Written by Connie Rogers
Young or old, if obesity is on the rise so is brain fog. Why is this important? Obesity is instrumental in brain atrophy. This means, a poor dietary lifestyle and exposure to chemicals have been found to deplete our mental reserves, serotonin levels and become causal in misfiring electrical signals. In today’s world, mending memory can be the driving force in healthy mitochondria production in order to prevent disease and repair moods.
10 Easy Habits you can implement today!
Daily Meditation. Meditation boost mitochondria. Starting my morning with meditation keeps me grounded, patient, and expands my vision. Meditation reminds me to breathe deeply and include kindness in everything I do. When we’re grounded, we may notice energy levels naturally improve. A controlling lifestyle disrupts balance and energy. If we spend time and energy trying to control everything in our life, we drain our brain and focusing power.
Health is a habit, not a once-in-a-while event. I couldn’t help but overhear a friend at my Thanksgiving dinner table saying; “I didn’t come here for healthy, where’s the energy drinks?” Imagine the confusion at a table loaded with organic raw food choices!
Researchers from the University of Texas at Houston says energy drinks narrow blood vessels, which restricts blood flow to vital organs and may increase brain fog. If we just give this a moment of thought, we’ll discover our body and brain never function optimally on chemicals because of the toxicity problems they leave behind. The most significant influence to our health is our habits. Instead of comfort eating and latte fixes, find comfort in eliminating inflammatory foods such as hydrogenated oils, caffeine, sugar, refined flours, and corn products. Enjoy anti-inflammatory foods such as organic fruits and vegetables. Include root veggies in coconut milk such as ginger, and turmeric root for a delicious homemade energy drink.
Balanced hormones can keep us happy. Testosterone is an essential component of female and male sexuality and associated with reduced anxiety and depression. Low testosterone levels can be causal in low libido, heart disorders and can negatively impact brain function. What can decrease testosterone levels are processed foods, along with sugar and alcohol addictions. Broccoli, cauliflower, and pomegranates increase magnesium and testosterone levels. These foods are also attributed to improving moods and depression.
Vitamin D is a hormone made in the skin from exposure to sunshine. Sunscreens, alcohol abuse, smoking, and stress can decrease vitamin D levels, which in turn harm sleep habits, and decrease our happy! Low levels of vitamin D are also linked to cognitive decline, decreased mitochondria and serotonin levels. Consuming synthetic vitamin D is not going to fix this dilemma. What can you do? Ditch toxic habits and try to get 15 minutes of sunshine or light therapy every day.
A good night’s sleep improves immunity, removes toxins, decreases cravings and brain fog. Additionally, our skin eliminates toxins through proper sleep habits. Sleeping 7- 8 hours a night is found instrumental in healthy melatonin and serotonin levels.
Probiotics can help build immunity and good gut microbiome. They’re also found helpful in decreasing inflammatory conditions. PLUS, they positively affect cognitive function! You can add in probiotic-rich fermented veggies and Kombucha for breakfast, snacks, or lunch options. A healthy mitochondria fights inflammatory conditions. However, there is a rapid emergence of resistant bacteria occurring around the world. Antibiotic resistance can decrease our happy. Because antibiotics damage good gut microbiome they can be found causal in mental confusion, and brain fog. The number of people in the United States with Alzheimer’s disease in 2050 is projected to be 13.8 million unless preventive measures are developed. I believe probiotics are a preventive measure for Alzheimer’s and other preventable disorders.
Exercise and hydration. Our nervous system can’t function properly without a healthy mitochondria. We can improve our day, mood, and decrease stress levels by implementing habits such as exercise and water. Exercise and water improve cognition, release toxins, and both positively change our body, mind, attitude, microbiome, and hormones!
Music and singing fill our emotional needs, helps control bouts of anxiety and may even boost consciousness. Music can be a mood booster contributing to our happy! How is this possible? By stimulating our vagus nerve! Recent studies have found we can curb hunger, increase memory, and reduce arthritic inflammation by stimulating the vagus nerve. (gut/brain axis) Facts are, depression is associated with reduced immunity, while stimulating the vagus nerve helps to keep our immune system in check.
Fill your cup. The mind and body are connected, so it’s no wonder if you’re emotionally- drained, you’ll know it’s time for some serious self-care. Facts are, a selfcare plan is not selfish. To implement this habit, you can go for a long walk, read a book, or make an appointment with a massage therapist. Massage increases oxygen levels and decreases stress levels, while improving blood flow, mood, and brain fog. Imagine taking care of yourself with lifelong habits that actually feel good!
Gratitude. When we find out what is valuable and meaningful to us we can improve our wellbeing. So find that little bit of joy, however small, on a daily basis. Become grateful for what you have now, and welcome in daily challenges. Gratitude increases energy and keeps us relaxed and less anxious. Gratitude and appreciation instill abundance, happiness, and strengthens our intention muscle.
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