleep. It's best to avoid these situations by not eating or
drinking in the few hours prior to bedtime. Your evening meal
should be light and eaten at least three hours before retiring.
Take a short walk after eating.
Warm up
Take hot foot baths and wear socks to keep feet warm if
necessary.
Activities
Avoid exciting activities before going to bed. Even watching TV
excites the nervous system and can keep some people from
easily going to sleep.
Relaxation
For insomniacs… Meditate, listen to a tape with headphones of
someone lecturing in a soft soothing voice. Read a boring book.
The most important advice is to respect that your body needs to
sleep. Too often, we allow our sleep time to be infringed upon
when our daytime obligations take longer than anticipated.
Additionally, opportunities to engage in pleasurable activities,
visiting friends, watching television, playing on the internet,
eating out, and any number of others can cut into our sleep time,
The basis for brain games is that you can train your neurons to
develop positive habits and beliefs regarding all aspects of your
life.. The more you put these thoughts and habits into practice,
the more likely it is that you can use the Law of Attraction to
create an abundant and healthy lifestyle.
When you go to the gym, you don’t just work out for a couple of
minutes and then expect yourself to walk out looking like a
• Visualization
There is now an infinite number of brain puzzles and games on
the internet to keep you busy improving your brain.
They have found that the heart sends many times the amount of
electromagnetic signals to the brain as does the brain to the
heart. By sustaining positive emotions, you can generate
increased heart rhythm coherence with the brain which not only
benefits your brain and your entire body, but also profoundly
affects how we perceive, think, feel, and perform.
The technique is as follows: Place your hand on your heart and
begin thinking of something you are truly grateful for in your life
for a few minutes. Thoughts of compassion for other people also
work well. This creates peaceful synchronized brain waves which
then sends healing stress reducing messages to the body. For a
very good explanation of this check out this video by Gregg
Braden: https://youtu.be/237WCALmJXQ
Summary
The main message I want to give you is that you do not have to
buy into and accept the mainstream belief that it is inevitable
that we all will become old and sick and lose brain function.
This is what I like to call the real fake news we have to beware
of. We are all so much more powerful than we can imagine.
We have the capability to heal ourselves and stay healthy to
at least 125.
I’m very confident that the more you love yourself and your
life, the better your health and your life become.
AgelessLivingLifestyle.com
BeBOldNeverBeOld.com
AgelessLivingLifestyle.com/VFLTP
VitalityStick.com