Tips to help support a healthy brain

Our brain can sometimes be taken for granted, however it is one of the most important organs of our body. It’s our main source of storage for memories, learning and functioning on a daily basis.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you support the mind, and keep it active and healthy. 

 Sleep

Getting a solid 8 hours of sleep a night will help your brain to process the days events. New research has suggested that the brain actually spends the time we sleep removing toxins from the brain that have built up during the day- a type of housekeeping. A good sleep will help your brain to create new memories, and concentrate throughout the day.  

 Get physical

Even its its going for a short walk in nature, our brain benefits from physical exercise. Research has suggested that regular intensive exercise can improve the size of our hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and new learning. Exercise also produces endorphins which help to maintain good mental health. 

 Diet

Eating a balanced diet full of leafy green vegetables and omega 3,6 and 9, can help to support healthy brain function. Try to cut out eating too much sugar and alcohol as these can affect how well the brain is able to learn new things. 

 Managing Stress

Stress can have a serious detrimental effect on our brain, allowing some self care and relaxation will help to relieve this. Allowing yourself to take regular time out to do the things you love and that will nourish you is vital. 

 Meditation

A few minutes of meditation a day has been proven to help reduce mental health issues and improve clarity of mind, memory and focus. This can also be in the form of a regular yoga practice.

 Keep the brain active

The brain is a muscle, which thrives when it is being used. A great way to do this is to pick up a great book, practice sudoku or do the daily crossword to keep the muscle going.

 Supplements

Daily supplements can help to support brain function, here at detox trading I like to take

our organic Gotu Kola which improves blood flow to the brain and Lions Mane which is known for increasing memory. I can already notice a significant difference!

Maca powder – the superfood beneficial for an underactive thyroid

Maca powder – the superfood beneficial for an underactive thyroid

Do you feel tired and stressed out all the time? Research has indicated that the alkaloids of maca will have a beneficial effect on your endocrine system when taken regularly - and this is good news for all women. As we go through life, our hormones fluctuate. This can be unsettling enough but, when we also take the stresses of daily life into account, we can start to experience adrenal fatigue - this is our body’s first line of defence. If we don’t heed the warnings, the thyroid gland can become impacted severely. 

Many women have found that taking maca improves the function of their thyroid, reducing mental fog and fatigue in a very short space of time. 

It works best if you can use maca powder on a daily basis and it works by impacting the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus - these are significant when it comes to the health of your thyroid. The hypothalamus releases a thyrotropin-releasing hormone – known as TRH - and this stimulates the pituitary gland which in turn, stimulates the thyroid to release the thyroid hormone. So, if you want an overhaul of your endocrine system, maca may be the herb for you. Maca powder can help to stimulate the natural productivity of your thyroid and this has to be a good thing. 

As a superfood, maca root is becoming increasingly popular as it has numerous benefits. It helps to reduce glucose levels, can reduce the number of hot flushes associated with the menopause, it lowers your blood pressure and can even improve sexual desire. Maca powder is readily available and it can easily be added to meals on a daily basis. If you are interested in trying it out, simply add to your cereals or homemade smoothies and enjoy the subtle, malty taste. Note: it is generally advised that you don't cook or bake maca powder but as small quantities are all that is required, you'll find many ways of adding it to your diet. Use regularly and you’ll start to notice that your health improves.