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"The brain we develop reflects the life we lead." ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama
We are living in a world of extreme environmental toxins and stresses, both physical and emotional. And on top of that, the rate of cognitive diseases, such as Alzheimers' is skyrocketing. Therefore, it is critical to protect our brain health and also practice good eating habits that will help us to think and remember.
1. Eat fermented foods - As you can see from the sub-title of Dr. Perlmutter's book, Brain Maker, (see image below), gut microbes have a direct link to your brain! So, eating sauerkraut, and other lacto-fermented foods, such as yogurt, will ensure that you have a healthy microbiome to power your brain.
"The microbiome affects our mood, libido, metablism, immunity, and even our preception of the world and the clarity of our thoughts." ~ from Brain Maker, p. 9
Watch this short video on The Brain Maker.
2. Cardio workout - You don't have to do crazy extreme sports. Simply anything that helps to bring oxygen to your lungs and brain. Jogging (moderate pace), cycling, or using an elliptical are excellent choices. The key is to engage in an activity that increases oxygen to your lungs and circulation to your brain.
3. Eat butter - Really! There's something called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a protein in our brain that initiates growth of neurons. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps to promote production of BDNF is found in butter.
And by the way, our gut can also make butyrate with a high fiber diet and good gut microbes. So, eating sauerkraut and other lacto-fermented vegetables on a regular basis helps to increase butyrate as well.
(Organic or raw butters from grass-fed cows are your best choices.)
4. Maintain blood sugar balance - Spikes in blood sugar negatively affects our brains because it leads to depletion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA, and dopamine, which are critical to brain function.
5. Choose organic foods - Yes, it does matter and it makes a difference.
According to Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, founder of Bastyr University and author of The Toxin Solution, 60% of the toxins which invade our bodies come from food sources. Research show that an overload of toxins in the body can cross the blood brain barrier and initiate inflammation in the brain, which can lead to dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
Have you had your sauerkraut today? There's nothing like homemade sauerkraut! Please try one of our favorite recipes: Sauerkraut with Lemon & Dill.
