Your brain is hungry, but how hungry?

For an organ that accounts for 2% of body mass, it uses up to 20% of the energy you put in, using up to three times as much oxygen as other muscles. It is constantly processing and therefore cycling through nutrients and oxygen at a much faster rate than the rest of the body especially when you are at rest. We must feed the beast!

Blood feeds the brain

The feeling of clear-headedness is determined by the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches the brain. Oxygen along with glucose are the two most important nutrients for keeping the brain energized and cells respiring, but there are a handful of other nutrients which need to be input to help you function your best. 

Brain food includes: 

• B-complex vitamins

• Vitamin C

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Calcium 

Cerebral circulation refers to the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the brain cells and the flow of de-oxygenated blood, carbon dioxide and lactic acid back to the heart. The better our circulation, the more efficient this system works. 

Ensuring good blood flow to the brain 

• Watch your level of stagnation throughout the day: if you have been sitting for a couple hours straight, take a break, stand up and take a vigorous walk.
• Focus on breathing well: to get the oxygen you need for cellular respiration. 
• Focus on food that is rich with nutrients beyond the bare minimum so that the circulation counts!

Dr. Francis Scorca, D.C.