Is Your Diet Acidic or Basic

The American diet is usually an acidic one. This comes from eating a predominence of protein sources (even the lean ones), dairy products (especially cheeses), and grains (even the unprocessed ones). These acid producing foods overwhelm the basic foods we take in and create some serious health problems.

When foods enter our body they are presented to the kidneys as either an acid or a base compound. A food's acid or base status outside the body is not necessarily the same as inside. For example, an orange which is acidic on the outside is actually basic inside the body. This is true of most fruits and vegetables.

When you eat a meal, the sum total of all acidic and basic compounds gets combined into what is called an acid/base load. If a particular days diet provided more acid containing foods it would carry an acid load. if your diet provided more basic compounds it would carry a much healthier base load.

Carrying a net acid load does not provide a healthy physical environment. The average American diet produces a state of low grade chronic acidosis which can cause the following health problems:

* Negative nitrogen balance (high amount of nitrogen in the urine). Muscle is actually broken down, lost, and amino acids are excreted in the urine.

* Hypercalciuria (high calcium concentration in the urine). Calcium is excreted from bone, bone is lost, and calcium is excreted in the urine.

* Mild hypothyroidism. This may result in a slowing of your metabolic rate as well as other negative effects on your overall physical functioning.

*Growth hormone resistance. Growth hormone has several positive functions including increasing fat loss, lean muscle mass and metabolic rate. It helps keeps the body in a more youthful state. Metabolic acidosis can slow the rate of growth hormone secretion.

*Hypercortisolemia. Cortisone is a hormone that controls the secretion of many other hormones. Increasing cortisone levels results in increased stress levels, weight gain and abnormal hormone profiles.

How did our modern society get so off track? When you compare our diets with our ancesters it's clear they ate a diet rich in basic foodstuffs. They ate more fresh fruits and vegetables (which are basic) and less grain and protein sources.

Here are some ways to make your diet less acidic:

* Add more fruits and vegetables

* If you know you are going to eat a big acid producing meal and don't want to add more basic foods, add a small amount of glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid which can neutralize acid.

* Instead of glutamine you could add some sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). If you can't take the taste, Alka Seltzer is the same thing.

* Adding sodium (salt) to foods can increase the base potential and reduce acidity. This would not be recommended if you have high blood pressure.

The American diet is an unhealthy acidic one. The best way to neutralize the acid is to reduce the amount of grains, high protein sources and dairy products. Then add some fresh fruits and vegetables. Employing these simple strategies may help you avoid chronic low grade acidosis and the associated muscle wasting, altered hormonal profiles and bone loss that go with it.

About the Author

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy.For more nutrition and fitness ideas go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com

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Getting Older Does Not Mean Getting Slower

Many benefits are available to those who reach the golden years of their life: wisdom, a relaxed style of life, a lifetime of memories and in some states, free bus passes. Of course, these advantages are balanced by the fact that as part of the aging(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Aging.html) process, parts of the body may stop functioning as they once used to. A sobering thought, but you can take solace in the knowledge that people are leading a fuller life than ever before. This has been achieved, in part, through the advances in our knowledge of nutrition and the aging process.

Nutrition is a Bigger Concern in the Elderly

Good nutrition is general knowledge today but it may be increasingly difficult for people to absorb all the nutrients they require as they get older. Supplementing certain vitamins in the form of an anti aging supplement becomes a necessity. Loss of appetite can also exacerbate this deficiency, and may be caused by lowered physical activity and the side effects of medication. The figures show a grim reality - nearly 50% of Americans aged 65 and over are on more than three prescription drugs. Also, over time, the gastro-intestinal tract, kidneys and liver are less efficient and can not process the nutrients that the body normally gains through eating.

Easy Steps to Prevent Early Aging

Most of the ailments that we associate with aging are all preventable to a certain degree without recourse to fantasy. A calculated course of nutritional supplementation can help people look younger, live longer, and most importantly, live better.

The anti aging supplement outlined below was created in conjunction with both medical and nutritional consultants. It is focused on controlling free radical damage with a combination of antioxidants and overall nutritional support. Some traditional and modern constituents have been included for their protective and enhancing properties.

Vitamin B Complex - very important constituent of this anti-aging supplement, it is vital for the brain and can help against Alzheimer’s. Important in energy use and creation.

Spirulina - natural source for vital nutrients, also good for progressive mental diseases.

Green Tea - a important player in an anti aging supplement, it is a potent antioxidant, detoxifier, and research is ongoing into its benefits against a variety of cancers

Flaxseed - required for healthy cell function and replication and a great source of omega 3 oils which help in heart disease(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Heart-Disease.html) and may assist aging skin

Garlic - benefits the immune and cardiovascular system, regular prescription against hardening of the arteries.

Siberian Ginseng - helps the body adapt to mental and physical stress(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Stress.html), supports the immune functions.

Ginkgo Biloba - antioxidant properties and is used for circulation and memory problems.

Cordyceps - shown to be effective against fatigue and premature aging. Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Ester C, and Vitamin E are powerful antioxidants and they work synergistically in this anti aging supplement to protect cell membrane from free radical damage.

CoQ10 - strong antioxidant and can also aid cardiovascular function, protecting against heart disease and heart attacks.

Reishi Mushroom Extract - boosts the immune function, can help the body absorb other nutrients.

Ashwagandha - Indian ginseng, a potent tonic for the body.

Asian Ginseng - anti-aging traditional medicine, considered to have anti-cancer(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Cancer.html) effects.

Ginger - digestive aid and it is also beneficial for blood clots and anti-inflammation.

Milk Thistle Extract - promotes liver health.

The ingredients in this anti aging supplement, alongside a fitness regimen and moderation in alcohol and quitting smoking can help you achieve huge benefits and contribute to healthy aging. It is worth noting that you should check with your physician first before undergoing any fitness, nutrition or lifestyle change. You should also check to find out if any of the ingredients interact with your prescription drugs so tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking. Unfortunately, there is not a high level of understanding in the medical or pharmaceutical world into herbs and nutraceuticals although some research has been conducted into vitamins and the popular herbs.

A dietician may have better knowledge than your doctor but there are also a number of sources of information concerning prescription drug-dietary supplement interactions on the internet and a free drugs/vitamins interaction checker is available at Mitamins(http://www.mitamins.com).

The Merck Manual is a comprehensive resource of up to date medical information and has some good primers on interactions as well as in depth analysis.

The National Institute of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements has a number of good fact sheets on different supplements.

About the Author

Author Bio:
Mitamins team
bd@mitamins.net
Mitamins' aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.
http://www.mitamins.com
Anti-Aging

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Green Drinks A Great Way to Get Your Greens

Although Green Drink mixes have had a small group of fans up until this point do to their bad taste, there are now Green Drink mixes available with great flavors that are also plentiful in nutrients. Green Drink mixes have recently become very popular because of the large part of the vitamins and minerals that they provide with ease and convenience. Even a person who is extremely devoted to getting the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables can find it hard some days. According to the National Cancer Institute, 87% of US families don’t get the daily fruits and vegetables needed to stay healthy.

As far as fiber is concerned, most Americans only eat 15 grams of fiber per day, which is less than half of the 35 grams that health and nutrition experts recommended in order to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In one single serving, most green drink mixes contain 6 grams of fiber. The best green drink mixes are made up of inulin and oligofructose (OF), which are two soluble fibers that come from chicory root and are packed with nutritional goodness. While in the body, this type of fibers increase the numbers of friendly bacteria by providing the necessary nutrients needed so the friendly bacteria can multiply. Fiber also rids the intestinal walls of unwanted waste and toxins. Both inulin and oligofructose improve the digestibility of calcium and can increasing bone production and slow the rate of bone breakdown.

Although we cannot fully digest grasses because we can’t digest the compounds, that grasses and other plants use to maintain their structure (fibers), green drink mixes contain grasses because they are extremely rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants hunt free radicals. Damage from these free radicals is the number one cause of aging and also may lead to heart disease and cancer. Green drink mixes that contain barley grass provide about 2 servings of green vegetables just from the single ingredient. Barley grass, a nutrient-dense substance, contains many antioxidants that help fight caner and boost the immunity. For example, radish sprouts, which contain vitamins A and C, folate, calcium, and potassium, have superior antioxidant action and are a common ingredient in green drink mixes.

Chlorophyll for example, triggers biochemical reactions in nearly all living organisms and is also important along with the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in a good green drink mix product. The chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium, which is vital for muscle contraction, the conduction of nerves, and maintaining heart and blood pressure. Because nearly 70-80% of American adults don’t get an adequate amount of green vegetables, they also aren’t getting enough magnesium in their diet. Most green drink mix products also contain wheat grass, which is full of valuable nutrients such as beta-carotene, riboflavin, folic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. A good green drink mix product should also contain vegetables, leafy greens, and other nutrients, such as blue green algae.

Even though Green Drinks are valuable to everyone, people with leaky gut syndrome, autoimmune disease, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis benefit the most from green drink mixes in their daily diet. Because the vitamins and minerals in green drink mixes can be easily metabolized, people with leaky gut syndrome are able to get their needed vitamins and minerals back into their system in a soothing, natural way. High quality green drink mixes also contain vegetables rich in carotenoids, which show great results for immunomodulating effects in people with autoimmune disease. Green drink mixes contain many whole foods such as cabbage, inulin, oligofructose, radish, tomato, and kelp, which feed the body and help fight cancer. Green tea, broccoli, cabbage and carrots, which are found in a high quality powdered green drink mix, have great cardio protective effects. The broccoli and cabbage combination is able to reduce LDL cholesterol by 8.5% after only 9 weeks of use. Beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, also decreases cholesterol levels in the liver by up to 44%. Diets rich in vegetables, which contain calcium, magnesium, and potassium, helps to keep bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. When choosing a green drink mix product, make sure that it is one that has a good amount of fiber to help the bone-building minerals be absorbed into the system.

Along with the antioxidants found in barley grass and radish sprouts, there are many nutrients that are found in green drink mixes that provide significant health benefits. For instance, lycopene, which is a plant-based antioxidant compound that may protect against cancer and heart disease, is also more powerful than beta-carotene, the best-known carotenoid. With more than 70 studies examining the link between lycopene and cancer, strong evidence suggests that lycopene can protect against prostate, lung, and stomach cancers, and perhaps cancers of the cervix, colon, rectum, esophagus, mouth, and pancreas. Lycopene may also fight heart disease and prevent congestive heart failure.

Because green drink mixes contain alkalinizing foods, they can help balance out the increased intake of processed foods, which has led to an imbalance of acid in the body’s system. For instance, although lemons and grapefruits are considered acidic, their action in the body actually makes them an alkalinizing food. These alkalinizing foods also support bone health because they contain potassium and magnesium, which are two minerals that are very sparse in the body because they are depleted after ingesting a large amount of acid-producing food. In fact, potassium and magnesium from whole foods can improve bone mineral density for many older individuals.

Although some green drink mixes taste worse than plain old vegetables, there are high quality green drink mixes with a natural, fruit, or mint flavors. These added flavors can turn the most ardent veggie avoider into an instant fan. Plus the benefits of drinking green drink mixes are the almost instant intake of chlorophyll, magnesium, antioxidants, plant enzymes, and fiber. When the person taking the Green Drink mix realizes that they are combing good taste with an instant intake of the above nutrients, the value and convenience of the green drink mix becomes extremely obvious. These green drink mixes can provide a great-tasting, ultra-pure, whole-food way to get the essential nutrients that most Americans are lacking. In turn, these nutrients can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, while enhancing energy, supporting digestion, and boosting your immune system. Green drink mixes and other great supplements can be found at your local health food store or internet Health food store.

About the Author

Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Green Drink Mix from Natures Plus. Please link to this site when using this article.

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Enjoy The Rainbow The Color Wheel Of Fruits And Vegetables

The majority of people know that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is very important. Also, by eating fruits and vegetables of a variety of different colors, one can get the best all-around health benefits. Each different color fruit and vegetables contains unique health components that are essential to our health. Fruits and vegetables are very important to our health because they are whole foods, created by nature, that are rich in a large amount of nutrients. The processed foods that we so commonly eat, can never compare to the health benefits provided by strawberries or broccoli, which have fiber, vitamins, and enzymes built right in. The phrase “eating a rainbow” of fruits and vegetables is a simple way of remembering to get as much color variety in your diet as possible, so that you can maximize your intake of a broad range of nutrients. The colors of fruits and vegetables are a small clue as to what vitamins and nutrients are included. By getting a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables, you are guaranteed a diverse amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

When eating red fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, berries, peppers, and radishes, you take in nutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, Quercetin, and Hesperidin, to name a few. These nutrients reduce the risk of prostate cancer, lower blood pressure, reduce tumor growth and LDL cholesterol levels, scavenge harmful free-radicals, and support join tissue in arthritis cases. Carrots, Yams, Squash, Papayas, and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, lycopene, potassium, and vitamin C. These nutrients reduce age-related macula degeneration and the risk of prostate cancer, lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, promote collagen formation and healthy joints, fight harmful free radicals, encourage alkaline balance, and work with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones. White fruits and vegetables, including mushrooms, white tea, flaxseed, and pumpkin, contain nutrients such as beta-glucans, EGCG, SDG, and lignans that provide powerful immune boosting activity. These nutrients also activate natural killer B and T cells, reduce the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancers, and balance hormone levels, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers. Wheat grass, barley grass, oat grass, kale, spinach, cabbage, alfalfa sprouts, mustard greens, and collard greens are all examples of green vegetables that contain chlorophyll, fiber, lutein, zeaxanthin, calcium, folate, vitamin C, calcium, and Beta-carotene. The nutrients found in these vegetables reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol levels, normalize digestion time, support retinal health and vision, fight harmful free-radicals, and boost immune system activity. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, pomegranates, grapes, elderberries, eggplant, and prunes contain nutrients which include lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, vitamin C, fiber, flavonoids, ellagic acid, and quercetin. Similar to the previous nutrients, these nutrients support retinal health, lower LDL cholesterol, boost immune system activity, support healthy digestion, improve calcium and other mineral absorption, fight inflammation, reduce tumor growth, act as an anticarcinogens in the digestive tract, and limit the activity of cancer cells.

These nutrients that are found in the above-listed fruits and vegetables can have a significant impact on our health. Quercetin, which is found in apples, onions and other citrus fruits, not only prevents LDL cholesterol oxidation, but also helps the body cope with allergens and other lung and breathing problems. Ellagic acid, which is mainly found in raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, and walnuts, has been proven in many clinical studies to act as an antioxidant and anticarcinogens in the gastrointestinal tract. This nutrient also has been proven to have an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells, because it decreases their ATP production. The best-known of the carotenoids, beta-carotene, is converted into vitamin A upon entering the liver. Although being known for its positive effects on eyesight, it has also been proven to decrease cholesterol levels in the liver. Clinical studies have proven that lycopene, mainly found in tomatoes, may decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as protect against heart disease. Lutein, which is found in blueberries and members of the squash family, is important for healthy eyes. However, it does support your heart too, helping to prevent against coronary artery disease.

Along with the above stated nutrients, there are even more nutrients found in fruits and vegetables that provide a great deal of support to our body. Almost everyone has heard of vitamin C, which keeps our immune system strong; speeds wound healing, and promote strong muscles and joints. This nutrient is scattered throughout the spectrum of fruits, but commonly associated with oranges and other citrus fruits. Potassium, which is the nutrient most Americans are deficient in, does great things for our hearts, and lowers blood pressure. Another good food component many people don’t get enough of if fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Flavonoids, which include anthocyanins, flavones, isoflavones, proantocyanidins, quercetin and more, are found almost everywhere. They are responsible for the colors in the skins of fruits and vegetables and help to stop the growth of tumor cells and potent antioxidants. They also can reduce inflammation. Beta-glucan, found in mushrooms, stabilizes and balances the body’s immune system by supporting white blood cells. EGCG is found in tea and has been shown to reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer. It boosts the immune system and encourages T-cell formation, which defends our body against sickness and disease. Lastly, bioflavonoids, which are found in citrus fruits, are considered a companion to vitamin C because they extend the value of it in the body. These nutrients have the capabilities to lower cholesterol levels and support joint collagen in arthritis cases.

The number one excuse for not eating the required five servings of fruits and vegetables each day is they are too expensive. However, as compared to the amount of money spent on prepackaged, processed, and fast foods, most fruits and vegetables (with the exception of those that are not in season) are not all that expensive. Because frozen fruits and vegetables retain the majority of their nutritional value, they can be an excellent alternative when certain foods are out of season. Someone who is not able to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can also drink fruit and vegetable drinks in their place. Although this shouldn’t become a habit, fruit and vegetable drink mixes can be an excellent substitute when you’re rushed or traveling. The need for fruits and vegetables in our diet is growing rapidly with the type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol, hypertension that result from the “Typical American Diet” of fatty meats, processed sugars, and refined grains. Great fruit drink Mixes and vegetable mixes can be found at your local health food store or internet health food store.

About the Author

Visit VitaNet Health Foods at http://vitanetonline.com/ VitaNet sells high quality supplements like Lightning Drink mix Powders from Natures Plus. Please link to this site when using this article.

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The New Food Pyramid

After much debate, our government has revised the food pyramid. There were definite nutritional flaws in the old one and, unfortunately, the revised pyramid isn't much better.

Like the previous version, they have again put grains at the base. To make matters worse, they suggest that fifty percent of these grains should come from breads, pastas and breakfast cereals.

The new version mentions nothing about about the dangers of sugar. Even the so-called "healthy cereals" have about 38% sugar! They also fail to mention the dangers of drinking sodas and other high sugar drinks. Sodas cause your blood sugar to rise instantly, creating an undesirable insulin response.

The new food pyramid, just like the old one, will likely make you gain weight and even increase your chance of incurring a chronic disease. Part of the problem lies in their placement of the 50% carbohydrates at the base of the pyramid. They simply don't provide enough information about what is or is not a healthy carbohydrate.

Further, the information is geared for the healthy adult. If you suffer from a degenerative illness such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes the food pyramid is not for you.

The basis for creating an appropriate nutrition plan should involve rebalancing the natural proportions of the three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fats. Here's an equation to remember:

HIGHER PROTEIN + LOWER CARBOHYDRATES + HEALTHY FATS + REGULAR EXERCISE = OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WEIGHT LOSS

The above formula will keep you healthier and at a desirable weight.

When choosing carbohydrates, the majority should come from fruits and vegetables not grains. Fruits and vegetables are full of healthy phytonutrients plus they contain lot's of fiber. Choose whole grains only after you have eaten the fruits and vegetables. Your carbohydrate consumption will naturally lower this way. You will avoid exposing your system to changes in insulin which is a fat storage hormone and affects the immune system.

You should increase your protein and eat a small serving with every meal. It is suggested you eat every 2-3 hours to keep insulin levels normal. Choose fish, lean meats, eggs, low fat dairy, beans and nuts. Protein also helps keep you satiated.

Fats have a bad name in nutrition and they shouldn't. They are a part of all cellular processes. One type, saturated fat, is found in animal products. If you are eating meats you should get plenty of saturated fats. The other is polyunsaturated fats. Here is where your choices can make a difference. First avoid corn oil and all hydrogenated oils. Choose unprocessed vegetable fats like avocados, nuts and olive oil. Most important are the omega 3's which come from cold water fish like salmon. If you're not a fish eater get a fish oil supplement. The omega 3's help reduce heart disease, boost the immune system, regulate blood sugar, promote weight loss, relieve depression and more.

AS you can see the new food pyramid hasn't changed much from the old one. Further, it is so general in it's layout, it leaves many questions unanswered.
If you want to get the most out of your nutritional plan you'll need to look further than the newest version of the food pyramid.

About the Author

Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and the President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge nutritional and fitness information go to < href="http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com">http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com

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Copper Functions Benefits and Sources

Although only small amounts of the mineral copper are needed to stay healthy, copper still has an important role in many of the body's functions. Even a small copper deficiency can begin to cause health problems. When you take in the right amount of copper every day, your health will improve in a variety of ways.

Copper plays a vital role in bone health. Studies have shown that those who take in a good amount of copper experience less bone density loss, which decreases the occurrence of osteoporosis. Copper can also help regulate the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body, which means it can improve and maintain the health of your heart. Copper is a component of melanin, which pigments the skin, hair, and eyes. Because of this, proper levels of copper can prevent and even reverse many discoloration problems in these areas. Copper also influences the production of collagen and helps keep the skin looking supple. Copper also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is extremely beneficial to those with arthritis and joint pain. Copper also aids in the absorption of iron, which helps to balance hemoglobin levels.

It is important to remember that copper is only required in very small amounts. Those who consume moderate amounts of seafood, beans, and leafy greens, and those who drink water that flows through copper pipes or those who use copper cookware probably do not require a copper supplement. Because the mineral zinc can inhibit copper absorption, most supplements containing zinc also contain a small dose of copper. In high doses, copper can actually be very toxic. For these reasons, most people do not need to take a copper supplement in addition to their daily diets and supplements. However, those who are working to improve the conditions of their heart, bone, or joint health will want to talk to their doctor to see if a copper supplement might be right for them.

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Visit Susan's website A 2 Z of Health and Beauty for information on health and beauty, nutrition, fitness, skin care, weight loss and more.

*** This article can be freely used as long as a link to "A 2 Z of Health and Beauty" (http://health.learninginfo.org) is provided.

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What is Brain Fitness

Copyright (c) 2007 The Brain Code LLC

Have you heard the term Brain Fitness yet? If not, you probably will. There is an emerging industry on maintaining or even increasing brain function as we age. The industry is still in its infancy, and backed by emerging science pointing to methods we can use to stimulate our brains. If you picture a brain diagram, these programs can increase the connectivity between different brain parts.

The timing is perfect as well, since a large percentage of the population is increasing in age and the needs of the baby boomers are largely driving the economy. One thing baby boomers want is to keep themselves out of a mental funk. There are companies that are nicely establishing themselves in this market. For example, Sharp Brains and Posit Science have created some good product lines already.

There's more than meets the eye.

I want to offer an expanded definition of Brain Fitness. Although the term is not yet in the dictionary, one definition for the word fitness from Webster is "good health or physical condition, especially as the result of exercise and proper nutrition". I think this should apply to Brain Fitness as well.

The Brain is a very unique organ because it is the only organ that is both physical and mental. The mental component of the brain, the mind, is the target of the current Brain Fitness industry. Programs that increase brain function and brain activity will stimulate new connections and new circuits and help keep the brain vibrant.

But the ability of these new circuits and connections to form also depends on the physical health of the brain, which plays by many of the same rules as the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney's, etc. The physical health of the brain is dependent upon quality nutrition, physical activity and adequate sleep � just like the rest of the body.

We need Mental and Physical Health

I have previously addressed these factors as well as the factors that contribute to mental improvements. Think of it this way. If you put one of the top racecar drivers in the world, say, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., into an old Ford Pinto and threw him into a race, could he compete? No. But put him into his high performance #8 car and he'll rip up the track.

The driver, in this case, is like your mind. The skills, the knowledge and the speed of decision-making are what Brain Fitness products will improve. The car is like the physical brain. If you don't have a high performance machine then the most skilled driver will not stand a chance.

This is not a perfect analogy because Brain Fitness programs do help create new connections that enhance the physical brain. But you also need proper nutrition to supply the best raw ingredients, physical activity to improve the delivery systems for those ingredients and adequate sleep to help keep those systems in tune.

In order to maintain healthy brains through our elder years we must focus on both of these approaches. But don't make the mistake of thinking that this is only for the baby boomer generation. What we do as kids and young adults all contributes to how efficiently our mental machines will work throughout our lives.


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Boost your Family's Brain Fitness in 30 days with Natural Strategies used by an Expert Brain Scientist and Sports Coach. Learn how at http://www.thebraincode.com

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