Brain Nutrition

Roz Burnham, C.N.

Metabolic Clinical Nutrition and Natural Wellness Counseling

972-939-8447 or 972-365-6100

http://mysite.verizon.net/rozburnham/

Your brain weighs about 3 pounds and needs a steady and reliable source of energy (glucose) to function efficiently. The brain’s demand for glucose greatly exceeds the needs of other cells, organs or tissues. The brain must have a steady supply of glucose to electrically function.

Glucose (blood sugar) provides the main source of energy to the brain and is made from complex and refined carbohydrate foods.

Complex carbohydrates consist of whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables which naturally contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. Their complex nature provides a slow and steady absorption of glucose into the blood stream and into the brain for energy.

Refined and processed carbohydrates include simple sugars, starches, alcohol and juices. Simple carbohydrates are devoid of nutrients and very rapidly metabolize into glucose. This produces a short burst of energy, but no sustained release of glucose for the brain to use.

The brain also needs a steady supply of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. These essential nutrients provide the raw materials for hormones and neurotransmitters which control chemical and neurological signals by the brain and the nervous system.

The brain is composed of over 100 billion neurons or nerve cells sending signals to all parts of the body. Neurons have specialized projections called axons and dendrites which transmit electrochemical information from cell to cell in the brain and nervous system.

Neurotransmitter chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, nor-epinepherine, epinephrine and GABA control the rate at which information is relayed. When these neurotransmitters are not in balance with each other serious changes in mood, memory, attention, learning, appetite, cravings, sleep and pain control are often seen.

A simple urine test can detect your levels of these brain chemicals and natural supplementation and a healthy diet can rebalance the brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms related to neurotransmitter imbalance.