Last week I discussed the compounding effects of various sabotaging exposures and habits that can have on your brain health. These SPECT images, by Dr. Daniel Amen, are “worth a thousand words”.

In today’s blog post, I’m going to address how you can heal your brain. You really can!! I’m living proof of it. You’ll see images below of people who have done the work – followed the BRIGHT MINDS approach and indeed, dramatically healed their brains, in as little as 10 weeks.

Let’s get going –

B- Blood Flow

Improving blood flow to the brain is essential for cognitive function and overall brain health. Strategies to enhance blood flow include:

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This therapy increases oxygen delivery to brain tissues. Now, while this is an expensive option if you choose to purchase your own unit, you can do this at various clinics. And it really, really works!!
• Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts circulation and oxygenates the brain. I use oxygen or exercise with oxygen therapy (EWOT) when I’m on my Peloton.
• Cholesterol Management: Keeping cholesterol levels in check helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Now, the caveat here is that most doctors are still prescribing waaaay too many statins because they are being taught that cholesterol is bad. While plague build-up can be an issue, people don’t realize how critical cholesterol is for hormones, cell membranes, and brain function. We need healthy fats for brain health!
• Dietary Choices: Consuming foods like beets and cacao, which are known to enhance blood flow.

R – Retirement/Aging

Staying mentally active and engaged during retirement and aging can protect brain health. Strategies include:

• New Learning Continuously engaging in new learning activities – online and offline. Try a new hobby, a new skill, read new books, etc.
• Donating Blood; Regular blood donation can reduce iron levels and potentially benefit brain health. Again, it’s important to check your Ferritin levels. If they are above 60, then definitely consider donating.

Inflammation

• Reducing inflammation: can protect the brain from damage. Effective methods include:
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporating omega-3-rich foods or supplements to reduce inflammation.
• Probiotics: Supporting gut health with probiotics, which can help lower inflammation.

Genetic Risk

Understanding and mitigating genetic risks involves:

• Lifestyle Choices: Making healthy lifestyle choices to counteract genetic predispositions.

Head Trauma

Preventing and protecting against head trauma is crucial for brain health. Measures include:

• Protection: Wear helmets during activities that pose a risk of head injury and take precautions to avoid falls. Be sure to educate your children while young and if you have some genetic risks, you may want to avoid high-contact sports. Period.

Toxicity

Reducing exposure to toxins and enhancing the body’s ability to detoxify can improve brain function. Approaches include:

• Detoxification: Using methods like infrared saunas to help remove toxins from the body. Enhancing your Glutathione is a critical part of this!! You can read my blog here to get a deeper cut.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated to support detoxification processes.
• Fiber Intake: Consuming sufficient fiber to aid in toxin elimination.

Mental Health

Supporting mental health is essential for cognitive function. This can be done by:

• Mental Health Care: Seeking therapy, practicing mindfulness, and using medications if necessary.

Immunity

Boosting immunity can protect the brain from infections and inflammation. Effective strategies include:

• Vitamin D: Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels.
• Mushrooms: Incorporating mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, known for their immune-boosting properties.
• Glutathione support – Again, I can’t reinforce enough the importance of enhancing your Glutathione, as it’s the body’s most potent, important cellular immune booster. I recommend CellGevity, the only product clinically proven, in human trials, to raise serum (in the blood) Glutathione levels, inside the cell! Read about it here.

Neurohormones

Balancing neurohormones is vital for cognitive and emotional well-being. This can be achieved by:

• Testing and Optimizing: Regularly testing hormone levels and using appropriate treatments to balance them. You know how I feel about hormone balance. Neurotransmitter balance is just as critical and gut health plays a huge role in all of it. One of the reasons that I love and recommend the DUTCH test, is that it provides hormone levels, hormone balance and provides data about your neurotransmitters and your neuroinflammation. If you want to get tested, I’m now available to take a few new clients.

Diabesity

Managing blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy weight are critical for brain health. Strategies include:

• Blood Sugar Control: Monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels through diet and medication. If insulin resistance is an issue for you and you just must have some GPL-1 support (think Ozempic) at least try a natural approach. Contact me for more info
• Weight Management: Adopting a healthy lifestyle to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Sleep

Optimizing sleep is crucial for brain health. Recommendations include:

• Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a conducive sleep environment. I discuss this in great detail in my book.
• Get the best mattress you can afford
• Get the best sheets you can afford
• Do not eat heavy meals 3 hours before bed
• Be sure to cut out caffeination after 3 pm

Proof the BRIGHT MINDS program works!

Daniel Amen’s program integrates various evidence-based strategies to target each of these factors, aiming to heal and enhance brain function. Here’s how the BRIGHT MINDS approach works in practice:

• Personalized Assessment: The program starts with a thorough assessment of an individual’s brain health, including medical history, lifestyle, and potential risk factors. This may involve brain imaging techniques, blood tests, and cognitive assessments.
• Targeted Interventions: Based on the assessment, personalized interventions are recommended. These may include dietary changes, exercise plans, mental health support, and specific therapies like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). For example, if poor blood flow is identified as a risk factor, a combination of exercise, dietary adjustments, and possibly HBOT might be recommended.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regular monitoring and adjustments are made to ensure the interventions are effective and to track improvements in brain health. This ongoing process allows for modifications based on progress and changing needs.
• Holistic Focus: The program emphasizes a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle choices in maintaining optimal brain function. This includes addressing all aspects of the BRIGHT MINDS framework to ensure comprehensive brain health

Now, these photos below are a few that Dr. Amen shared at the 10th Annual Biohacking conference. You can find others if you do a Google search. The principles I’ve shared above work! They have worked for me, too

As Dr. Amen says, once you see a healthy brain, or start healing your own brain, you may develop “brain envy”. I fall into that camp 😉

I’ve healed my own brain, been trained by Dr. Amen, and have coached his clients in the past. If you or someone you know want to Create the Vitality You Crave and start with your brain health, now that my book is completed, I have room for a handful of new clients.

Here’s to optimizing your brain health and Creating the Vitality You Crave!