FOODS THAT MAKE SENSE TO THE BRAIN

FOODS THAT MAKE SENSE TO THE BRAIN.

Glucose: Glucose is obtained from the break down of complex carbohydrates. Also, glucose exists on its own as a simple carbohydrate. 
As a simple carbohydrate(sugar), glucose is found in fruits and vegetables and refined sugars and sugary snacks and beverages. Now while fruits and vegetables are good sources of glucose because of their fibre content, refined sugars and sugary snacks and beverages are not good sources of glucose especially for the brain. This is because they are high glycemic, that is they cause a sharp rise in blood glucose and shortly after, the blood glucose drops sharply leading to irritability and fatigue. 
Complex carbohydrates on the other hand, are excellent sources of glucose for the brain if the carbohydrates are whole grains(minimally processed). This is because their high fibre content makes them low glycemic, meaning that the glucose in them will be gradually introduced into the blood, supplying glucose at a steady and gradual pace. This is more beneficial to the brain. Some complex carbohydrate sources are; potatoes, yam, whole ans), local rice, multi grain breads, plantain, whole wheat, whole millet, guinea corn, corn.

The only source of energy for the brain is Glucose. The brain uses about 460kcal if glucose per day. The multiple and prolific metabolic reactions going on in the brain are powered by glucose supplied to the brain by the blood. The brain simply cannot function without glucose. Ironically, when there is high glucose in the blood about 400mg/dl, the brain packs up(coma) and when glucose is too low about 30 mg/dl the brain still enters coma. It is therefore important to maintain the blood sugar level within 80-120 mg/dl, by eating wholesome foods in moderation and exercise. 
When the body is starving /fasting, homeostasis is activated and the liver begins to break down stored glycogen to glucose(gluconeogenesis) and glucose is thus supplied to the blood and the brain! What a wonderful GOD, that made us in HIS Unfathomable Wisdom.

Now you know.
Eat For Your Brain.

Eat Responsibly.

HABITS  THAT MAKE SENSE TO THE BRAIN.

•  SLEEP. Sound, sufficient sleep is vital to the health of your brain. When you are sleeping, neurons(the nerves of the brain), are freed from free radicals and other waste products that have accumulated during active periods. Without sufficient and regular sleep, brain function decreases. 
• DRINK ENOUGH WATER. Water is the medium for most chemical reactions. So many chemical reactions go on in the brain. It is needful to keep the brain hydrated. 
• GET FRESH AIR. This might be a challenge for people living in urban areas as fumes from cars and machines pollute the air. You can go outside early morning and breathe in some fresh air before cars hit the road. The air you breathe supplies oxygen to the brain. The brain needs oxygen more than the other organs in your body. Take walks in a park with trees or any area where there are trees.
• PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. It is known that people who are physically active(exercise), from ages 20-60 are less likely to have Alzheimer's (age related memory loss and mental degeneration) . Get some exercise, it helps to regenerate your neurons and increase blood flow to your brain. That is why you feel alert after exercise. 
• CLEAN YOUR BLOOD. Yes, clean out the trash(toxins) in your blood. The blood in your body passes through your brain 7 times every hour and makes deposits in your brain. Ditch habits like smoking tobacco and hard drugs, taking substances that make you 'high', alcohol intake, consumption of highly processed foods. Make it a daily habit to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Also eat whole grains and legumes, these contain B vitamins which your brain needs for its nutrition. 

Now you know.

        Treat Your Brain Responsibly! 

    Acknowledgement: Dr George D. Pamplona-Roger.