BRIGHT MINDS

I was listening to another episode of The Diary of a CEO. This time Steven was hosting Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Amen is an expert in analyzing brains and helping patients heal their brains. His acronym for 11 risk factors BRIGHT MINDS can help us understand what might be harming our brains and how we can help our brains to operate to their optimum.

B - Blood Flow. Our blood needs to be flowing around our bodies and too our brains. Our sedentary lifestyles slows blood flow and is bad for us. We can increase blood flow by moving more and eating certain foods. As well as certain treatments such as massages, acupuncture, cupping, reflexology etc.

R - Retirement/aging. There is not much we can do about getting older. But looking after ourselves can help the aging process.

I - Inflammation. Inflammation is our bodies natural healing process and it is good for us, as long as it is not chronic. Diet, exercise, oral health, stress management, sleep, avoiding sugar, alcohol and smoking will all help us avoid chronic inflammation.

G - Genetics. If you are aware of what illnesses effected your parents and family you can be aware of how best to avoid and treat those diseases because you are more than likely at higher risk of developing those diseases.

H - Head Trauma - Pretty obvious that banging your head is dangerous. Maybe not so obvious is certain sports like soccer(heading a football) or rugby(collision with another player) can cause serious brain injury. Even if you feel fine when it happens.

T - Toxins. There are many toxins that we are aware of and unaware of that we are exposing ourselves to everyday. We should do our best to avoid what we can. Toxins in our homes like mold can be dangerous. Toxins in our food which many contain in todays worlds. Toxins in our health and beauty products. Because of pollution our air and water can contain toxins. And substances we consciously put in our bodies can be toxic e.g. sugar, drugs, alcohol etc.

M - Mental Health - Mental Health conditions can have tremendously negative effects on our brain health. We should address mental health issues with priority to help our brains. There are natural ways to help relieve and even cure mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Eating a healthy diet with Real Food and ensuring we minimize and even completely avoid processed foods, sugar, caffeine, cannabis and alcohol. Getting outside in nature and getting sun in our eyes and on our skin(not to the point of burning). Exercising regularly. Having fun and doing the things we enjoy. Reducing stress and stressful people in our lives, getting a good sleep schedule in place.

I - Immunity/infections. We should be optimizing our immune systems and treating any infections. Both can be done by following a healthy diet, exercising, sleeping properly, managing stress etc.

N - Neurohormone deficiencies - Make sure your hormone are in good health. Again this can be done by following a healthy diet, having a good sleep schedule, exercising etc (Are we starting to see the theme?)

D - Diabesity - High blood sugar levels causes insulin resistance whish is bad for every part of your body.

S - Sleep and Rest. This is when your body heals

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOi_Y4ythYY