Here’s a little brain humor to start off your Monday:

"I've got the brain of a four year old. I'll bet he was glad to be rid of it."  -Groucho Marx

"The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public." - George Jessel

Yes, that mass in your skull that's the size of a large grapefruit, looks like a walnut and feels like cold oatmeal has been the subject of many funny jokes.

But it’s also more powerful than the largest computer ever built!

Here are some fun facts about that 3-1/2 pound wonder inside your skull, and 4 very effective ways to keep it sharp well into your golden years.

Fun brain facts—it’s SO much more than gray matter

Although it accounts for only about 2 percent (1/50^th) of your bodyweight, your brain uses up to 20 percent (1/5th) of your body's energy and oxygen!

Your brain regulates every single function in your body, from breathing to circulation, hormone production, movement and much more.

As an adult, you have about 100 billion neurons (nerve cells) in your brain.

Each neuron has "branches" that connect to other neurons and that's how information is transmitted.  It’s estimated that you have 100 trillion nerve connections in your brain! 

Contrary to what you may think, your eyes don't see, your tongue doesn't taste and your ears don't hear.  Your brain does all those things.  Your sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) just collect the data for your brain and transfer it over in milliseconds.

Your brain is incredibly efficient at storing memories.  That's why you can easily remember the words to your favorite songs as a teenager.

Keep yours sharp and strong

Since your brain pretty much controls you from head to toe, it's vitally important to take care of your gray matter and keep it in tip-top shape for years to come.

Here are 4 ways you can achieve this vital goal.

Brain health strategy #1- Get enough Omega-3 essential fatty acids

Sixty percent of your brain is made up of fat, and these fats must constantly be replenished.

Deficiencies in essential fats have been linked to depression, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, fatigue, memory problems, Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. 

Plus optimal amounts of fats are essential if you want to maximize your intelligence!

Your brain and nervous system are especially dependent on Omega-3 fatty acids—specifically EPA and DHA…but they are also a common deficiency.  The primary source of these fats is fresh fish, and that’s simply not something the average person eats every day.

That’s why supplementing with a fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help ensure you have optimal levels of this crucial brain nutrient!

VitalMega-3 provides an impressive 1,200 mg of Omega-3s in every daily two-capsule serving, including 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA—to support sharp brain functioning.

Brain health strategy #2- Get enough fiber

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology has shown that eating fiber-rich foods can help delay brain aging by triggering the production of a short-chain fatty acid (butyrate) that has anti-inflammatory properties!

The researchers explained that a major type of immune cell in the brain—microglia—tend to become hyperactive and chronically inflamed age we age.  This inflammation is one of the main causes of memory and cognitive decline.

But a high-fiber diet reduces inflammation in the brain's microglia by encouraging the production of butyrate.

Plus fiber has also been shown to reduce inflammation in your intestines too—good news for people with Crohn’s, colitis and diverticulitis!

So make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes—your brain will thank you. 

I must caution you about whole grains.  Even though they too are good sources of fiber, much of our wheat crops and other grains are sprayed with glyphosate just before harvest, which in turn destroys your gut microbiome and contributes to disease!

And if you want more ideas on how to get your fiber and ENJOY every single bite, then my Great Taste No Pain system is exactly what you need!

Great Taste No Pain gives you loads of delicious, mouth-watering recipes featuring nutritious, fiber-rich foods that will soon become your favorites.  You’ll be shocked at how tasty and enjoyable good-for-you foods can be!

Plus you’ll also learn how to structure your meals to promote easier, more efficient digestion. 

Brain health strategy #3- Get regular exercise

Here’s yet another impressive benefit of regular exercise—it can help keep your brain healthy!

Exercise has repeatedly been shown to help improve cognitive function, especially in elderly people.

So get your doctor’s OK and get moving.  Even brisk walking is helpful and just about anyone can do that. 

Brain health strategy #4- Get enough B vitamins

The B vitamins are crucial for proper nerve and brain function. 

Here are some examples:

• Vitamin B2 helps your neurons use glucose and help memory function.
• B3 is vital for proper mental function--people deficient in it sometimes show signs of dementia!
• Vitamin B6 helps bring amino acids to your brain so it can make neurotransmitters.

And the all-important superstar...

Vitamin B12!

Vitamin B12 is essential for your nervous system and brain health. It helps your brain use carbohydrates and proteins, it's needed to make up the myelin sheath that protects your nerve cells, and it works with folic acid to make neurotransmitters. 

It’s also needed to produce a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which allows your nerves and brain to communicate.  Healthy levels of acetylcholine can help you maintain clear-thinking abilities for a LIFETIME.

Unfortunately, B12 is also a common deficiency due to things like antacid use, alcohol, gastric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, taking certain diabetes drugs or having a vegan diet.

Plus as we age, our stomach acid production decreases and that affects Vitamin B12 absorption as well.

The best way to ensure you have health-supporting levels of this crucial nutrient is through supplementation.

Hydroxaden 2.5 is an easy-to-use oral spray that gives you a therapeutic dose of Vitamin B12, plus the added bonus of Vitamins B2, B3 and B6—for a complete, well-rounded nutrient boost for your brain!

And since you spray it under your tongue so it can be absorbed by the mucus membranes in your mouth, that helps bypass any shortcomings in the GI tract that may affect absorbability.

Take care of your precious brain so it can take care of you throughout your lifetime!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia