Ep. 186: How to optimize your brain

Guest: Aileen Burford-Mason

You have probably heard the false adage that you only use 10% of your brain.

Advances in neuroscience has swept that concept aside, but that doesn’t mean your brain is functioning at its peak.

In fact, there’s a good chance it is underperforming because you are not feeding it the nutrients it needs. Your brain is the most metabolically active organ in your body. The brain needs ten times the fuel of any other organ. Failure to supply it with the elements it needs means your brain gets tired, it falters and it will let you down.

It comes down to diet, exercise and a full complement of vitamins. Vitamins need to interact with one another. For example, D3 without magnesium is far less effective; eggs without the yoke robs you of choline which becomes a neurotransmitter. Turmeric without fat is less effective – in other words cook with it rather than take a supplement.

Remember, your brain needs you to provide it with a healthy diet: one rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A properly fed brain is then equipped to be used to its full potential. And, Aristotle told us that failure to reach our full potential is a tragedy for all of humanity.

You owe it to yourself and to all of us to be your best. Luckily you can and, along the way, enjoy better sleep, increased vitality, better moods; you’ll be more focused and creative. Your work will improve, you’ll enjoy life and you’ll find coping with stress easier.

Then, as you age, the health of your brain will play a vital role in warding off dementia. You’ll enjoy and remember your grandchildren and the people you love and care about.

We invited Aileen Burford-Mason to join us for a Conversation That Matters on how to optimize your brain at any age.