What is the brain, & why is it important?

The brain is made up of soft tissue, consisting on neurons & glial cells. It can strengthen & improve its function through exercise, such as learning new skills or engaging in mental challenges.

The brain is considered the most energy demanding organ in the body. Although it only makes up about 2% of the bodies weight, it consumes around 20% of the body’s energy while @ rest. The brain plays a very vital role in your body’s essential daily functions. The brain operates 24/7. It carries responsibilities like heart  rate control, breathing, & digestion. This is happening even when you sleep. 

Why is exercise important for our brain?

• Enhance cognitive function 
• Boost memory
• Decrease risk of Neurodegenerative disease
• Boost neurogenesis, or new brain cell growth
• Improve mood
• Boost mental health
• Improve focus
• Increase creativity
• Boost sleep 
• Enhance brain recovery
• Increase plasticity 
• Boost adaptability 

Supporting articles for the benefits of exercise on the brain:

This study suggest that regular exercise may help delay brain aging and reduce the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This study suggests that physical activity can lead to structural brain changes that support cognitive functions. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This study shows that mental health benefits indirectly support cognitive functions by improving overall mental well-being. health.harvard.edu

A recent study suggests that even minimal amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of dementia by up to 41%. This study emphasizes the protective benefits of regular exercise on brain health. eatingwell.com

What is the role of glucose & why is it important for the brain?

Supplying the Brain with energy: The Brain does consume about 20% of your body’s glucose in order to power these important functions. Critical thinking, memory, & the ability to simply learn & soak information in properly. 

The production of Neurotransmitters: Glucose is required for synthesizing neurotransmitters. Their responsibility is to regulate mood, communication between other neurons, & help keep the Brain firing on all cylinders.

Your cognitive function: Being able to keep your glucose @ consistent levels helps support numerous important factors. These include things like mental clarity, the ability to make decisions, & focus on the task @ hand. Low glucose can directly link to brain fog, unwanted confusion, & poor levels of concentration. This is obviously not something we want to experience on a daily basis. 

Brain health in general: Maintain proper cellular function with adequate levels of glucose. Prevent neurodegeneration as well. Why would we not want to maintain brain function for as long as possible while we age? Low levels of glucose can essentially harm Brain cells. 

It is important to ensure that balanced glucose levels are available to help support Brain health. With that being said, do not ever completely cut carbs! Instead, stick to natural sugars like fruits to ensure your body has proper levels of glucose & glycogen storages!

Studies showing the importance of glucose for the brain:

Glucose is the primary energy source for the brain, playing a crucial role in its function and health. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Glucose for energy production journals.physiology.org

Glucose for neurotransmitter synthesis journals.physiology.org

Study showing that adequate glucose levels are vital for cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and attention. eufic.org

Acute reductions in brain glucose can impair cognitive and reflex functions, potentially leading to seizures, loss of consciousness, and irreversible brain damage if not promptly corrected. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study showing altered brain glucose metabolism being linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.diabetesjournals.org