By Michele Tenney
Here’s To Your Health
Michele Tenney
Our central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, is the command center of our body. It controls every heartbeat, breath, thought and movement sending messages between our brain and body at lightning speed. Yet in our busy lives, we often take this extraordinary system for granted. Supporting brain and nervous system health isn’t just about avoiding disease, though that is very important. It’s about nurturing the very core of who we are: our energy, focus, emotions and balance in our lives.
The central nervous system functions like a high-speed computer. The brain interprets information from our senses, while the spinal cord acts like the highway delivering signals to and from the rest of the body. Billions of nerve cells called neurons send messages through electrical and chemical signals. These signals refer to everything from muscle movement to memory storage and emotional response.
When this system is working well, we feel alert, focused and calm. But when it’s overloaded by stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep or toxins, our communication system becomes sluggish or overstimulated, so the result is brain fog, mood swings, fatigue and chronic health issues.
What we eat directly affects how our brain and nervous system functions. Think of food as fuel for your “wiring.” Omega fatty acids like those found in fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as flax and chia seeds help maintain flexible cell membranes which allow signals to pass efficiently. B vitamins are crucial for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and mental clarity. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables – especially berries, green leafy vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower – help protect the brain from oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and neurodegenerative disease.
Hydration is also a key component to brain health. The brain is nearly 75 percent water, and even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory. I cannot stress enough the importance of drinking water all throughout the day.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for brain health, especially as we age. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen to the brain. You don’t need to run marathons: even brisk walking, yoga and gentle stretching can help enhance clarity and reduce stress and anxiety by regulating cortisol and adrenaline levels. Exercise also encourages the brain to release endorphins, the “happy” chemical which naturally can put you in a better mood. When you move your body, you are strengthening your mind.
We really need to address stress management. Most of us are running on a high cortisol lifestyle. Work, family, children, sports and so much more are things that keep us on the cortisol treadmill. We have to be intentional about reducing stress. Sleep is when the brain performs its most critical state. During sleep your body clears away toxins that build up during the day. Chronic sleep deprivation interferes with this process, leading to cognitive decline.
Michele Tenney is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist & Wellness Coach. She is a member of the Orange Board of Health. She can be reached at 203-668-2969 or email at Hmgbrd3@gmail.com.