How the Brain Can Change Itself

It is believed that the brain can change itself, with determination, perseverance and hard work, during both healthy development as well as following a brain injury. The reason for this is because of its plasticity.

Even as we age, our brains can change. The old saying, 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' simply isn't true. As people age they can still learn something as difficult as a new language or learn to play an instrument. This has to do with neuroplasticity. It's true that we don't learn as quickly when we are older and we have to work harder at it but with determination and hard work, it definitely can be done. This is because the brain is making new connections between brain cells similar to that of a pathway. And like a pathway that is often used, the way is clear and easy to follow. But a pathway that is rarely used will become overgrown and difficult to find. The expression, 'use it or lose it', is not just a cute cliche.

Neuroplasticity plays an important role not only in healthy development but also when recovering from a brain injury or the results of a stroke. Simply put, other areas that are close to the damaged area of the brain, will take over. Following brain injuries or strokes, it has been proven that our brains will adapt and compensate by creating new connections.,p> Genetic factors, our environment and how we think and behave all have a bearing on neuroplasticity as well. Things like using your opposite hand to do everyday functions such as peeling vegetables, using your mouse and brushing your teeth will eventually create new connections between brain cells, if done often enough. Also, keeping your eyes closed when you do such things as getting up in the middle of the night to use the washroom, (if you are in a familiar area), choosing clothes from your closet based on the feel and texture of the fabric or setting the table.

The power of positive thinking uses the ability of the brain to be plastic. We are what we think just as much as we are what we eat. If we think we are inferior to others, our brain will tell us we are but if we think we are worthwhile, we will behave as if we are. By continually thinking we are worthwhile, we will be remapping our brains and creating new neural connections. It is the power of visualization. Athletes often use this technique to help them prepare for various sports events even when they are not actually physically able to practice.

Also, according to Norman Doidge, Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst and a specialist in neuroplasticity, it is believed that intelligence is not fixed; it can be changed. For each new thing we learn, our ability to learn more increases.

Therefore, Dr. Doidge and many others like him, believe our brains can find new connections following head injuries and strokes. He also believes that we have the ability to increase our mental capabilities throughout our whole life and even well into our advanced years.

The Good, Better, Best of Brain Health

Brain health is very important as a safeguard against dementia and Alzheimer's; as protection against memory loss and, as help against aging of the brain. There are many things we can do to help ourselves. The following are some of them.

Eating the colours of the rainbow gives our diets a boost, i.e.: choosing colourful fruits and vegetables such as carrots, yams, beets, tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, mangos, papaya, purple grapes, corn, dried cranberries, oranges, melon, peaches, black beans, red onions and the red, orange and yellow peppers and, green vegetables such as broccoli, peas, spinach, kale, green peppers and lettuce. It is thought by some that having sufficient of the B vitamins in our system will also help ward off Parkinson's disease. These are all good for the brain.

Avoiding excessive use of alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and refined white sugar is even better when added with eating colourful fruits and vegetables. Add to that by cutting down on meat consumption and eating more wild fish. It is also important to ensure that there is sufficient fiber in our diets and enough protein. Also avoid processed foods and increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet by including olive oil, nuts, flax and other seeds. It is also important to drink a lot of water. And when adding these things to the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, your brain will be even better.

And best of all, besides doing the above, is to reduce stress. It is also important to sleep between seven and eight hours each night, sweat to rid your body of toxins and get a lot of exercise. Also engage in intellectual pursuits by doing daily brain games to keep your brain active.

Doing brain games will help with your memory, mind flexibility, problem solving, speed of thinking, visual recall (faces and names), spatial reasoning, problem solving, information processing, verbal fluency, concentration and being able to stay focused. To do this, there are math games, puzzle games and word and memory games. Besides doing them, it is important to increase the speed at which you do them.

Because physical exercise is a crucial factor in the good, better and best of brain health, it is important to remember that it is not for losing weight or to compete as an athlete does but to maintain a healthy brain. It is thought that even one half hour a day will help not only your brain but also with detoxification, skeletal mobility and muscle tone. The purpose of exercise is to encourage brain health and to feel revitalized and energized by doing it.

Also, excessive stress has been discovered to cause shrinkage to some areas of the brain which could have an affect on specific areas of our lives. One of these is our ability to cope over time. Stress can, however be relieved through exercise and meditation.

Sleep deprivation can have an effect on the brain also causing some parts to slow or shut down completely. And in some cases, the person may even appear to be drunk. Often those lacking sleep will have more difficulty with their memory.

There is not one thing that is more important than the other, but in combination it will help your brain to be the best it can be.