April 8th, 2009 by Brainy

By: Jimmy Brownen

The brain is the most intriguing and complex part of our bodies. It therefore needs the contributions of a variety of different kinds of food to function properly. Have enough quantity of various food elements to nourish your brain, which plays crucial role in the whole body. Brain is not only crucial and complex but also intriguing. Human body has its highly complex and intriguing part in the form of brain. To make your brain function properly, you should take various types of food items.

The simplest explanation for the role of carbohydrates in the human diet is one word: Fuel! There are three so-called macronutrients from which we can derive energy: They are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Of the three carbohydrates is the most efficient energy source since it can be easily and efficiently be converted into glucose which can, in turn, be utilised directly by both nerve cells and muscles as an energy source. Defining the role of carbohydrates in our dietary habits is quite simple. It is like fueling our bodies which gets energy from three major macronutrient sources including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Out of these three, carbohydrate is the prominent source of body energy. Carbohydrates get converted into glucose in a very lucid manner which ultimately plays effective role in nourishing our nerve cells as well as muscles to provide enough energy. You may define the role of carbohydrates in human diet through a single definition. ‘It is the primary source of body energy’. Our bodies receive energy from three macronutrients, which include proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates play crucial role out of these three. They get converted into glucose in easy and efficient manner. Once this process completes, it directly supports nerve cells and muscles which is an important source of body energy.

Carbohydrates can be divided into two main categories. They are: There are two major types of carbohydrates. They are:ITwo main categories of carbohydrates are mentioned below:

Simple Carbohydrates: This is carbohydrates made up of only one kind of sugar (e.g. fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose or maltose). These sugars are often found in fruits, nuts, certain vegetables, cane sugar and honey. Simple carbohydrates are turned into glucose very rapidly after consumption which means that energy from it can be available very quickly to different parts of the body. However the effects of simple sugars can be compared to that of a small fire that burns intensely before going out just as rapidly as it started. This means that the bloodstream can be flooded with sugars one moment while being energy starved the next. This is the reason why it is very important that we also get sufficient quantities of the other type of carbohydrate namely ‘Complex Carbohydrates’. Simple Carbohydrates: They are common sources of energy. Have them from different sugary materials like fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltose etc. These sugars can be had from fruits, nuts, vegetables, cane sugar and honey. These carbohydrates convert into glucose quickly the sooner you consume source products. They help you gain energy rapidly and your body gets rejuvenated. But as it forms fast its impact too goes down soonest like a small fire burning quickly and downing early. Consumption of these carbohydrates keep your bloodstream intact for a while and they are filled with sugars instantly but thereafter your energy lessens. It is mandatory due to this primary reason that you go for other sources of energy to balance your body temperament. ‘Complex Carbohydrates’ are other categories of it providing complete energy to your body. Simple Carbohydrates: Made up of only one kind of sugar, simple carbohydrates can be procured from fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose or maltose. You may have these sugars from fruits, nuts, vegetables, cane sugar and honey as well. These carbohydrates can easily convert into glucose once you eat their source materials. This way you gain energy quickly which ultimately circulates into your entire body. But its impact is very timely which can be compared to that of small fire burning intensely and vanishing as quickly as it began. Resultantly your bloodstream gets filled with sugars the moment you consume these carbohydrates but sooner you feel starved once its impact ends. This is the main reason that enough quantity of other categories of carbohydrates named ‘Complex Carbohydrates’ are advised for balanced body energy.

Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates are composed of several kinds of sugars (They are therefore sometimes called polysaccharides). The body takes a little longer to digest these sugars and release it as glucose into the bloodstream. This means that the energy derived from complex carbohydrates will generally last longer than that gained from simple sugars. One way of measuring the energy release from carbohydrates is the Glycemic Index (GI) which has already been discussed at length in previous articles. Suffice it to say here that GI can be a very valuable indicator of which kinds of carbohydrates will keep brain and body ‘powered up’ for longer. Complex Carbohydrates: Having the components of various sugar types, complex carbohydrates are usually denoted as polysaccharides. Our bodies take a bit longer time in digesting these sugars before it release glucose into bloodstream. Its impact remains enduring and energy achieved from them usually lasts for longer periods unlike simple sugars. Glycemic Index (GI) is a best method to measure release of energy from carbohydrates. Previous articles had ample space to describe this particular phenomenon. In continuum, GI can be further elaborated as an effective guiding source which helps you know appropriate carbohydrates you should choose to maintain your body and brain so that they remain charged for long. Complex Carbohydrates: Often named polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates are best combination of various sugar types. Our bodies need longer time to digest them. Once it is done, sufficient glucose is released into bloodstreams. It is the main reason that whenever you gain energy from complex carbohydrates its impact remains for longer periods unlike gaining it from simple sugars. It has already been discussed previously that Glycemic Index (GI) is best method to measure released energy from carbohydrates. We further elaborate here that GI is an excellent source to understand best carbohydrates categories which may keep your body and brain charged for longer period. GI is a valuable indicator for this.

The link between energy availability and proper brain function is well established. Simply put, nerve cells cannot function properly unless there is a constant stream of energy available. Consider the following:

• Nerve cells do not store glucose. They can therefore only derive energy from what is available in the blood stream.
• Neurons (nerve cells responsible for communication) are in a state of constant activity and do not have ‘rest periods’ like the cells in muscles or in the digestive system. Even while you are sleeping your nerve cells are busy with repairs to their structural components and the manufacture of enzymes and neurotransmitters.
• A core activity of the nervous system is communication (i.e. the sending of ‘messages’ from one part of the brain to another or from the nervous system to another part of the body). This communication takes places through the use of bioelectric signals and is extremely energy intensive. By now the association of energy availability and appropriate brain functioning has already been described. Your nerve cells are useless they are not provided constant stream of energy. Choose following solutions: • As nerve cells don’t store glucose you should get energy from all possible sources and make it available in bloodstream for better functioning. • Neurons are nerve cells which makes communication possible. They constantly remain active unlike muscles cells and digestive system. Time calculation is maintained as it doesn’t follow ‘rest periods’. Your nerve cells keep functioning and remain busy with repairs in structural components. They prepare enzymes and neurotransmitters even while you are resting. • Communication is the major activity of your nervous system which happens through sending ‘messages’ from one part of the brain to another besides linking your nervous system with other portions of the body. Bioelectric signals start such communication. They are highly energy intensive in the body. It has been already described how energy availability and proper brain functioning is done. Do remember that nerve cells can’t function effectively unless you don’t provide constant stream of energy to them. You can go for following options: • No glucose is stored in the nerve cells hence energy must be made available in the bloodstreams for proper functioning. • Nerve cells responsible for communication are called neurons, which constantly remain active. They don’t follow ‘rest periods’ unlike your muscle cells and digestive system of your body. They keep working even when you are resting and keep repairing works besides performing the structural components to create enzymes and neurotransmitters. • Communication is considered prime act of nervous system. The outcome of this process is sending ‘messages’ from one part of brain to the other. They keep the nervous system linked with entire body through communication process. Usually such communication happens through effective bioelectric signals, which are too much energy intensive.

All of the above leads to the astounding fact that although the brain makes up only about 2% of the body weight of an average person it consumes 20% of the energy in that body. The critical importance of a continuous and reliable energy supply to the brain is further illustrated in the fact that the body will automatically prioritise the brain’s energy needs during periods of extreme trauma. Above mentioned facts reveal various facets of body functioning. Even if brain makes up approximately 2% of the body weight of an average person consumption of energy goes up to 20% of the total. Functioning of body is controlled by brain hence whenever bodies gain energy from any source it automatically passes on appropriate share of energy to brain. When you are under some trauma, this process becomes more systematic. The facts are before us. We analyze how our body and brain works even though our brains are only about 2% of entire body weight. Brains consume 20% of total body energy to fulfill its critical task of controlling the body. Distribution of energy is done systematically and required percentage passes on to the brain automatically when bodies gain it. This requirement grows more when you are in trauma.

It is interesting to note that the energy usage of the brain is not on a constant high but that it can range from high to very high. Studies have shown that mentally demanding tasks like solving a puzzle or negotiating a maze actually drain away glucose from the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with learning and memory. The implications of this fact for the design of school lunches and snacks should be obvious. If clear and intense thinking are going to be required over a long period then it would be very beneficial if the available energy can come from ’slow release’ carbohydrates. This is where the Glycemic Index can be so very helpful as it allows us to pinpoint the types of carbohydrates that can keep us from ‘running on empty’ very soon after eating. You must bear it in mind that brain doesn’t follow constant high energy usage. It often ranges from high to higher. Research findings conclude that whenever you do some sort of mentally demanding task like solving puzzles or negotiating mazes your brain require enough energy hence it automatically derives glucose from hippocampus which is a special portion in the brain. It keeps your learning and memory abilities intact. That is why regular lunch and snacks are advised for those involved in mental assignments. You can choose slow energy releasing carbohydrates when you are involved in intensive thinking works and plan to do them for longer periods. It is at this crucial juncture that you should understand Glycemic Index which guides you about best carbohydrates for sustainable brain functioning. In case you are not aware of them your mental level would remain low even after eating enough food. Energy usage of your brain constantly remains at high rather higher. Many research findings explain that brain keeps draining extra glucose when it is involved in mentally demanding assignments like solving puzzle or negotiating mazes. Brain drains glucose for hippocampus, which is an important portion of it and keeps you at the learning path. Your memory level too remains intact. Skipping school lunch or snacks is strictly prohibited due to this reason. Choose carbohydrates which are slow releasing when you perform intense thinking for longer periods. This way your energy level will not get affected. Have knowledge of Glycemic Index to cope up such situations. This knowledge will make you choosy and you will take carbohydrates which keeps your brain energetic. If you don’t know these facts you may feel at low mentally even though you had had good food.

There are many symptoms associated with ADD-ADHD, but perhaps the most frustrating can be the lack of focus and impulsivity that often comes with the condition. It is possible that these symptoms could be traced back to a brain starved of energy. Asking questions about nutrition and specifically about the kinds of carbohydrates that you are eating should therefore be one of the first steps that you take in taking control of ADD-ADHD. This is such an important topic that it will be further investigated in further articles, please check back regularly!IMany symptoms of ADD-ADHD can be found out if you have keen eye to know them. Lack of focus and impulsivity are most frustrating symptoms. You can link those with energy starved brains. When you plan to control ADD-ADHD you should have knowledge about nutrition particularly carbohydrates types which you eat for overall fitness. This should be your first step to cope up with worst situations. As this topic deals with several important aspects we would investigate further in the upcoming articles. An appeal is made to you to keep checking up regularly for next advice. Various symptoms are associated with ADD-ADHD but lack of focus and impulsivity are most frustrating amongst them as they bring other problems along. You can easily trace their causes from the energy starved brains. Make it a habit to learn more about nutrition and particularly about all types of carbohydrates which you eat. Having proper knowledge of them is perhaps the first step to control ADD-ADHD. This topic is so much important that it requires an elaborative investigation. Keep checking back regularly to learn more in the coming write-ups.

Article Source: http://articles-mart.com

As a leading practitioner in the field of treating attention deficit disorder, Jimmy Brownen has had man years of experience in the treatment of such disorders. For more information on adderall or vyvanse, please visit his site today.

October 15th, 2008 by Brainy

This is good news

SEARCHING the internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles studied people doing web searches while their brain activity was recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging scans.

“What we saw was people who had internet experience used more of their brain during the search,” said Dr. Gary Small, a UCLA expert on aging.

“This suggests that just searching on the internet may train the brain — that it may keep it active and healthy,” said Dr Small, whose research appears in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Many studies have found that challenging mental activities such as puzzles can help preserve brain function, but few have looked at what role the internet might play.

More information here.

July 13th, 2008 by Brainy

In the past it was believed that your intelligence was something that was inherited or that was a genetic thing that had to do with your parents but that may not be a total truth. It is now believed that your intelligence can be determined by your environment, life experiences and your diet. So is there a brain food recipe that one can start eating to make them more intelligent?

Well I don’t know if there is a exact recipe but from my research on foods and supplements it continually amazes me how foods and supplements can actually stimulate chemical reactions or add natural chemicals into your body and affect you in amazing ways.

So can food actually have a positive or negative effect on your brain function and brain power?

Well the answer is Yes! Egyptians have long thought that fish was brain food. Well actually fish is high in omega 3 fatty acids. The neurons in your brain are rich in omega 3 fatty acids so adding fish or omega 3 into your diet does indeed give your brain a boost in its function. It has been found that fish will help create a healthy emotional environment and a more balanced and positive mood.

Proteins are also a very good substance for the brain. Proteins such as chicken and beef contain tyrosine, an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and cells and may also help the neurotransmitter within your brain to send and receive signal and information. They can also assist one in handling stress and help the body maintain a balanced blood sugar level.

Food such as avocados, raisins, apples and nuts contain a substance called boron which has the potential to increase your memory and attention.

Choline which has also been proven to improve brain function can be found in such foods as eggs and milk. Fruits and vegetables are also extremely important in protecting your brain. Fruits and vegetables have a high degree of anti-oxidants which protect your cells and brain from free radicals which cause your cells to be damaged and age faster.

Blueberry and blackberry are especially good for your brain since they contain Anthocyanins which is the most powerful form of anti-oxidant.

Other fruits and vegetable that have been found to have a high amount of anti-oxidants are strawberries, cranberries spinach, raspberries, brussel sprouts, plums, broccoli, oranges, red grapes, red bell pepper, cherries and kiwis.

Probably the number one ingredient for proper brain function is water. Since your brain is 80% water it is imperative that one keeps themselves and their brain hydrated. Even a slightly dehydrated brain can raise the stress hormone in a person causing them to not have clarity of thought. Just observe people living in the desert in to summertime and see the stressful actions of people and one can see how dehydrated people are stressed.

There are also foods to avoid and foods that can actually slow down the brain function. Food which are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates which can give you an instantaneous surge of energy but then leave you in an daze.

It is also recommend not to consume food high is saturated fats. Sure your body needs fats, but it needs the good fats found in avocados, nuts and fish.

Also avoid eating heavy meals. It has been proven that reducing your calories will extend your life and the quality of you life. It is also a benefit for your brain function. The digestion process takes a lot of energy which in turn take the energy away from your brain functions.

So as you can see there is a brain food recipe. By eating the correct foods you can actually protect your brain and keep it healthy. You can also provide the added substances the brain needs to improve your memory, mood and the speed in which your brain functions.

Copyright 2006 Douglas Alp

July 13th, 2008 by Brainy

The brain is a hungry organ, it’s cells requiring two times the amount of energy than that of other cells in the body. To work well and efficiently throughout the day, this energy level must be kept high enough so not to cause mental stress and exhaustion.

So we’ll look at simple ways to keep your brain working effectively throughout your day so your work doesn’t suffer. When the brain doesn’t become stressed it can work continuously so not to sabotage your daily workflow. For this discussion we will assume you work most of the day, morning to evening.

Breakfast

It’s no secret this is the most important meal of the day. We all know it, but how many of us take it to heart. We’re too busy right? It’s OK, there are shortcuts.

Coffee in the morning sounds like a good idea. The boost is fairly instantaneous for a few reasons. Firstly, the caffeine. Caffeine does increase the capacity for mental and physical labor. However, this is short lived, with a demanding drop of energy caused not long after. Do you drink a few cups before the morning’s end?

Sugar also plays a part in the morning coffee. However, this sugar is part of the simple carbohydrates family which does fuel the brain, but only for a short period of time. What we want to get early in the morning is some complex carbohydrates.

Fruit is an excellent source. Instead of a short burst of energy these carbohydrates have long chains of sugar molecules that the body breaks down gradually, releasing glucose to fuel the brain over time.

If you’re strapped for time in the morning, as we all tend to be, a bowl of fruit is a much better energy source that will start the brain working. Mental exercise drains glucose, so feeding your glucose level throughout the day, with fruit, is a great way to keep energy levels up all day. Watery and crunchy fruits are low in calories and can be eaten all day, any time. Berries and citruses are highest in complex carbohydrates and also antioxidents which reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.

Later on in the morning something with more protein, a cereal, will do the same to keep energy in the brain all day. A piece of toast or sandwich does the same, directly improving memory and attention.

A cereal with fruit is a very quick and easy breakfast to kick start your day. With productivity in mind, we want to spend little time preparing food at the beginning of our day, so we can enter work-mode as soon as possible.

Lunch

As mentioned earlier, breads and fruits do well. Vegetables do much of the same good as fruit. Glucose levels alter during cooking so sticking to a salad may be better. Think about adding an egg to the mix. Egg yolk is a leading source for choline, a nutrient that, recently, has been proven to boost brainpower by speeding up the sending of signals to nerve cells in the brain.

If possible, a larger lunch is better than a big dinner; use your time after work to rest and eat lightly. Although you could prepare for the next 6-8 hours of fasting - otherwise known as sleep - by stocking up on food, this can disrupt your sleep. A lighter meal before bed will lead to an easier and deeper sleep. Stick to a good breakfast and lunch to get keep you fed.

Fish is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which builds gray matter and cell membranes. Reportedly, these fats can also help emotional balance and a positive attitude throughout life. And you already know, stay away from junk food.
Ending lunch with a yogurt helps produce neurotransmitters, improving signals amongst neurons. Complementing this with nuts [particularly walnuts] balance omega-3 acids with omega-6’s while neutralizing blood sugar levels.

Drink

While eating food for the brain, it is important to keep hydrated. At least 80 ounces of water every day reduce stress hormones. Drinking non-caffeinated tea, like green tea, relaxes the brain and induces mental alertness. A juice, such as grapefruit juice, has the same affects for the brain as fruits and vegetables along with the hydration benefits.

While softdrinks provide that quick boost of sugar, it won’t last and will lead to a noticeable decline in brain energy later in the day. After drinking [or eating] something high in sugar, your pancreas starts to secrete insulin which triggers cells throughout your body to pull the excess glucose out of your bloodstream and store it. This sucks glucose from the brain which leaves it without energy, known as hypoglycemia. As a result your ability to focus decreases, leaving you weak and confused, unable to think properly.

Moderate alcohol consumption enhances blood and oxygen flow to the brain. This isn’t an immediate improvement, so don’t try and convince your boss drinking before work will improve your workflow. However, at the end of the day, a glass or two can relax the brain and ease yourself into the end of the day. Gradually, and most importantly, moderately, alcohol consumption has various mental benefits.

Above All

Moderation is the key. They say nothing is bad for you if done in moderation, so there isn’t a need for a huge change in your diet. What you may realize is your diet lacks many foods that stimulate mental growth and productivity. If you’re sluggish in the morning, there is definitely room for improvement.

Enhance brain power with a an increase in these foods that keep your brain running on high, and slow down on the others. Fruit’s cheap, put a bowl next to the mouse.

Craig Childs

July 13th, 2008 by Brainy

BrainReady.com have pit together the top five foods for a healthy brain. Here they are:

The Top 5:

• 1. Wild Salmon
• 2. Cacao Beans
• 3. Matcha (Tencha-grade green tea powder)
• 4. Acai berries & Blueberries
• 5. Coffee beans

The Top 5 Brain Health Foods