Here’s a little brain humor to start your day:

“I don't know why my brain has kept all the words to the Gilligan's Island theme song and has deleted everything about triangles.” – Jeff Foxworthy

"It's perfectly okay to make a decision and then change your mind. Being able to change your mind is the best way to find out you still have one." —William E. Lewis, Jr.

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.

Here are some fun facts about that 3 ½-pound wonder inside your skull, plus 5 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.

And get this—similar to your gut, your brain has its own microbiome!

Researchers from The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) have produced high-resolution microscopic images of human brains that clearly show bacteria comfortably nestled inside brain cells that specifically interact with and support neurons.

And this microbiome functions very similar to the one that’s about 30 inches south of it.

Keep yours in tip-top shape for life!

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 5 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 very 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

Studies have 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.

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

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

But 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 (the active ingredient in Round Up) just before harvest, which in turn destroys your gut microbiome, contributes to disease and has been linked to cancer!

Brain health strategy #3- Engage in 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.  You don’t have to get fancy—even brisk walking is helpful and just about anyone can do that. 

Brain health strategy #4- Get enough essential 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 is...

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 your brain’s neurotransmitters. 

Unfortunately, B12 is also a common deficiency due to things like antacid use, excessive alcohol intake, 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!

Brain health strategy #5- Nourish both of your microbiomes

Contrary to what most people believe, the inner “probiotics” in your microbiomes are not permanent residents—they only reside in you for two weeks or less. 

So, it’s crucial to help support their numbers and have a strong population of these microscopic good guys. 

Supplementation with a top-notch, full-spectrum probiotic like Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula is the #1 most effective step you can take to beef up your supply of beneficial bacteria. 

Super Shield contains 13 strains of well-studied, proven probiotic bacteria that each has their own “specialty” in how they help support your great health!

Now you are armed with the strategies you need to help keep your gray matter healthy for a lifetime!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia