Brain Health=Mental Health

So, recently, I was introduced to Dr. Daniel Amen's research on brain health through his book, You, Happier. I myself am a mental health/brain health nerd, and I do consider myself someone who routinely struggles with anxiety. Because of that, I have always wanted to be able to prove to people who offered me help that their tips did not work for me because my brain is literally different from theirs. I especially wanted to prove this with the concept of sugar, as I am highly sensitive to it. Now I know that people literally can get pictures taken of their brains, called SPECT scans, and can see how healthy or unhealthy their brains are. One day, I would really like to have on done on my brain. I'd like to know exactly what type of brain I have and how to take care of it.

Taking care of your brain is part of taking care of your body. Many people think you can make all the changes necessary for your healthiest brain mentally, meaning theough your thoughts. That's why we always hear people saying: "Think positive." "Clear your mind." "Your thoughts are who you will become." And I'm not saying those things aren't true. What I will say is that doing those things can be very hard if your brain itself isn't healthy. Sadly not many clinics in America screen your brain, and if they do, it's usually in search of certain symptoms such as those of cancer or other serious brain illnesses.

In his book, You, Happier, Dr. Amen talks about how brain injuries can make individuals more prone to depression, fatigue, and personality changes. Your brain, he explains, is the consistency of soft butter. Your skull is well, hard. Your brain hitting your skull, even when it is not labeled as a concussion but a mid brain injury, can cause huge changes to the way your brain functions. Everyone has a brain and everybody, from children to teenagers, from adults to elders, need to be equipped to take care of their unique brain and brain type. There are seven types of brains and if you are curious about what they are called, just check out the book I mentioned.

In order to take care of your brain, several important steps must be made to maintain and restore its health, beginning with proper nutrition. For anyone who doesn't know, which I don't think anyone does, in January, I became vegetarian. It wasn't like a crazy switch. I just came off of the Daniel Fast and didn't desire to eat meat again. I felt so light and free after the three weeks of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and organic food. I'd never felt that way eating meat. I just felt sort of heavy every time I ate that. I am considering pescatarianism, which is being vegetarian but also eating seafood, because I might be missing some nutrients only found in meat products, but that's something me and my body will have to decide.

Do you ever just feel down or suddenly anxious? It really could be something you are eating or something you are not eating. In my eyes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and natural, sugar-free sweeteners are some of the things you should begin to consume more of. If you've consistently been feeling bad, consider taking an elimination diet. All that an elimination diet is is knocking a certain food or prospective allergen out of your diet in order to see whether or not it is causing you to feel less than your best. My mom has been on an elimination diet for a long time-- cutting meat and dairy from her diet. She determined that neither of those things was the problem, but opted to remain vegan-- with some exceptions in mainly her baked goods. She says often that it is just her daily choice not to eat those things. Not because they are bad but because she knows there are other things that taste good that are better for her.

Another thing that could help you to achieve ultimate brain health is maintaining a fun exercise schedule. Taking care of your body is way more important than even cleaning up your kitchen because it will improve your outlook, your energy levels, and overall health. Get involved in something you like: tennis, swimming, dancing, etc. Honestly, I hate the gym. If you don't like the gym, don't go there. Find your rhythm.

Thank you so much for reading this little peek into the content of this book and my interpretation of it. Please subscribe to the blog for more updates about mental health, book, movies, food, and encouragement. (And who knows. Maybe when I start my podcast, to hear my interview with Dr. Amen.)

'K, bye!