Rev-Up Your Brain With a Juice Fast

Need a Brain Boost?

Research has indicated that fasting can significantly reduce the effects of aging on the brain.  It has been known that bouts of intermittent fasting have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the entire body.  Leading scientists now believe that intermittent fasting is one of the key strategies for maximizing brain function. Researchers at the National Institute of Aging in Baltimore have reviewed the literature and performed studies to indicate the positive effects of fasting on overall brain health.  Professor Mark Mattson, who is the head of the Institute’s laboratory of NeuroSciences, made it clear that these benefits were not just related to calorie restriction but instead to intentional periods of intermittent fasting. (http://primaldocs.com/members-blog/intermittent-fasting-supercharges-your-brain/; accessed May 16, 2016)

Fasting Boosts Brain-Derived NeuroTrophic Factor (BDNF):

BDNF levels govern the formation of new neurons and the development of synapses and various lines of communication within the brain.  Higher levels of BDNF lead to healthier neurons and better communication processes between these neurological cells.  Low levels of BDNF are linked to dementia, Alzheimer’s, memory loss and other brain processing problems.

Research has shown that times of fasting have a great anti-inflammatory effect on the entire body.  Sufferers from asthma have shown great results as have preliminary reports on individuals with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.  Mattson and colleagues are preparing to study more details about the impact of fasting on the brain using MRI technology and other testing. (http://primaldocs.com/members-blog/intermittent-fasting-supercharges-your-brain/; accessed May 16, 2016)

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Recipe for Today

The Memory Mender

Nutrition Tip: Iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, and tomato are good sources of choline. Choline increases the accumulation within the brain of acetylcholine, an important chemical utilized in a variety of brain processes. Some evidence exists that increasing brain acetylcholine by supplementing choline results in improved memory.

• 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, washed
• 1/4 small head of iceberg lettuce, washed
• 4 cauliflower florets, washed
• 1/2 lemon, washed or peeled if not organic
• 1 bunch organic spinach, washed well
• 1 handful parsley, washed
• 1/4 lemon, washed or peeled if not organic

Cut the apples into sections. Bunch up the spinach and parsley, tuck them in the feed tube, and juice them with the apples and lemon. Stir the juice and pour it into a glass. Serve at room temperature or chilled, as desired.