What Is BDNF?
Alternatively termed BDNF, brain derived neurotrophic factor is an integral protein in human brains that promotes brain health and regulates neuronal development and function. It acts as a fertilizer of the brain’s neurons, making them grow quickly and develop stronger connections. It is closely related to neuroplasticity, a process that helps the human brain adapt and learn to overcome new puzzles and challenges.
Studies demonstrate that increased BDNF levels can assist in overall neurological function, learning included. This means learning will be more difficult where there are low levels. In fact, low BDNF levels have been linked to such health complications as dementia, depression, and impaired cognitive capacity.
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Exercise
Exercise is important not only for the heart and lungs, but also for the brain. It positively affects molecular and cellular processes that boost BDNF levels. This explains why working-out has a positive impact on brain health. Many neurologists recommend that we should participate in a minimum of five sessions of moderate intensity aerobic workouts lasting at least 30 minutes weekly to maximize the benefits of exercise on neurotrophin production.
Exercise can result in remarkable improvements in mood and feelings of well being. It is suggested that this impact is largely as a result of neurotrophins being released that alter the levels of dopamine and serotonin, two chemicals greatly linked with well being and mood. Furthermore, neurotrophin-producing exercise has been applied in prison systems to great effect, resulting in less deviant activities and inmate violence.
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor & Rehabilitation
Injured athletes need to be enlightened of brain derived neurotrophic factor’s role in enhancing plasticity that is crucial for rehabilitation. Studies conducted indicate that rehabilitation must have an influence on the brain circuitry to realize success. Brain derived neurotrophic factor release together with exercise can potentially improve the vital circuits more quickly than when exercise has not been incorporated.
How to Increase Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels
Ensure that you regulate your daily caloric consumption by modifying your diet. Studies carried out on mice demonstrated that diet restriction in experimental mice enhanced brain derived neurotrophic factor levels.
Be sure to include turmeric in your diet. Turmeric is replete with curcumin, a crucial component that causes an increase in the levels of this integral protein.
What is more, ensure that you take the necessary steps that will help enrich your surrounding and receive stimulation. For instance, make new friends, meet new people and travel to those places you haven’t been before. Reportedly, complexity of one’s surrounding environment ensures his or her brain receives adequate stimulation that consequently increases brain derived neurotrophic factor levels.
Keep learning something new, be it in an academic course of study, a talent, or an artistic pursuit. Continually seeking new information helps in neurogenesis.
Conclusion
In essence, brain derived neurotrophic factor will greatly influence how easily the human brain can adapt and learn to effectively complete new challenges. Be sure to incorporate routine exercise to enhance your neurogenesis levels.
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New Beginning Physical Therapy, Inc. provides the highest level of rehabilitative care available. Our therapists are all highly trained and licensed physical therapy professionals. Our Passion is to make a dramatic, positive impact in our clients’ lives. We love what we do! Nothing could be more rewarding for us than facilitating your path to wellness. We are in Palm Desert, California, and serve the entire Coachella Valley.