Your brain can be your best friend or your worst enemy, and taking care of it is one of the most important things you can do. The right steps toward brain health can make all the difference in the relationship between you and your body. The human brain is still largely a mystery, and developments in neuroscience are reassuring us that old dogs can learn new tricks, and the ability to regrow brain cells is definitely possible!
Your brain connects to every part of your body through neural connections. Your gut has almost as many neurons as your actual brain- so much so that it’s often referred to as a second brain – that’s how powerful it is! Gut feelings are a real thing, and taking care of your digestive health has a tremendous impact on mood and cognition.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention and treating the root cause, and both of these are important when talking about brain health. Preventing memory loss and dementia – or preventing it from getting worse – can both be done with natural support. Things like anxiety and depression often have roots in digestive health, and naturopathic doctors can help find what exactly is causing your concerns!
Memory
Nobody likes the feeling of forgetting and things slip all of our minds at one time or another but as we get older, it’s normal for there to be some decline in our ability to remember, and it’s possible to help slow this process down. Our brains are made up of, and live off of healthy fats. It does well well when we have proper blood sugar regulation and sufficient levels of minerals and micronutrients. Naturopathic doctors can help you choose the right supplements, like fish oils and mineral blends to optimize memory.
ADHD
ADHD is a common childhood concern, and it can affect adults as well. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention or concentrating, and often have trouble sitting still. There are many natural alternatives to medications that can make a big difference in reducing symptoms and treating ADHD. You can read more about ADHD and naturopathic approaches.
Psychological Concerns
Psychological concerns, like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, can all be a result of imbalances in the brain. A holistic approach incorporates neurotransmitter balancing, digestive health, and stress management so that you can feel happy and healthy. Read more about some common psychological concerns and naturopathic approaches.
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
It can be devastating to see a loved one’s brain begin failing them. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are both degenerative, inflammatory conditions of the brain and nervous system and a naturopathic approach to treating these conditions involves removing inflammatory foods from your diet and supporting your brain with healthy fats and minerals. Intravenous therapy can provide high levels of antioxidants, like glutathione, which can help reduce inflammation and improve the cognitive function.
Brain Optimization
Let’s admit it, most people wish that their brain could perform just a bit better, even if there’s nothing wrong with it. This is a common request from students, who are constantly memorizing things and writing exams. Many people who require high levels of focus for their demanding jobs also benefit from brain health optimization. There are many herbs and foods that can help increase blood flow to the brain and even help grow your gray matter. Proper stress management techniques can also help you stay in that flow state for longer, meaning higher grades and increased productivity.
Digestive Health
It’s quite surprising to learn that your digestion and brain health are intimately linked! A proper balance of good and bad bacteria, inflammatory foods, and healthy bowel habits all contribute to mental health and brain function. Your gut is at the center of your health, and there are many naturopathic approaches to digestive dysfunction and how we get your gut in balance.
See how your brain could be healthier with naturopathic medicine and book an appointment now!
