How to Grow Brain
Neuroplasticity is the term describing the brain’s ability to heal and adapt. The technical term is its ability for neuronal networks modification, wherein synapses are added (synaptoblastic activity), in response to environmental or behavioral changes. Neurodegeneration, on the other hand, is the degradation (think memory issues, cognitive decline) and death (think dementia) of neuron cells, the loss of synapses (synaptoclastic activity).
The brain is able to adapt way more than previously thought. As I outlined in a previous post health vs disease is a spectrum you keep moving along towards one direction or the other; either towards health or towards disease, either towards neuroplasticity or neurodegeneration. Neurodegeneration (via inflammation and other mechanisms) has been implied in a variety of psychiatric conditions.
Proven ways to grow brain (promote neuroplasticity and synaptoblastic activity)
Adequate levels of vitamin D
Adequate sleep and specifically, fixing sleep apnea (which exposes the brain to episodes of no oxygen several times a night)
Meditation: experienced meditators were shown to have lower age-related decline in the thickness of some brain regions
Exercise has positive effects on neurogenesis, the brain’s resistance to insult, as well as one’s learning and mental performance. An active and challenging life helps diminish neuronal aging.
Music: children who are musically trained have higher IQ and better verbal memory, writing skills, and reading and linguistic abilities than non-musically trained children. Music can play an important role in neuro rehabilitation as well (recovering from stroke for instance)
New skill acquisition: Learning a new skill can increase map plasticity (e.g.: a one-handed five-finger exercise). Intensive skill learning (e.g.: juggling) is associated with structural changes in the brain, such as increased grey matter. Certain videogames can help counteract mental diseases such as PTSD, schizophrenia and neurodegenerative diseases, as platformer games, logic games and puzzle games can predict an increase in grey matter.
Intermittent fasting: Studies show that intermittent fasting can promote the neurogenesis from neuronal stem cells.
