Modern Brain Food - Part 1

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Photo credit: neurosafari

The Central Nervous System is comprised of the brain and spinal cord.  The following foods should be incorporated into your daily diet to help with overall function and health.  Some patients in our Mississauga, ON chiropractic office ask for meal replacements or ideas for substitution.  The following brain foods are great to add into your daily diet. 

Dark Chocolate (min. 75-80% Cacao)
Has to be a high quality form/brand and it has to be high in the cacao content.  Having only a couple pieces a day can help with the anti-oxidant effect, blood flow, and also the memory-functioning aspect of the brain.  Some milk/dark chocolates have been shown to help increase motor function (brain to muscle communication).  This is one of the favourite “brain foods” for most people due to its social acceptance.
 
Avocados
People shy away from this brain and superfood due to its expense and fat content.  Avocados are regarded as a healthy fat and can be a big game changer in your diet.  Avocados have been shown to decrease total body blood pressure, but they have been shown to increase the flow of blood to the brain.  
 
Pumpkin Seeds
High form of Omega-3’s and zinc.  This is a great addition to add on top of your chia seed pudding or oatmeal for breakfast.  Even a handful of these seeds per day will meet your daily minimum requirements for omega-3’s. 
 
Blueberries
Full of Vitamin C and is also regarded as a anti-oxidant powerhouse when found in a “organic” setting.  It can help with the removal of free-radicals at the cellular level.  They will help against short term memory loss. Blueberries are highly sprayed with pesticides, even to some degree when labelled organic.  Please make sure to wash thoroughly prior to eating. 
 
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A must-have in your diet.  Cells and your brain use this for fuel.  If you can’t acquire it from your diet (chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and salmon), you must supplement with it.  This is also very important for children to have during their developing years.

NOTE:
Taking the correct steps on a daily basis and understanding your body is the key to prevention and living a healthy lifestyle.  Each day, you and your family are making choices that affect your greatest asset, your overall ability to adapt to your environment and health.  These brain foods should be taken in moderation and for those that have specific dietary restrictions; a consult with your primary health care provider is needed before any changes are made.

For those that haven’t had a full thorough spinal and nervous system exam conducted in the past, please feel free to book a COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT with our office to learn options for you and your family.  Call our Mississauga, ON chiropractor office at (905)232-3100 today. 

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