Neurogenesis: Growing Brain Neurons
Creating new neurons
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Last weeks newsletter on brain fog was a hit! Readers want to know more about brain improvement. This week we are talking about neurogenesis. No, neurogenesis is not a futuristic light saber used for defending yourself.
Neurogenesis is the process of generating new neurons in the brain.
Neurogenesis primarily occurs during embryonic development and continues into early adulthood but as we age, neuron growth begins to decline but it doesn’t entirely have to.
Here are the top 10 tips for neuron growth from Brant Cortright, Ph.D., Professor emeritus California Institute of Integral Studies from the Neurohacker Collective podcast interview:
1. Understand that neurogenesis is the process of creating new brain cells throughout your life and it plays a crucial role in brain health, learning, and memory.
2. Take control of your lifestyle by implementing habits such as exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and a healthy diet to promote neurogenesis.
3. Incorporate aerobic exercise into your routine as it increases blood flow to the brain, boosts neurotrophic factors, and supports the growth of new neurons.
4. Prioritize sleep to maximize neurogenesis as it enhances memory consolidation and supports the elimination of toxic waste from the brain.
5. Reduce chronic stress, which negatively affects neurogenesis, by implementing mindfulness techniques, meditation, and finding healthy ways to cope with stressors.
6. Adopt a diet rich in nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols (blueberries, plums, cherries, apples, strawberries, black currants, black olives, dark chocolate, black tea, coffee, hazelnuts and pecans), which support neurogenesis and brain health.
7. Engage in novel and challenging activities that stimulate your brain, such as learning new skills, playing musical instruments, puzzles, and social interactions.
8. Avoid neurotoxic substances such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and environmental toxins that can hinder neurogenesis and harm brain health.
9. Consider supplementation with natural substances like turmeric, blueberries, green tea extract, and Resveratrol, known for their ability to enhance neurogenesis and protect brain cells.
10. Stay positive and maintain a growth mindset, as research suggests that optimism and positive emotions can enhance neurogenesis and overall brain function.
If you really want to learn more about the science of neurogenesis, checkout this podcast from the Neurohacker Collective. It is only one hour and will change your perception on how to grow neurons.
Here are three recent articles on neurogenesis:
This article from Psychology Today discusses the potential of psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, to stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus—a brain region involved in learning and memory.
In Neuroscience News, scientists have discovered a link between neurogenesis (the creation of new neurons) in the hippocampus and cognitive flexibility, providing further evidence for the importance of neurogenesis for brain health and function
Researchers have developed a proprietary spearmint extract called Neumentix, which has been granted a European patent for its ability to promote neurogenesis, the growth and development of new brain cells.
Until next week, Age and Prosper (and let’s grow more neurons)!