You may encounter random or familiar people and wonder "why is this person thinking this or that?" A big part of it is how plastic or structurally adaptive their brain is, but why only concentrate on the brain? Because we are told the mind is only in the brain! But what influences the brain? You guessed it: the gut-brain (GBA) axis. It's only recently that conventional medicine has recognized the fact that all the body parts and processes are connected, especially the gut brain axis.
When we encounter someone we tend to gather all the details into one big lump which most would call a "first impression." However what about the details about this person, what they are saying, what kind of clothing they wear, what kind of car they drive and so on? At least in Western society some of the first concepts that comes to our mind when we first meet someone is what their occupation is because: we are mostly trained to "size someone up" by how much money they earn.
The lack of thinking about details could be refered to as a kind of impulsive biochemical process within the body that influences the brain and hence the mind and what we immediately think.
Studies on translation have revealed that lifestyle choices such as exercise, mental stimulation, and diet play a crucial role in preserving brain health as we age. Numerous research has linked lifestyle factors to brain health, structure, and cognitive function in older individuals. Physical activity and diet impact various brain functions like neuroplasticity, while cognitive engagement boosts brain and cognitive reserves.
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Neuronal plasticity refers to the remarkable capacity of brain neurons to constantly adapt and restructure themselves in response to the ever-changing needs of our internal and external surroundings. This incredible process relies on the depolarization of neuron membranes, synaptic activity triggered by stimuli, and the subsequent alterations in the shape and structure of dendrites. These fundamental changes are vital for learning and memory, and it's worth noting that long-term physical activity plays a crucial role in regulating the very processes that underpin neuroplasticity.
Default thoughts & replies as examples of lack of neuroplasticity
- When someone finds out your low automotive insurance premium someone often asks "who is your insurance company?" without realizing it's rarely due to what insurance company you choose.
- When someone finds out if you are an entrepreneur they often think "you must be wealthy" as another default reply or thought.
- When someone says "I can drink coffee at bedtime and still be able to sleep."
- Someone may say something and you say "did I ever say that?" They assume that you said it but in fact you didnt. For instance if someone asks "well that's not everything about the subject" in a reply to a video you sent to someone. Your reply would be "I never said it was, right?" in that they assumed from your enthusiasm from your promotion of a certain view that you were claiming that view was the embodiment of a total solution.
- The inability to relate or imagine another person's situation.
Away from singular thinking: seeing the connections between organs and intakes
Enhancing the brain's resilience requires nourishing it with vital nutrients that support its overall well-being and adaptability. Specific intakes (not only "food" because of many factors including frequency, absorption problems and many more) play a crucial role in shaping and preserving neural connections, which directly influence memory, learning, and cognitive functions. By comprehending the profound link between our intake and brain-gut performance, we gain the ability to make informed choices that enhance our mental agility and fortitude. This informative article aims to illuminate the correlation between nutrition and brain health, providing valuable guidance on nurturing the brain's innate potential to flourish and succeed.
The idea of biochemical individuality revolves around the unique biological differences that exist among individuals, taking into account their lifestyle choices and cellular nutritional needs. While we all need essential food components such as protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, the specific amounts and sources may vary from person to person. Our ability to digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients also varies greatly. Moreover, our internal organs have different levels of efficiency and specific nutritional requirements.
Allergies or intolerances can lead to adverse reactions to certain foods that others can tolerate without any issues. Individuals with high-stress lifestyles often have increased nutritional demands. Biochemical individuality is a complex system that governs how our bodies utilize amino acids, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats for various bodily functions. For example, amino acids are crucial for hormone production, skin health, and bone formation. To ensure the proper functioning of your biochemistry, your body requires the right amounts and proportions of nutrients. The optimal quantity for your well-being may not align with the average person's requirement.
Measurement of cellular nutrition is paramount but often ignored by most
Did you know that certain nutrients play a crucial role in promoting neuro-plasticity? These days many people see a massive amount of promotion of the word "nutrition" but they rarely are told how or why to measure if your body is obtaining on a daily basis the proper amounts. There are dozens if different nutrients we often lack in our perception of a false idea of a "balanced diet" which doesn't exist because we're all individuals.
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Take omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, which are abundant in fatty fish like salmon. These acids are like superheroes for your brain, as they form an essential part of the brain's cell membrane and facilitate the growth of new neural connections. In the "standard american diet" (SAD) we typically obtain far more Omega 6 fatty acids than Omega 3, so consuming more of the latter opposes the former. Depriving yourself of either one of the two essential fatty acids can have a profound impact on your behavior. This is because your brain, which is essentially made up of food, relies on these nutrients to function properly. Without the necessary foods to support the structure of your brain, it is unrealistic to expect it to operate normally. Studies have even revealed that individuals who consume higher amounts of omega-3s tend to have sharper cognitive function and better memory compared to those who don't.
We should realize that's not all! Another nutrient that shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to neuro-plasticity is vitamin B12. This little powerhouse is responsible for the formation of myelin, a protective coating around nerve cells. Without sufficient B12, the brain struggles to create new neural connections effectively.
Let's not forget about antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, which also contribute to neuro-plasticity. These mighty vitamins act as guardians for your brain, shielding it from damage caused by free radicals. You can find these antioxidants in a variety of sources, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
On the flip side, an intake rich in processed foods and excessive sugar can have detrimental effects on neuro-plasticity. Research has shown that consuming too much sugar can trigger inflammation in the brain and gut and body (since they're all connected right?), leading to damage in neural connections and hindering the brain's ability to form new ones. So, if you want to boost your brain's plasticity and keep it in top shape, make sure to include these essential nutrients in your diet while steering clear of excessive sugar and processed foods. Your brain will thank you!
There has been debate about reference ranges and what is considered optimal and standard. Biomarkers were compared to both standard and optimal ranges. 139 participants took part in the NIIM Health Check over 4 years. They had various medical tests done, revealing deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and iodine levels for many. Age, gender, BMI, and season were important factors to consider.
The data for this analysis on health check was sourced from the National Institute of Integrative Medicine, specifically 'The NIIM Health Check', collected over a span of four years. The focus of the analysis was on determining the levels necessary for optimal health rather than just the minimum levels required to prevent diseases. For certain biomarkers like vitamin D, the standard reference ranges are lower than the optimal ranges needed for optimal health. Many experts recommend maintaining 25(OH) D levels at >75 nmol/L (as utilized in the study) up to as high as 80 nmol/ml or 200 nmol/L, while the standard reference range is considered >50 nmol/L. Optimal vitamin D levels (>75 nmol/L) have been associated with maximum mineral bone density, increased intestinal calcium absorption, reduced risk of osteoporosis and fractures, higher serum phosphorus levels, improved performance speed and muscle strength, and a significant decrease in the likelihood of chronic diseases such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis, and diabetes.
The standard reference range for vitamin B12 is 200–700 pg/ml, whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml. Higher vitamin B12 levels have been linked to improved cognitive function, reflexes, reduced brain atrophy, confusion, weakness, and depression. Additionally, many experts suggest that the optimal health range for homocysteine is <7 μmol/L, while the standard reference range is 5.0–12 μmol/L, with the optimal range showing a significant association with a lower risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and overall improved cardiovascular function.
It's not enough to tell others or ourselves to "avoid certain foods"
Did you know that many people have food sensitivities and allergies that leads them to crave certain substances without knowing it? Surprisingly, these sensitivities often involve what they intake the most. While not all allergic foods lead to addiction, many food addictions are caused by sensitivities. Have you ever felt hungry soon after eating a specific meal? Do you crave the same foods all the time? Are you struggling to lose weight despite trying? You likely have food sensitivities and/or allergies
You might wonder why someone craves something harmful. Let's use cigarettes as an example. When someone smokes for the first time, they feel terrible because cigarettes are toxic. Over time, the body gets used to the toxins and no longer feels them. Unfortunately, the body becomes addicted to cigarettes. It demands more to avoid withdrawal symptoms. This is similar to allergy-addiction syndrome. If you eat toxic food, you may experience symptoms like bloating, headaches, etc.
You might not realize these symptoms are from a specific food because they appear hours or days later. You keep eating the toxic food, and your body gets used to the discomfort. The issue is, if this continues, it can lead to serious illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and more specifically in the case of thoughts of an individual: this often leads to lowered neuro-plasticity or the lack of cognitive abilities. This often leads to thinking someone is uneducated, unmotivated, senile, lacking concentration abilities and everything that leads us away from displaying intellectual brightness and agility.
Metabolic typing: do you know yours?
These paragraphs were paraphrased from Dr. Watt's book found here about mineral analysis.
Knowing one's metabolic type comes with numerous benefits. As we've mentioned before, different health conditions can be linked to specific personality types like type A or B, as well as body shapes such as apple or pear. Body chemistry plays a crucial role in determining metabolic, personality, and body types. The endocrine and nervous systems have a significant impact on body chemistry, which in turn affects nutritional status. It's important to note that specific nutritional factors can also influence and modify these systems.
Maintaining optimal health requires a well-functioning neuro-endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in balancing our body chemistry. Any disruption or imbalance in this system can have negative effects on our overall well-being, leading to nutritional deficiencies. The neuro-endocrine system can be divided into different branches, and certain health conditions can be categorized based on the overstimulation of these branches. When the sympathetic activity increases, it results in a higher metabolic rate, while an overly active para-sympathetic system slows down the metabolic rate, causing a state of sedation. These changes in our body's chemistry directly affect our nutritional needs and overall health.
Numerous TMAs have been thoroughly analyzed, revealing unique patterns that play a crucial role in distinguishing different metabolic types. By meticulously collecting, testing, and examining hair samples, we can identify eight distinct metabolic categories. These categories encompass fast metabolic types 1 to 4, as well as slow metabolic types 1 to 4. Individuals typically fall into one of these two groups: either fast or slow metabolizers. Metabolism refers to how the body utilizes nutrients and how efficiently it does so at a cellular level. The neurological and endocrine systems primarily regulate cellular metabolism and nutritional status. Additionally, one's nutritional status can also have an impact on these systems.
Metabolism refers to how our cells use nutrients efficiently. The nervous system and hormones play a big role in controlling metabolism and overall nutrition. Your nutrition can impact these systems, and there are clear indicators that can show if you have a fast or slow metabolism.
The Fast Metabolizer
The thyroid and adrenal glands of individuals with a fast metabolism are constantly working at a high speed, which leads to an increase in cellular metabolic activity. As a result, one of the by-products produced is heat. Fast metabolizers often feel warm and tend to perspire easily, even with minimal physical exertion. Surprisingly, something as simple as eating a meal can trigger a breakout of perspiration for them. These individuals are typically intellectually inclined and tend to have a cerebral nature. Their mental activity is often scattered and unfocused, as they frequently jump from one subject to another. They are known to be hyperactive and find it challenging to relax. If their metabolism becomes excessively high, they may easily become agitated. Fast metabolizers are often drawn to stressful situations and are sometimes referred to as stress-aholics. You've probably encountered someone like this before: they take on multiple projects simultaneously, even though it's nearly impossible to complete them all on time. They have a habit of procrastinating until the last minute to meet deadlines. More often than not, they end up being late for appointments, despite their sincere intentions of being punctual. This particular personality type is commonly referred to as having a "type A" personality.
Individuals with a speedy metabolism often display personality traits that lean towards addiction, leading to behaviors that are obsessive and compulsive. They have a tendency to develop addictions to substances such as alcohol and even specific types of food. Many of their behavioral characteristics can be attributed to high levels of blood sugar, which is known as hyperglycemia. When their blood sugar is elevated, they may experience a sense of euphoria. On the flip side, when their blood sugar drops below normal levels, they become more stressed and easily irritated. Interestingly, this irritability can actually serve as a coping mechanism, as it prompts their adrenals to help raise their blood sugar levels. Their unique metabolic mineral pattern can result in sensitivity to noise, muscle tremors, cramps, and difficulty falling asleep. They often consider themselves to be night owls. Furthermore, their metabolism increases their susceptibility to developing cardiovascular disease, peptic ulcers, histamine allergies, arthritis, and diabetes. This metabolic pattern also contributes to weight gain in the abdominal region, giving them a body structure that resembles an apple.
Genetic resemblance, along with comparable environmental factors, provides insight into the transmission of specific health conditions from one generation to another. Offspring who inherit similar mineral patterns as their parents are more likely to be prone to similar health conditions and even exhibit similar personality traits.
Slow metabolizers
Did you know that around 80 percent of Americans have a slower metabolism? It's true! These individuals are like the opposite of their fast-paced counterparts. Unlike those with a fast metabolism, slow metabolizers have higher levels of calcium and magnesium compared to phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. Their parathyroid and pancreatic hormones work extra hard, while their thyroid and adrenal glands become a bit sluggish. As a result, their cellular metabolic activity slows down, and they tend to accumulate sedative minerals. Interestingly, slow metabolizers often have a pear-shaped silhouette, with weight gain in the hips and thighs. They also tend to have lower blood pressure and may experience postural hypotension, which causes their blood pressure to drop when they stand up from a lying or sitting position.
Sometimes, if their adrenal glands can't react quickly enough to the change in position, they may feel dizzy. Additionally, their heart rate tends to be slow, but occasionally, they may experience periods of rapid heartbeats. It's fascinating how our bodies can differ in such unique ways!Elevated levels of insulin may lead to low blood sugar, leading to fatigue. Fatigue is often accompanied by depression. Those with a sluggish metabolism excel at finishing complex tasks, resembling the perfectionists that fast metabolizers aspire to be. However, they may struggle with expressing their emotions and battle feelings of low self-worth and inadequacy.
Elevated levels of insulin may lead to low blood sugar, leading to fatigue. Fatigue is often accompanied by depression. Those with a sluggish metabolism excel at finishing complex tasks, resembling the perfectionists that fast metabolizers aspire to be. However, they may struggle with expressing their emotions and battle feelings of low self-worth and inadequacy.
Genetic composition plays a pivotal role in determining the metabolic rate, but one must not overlook the significance of eating habits in regulating this rate. It is worth noting that many vegetarians tend to have a slower metabolic rate. Additionally, a viral infection can significantly diminish cellular activity. In fact, a particularly aggressive infection has the potential to transform a fast metabolizer into a slow metabolizer, as a consequence of suppressing the invading organism.
Furthermore, yeast and fungus infections can also lower the metabolic rate. When examining individuals afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or those who have viruses like Epstein Barr, cytomegalovirus, or Candida (yeast infection), it is consistently observed that they exhibit sluggish TMA profiles. The expression of emotional and physical traits in individuals belonging to the fast and slow metabolizer type 1 category is influenced by various factors. These factors include the severity of trace element imbalances (including vitamins and amino acids), endocrine activity, and the duration of the imbalance.
Foods & Mineral Interactions
Different foods can have varying effects on our metabolic rate. They can be categorized as either stimulatory or sedative based on three factors: their Specific Dynamic Action (SDA), naturally occurring substances that hinder mineral absorption, and the dominance of minerals and vitamins in each food. SDA refers to the metabolic stimulation caused by foods. While all foods increase the metabolic rate to some extent, certain foods have a greater impact than others. Fats, carbohydrates, and protein fall on a spectrum of low to high SDA. For instance, consuming a meal primarily composed of fats only stimulates the metabolic rate by about 4 to 15 percent. On the other hand, a carbohydrate-rich meal like spaghetti or pasta increases the metabolic rate slightly more, around 4 to 30 percent. However, a protein-heavy meal can boost the metabolic rate by a significant 30 to 70 percent.
Therefore, individuals with slower metabolic rates would benefit from consuming protein-rich foods, while those with faster metabolic rates should avoid excessive protein intake. Fat, on the other hand, is generally considered sedative. Foods high in fat can make one feel sluggish, especially if they already have a slow metabolic rate. For example, chocolate, which is often craved by women experiencing PMS symptoms, has a calming effect due to its high fat content. Dairy products like milk and cheese are also known for their sedative properties. Warm milk has been used for centuries to aid in sleep. This sedative effect is attributed to the high calcium and fat content in dairy foods. While foods high in fat can be beneficial for individuals with fast metabolic rates, those with slower metabolic rates should avoid them due to their sedative effects. Additionally, certain naturally occurring substances in foods can hinder mineral absorption. For instance, oxalic acid found in spinach and other foods binds with calcium in the intestinal tract, preventing its absorption.
Foods with high mineral content can impact metabolic rate. For instance, sodium has been linked to high blood pressure in certain situations. Therefore, foods rich in sodium can be considered stimulatory. Coffee, known for its caffeine content, is also classified as a stimulant because of its high levels of iron, potassium, manganese, niacin, and thiamin.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5485368/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958815001226
https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Elements-Other-Essential-Nutrients/dp/1885676220
