The Healthy Brain

We should all want a healthy brain, right? I'm not talking about becoming the next Einstein, though that would be nice. I am referring to a healthy brain that enables us to make good choices, remember simple things, communicate with our loved ones, and simply be the person God intended for us to be. These simple things that we often take for granted can deminish due to genetics and/or lack of good healthy habits. My motivation for seeking ways to maintain and improve brain health came from my father. He was diagnosed last year with frontotemporal dementia at the age of 65. I didn't want to sit around and wait for this disease to strike, so I decided to be proactive and incorporate some things into my life that will help me to have a healthy brain. I must admit that I didn't know where to start. I decided that it really didn't matter so much where I started, but that I did start on a path to better brain health. I like the following reminder by Dr. Seuss.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” 
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

If you add God as your guide to making decisions, I think Dr. Seuss hit the nail on the head so to speak. Anyway, I have chosen a few tips for a healthy brain to share with you. These are things that I found valuable and that I could implement fairly easily.

1. Detox - There are different ways to detox your brain. I chose to use cilantro and chlorella.

2. Consume Only Healthy fats -

• Coconut Oil - I saute and bake everything with coconut oil. In addition to cooking with it, I make sure that I get atleast a teaspoon every day. 

• Avacado - I add avacado to everything including scrambled eggs and salads.

• Nuts and Seeds - Everyone in my family eats 1 or 2 brazil nuts every day for the high amount of selenium they provide. We also keep raw almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds on hand.

3. Eliminate Unhealthy Sugars - I buy local honey and use it for anything that needs sweetener.

4. Eliminate Reactive Foods - Gluten, dairy, and soy are the most common reactive foods. My older daughter and I have been gluten-free since June 2012. We have more recently eliminated dairy and soy. Eliminating reactive foods can help with numerous health problems.

5. Increase Omega 3s -

• Eat Fish - We eat fish high in Omega 3s at least once every week.

• Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds - I add chia seeds and flax seeds to fruit, shakes, and anything slightly sweet.

• Walnuts - Walnuts are great on salads or just for snacking.

6.Tumeric - Tumeric has a chemical, curcumin, to help fight alzheimer's disease. I add a healthy amount to my scrambled eggs every morning, to salads, rice and sauted vegetables. Mustard also has tumeric, so I use it freely.

7. Stay Hydrated- I drink at least 8 cups of water a day. It is important to drink filtered water whenever possible. I bought a PUR Mineral Clear filter for my kitchen faucet and a Brita pitcher for my refrigerator.

8. Take Supplements - Fish Oil, Ginko, Vitamin B, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Magnesium

9. Learn New Things - This one is not hard for me since I am homeschooling a 10 year old and a 15 year old. I also do some puzzles to stimulate my brain.

10. Exercise - This one is my favorite! I have alotted 45 minutes each morning for exercise. I also get creative in ways to workout during the day.

11. Shed the Aluminum -Use aluminum-free deoderant and stop cooking with aluminum cookware and foil.

12. Prayer - I have to mention this one, since I know that God is the one who has seen me through the fear of future brain diseases. I know that He expects me to take care of the brain that he created me with, and He will do the rest!


There are other factors that affect your brain such as stress and sleep. If I come up with a good way to help in these areas, I will be sure to write about it!