Brain Health - Patricia Holl Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana Equine Canine

Hi all! I know it’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from me, but I’ve been busy. Most recently, I was attending an advanced ‘Functional Neurology’ course in Milwaukee, exercising my brain. That’s right, my brain! In order for our brains to perform optimally, they require a regular fitness program, just like the rest of our bodies. Our brains function most efficiently when they are in a balanced state. This includes a balance between neurotransmitters like Glutamate and GABA, balanced calcium ions and cellular stability. As we age, some of our brains’ processes can become less active, resulting in loss of memory function and mental disorganization. So, here are a few things we can do to maintain optimal brain fitness:

1.      EXERCISE. According to Harvard Psychiatry Professor John Ratey, author of  Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain, ‘nothing beats exercise for promoting brain health’.

2.      DIET and NUTRITION: James Joseph, neuroscientist at the Agricultural Research Service writes: ‘vitamins and minerals in plant foods provide protective antioxidants, but fruits vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains contain thousands of other types of compounds that contribute significantly to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants.’ Antioxidants help to provide energy for brain cell activity. And avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, as toxins can build up and break down cellular integrity.

3.      KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP: Read, learn a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. Increased focus can improve brain fitness by promoting concentration, alertness and blood flow to the brain.

 

So, when you’re thinking about your fitness, don’t forget about your brain. After that 'Crossfit' workout, go home, eat a balanced meal, and read an article or a book. Start those piano lessons you've been thinking about. Learn a new song. Oh, and by the way, what goes for us, goes for our pets. Make sure their diet is high in nutrient supply and they have plenty of clean water. Maintaining a strong, dependable and healthy brain will ensure years of productivity and health! Have a comment? Join the conversation.

The Importance of Water - Pat Holl Animal Chiropractor in Montana

Let’s face it, water is vital to your health. It is the main component of the human body, and every cell requires it. Water assists metabolism and helps remove toxins, particularly from the digestive tract. It cushions and lubes joints and muscles, and transports nutrients and oxygen into cells. It regulates body temperature, and reduces risk of disease and infection. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California found that people who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were less likely to die from a heart attack or heart disease. When your body becomes dehydrated, harmful effects can ensue. Chronic cellular dehydration leaves the body in a weakened state, leading to vulnerability and imbalances. These may include fatigue, migraines, muscle cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and poor metabolism. Benefits of drinking water include losing weight, as drinking water reduces hunger. Additionally, thirst can be mistaken for hunger, so it might be a glass of water your body is craving, rather than that afternoon snack. Water is a natural remedy for headache pain, as dehydration is a common headache contributor. It relieves fatigue, as your body works harder when dehydrated to pump out the oxygenated blood to cells, Also some studies show that drinking appropriate amounts of water may reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and shortening contact time. And how much water should we be drinking? 8 glasses a day? AT LEAST! Try half your body weight in ounces! You can’t have too much water. It is the single most important element for cellular integrity. Oh, and what goes for us, goes for our pets, but they tend to be smarter than us regarding water. Just leave them plenty of clean water, and they’ll be sure to drink it. Have a comment? Join in!