Do You Need Brain Support?

By Donna McIntosh

It is amazing how many people are in denial about their brain health. They ignore the signals that are so important in preserving and protecting this vital organ.  This is unfortunate, as it is predicted that in 15 years, brain disease will kill or disable more North Americans than cancer and heart disease combined! The cost of this tragedy is more than $30 billion annually.

What is brain disease and what causes it?  Most think that brain disease is only Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases. However, brain illness really involves any cognitive decline. Most people have some cognitive decline with age, but age is no excuse.  We all know people in their 80s who are mentally sharp. Are they just lucky?  I would say they are, but most likely they took care of their brain and body throughout life. You are not powerless! Good nutrition + healthy lifestyle = protected brain!

In my practice, I find most people do not fully understand good nutrition. They only know what clever marketers have taught them. Most do not understand how our food has been altered over the years. These alterations of our food can lead to brain problems decades down the road.  So what are some causes of brain decline? Altered fats, toxins, chemicals and poor lifestyle choices. Sound familiar?  All my previous articles have stated, “healthy body equals healthy brain.” 

The brain has a guardian angel, the blood-brain barrier. Its sole purpose is to protect the brain.  Amazing!  However, it is not invincible. Some toxins can actually mimic nutrients needed by your brain and gain access. If this happens, it may take decades to remove these toxins.  Meanwhile, your brain tries to protect itself with inflammation and plaque.  Simply, your brain is damaged.  It amazes me how many people believe they have avoided toxins for 70 years! They’ve never considered a detox program. Sadly, there is a heavy price to pay.

The brain needs certain nutrients to function properly.  Because the brain is 60 percent fat, it needs healthy fats.  It also requires B vitamins for energy and enzyme activity. Amino acids are required for hormones and building neurotransmitters for cellular communication. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium are important. All these nutrients are scarce in our standard American diet (SAD). Canned tomatoes (ketchup), potatoes (French fries), iceberg lettuce and onions account for more than half of the vegetable consumption in North America. How can you be healthy with this diet? Are you beginning to understand the gravity of poor nutrition? 

Ill health is so common now that it is considered normal. Many people are on three to five prescription drugs and think nothing of it. Ill health equals ill brain. Is it any wonder why ADD, ADHD, depression, violence and addiction are so prevalent in our society? 

This self-test helps evaluate your brain health:

1. Has it become harder for you to learn things?
2. Are you losing your attention span endurance?
3. Is your ability to focus declining?
4. How often do you walk into rooms and forget why?
5. Do you feel your verbal memory is declining?
6. Do you have difficulty calculating numbers?
7. How often do you feel sad or down for no real reason?
8. Do you forget names and phone numbers easily?
9. Is your comprehension declining?
10. Are you often anxious or panicky for no reason?
11. Do you feel overwhelmed for no reason?
12. Do you crave certain foods?

These are just a few questions to ascertain your mental fitness. The good news is that you can support your brain and slow the decline. It’s never too late!

Donna McIntosh, MS, CHFS, has a practice in Indio. She specializes in weight loss, brain health and addictions. Contact her at Advanced Nutrition Group/Wise Eating Traditions at 760-200-9008.