Yearly Archives: 2016

Start of the work year brain blues

Now that you’re back to work, looking out the window at the glorious day, reminiscing about campsites, beach days and deckchairs, you may be experiencing back to work brain blues. Brain fatigue can be described as burnout, feeling tired, depression or simply getting old. It can present itself as momentary blips, simply needing a break, sugar imbalances or the (h)angry state, to more severe, life-altering neurodegenerative disorders.

The 3 main causes of brain blues are

• oxyagenation –  Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamins and minerals from your food iron, zinc, vitamin C, copper, B12, folic acid & B6 are really important here. Anaemia (low iron or B12 levels, low/high blood pressure, heart health, lung and how we are breathing all effect oxygen levels flowing to the brain. Remember to take deep belly breaths

• Regulation of bood sugar –  Is important in regards to brain blues. Dietary imbalances to concerns with insulin & leptin resistance affect blood sugar function. Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of health promoting fats, vegetables, leafy greens, fruit, lean protein will aid blood sugar regulation. Skipping meals, low protein, low fat/no fat diets can be a concern, if you need help deciding the best dietary advice for you, book in for a free 15 minute nutritional consultation at Vitonix to learn how nutrition and naturopathy can help you.

• Stimulation/Activity – is there too much or too little stimulation present?
  In this 21st century we are constantly exposed to stimuli. For example constant exposure to technology and occupations that deal with all kinds of intense stimuli i.e. sounds, vibration & odours, provides chronic stimulation & stress. However it may not be our job or environment that causes stimulation it may be related to foods, chemicals, medications or addictions. Food intolerances like gluten, MSG, caffeine, nicotine, energy drinks, lack of sleep or insomnia contributes to excess stimulation and be a major contributor to brain blues. Practice good sleep hygiene techniques and find out what your food sensitivities are to start feeling and thinking with energy and clarity.

On the other hand, having a sedentary lifestyle, no physical activity and little mental activity, also causes the brain to become stressed. It is important there is balance with stimulation for the brain to thrive & operate at its best.

If this article has raised questions around your mental clarity and would like more solid advice on how to lift the cloud feel free to contact www.vitonix.co.nz and leave a message in the contact box to schedule in a free 10 minute consultation on what Vitonix does and we could help you.

Initial Protocols

Tips for the months to come:

• Spend time outdoors – Our brain loves nature. Many simple outdoor activities change our brain waves and give our brain some positive balance and a pleasant stimulation.
• Meditate – Taking time out to simply listen and breathe can bring awareness and re-energize us.
• Breathe – Many studies have shown breathing in fresh outdoor air can help relax the nervous system and re-energize the brain, improving focus and creativity.
• Memory, like muscular strength, requires us to “use it or lose it.” The more we work out our brain, the better we’ll be able to process and remember information. 
• Eating whole foods will best support our mental & physical health.
• Coconut oil – Contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) – a primary source of ketone bodies. Ketone bodies have been found to feed the brain, prevent brain atrophy and may even restore and renew neuron and nerve function.
• Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, especially DHA keeps the lining of brain cells flexible so memory messages can pass easily between cells. They also reduce inflammation and prevent the hardening of arteries in the brain. Nordic Naturals ProDHA or Arctic Cod Liver Oil are exceptional products. (avoid supermarket brands as they may be rancid)
• Reduce sugar & grain consumption as these are the driving factors behind insulin resistance and brain fog.
• Sugar also suppresses brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is important for proper memory function.
• Avoid all artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame, for example, which is an excitotoxin negatively influencing brain cells.

Feel like you need a health check up, contact Lieke at Vitonix and receive 20% off your initial consultation in February