The Promise of Science for Brain Health

I remember while taking AP Psychology in High School, Mr. Stumpf shared that if you lost or damaged brain cells, there was no hope for recovery or regeneration so it was very important to prevent damage or injury. Science has now disproved that teaching. Through childhood the brain develops and continues to change throughout a lifetime. There appears to be hope and the possibility of brain healing in most situations due to three processes:

Neuroplasticity: The idea that the brain changes in response to new experiences and that nerve cells are able to be strengthened or weakened in response to use (or lack of). Brain growth does not end in childhood and continues throughout our lives. Our brains are molded by our experiences. Your brain of the future depends on your choices now. The idea “use it or lose it” applies here, nerve cells will atrophy if not used, and they will grow bigger and stronger if used. Repetition enhances neural connections, “nerve cells that fire together wire together.”

Neurogenesis: The idea that the brain is able to produce new neurons, growing and healing itself. Stem cells are capable of generating new brain cells. There are environmental factors and behaviors that positively influence neurogenesis: Healthy diet, caloric deficiency to lessen oxidative stress, sleep, social connection, exercise, and new learning. “Physical exercise helps create new brain cells, while mental exercise helps those newborn cells connect and thrive.”

Epigenetics: Most know that DNA is passed from us to our parents, and that our DNA is fixed and essentially a map or instructions on how to develop and run our bodies. The study of epigenetics demonstrates how our environment and behaviors can change which genes are turned on or off. The expression of our genes can be influenced by environment, stress, diet, exercises, and chemical exposure.

Healthy levels of serotonin regulate neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Toxins and stress hinder neurogenesis. The take away here: That if given the right inputs our brains are able to generate, strengthen, and grow. What you should be practicing: exercise, new learning, social connection, good sleep, healthy diet, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. Removing your exposure to toxins. Need some guidance on building a solid self-care routine? Coriander Living Collective is here to help! Just reach out! The Chemistry of Calm is also a great learning tool!

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The Chemistry of Calm by Henry Emmons, M.D.