Tag: Diet and brain health

Research consistently highlights the strong connection between proper nutrition and cognitive function, including language and speech development. This means that for many, the quality and clarity of your speaking voice can be directly influenced by what you eat and drink, so can your diet affect your speech?

While it is a common misconception that many foods directly contain dopamine, studies have shown that detectable amounts of this neurotransmitter can be found in potato leaves and tubers. However, the key to understanding the potato's impact on brain health is not its direct dopamine content, but rather the presence of precursor nutrients that the body uses to synthesize its own mood-regulating chemicals.

According to a study published in *Frontiers in Neuroscience*, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation can form a self-perpetuating cycle known as the “neurotoxic triad”. This triad can be significantly impacted by dietary choices, raising the question: can diet influence excitotoxicity? The answer lies in managing excitatory compounds like glutamate while boosting protective micronutrients.

According to a systematic review published in 2022, omega-3 fatty acid ingestion can increase learning, memory, and cognitive well-being. This suggests a strong connection between dietary intake of fatty fish and the reduction of brain fog symptoms, a common issue characterized by mental fatigue, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating.

Over 25% of adults over 50 take supplements to support brain health, highlighting widespread concern for cognitive function. The relationship between vitamins and minerals in the brain is intricate and co-dependent, with these micronutrients working synergistically to power the central nervous system.

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the world's most prevalent nutrient deficiency, affecting billions and impacting neurological functioning. When considering what is the most important mineral for your brain, a single answer falls short, as multiple minerals play interconnected roles in supporting cognitive health.

Did you know that the human brain is composed of nearly 60% fat? This staggering statistic highlights the essential role lipids play in our nervous system, but the real question remains: Are fats good for brain health?

A recent survey found that nearly one in three adults over 50 takes a supplement hoping to improve their cognitive function. This raises the critical question: what supplement really can improve brain health and cognitive function, and what does the scientific evidence say?

According to a 2024 study by UCSF, older adults with lower vitamin B12 levels showed more brain changes linked to cognitive decline. Unsurprisingly, many people seek to enhance their mental clarity and memory, asking: which vitamin is good for a sharp mind? The answer is not one single vitamin, but a combination of essential nutrients that support a healthy brain throughout your life.

According to a 2023 study published in *PLOS ONE*, two or more micronutrient deficiencies were common in over two-thirds of school-aged children studied and were linked to impaired cognitive function. This research, among other studies, shows that poor nutrition can significantly affect cognition and wound healing, impacting overall health and recovery.