“Brain food” creates new brain cells

With the right dietary ingredients, you can continue to make new brain cells throughout your entire life. [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3ANzdQlemxd) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3ANzdQlemxd) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD 11905 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] August 13, 2024 [] Reader, For years, scientists insisted you can’t grow new brain cells. But they were wrong… It was discovered that you could grow new brain cells– a process known as neurogenesis – well into old age. But this process took place at a much slower pace. Most conventional doctors still believe this – and insist that any loss in cognitive ability is just a natural consequence of getting older. Of course, as a regular reader, you know that’s not true either. The truth is that with the right dietary ingredients, you can continue to make new brain cells throughout your entire life. I’m talking about a diet that boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. This signaling protein and growth factor supports the growth, function, and survival of brain cells – and your brain can’t generate new neurons or make new connections between these brain cells without it.1 You see, certain foods contain a group of biochemicals called anthocyanins that turbo-charge your brain’s production of BDNF. Anthocyanins also give fruits and vegetables a range of colors – from red to blue to purple. At the same time, anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that help keep your brain young by reducing inflammation and removing toxic biochemical byproducts that damage neurons. These foods do something that Big Pharma’s chemical creations can’t do. They promote the creation and survival of brain cells through the power of BDNF.2 Research reveals that BDNF-boosting foods are also potent weapons against neurodegenerative conditions, like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. In one study, anthocyanin extract helped reduce brain-cell damage from Parkinson’s. Researchers have also found that people with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of BDNF than healthy individuals and that a BDNF-boosting diet can help prevent the condition.3,4 Easily Boost BDNF For More Brain Power To boost BDNF, I recommend you do the following… - Eat more blueberries. These berries are superfoods. Not only are they powerful antioxidants with lots of fiber, and they don’t spike blood sugar, but they’re also loaded with BDNF-boosting anthocyanins. Studies show that blueberries can turbocharge your brain’s production of BDNF and have the ability to significantly improve memory, learning, and general cognitive function, including reasoning skills, decision-making, verbal comprehension, and numerical ability as you age. They make a great accompaniment to any breakfast or lunch. I recommend grabbing a handful every day. - Add turmeric. The active ingredient in this ancient Indian spice is curcumin, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for at least 6,000 years. It’s the best anti-inflammatory I’ve ever found and has astonishing brain-protective qualities. Years of research have confirmed that curcumin regulates and activates the expression of BDNF. Studies also show that even low doses of curcumin boost the proliferation and survival of newly generated cells in the hippocampus, the part of your brain that controls learning, language, and the formation of memories.6,7 One of the best ways to get the benefits of curcumin is to cook with fresh turmeric root. You can grate it like ginger and add it to soups and stews. Or add it to curries, deviled eggs, or salad dressings. I use it in stir-fries, scrambled eggs, and marinades. - Use flaxseed oil. Studies also show that consuming foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids is another great way to boost BDNF.8 Emerging clinical studies reveal that flax seeds – which contain both omega-3 fatty acids and anthocyanins – promote both neurogenesis and neuronal survival via their BDNF-enhancing properties. Flax seeds are also rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which increases BDNF levels. In one study, 15 healthy adult subjects were given three capsules of flaxseed oil, containing 500mg of alpha-linolenic acid, each day for a week, and were then compared with a control group. Those who received the flaxseed oil were found to have significantly higher levels of BDNF in their blood plasma. 9 I recommend taking flaxseed oil capsules, but only in small doses – no more than 1 gram per day for six months - because too much can cause allergic reactions and side effects that include diarrhea. Make sure you take the capsules with plenty of water to reduce the risk of side effects. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: - Numakawa T, et al. “Actions of Brain-Derived Neurotrophin Factor in the Neurogenesis and Neuronal Function, and Its Involvement in the Pathophysiology of Brain Diseases.” Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Nov 19;19(11):3650. - American Chemical Society. “Eating berries may activate the brain’s natural housekeeper for healthy aging. ScienceDaily. August 24, 2010. - Strathearn K, et al. “Neuroprotective effects of anthocyanin- and proanthocyanidin-rich extracts in cellular models of Parkinson’s disease.” Brain Res. 25 March 2014;1555: 60–77. - Xue B, et al. “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A Connecting Link Between Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Front Neurosci. 25 May 2022:16:925991. - Subash S, et al. “Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases.” Neural Regen Res. 2014 Aug 15;9(16):1557-66. - Radbakhsh S, et al. “The effects of curcumin on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor expression in neurodegenerative disorders.” Curr Med Chem. 2023 Jun 2. - Lee Y, et al. “Low-dose curcumin enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and memory retention in young mice.” Arch Pharm Res. 2023 May;46(5):423-437. - Ziaei S, et al. “A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).” Nutr Neurosci. 2023 Aug 17:1-11. - Hadjighassem M, et al. “Oral consumption of α-linolenic acid increases serum BDNF levels in healthy adult humans.” Nutr J. 2015 Feb 26;14:20. alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3ANzdQlemxd) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States