by Mario Carini

Created on: October 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2008

Brain health is as important as the health of our bodies. Our brains need stimulation and activity to stay sharp and focused. What occurs in the gray matter affects your physical health. If you're in a constant fog, unable to think clearly, your body will react negatively.

That lump of gray matter needs the same vital nutrients to function as does your body. Since the diet of most people consists of highly processed and refined foods, it's no surprise that Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression and so many mental illnesses strike so many people. The right kind of food insures proper brain function.

Your brain needs oxygen which you can't get if you smoke a pack a day. Alcohol dulls the mind making it impossible to think clearly and solve problems. Physical exercise is important for both body and mind. A walk outdoors helps toward the circulation of blood to the brain. Since your brain rests on the top of your head, you need a heart that's strong enough to get oxygen into the skull. Since many people do not get enough exercise the health of brain and body is severely compromised.

Many prescription and mood altering drugs affect the functioning of the mind. Drugs used to treat depression and other mental disorders often have a reverse effect on the way the brain functions to what the drug is intended to do. SSRIs have been known to cause suicidal thoughts and bizarre behavior. Many high school shootings have come from the use of prescription drugs. Even statins can cause memory blackouts and mental fatigue. If you do take a drug to treat a mental disorder you should keep in contact with your doctor to insure that the medication does not interfere with your daily activities and lead to health problems down the road.

In a world where our foods are severely depleted of the vitamins and minerals necessary for brain function, all of us need to supplement. The brain needs certain vitamins, such as C, D and E, folic acid and B vitamins to stay sharp and focussed.

Sleep is another important element of brain health. Sleep allows the brain to recover from the stresses of daily life. Without adequate rest and relaxation your day will be unproductive, your goals unachievable.

Just as sleep is important, so is that most important meal that many overlook and neglect: Breakfast! It's the meal that starts your day off productively. It's a fact that children who do not eat a proper breakfast have a hard time concentrating and have lower grades at school. And you won't do any better

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