October 23, 2022
The brain is one of the most complex and vital organs in the entire body. It is responsible for relaying and receiving large amounts of information in order to allow the body to function properly.
Because the brain is so integral to all bodily systems, the brain regularly receives 20% of the body’s overall oxygen supply and can even receive up to 50% when needed. Similarly, over 750-1,000 milliliters of blood flow through the brain every minute (which is enough to fill a bottle of wine or a liter bottle of soda).
So how do we support this powerful organ?
IV Therapy for Brain Health
Vitamins and minerals are essential to healthy brain integrity as they are involved in relaying information, building and preserving neurons, maintaining focus, and so much more.
Unfortunately, it is increasingly difficult to obtain all the vitamins and minerals we need from diet alone. This is mainly due to our food supply being compromised with overfarmed soil, environmental toxins, and other poor growing conditions. Additionally, processed food represents a large portion of the American diet, which lacks nutritional value.
However, in a world where we are overworked, stressed, lacking sleep, and regularly exposed to environmental toxins, we need such nutrients more than ever to support brain function.
As a result, wellness-minded people are turning to IV Therapy to supply their body with the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal function. IV Therapy ensures maximum absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. By delivering powerful vitamins and nutrients directly into your bloodstream through IV Therapy, your body can effectively utilize these building blocks to boost your brainpower and avoid that feeling of mental burnout.
Holtorf Medical Group offers physician-formulated IVs that can cater to your health concerns. Our board-certified physicians will help you decide what IV and formulation is best for you.
Supplement with CoQ10
Coenzyme Q, also known as CoQ10 and ubiquinone, is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally. CoQ10 is involved in cellular maintenance and growth and is considered vital for healthy bodily function. The body’s natural levels of CoQ10 decrease with age and this decline can be exacerbated by conditions such as heart disease, cancer, Parkison’s disease, and others.
By maintaining optimal levels of CoQ10 through a well-balanced diet, supplementation, and advanced medical services, you may be able to significantly reduce the risk of age-related issues and support long-term wellness.
Benefits of CoQ10
Decreased Oxidative Stress: As an antioxidant, CoQ10 is well known to combat free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress. This in turn can reduce inflammation levels, promote mitochondrial health, and support overall cellular function.
Reduces Risk of Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have been linked to decreased mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial function can be disrupted by oxidative stress as oxidation triggers the release of harmful substances in the brain that disrupt neurological function. By supporting mitochondrial health, CoQ10 may reduce the risk of developing a neurodegenerative condition.
Combats Headaches & Migraines: Studies show that those who are deficient in CQ10 frequently experience headaches and/or migraines. This is likely because suboptimal levels of CoQ10 compromise the health of mitochondria, which simultaneously increases free radical production and decreases antioxidant activity. In the brain, the oxidative of cells from free radicals leads to depleted energy. An energy deficit in the brain is known to cause headaches and migraines.
Sources of CoQ10
Dietary sources of CoQ10 include:
- Organ meats (heart, liver, & kidney of pigs and cows)
- Fatty fish
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Lentils
- Peanuts
- Sesame seeds
Support BDNF Levels
What Is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)?
A little protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be the key to keeping your brain robust for life.
Many experts say to think of BDNF as fertilizer for your brain. We have billions of brain cells, or neurons, in the brain and BDNF helps keep them flourishing and strong. This is because when BDNF is released, it triggers a series of genes to grow new brain cells and pathways. (The creation of new pathways in the brain is how we continue to learn quickly and think critically.)
Additionally, the release of BDNF strengthens the neurons already present in the brain. As a result, high levels of BDNF have been linked to improving memory, mental alertness, and more.
Benefits of BDNF
Increases Brain Plasticity: Brain plasticity is considered the ability of the nervous system to respond to stimuli by reorganizing its structure, function, or connections. Thus, it is basically how adaptable the brain is. High levels of BDNF help protect brain cells that get damaged in a stressful situation, preserving the brain's plasticity.
Combats Depression: Because high levels of BDNF are linked to neural flexibility they help the brain adjust rather than shutting down in difficult situations, warding off symptoms of depression.
Protects Against Neurodegenerative Disease: High levels of BDNF are linked to a lower risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. One study tracked a group of adults for ten years and found that those with the highest levels of BDNF developed dementia and Alzheimers 50% less than those with a lower level of this protein.
At-Home Tips to Increase BDNF & Brain Health
Solve Puzzles: Puzzles such as sudoku and crosswords can boost your mental health as research has shown that these types of games reduce the risk of age-related mental decline.
Stay Social: Studies show that socializing regularly can lower stress levels and enhance brain health.
Exercise Regularly: 30-60 minutes of exercise (at the intensity level recommended by your doctor) can help relieve stress, anxiety, sleep problems, and depression, all of which can take a toll on the brain.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking six to eight glasses of water every day can improve memory, concentration, and mental quickness.
Prioritize Sleep: This is always easier said than done but sleep is critical to repairing and restoring the brain and should be a priority. Seven to eight hours of sleep per night (regularly) can help improve mental alertness and concentration.
Final Thought
1 in 9 Americans over the age of 45 report experiencing memory issues. With experts estimating we are adding one month to our life expectancy every year, maintaining a robust and healthy brain for as long as possible is a necessity.
To learn what brain-supporting services and products may be right for you, contact a Holtorf Medical Group team member today.
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