I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t focus on any thoughts. I seemed to be moving through a never-lifting fog. Only with the greatest effort was I able to hold on to thoughts long enough to complete them.
Once I learned I needed to take iron, and that was squared away, I decided to look for more information. I searched further to discover whether or not there was something I could do to improve my clarity and ability to focus. I learned some really interesting things about feeding my brain.
So, What does Your Brain Eat?
Scientists know a great deal about your brain. However, there is much still that is unknown about this organ that runs our autonomic functions as well as delivering the messages to our limbs when we think run.
Like many Americans, my eating habits leave much to be desired. I already knew that. What I didn’t know was the foods that could benefit brain functioning. What’s more, according to some research, without the proper fatty acids you are actually working against your intellectual ability.
Good food, foods with certain specific fats, vitamins and nutrients, can actually improve your brain’s functioning. From my experience I know that proper blood flow is critical to brain functions. What I learned was that beneficial fatty acids can improve your intellectual functioning. Your healthy diet should include the omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Healthy brain functioning is only part of the benefits of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Hara Estroff Marano brings up an important point that we generally eat and cook with the wrong fats for our brains; yet they’re generally considered heart healthy. Marano states that walnut and canola oils are good choices.
Dr. Edward Group III lists more foods that boost your brain power. They include berries, vitamin C and beta-carotene rich fruit and vegetables and other vitamins including B and E, and magnesium. Organic, live fruit, vegetables and nuts make great snacks and boost your brain functions. Foods rich in folic acid help your overall nervous system function as well as preserve the condition of your brain.
Things to Keep in Mind
Many people want to increase our intellectual power. After all, who doesn’t want more clarity and good moods. It is pretty much an imperative, then, that we follow these guidelines when you consider that doing otherwise actually works against your brain power.
Cognitive activities like writing and meditating are possible with your healthy brain. Your mental acuity can be greatly improved, and all you have to do is add specific foods to your menu. And when you use your brain, you help to keep it in good condition. Four things to remember when you’re out grocery shopping:
- Choose from walnut or canola oil for your cooking needs
- Be careful of the fish you purchase as toxins are generally high some seafood area. Check out other sources like flax seed if you’re not a fish person
- Eat organic, locally grown foods whenever possible, for freshness and better digestion
- As with most things, you can have too much. Don’t go overboard; talk with your health care provider because there’s no recommended daily amount for fatty acids so far. Scientists only know that your body benefits from it and can’t produce omega-3 fatty acids
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