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Health October 2012

Eat Right Now

Feed Your Head

By Wendell Fowler

First of all, it's been proven junk food and crappy imitation food stewing in succulent chemicals and preservatives dumb you down. An English study showed IQ is affected by either a good or low-grade diet and whether or not the subjects took vitamins.

Got a hitch in your mental get-along, space out punch lines halfway through a joke, remember S&H Green Stamps but can't recall yesterday? Then remember what the dormouse said according to Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane: feed your head.

Kurt Vonnegut judged that the big trouble is that our brains are much too large for our own good, we are much too busy. Our brains have proved to be terribly destructive when left unguided. Noggin this: those souls who control where their thoughts go and follow their life's purpose, avoid dementia. There are roughly 100 billion neurons -- the same amount as stars in our galaxy -- in your three-pound brain. The human mind produces around 70,000 thoughts a day. It's composed of 77% water, 12% lipids, 8% protein, 1% carbs, 2% soluble organics, and 1% inorganic salt. Now you see why drinking water, not diet beverages, is so significant to brain health.

Like a motor, it needs fuel and reverential maintenance. You wouldn't put skanky fuel in your Lamborghini (if you had one) would you? Well, your brain is infinitely more valuable than pieces of metal, so feed your head as wisely. First of all, it's been proven junk food and crappy imitation food stewing in succulent chemicals and preservatives dumb you down. An English study showed IQ is affected by either a good or low-grade diet and whether or not the subjects took vitamins.

DHA is a good fat found throughout the body. It goes straight to brain tissues to keep them functioning optimally. In the March 2003 Discover magazine, a report describes how people in a 7-year study who ate tuna, salmon, mackerel or trout at least once every week had a 30% lower occurrence of dementia. Norwegian fish and flax oil caps work well preventing blood clots and brain inflammation. Eat omega-3-rich walnuts. Notice how the nut resembles the brain it's sustaining.

Deliciously unrefined virgin coconut oil produces ketones which dissolve brain plaques and tangles. Put 2 tablespoons in your oatmeal. A combo of vitamin D-3, fresh ginger and turmeric may prevent or reverse Alzheimer's. A 600mg daily dose of alpha lipoic acid has been shown to stop the progression of dementia according to a study from Rush University Center in Chicago.

Medical experts say caffeine is a potent diuretic which leads to excessive urination. This causes dehydration which leads to an inadequate water volume in the body, resulting in an imbalance of minerals in bloodstream cells. Mineral imbalance interferes with brain cells. Left untreated, dehydration can result in permanent brain damage or even death.

Dip your brain into a piece of soul-stirring, foot-tapping music, clear your mind of clutter and float downstream. Connect with nature -- our precious home. Garden, take a peaceful walk, or partake in moderate outdoor physical activity. It stimulates oxygen flow to the brain and maintains mental sharpness. Laughter is brilliant medicine. It releases feel-good endorphins, so let go and loosen up. Laugh at your silly self. Your brain loves fun and learning at any age. Solve mental puzzles to invigorate and challenge your mind. By nature, we're social animals. Don't vegetate watching the boob-tube all day; mingle.

Master the art form of napping. You'll feel more alive and be more productive. Light a scented candle and always stop to smell the ethereal garden roses to rejuvenate. A soothing hot bath helps relax your muscles and cleanse your brain of mental clutter. Add bath moisturizer. The uplifting aroma will mellow you out. For a short period of time, give your imagination permission to run wild in childlike wonderlands.

Boomers, your past is here. Not encouraging illegal activities, but Scripps Research Institute in California and Web MD assert the THC in pot may slow down the progression of Alzheimer's, but don't be a dope. Use your head.

 

Chef Wendell hosts Eat Right Now on WISH TV 8 CBS Indianapolis. He can be reached at 317-372-2592 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Visit his website at Chefwendell.com.

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