Although a lot of people consider great reasons to maintain a healthy diet, brain health is hardly ever part of the equation. Many people discount concentration and memory problems as ‘getting older’, or perhaps ‘just how I am’, not realizing that the brain is dependent upon essential nutrients to work properly, much like your heart and muscles. Introducing brain foods in your daily diet can help with memory loss, concentration, mood fluctuations and even anxiety.
The first step towards eating for a healthy brain can be to identify exactly what nutritional supplements your brain must have, and what may be lacking if you are having processing or mental health issues. People experiencing learning disorders, such as ADD and slow processing, may benefit from adding Omega 3 to their diet. Omega 3 is believed to safeguard against developing mood disorders, including depression, and may help individuals who suffer from depressive disorders improve.
There are a lot of natural supplies of Omega 3. Fatty freshwater seafood, like Salmon, are one of the best sources of Omega-3. Alternative sources include walnuts, wild rice & canola oil are all natural sources of Omega-3. Dietary supplements are also available that may help increase intake faster and increase your brain performance.
Another significant nutrient needed by the human brain are B Vitamins. B1, b6 & B12 are all very important to effective brain function. Deficiencies in B6 could lead to excessive mood swings, frustration or depression, while a B12 deficiency can present with hallucinations & lead to brain shrinkage. Adding foods loaded with B vitamins is crucial to helping your brain perform at it’s best.
Finding natural sources of B vitamins is not really tough. Cereal products, beef, poultry, clams, and beef liver are good options for B vitamins. Dark leafy greens, papayas as well as oranges tend to be abundant with B6 too and can be easily included in just about any diet. B-12 however is found mainly in animal products, and soy or rice milk.
B1 may be the least mentioned B vitamin, but is very important likewise. B1 assists in maintaining the central nervous system and acts as a neurotransmitter in the human brain, making it essential to learning memory. Sources include corn, fish & a few breakfast cereals.
Maintaining your mental function and brain well-being is just as important as good cardiovascular health. Consuming the right food along with supplementing what you eat will help improve your memory, lower anxiety and help lessen the symptoms of ADD.