Michael Hadley
2. Diet and Neuronal Functioning
The old adage of ‘you are what you eat rings very true in the health and
upkeep of your brain. What you ingest is directly related to the your
neuronal functions. Good fats are needed to develop healthy, strong
membranes that are vital for communication. Proteins are also important
building blocks to healthy neuronal functions due impart to the amino
acids that come from protein molecules. And last but not least, Water is
an important dietary need to the development and upkeep to both you
body and your brain.
The consumption of good fats are important to the development of
healthy and happy neurons. The brain itself is made up of 60% fat since
the brain is made up of so of fatty membranes. Most of the fats found in
the brain are polyunsaturated, meaning their structure contains few or no
double bonds, making the molecules flexible. The fats need to remain
flexible to easily transmit and relay messages so the fats that are
ingested low is cholesterol because, impart to cholesterol leads to a
hardening of the fatty cells in the brain. The body creates enough of this
fat naturally to maintain a healthy balance in your brain. Along with
limiting the amount of saturated fats that cause the high amounts of
cholesterol, you could eat a diet that is rich B-vitamins, omega-3 and
Omega 6 oils. These create pure APT, the optimal fat for creating the
happiest, healthiest and most flexible fat for your brain.
Proteins are another vital dietary building block for healthy brain
functions. These biological molecules provide the amino acids the form
the NTs and support systems in your neurons. There are many, delicious
foods that are high in protein that create a strong environment for
development in the brain. Almonds, avocados bananas and meats all
contain the amino acid Tyrosine that is used to make dopamine. Proteins
also are used to develop receptors structures used in communication.
One interesting point that I found is that proteins can be found in both
what are considered healthy and unhealthy foods. For example, Raw
almonds have the good, happy fats along with many many other
vitamins and minerals. In contrast, the roasted, flavored peanuts have
had the beneficial oil and nutrients removed due to overheating and over
processing. The flavoring seasonings consist of dyes and chemicals that
prove to be more damaging than any amount of healthy qualities. Not all
foods are created equally. Even though foods may appear to be healthy,
look for foods that are less processed and not full of dyes and
chemicals.
One for the more complex yet fascinating structures of the neurons
is the fact that they store water almost like a balloon in structures called
vacuoles. Water, much like the rest of the body, is essential for the best
brain function and health. Water is essential to maintain the tone of the
membranes for normal neurotransmission. It also enhances circulation
and helps in remove waste. Water also keeps the brain from overheating,
which can cause mental decline and even lead to long term damage. This
is one of the many reasons why constant hydration is stressed so heavily.
by the time thirst is felt, there could be a loss of body weight up to 2%
from water loss, and on top of that, there could be a 10% decline in
cognitive action. Dehydration can also lead to fatigue, dizziness and a
lack of concentration. Soda and other sugary drinks are no substitute for
water when hydration. Water is important to the body. Soda and drinks
like that are not. Plain and simple.
It is important to keep a healthy diet to maintain healthy Neuron
Functions. Healthy fats, found in fish, nuts and seed oils, help develop
the cell membrane and keep the strong and flexible leading to better,
faster communication among brain cells. Remember that the body
produces enough natural cholorstal to maintain healthy membranes and
to avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats. Proteins, found in meats,
eggs and avocados, help develop amino acids that aid in the growth in
receptors, needed for optimal brain communication. And last but not
least, water is also very vital to a healthy brain and hydration is key to
keeping neurotransmitters at their very best. What we consume is both
important to our bodies and keeping our mind at their very best.
In researching this paper, I was really surprised that there were so many
elements there were to the brain and how much our diets influence its
developments. I was really surprised with my findings with the over
processed health food such as the flavored nuts. I have made wasabi
almonds apart of my everyday snacking. I had also assumed that they
were more on the healthy side of the snack food spectrum but I
discovered that they were roasted and coated within an inch of their little
almond life, providing little to no essential oils or health value. I will be
reevaluating a lot of my snacking staples to ensure I’m eating only what
is optimal to my neuronal development.
Reference
http://www.healthybrainforlife.com/articles/school-health-andnutrition/feeding-the-brain-for-academic-success-how
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/261890-nutrition-for-brain-cells/