Recent data came forth regarding Albert Einstein’s brain. For years it was determined that his brain was smaller than the average person. The scientists back in 1955 assumed that the size of the brain was based on the circumference. Recent studies that looked at the prefrontal cortex revealed that Einstein’s brain was much different than the average person. And more complex than scientists had expected. Falk, Lepore and Noe (2012)
Though Einstein brain structure was much different than the rest of us mortals, there were things that he did in his life that each of can to do improve our brain’s power. And even more than Einstein realized. Each person is not “locked” into a certain IQ level. Recent studies have shown that even a person’s IQ can increase as well as the brain power.
Neuroscientists had once believed that once a person reached a certain age that the brain stopped growing. Today, that thinking no longer holds true. The truth is that the brain will continue to grow (change) throughout one’s lifetime. Let me backtrack on that last statement a bit. It can also shrink. I will explain both.
During my continuing study in epigenetics, I came across research that both Dr. Lori Shemek, author of ‘Fire-Up Your Fat Burn!’, have talked about and that being the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is one of several nerve growth factors (neurotrophins) proteins present in our body. The BDNF gene controls the creation of the BDNF protein and is expressed via exercise. The more intense, the more that is released. We see this happening most prominently in the hippocampus. This is the center of learning and memory as well as serotonin release into the brain.
The BDNF protein will be a focus of powering up your brain. The whole mind-body connection is important for complete brain power. And I will challenge you to do each part. So we begin.
Exercise is essential for brain health and growth. As previously mentioned, exercise is key to the activation of the BDNF gene which controls the protein of the same name. Low levels of BDNF have been implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease as well as other neurological disorders, including depression. What kind of exercise should you be doing? Well, I say exercising consistently is very important.
Note: BDNF helps in neurogenesis (new neurons or brain cells) and neuroplasticity (new neural connections). Both are important for brain growth, learning and memory.
Having said that, the more intense the exercise, the more BDNF is activated and produced. Circuit training, high intensity interval training (HIIT) and the like are among the best types of exercises for brain building. You can see numerous examples and programs on the internet as well as work with a personal trainer.
Nutrition is another important factor that will power-up your brain. From Omega 3 fatty acids to Vitamin B-12, many have different uses with the brain. For example, Vitamin B-12 is important for the myelin on each nerve cell. That combined with cholesterol and you have a powerful combination in protecting each neuron as well as better neuronal communication. This leads to healthier neurons and maintains neuroplasticity. The best source of Vitamin B-12 is from animal protein. Injections are the next best option. Some plants are grown with added Vitamin B-12, though this is a very expensive process. Sugar is a no-no! Studies have shown that the excess use of it leads to brain shrinkage. So does being obese.
Make sure to eat a healthy diet. I highly recommend Dr. Lori Shemek’s book, ‘Fire-Up Your Fat Burn!’ that will give you great information for your overall nutritional health as well as physical exercises. Both exercise and nutrition are important to be done consistently. Once you maintain both, they will become a normal part of your life. You will have developed a new habit of health.
Sleep is important also. Without it, your brain will not function to its fullest. And in some cases, it will simply shut down. Thinking may become hazy when you don’t get enough sleep. One of the most dangerous drivers on our freeways are sleep ones. Not getting enough sleep is estimated to be nearly the same as a drunk driver. And there’s a lot more sleepy drivers than drunk ones on our roadways. I would suggest getting at least 7 hours per day and optimally 8. Never push yourself, get plenty of sleep first. Even several “cat naps” per day will help.
Challenge your brain by learning new things, at least one per day. Read books. Take classes. Do things you’ve never done before. This will help to create new neuropathways as well as strengthening old ones. Doing mind-body exercises, such as Tai Chi Chuan is excellent for creating a powered-up brain. So is learning a musical instrument. The physical action combined with the mental focus helps with that “Super Brain” development. I’ve been a martial arts practitioner my whole life and that has really helped me and my brain. Albert Einstein was known for excelling on the violin.
Taking up art or dancing are other alternatives you can do. Keeping the mind-body connection is important. In fact, all physical activity you do has a brain component to it. It’s called learning. When you do something and you make a mistake, it’s only because the neuroconnection wasn’t there or strong enough for you to do it right. Keep doing it until that connection is fully ingrained.
Remember this about “Powering Up Your Brain”, it is the combination of every single aspect I mentioned here that is important. A healthy and fit body means a healthy and fit brain. Learning new things will allow you to be motivated enough to get moving more. The mind and body cannot be separated. Keep challenging both for optimal brain function.
Before I go, a memory trick that has been around for many thousands of years is known as mnemonics. You can find out more here on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mnemonic. Happy learning and memory training.
Reference:
Falk, D., Lepore, F.E. and Noe, A. The cerebral cortex of Albert Einstein: a description and preliminary analysis of unpublished photographs. Brain, 2012 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws295
Bob
America’s #1 Mind-Body Transformation Expert
Author of ‘Mind Your Own Fitness’ and the forthcoming book, ‘The Four Pillars of Fitness Success’