The term neurogenesis breaks down to neuro, or nerve cell, and genesis, or creation. Neurogenesis is then the creation of new nerve cells, or neurons, and is generally related to the brain. It was long thought that adults could not experience new brain cell growth, but new research indicates that there are areas of the brain that can, in fact, grow new nerve cells under the right conditions.
What is the Purpose of Neurogenesis and How Does it Work?
Neurogenesis takes the granule cell neurons that exist in your brain tissue and activates them by wiring them into the neural network. Neural networks serve as established pathways for thoughts and actions that we engage in on a regular basis. Until the new cells are wired in and powered by energy through the synapse, the granule cells are dormant. If your existing neurons are failing at a rate greater than the granule cells can be activated, you will suffer neural decline.
If you are lucky enough to not suffer from an illness that is not destroying your brain neurons at an accelerated rate, there are actions you can take to more easily incorporate new neurons into your existing neural web. The act of creating new pathways in the brain is also called neuroplasticity, or the ability to make new connections inside the brain.
What can Help to Increase the Strength of the Brain and Neurogenesis?
One of the best actions you can take to promote new brain connections and overall brain health is to exercise. Not only can exercise lift your spirits and improve your heart health, but a good workout can help you make new mental connections and tackle old challenges with a better outlook and strong problem solving skills.
If you have cut back on exercise due to the pandemic or simply because life is overloading you, now is the time to start moving your body more. For those who lack the energy or have noticed a loss of tone or flexibility, consider visiting your physician. Make a blood work to get your HGH levels checked and to review the condition of your pituitary gland, and get prescribed for safe HGH brands treatment if needed.
Ways to Train Your Brain?
New information is critical for brain growth and to promote the inclusion of new cells into networks. Additionally, collaborative connections that include socialization are an ideal way to stimulate new brain connections.
For example, a competitive game of scrabble can stretch your brain in one direction, especially as it forces you to think on the fly. The word that looked like a terrific fit three turns ago may not work, so you will have to come up with something else.
To stretch your brain in a new way, try playing a partner game with a child or grandchild, or try building something with them. Games such as puzzles and toys that involve construction combined with an empathic connection with a loved one will take your synapses in a new direction, engaging even more neurons into the network.
Good Habits for a Healthy Brain
In addition to regular, vigorous exercise as a way to engage your brain and lift your mood, you need to get quality rest. This means
- no television in the bedroom, as TV is passive use of your brain
- no screens in the bedroom unless on contrast, with white letters on a black background
- keeping the bedroom cool, dark and as comfortable as possible for all involved, and
- using a sleep schedule to train your body to rest and get up at the same time each day
Your food intake also has a huge impact on both your body and brain. Whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, and lean proteins can help to reduce inflammation in the body. As inflammation in the body can lead to high blood pressure, which puts your brain at risk, your fork can do a lot to help or hurt your brain.
Coffee is also good for your brain, as long as you enjoy it in moderation. The stimulant blocks the chemicals that make you drowsy and lifts your spirit. Additionally, coffee is extremely high in antioxidants.
Antioxidant Benefits
Antioxidants protect all of your tissues from damage from free radicals and need to be a constant part of your diet. Free radicals are unstable molecules and atoms that travel through your body and attach themselves to your tissues. Because they change the cells they bind to, they are inherently damaging and destructive over time.
Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of high levels of free radical damage. However, the act of using oxygen also generates free radicals, so a diet high in antioxidants can keep your risk down. This means eating plenty of produce, particularly berries, carrots, and greens.
Moving your body through space with vigor, eating a healthy diet and exercising your brain in new directions is key to promoting neurogenesis within your own skull. Do your best to actively participate in learning new things. Use your television as just one tool of getting information, but go to the trouble to read for more in depth learning.
