The brain is the most complex organ in the body and the most critical when it comes to remaining healthy. Our brains help us make sense of everything we do in life, from basic movement and concentration to logic, judgment and wisdom. Want to boost your brain health naturally? There are literally thousands of resources with tips from the use of vitamin supplements to music therapy and even essential oils. With so many options, understanding the way the brain works, and changes throughout our lifetimes, may be the key to finding your path to optimal brain health.
The growing brain is a marvelous thing. The childhood years see major, and continuous, changes in the brain. Early childhood is a period of rapid change. In fact, during the first four years of life, the brain increases to 80% of its adult size! During these early years, the brain strengthens connections for sounds, social and emotional development begin and the function of the brain begins to get sculpted by life experiences. In addition to genetics, touch, smell, vision, food, injury, disease and other factors all play a role in brain development. A healthy brain is vital for smart and happy kids and there are many ways to help children grow a healthy brain. A healthy diet, physical activity, bonding time and fostering learning from a young age are all important factors when it comes to good brain health.
It’s never too late to start improving your brain health. As we age changes happen in all our body parts and with it, our health concerns change. Certain parts of the brain may shrink and inflammation may increase. Although these changes can affect mental function in even the healthiest adults, the brain’s plasticity (or ability to adapt to new challenges) allows mental function to rebound and work well long into our golden years. Medications, activity level, diet and lifestyle all play a part in how to keep cognitive function at its highest level. Eating healthy, managing chronic problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, getting enough sleep and limiting use of alcohol are just some of the ways that you can take care of your health, and your brain.
At the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center, we are committed to advancing optimal, whole-body health, which lies in the brain – body connection. Our doctors have the rare combination of healing skills that reflect an innate talent to restore the human body. Ongoing work in the field of Chiropractic Neurology, coupled with extensive experience in neuromuscular therapy, enable them to restore tissues on multiple levels, while addressing the underlying connective tissue has yielded dramatic results in chronic cases.
The Dana Foundation is a private, philanthropic organization that supports brain research through grants, publications and education. From tips and resources to local awareness events and much more, visit the Dana Foundation’s website.