DIET, HEALTH AND OPTIMAL BRAIN FUNCTION

One of the greatest challenges facing anyone concerned with eating a “healthy” diet is sorting out fact from emotional bias, financial or political interests and flat-out misinformation. It’s easy to lose track of logic and common sense.It is important to look at how humans have evolved over the last 2.6 million years to understand the selective pressures that shaped our physiological needs. As a species we are much more alike than unalike and our shared genetic heritage is virtually identical to humans alive more than 40,000 years ago, well before the dawn of agriculture. Regardless of ideologies or wishful thinking, all modern day humans are (physiologically) hunter-gatherers. What this means in terms of diet is a fundamental need for two main things: a foundation of high quality protein and fat from clean, natural sources such as free-range (grass-fed, if possible) meat and fresh fish, as well as a variety of fibrous (not starchy) vegetables and greens, and perhaps some nuts and seeds.Our ancestors consumed fruit only seasonally in most areas and wild fruit isn’t that sweet. What this also means is that human physiology and brain function is not well suited to a diet rich in carbohydrates. Grains, grain products and things like soybeans and corn are very new to the human species and are, as such, a frequent cause of numerous problems that include hypoglycemia, mineral and enzyme deficiencies, food sensitivities, weight problems, cognitive disorders, learning disabilities and chronic ill-health in adults and children alike. As a species we are not even remotely suited to diets also high in sugar, processed foods, vegetable oils, trans-fats and pesticide-laden, irradiated produce (no matter how much the food industry or diet dictocrats want us to believe otherwise).Neurofeedback is a very, very powerful tool and can do much to revolutionize both brain function and well-being. It is important to be aware, however, that the brain (and body) needs certain fundamental nutrients to function optimally and that some substances may significantly impair neurological/physiological function and development. Addressing these issues can be key to outcome.Neurofeedback combined with a sound, quality diet, supplementation (as needed), and elimination of problem foods, chemicals and additives can ensure more rapid progress and the best long-term results!Steps you can take today to ensure a better quality diet for the optimal functioning of your body and brain include:· Become very conscious of food and beverage choices. READ LABELS. Ask yourself whether what you are eating would resemble food to a primitive human.· Save your money! Eliminate junky snack foods, fast foods, pop, conventional milk, soy/rice milk and juice. Try to drink mostly water. Substitute processed snacks with snacks like sliced, unprocessed meats, hard-boiled eggs, veggies with homemade avocado dip, nuts, seeds and small amounts of fruit.· Avoid commercial vegetable oils as most contain trans-fats and excess polyunsaturates prone to rancidity. Never cook with them. Olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil and organic butter are good choices. DO NOT use margarine or vegetable shortening. Ever.· Start by cutting the amount of carbohydrate you are currently eating by half. Instead of two slices of bread, eat one. Instead of a whole cup of pasta—half (add more sauce—the good part!). The goal should be even less than this but half as much is easy to do and is an excellent start.· Eliminate all refined sugar, including sodas, desserts, candy and cereals in addition to reducing other sources of carbohydrates. Read labels carefully to identify hidden sources. · Begin seeking out more organic produce and better quality meats at natural foods grocery stores and local farms. Avoid the "center aisles" at grocery stores as much as possible. Stick to “perishable” foods.· Begin supplementing with a quality fish oil supplement (Tyler brand ‘Eskimo-3’ and TwinLab’s ‘Total Max EPA’ are best). Omega-3’s (EPA and DHA) are commonly deficient in most individuals—especially those with ADD/HD, learning disabilities, mood instabilities and cognitive disorders. Zinc has also been found to be deficient in these same populations (find an amino acid chelate). In addition to these, a quality vitamin/mineral supplement makes good sense. Try to avoid drug store/supermarket brands like ‘Centrum’ and ‘One-A-Day’ and get a good health store brand. Also, a little cod liver oil (only about a teaspoon a day) can go a long way toward a better immune system and better mineral absorption (‘Carlson’s’ brand is excellent—especially tasty is the lemon flavored).· Read my manuscript. It is informative in great detail and is fully referenced. Use the provided references and web sites to move past any skepticism you may have and educate yourself as much as possible. See information on this blog on how to purchase a copy.Take responsibility for your own health!