Your brain has a real superpower – neuroplasticity. A healthy and active brain is crucial for a fulfilling and happy life. It helps us to think clearly, process, control our emotions and strengthen our memory. But how can we keep our brain active? In this blog article we give you some valuable tips.
What is meant by neuroplasticity?
Neuro = nerve, plastic = malleability
Functional plasticity is the ability of the brain to shift functions from a damaged area of the brain to other, undamaged areas. Structural plasticity is the ability of the brain to change its physical structure as a result of learning processes.
The brain we are born with is not the brain we grow old with. At birth, the basic structures are present, but without learning and experience, the multitude of nerve connections (synapses) are missing. At birth, each nerve cell has around 2,500 synapses, but by the age of 3 there are already 15,000. The young brain grows not only in size, but also in the number of connections. We also recommend our blog article on brain development.
- Regardless of age, these connections represent memories and experiences that you consciously and unconsciously use to regulate your life. They control many of the automatic processes in your brain (e.g. the correct golf swing or the ability to play Mozart on the piano). This is also how we create memories. How strong these connections are often depends on the emotional intensity of the event that triggered them and, of course, how often we repeat that “thing”.
- Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to internal and external stimuli, and there are two types:
->Functional plasticity is the ability of the brain to shift functions from one damaged area of the brain to other, undamaged areas.
->Structural plasticity is the ability of the brain to change its physical structure as a result of learning processes.
Both are essential for a healthy brain to function well into old age.
Chiropractic and neuroplasticity
The better your brain works, the better everything works. After you have received information, your brain processes it and creates actions in response. It’s a never-ending cycle. How well your brain can do this is the key. Charles Darwin spoke of “survival of the fittest” in his theory of evolution, we tend to use the word adaptation. Adaptation is actually neuroplasticity. At the brain level, this means how agile your brain is to take in information, evaluate it appropriately and develop the best response. The good news is: your brain wants you to be amazingly fit and healthy and will do everything it can to achieve this.
What does this have to do with chiropractic?
The most important effect of chiropractic treatment is the stimulation of the prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain is not fully developed until around the age of 20 and has a number of important functions, which are shown here.
Before any of these processes can take place, your brain needs to feel safe. Safe in this sense is a real thing, it used to mean that there is no predator or threat nearby.
Our brain still works this way and needs a lot of information to be satisfied. This happens through good posture, stable joints, good balance and a flexible spine.
When all this is fulfilled, your brain is ready and able to work at a higher level, fulfill your needs, be more stress resistant and learn new things and enjoy life.
Our 6 tips on what you can do yourself for an active brain
- Regular physical activity: It has been scientifically proven that exercise is not only good for the body, but also for the brain. Regular physical activity such as jogging, swimming, dancing or yoga improves blood circulation in the brain and stimulates the growth of new nerve cells.
- Mental challenges: Our brain loves challenges! To keep it active, you should regularly set yourself new and demanding tasks. Solving puzzles, playing games, creative expression or learning a musical instrument, for example, are valuable for your brain. This forms new connections in the brain and strengthens existing ones.
- A healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrain products, healthy fats and sufficient water provides the brain with the necessary nutrients. Soge for regular omega-3 supplementation, this protects the brain.
- Sufficient sleep: During sleep, the brain regenerates and new information is processed. So make sure you get enough sleep and create a quiet and pleasant sleeping environment. Ideally without wifi or a smartphone as an alarm clock.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on the brain. Look for methods to reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises. Regular breaks and relaxation techniques can also help to reduce stress levels.
- social interaction: Social contacts and interaction are not only good for the soul, but also for the brain. Meet up regularly with friends, family members or get involved with others. Shared activities and conversations boost the brain and maintain mental health.
Conclusion
An active and fit brain is constantly forming new synapses and developing to find new solutions. The earlier in life you stimulate your brain, the better. AND: it’s never too late to start! You can read more about a healthy brain in old age here.
We wish you a vital and healthy life and would be delighted if you find our tips useful. If you would like to know more about vitalistic chiropractic, please write to us.
The Chirolounge team Munich
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