Bio Hacking The Brain

Bio Hacking The Brain

Bio Hacking The Brain

Mental illness is still such a taboo subject, many people don’t know that depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic stress and other problems affecting the mind can wreak havoc on the brain and memory. A well-respected study on depressive symptoms and cognitive decline, for example, found that elderly women with six or more depressive symptoms had a 230 percent risk of cognitive deterioration. In fact, failing to seek early treatment for depression is one of the key factors that, if controlled, could prevent one in three cases of dementia, according to recent research published in the Lancet. Getting your mind right is critical if you want to get your memory back, and your whole life will benefit—your energy, self-confidence, and outlook will all improve. You can heal your mental health issues and strengthen your memory by following the protocols in this article which are scientifically validated in many journals and much of the information here overlaps with the incredible;e research from The Blue Zones Study and Volter Longo longevity studies and longevity diet. This research-based program identifies and provides treatment for the 11 risk factors that damage your mind and memory.

One lab test we recommend is the Omega-3 Index, which measures the red-blood-cell levels of EPA and DHA, two fatty acids critical to the brain and emotional health. You can do a lot to improve your mental and emotional health. Here are easy steps to take: Start every day with the phrase, “Today is going to be a great day”; positive self-talk has a powerful influence on the brain. Write down three things you are grateful for every day Learn to meditate; a loving-kindness meditation is especially effective. Take a daily walk in nature for negative ions. Stop the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts): When you’re feeling mad, sad, nervous or out of control, note down your negative thoughts and talk back to them. Take a good multivitamin/mineral, vitamin D, magnesium and an omega-3 EPA/DHA supplement daily.

For general mental health support, use more saffron (which helps mood and memory), turmeric, peppermint and cinnamon (attention) in your food. And boost your diet for these specific issues: If you’re a worrier or moody: Consider taking 5-HTP and saffron; eat more tryptophan-containing foods with healthy carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa. If you lack focus: Consider taking Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, and ginseng; have more dopamine-rich foods/drinks, such as turmeric, green tea, lentils, nuts and seeds, high protein veggies (broccoli, spinach) and protein powders. If you are anxious: Consider taking GABA and theanine; eat more GABA-rich foods, such as broccoli, almonds, walnuts, lentils, bananas, brown rice, whole oats, oranges, rice bran and spinach. Some Other Brain hacks for World Renowned Neurologist by Dr. Daniel Amen:

  • Take Ginkgo leaf – especially for blood flow
  • A small increase in dopamine rather than a large increase such as porn, drugs, addiction, excessive exercise
  • Do something new daily, new exercise for the brain
  • Optimise ferritin levels to between 40-80
  • Eat organic – decrease toxins – think dirty APP
  • Do regular saunas and rocket sports for coordination
  • Exercise to increase blood flow
  • Adequate sleep and no contact sports due to head trauma
  • Avoid inflammation by increasing omega 3 fatty acids. Check creative protein level to check inflammation – it should not be over 1
  • Immunity, infections and vitamin D. Optimise vitamin D to decrease cancer risk, decrease appetite and lose weight

Bright minds by Daniel Amen:

B – Blood flow

R – Retirement and aging

I – Inflammation

G – Genetics

H – Head trauma

T – Toxins

M – Mental health

I – Immunity

N – Neurohormone deficiencies

D – Diabesity

S – Sleep

Bright minds explained:

B – Blood flow:

Avoid coffee, smoking, high blood pressure and low activity

Take ginkgo, beets, chilli peppers, exercise such as brisk walking. Try hyperbaric chamber.

R – Retirement and aging:

Avoid loneliness. Don’t stop learning.

Social connection, increase vitamin C, keep mind active

I – Inflammation:

Check for inflammation with C-reactive protein test + omega 3 index

Eliminate processed foods + gum disease

Floss teeth, add turmeric + omega 3

G – Genetics:

Take vitamin D + turmeric + green tea + blueberries + sage to decrease plaque build up in the brain

H – Head trauma:

Avoid contact sports as even mild head trauma from 10 years previous can induce depression and memory loss

Take multivitamin and high omega 3

T – Toxins:

Avoid smoking, second hand smoking, mold exposure, carbon monoxide, cancer chemo, mercury, lead and other heavy metals

Eat organic + organic skin care, support organs of detoxification (skin, kidney, liver and colon), more water and fibre, sauna, add broccoli and cabbage

M – Mental health:

Address chronic stress, emotional trauma, grief, depression, bipolar disease, ADD. These all impact the brain and memory

Nutraceuticals such as omega 3, saffron, SAME supplement and diet rich in vegetables, add meditation, exercise and hypnosis

I – Immunity and infections:

Boost vitamin D and take probiotic rich foods. Eat garlic, onions and mushrooms.

N – Neurohormone deficiencies:

Avoid hormone disruptors (pesticides, BPAS and parabens)

Buy organic food and organic skincare

D – Diabesity:

As the size of your body goes up, your brain shrinks in size and functionality

Excessive body fat – disrupts hormones + stores toxins + increases inflammation

High blood sugar damages your brain

Eat high quality calories + healthy fats + fruits and vegetables. Add spices like turmeric, garlic, pepper, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg

S – Sleep:

Sleep issues leads to brain + memory issues. Get more than 7 hours sleep.

Avoid coffee + phones + noise and light

Try magnesium or 5 HTP and try journaling before bedtime if you have stress or worry