Concerned about memory loss? Struggling with brain fog and forgetfulness? Cognitive decline doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of the aging process. Learn how to support your brain health at any age with “Stay Sharp Forever,” a free webinar featuring Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D., on Wednesday, May 10, at 5:30 EDT/8:30 PDT 8:30. Reserve your spot now.
Navigating the maze of brain-health hype
“I created this webinar—and the new “My Ageless Brain” online course—to help guide people through the maze of brain health-hype and information-overload,” says Dr. Lonsdorf, an integrative physician, author, speaker, and educator specializing in Ayurveda. “We’ll focus on the most important, research-based facts you need to know and implement for greater clarity and vitality now, and how to avoid decline later, when you deserve to enjoy the fruits of your life’s labor.”
Drawing on both modern research and ancient Ayurveda, Dr. Lonsdorf’s approach to brain health includes natural recommendations for nutrition, gut health, and stress management.
Healthy gut, healthy brain
Did you know that your gut health affects your brain health, and vice versa? In recent years, researchers have discovered something called the “gut-brain axis”—a network of millions of nerves and neurons running back and forth between your gut and your brain. Your vagus nerve sends streams of constant communication between your intestines and your brain, as do neurotransmitters in both places. Little wonder, then, that people often have tummy troubles when they’re feeling stressed!
It can work the other way, too. If your gut health is out of balance you may find yourself feeling dull, foggy, and even a bit moody.
“Clear thinking and memory, weight balance, immunity, and healthy aging are all connected via gut health,” says Dr. Lonsdorf, who is also the author of The Healthy Brain Solution for Women Over 40: 7 Keys to Staying Sharp, On or Off Hormones. “For many of us, the first step in supporting the brain lies in supporting the gut.”
Sugar and your brain—the not-so-sweet truth
Your brain’s main fuel is glucose, a form of sugar. But that doesn’t mean that a diet rich in sugary sweets is good for your brain! If anything, the opposite is true.
“Sugar is the new cholesterol,” says Dr. Lonsdorf, adding that diets high in sugar have been considered more influential in promoting issues with the heart and arteries than cholesterol. Research has also linked elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic tendency, with memory and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s has even been called “diabetes of the brain.”[1]
So how much sugar is too much? Tune into the webinar to learn more about how to balance those sweet-tooth cravings with your brain’s nutritional needs. Reserve your spot now.
Foods that fuel brain power
Generally speaking, your body and brain benefit greatly from a nutrient-rich diet that includes fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like ghee and olive oil. Some foods offer more brain power than others. Walnuts, for instance, are a good source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that keep inflammation in check, as well as potent antioxidants that support brain health.[2]
In Dr. Lonsdorf’s webinar, you’ll learn more about the best foods to fuel brain power, as well as those that can zap your energy and vitality.
Stress and your brain
It’s common to feel scattered and distracted during times of stress. But if left unchecked, ongoing stress can affect everything from your mood and memory[3] to your relationships and on-the-job performance.
“We all know stress affects us, and we all need effective ways to reduce its effects on our brain and nervous system,” says Dr. Lonsdorf, whose new online course explores the impact of stress on the mind and memory, while offering powerful, evidence-based approaches for stress-management.
"In particular, recent research indicates the pandemic impacted our brains, even if we didn’t actually get COVID. Fortunately, there are ways to help restore balance, including diet, supplements and lifestyle modification."
Some of the easiest ways to calm tensions naturally are pretty common sense.
“First of all, just try to take good care of yourself,” says Dr. Lonsdorf. “Try to get to bed earlier, get more sleep, and watch your diet. Stay away from lots of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Eat more wholesome food and eat your meals on time. In fact, I like to say, ‘treat yourself like your mother treated you when you were a kid.’”
Meditation can also be beneficial. Studies have found that the Transcendental Meditation technique in particular offers myriad benefits for mental health[4], heart health[5], and on-the-job stress[6].
For more helpful tips on supporting brain health as you age, be sure to tune into the webinar! Reserve your spot now. (You can also check back here in a few weeks for the webinar replay.)
© 1999, 2023 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
[1] https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/sugar-brain
[2] https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/best-food-for-a-healthy-brain#:~:text=Nuts%20like%20almonds%2C%20pistachios%20and,certainly%20goes%20to%20the%20walnut.
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/protect-your-brain-from-stress
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585558/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11917830/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951026/
