Creating new neurons in adulthood

We are constantly regenerating the cells in our body. Our skin, our organs, and our hair are "completely" new every so often.

For a long time it was thought that the brain was different, that we were born with a certain number of neurons and as the years went by, we had fewer available.

In the 1960s it was discovered that this was not the case.

However, attention to this topic did not begin to resume until the 1990s.

Specifically, new neurons can grow in the hypothalamus and hippocampus areas. The hippocampal area is closely related to short- and long-term memory.

The most interesting thing is that with certain habits and practices you can stimulate this growth and therefore improve your memory.

Keep reading and discover how.

Although, as we have said, most neurons are formed during the prenatal stage, new neurons can be generated after birth and in adulthood.

It is therefore a matter of caring for the ones we already have and promoting the formation of new ones.

For both cases the formation of neurotrophins is crucial.

These are proteins responsible for ensuring that our nervous system functions properly: they help the survival of neurons, promote the creation of new neurons from neural stem cells, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) when necessary.

It is therefore crucial to have a significant production of neurotrophins, but what types are there?

We will briefly look at the main types of neurotrophins:

It is secreted by the cell toward the neuron, ensuring its survival.

It is found mainly in the brain. It helps neuron survival, but also the differentiation of stem cells into new neurons and the increase of synapses (connection between neurons).

It is especially active in the hippocampus, a region of the brain related to memory.

In animal studies, it has been observed to be crucial for adult neurogenesis.

There are other neurotrophins such as Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) that induce neuronal differentiation, and DHEA and DHEA sulfate, which are smaller in size and are called microneurotrophins.

Now that you have seen the importance of these proteins, the question is:

How can we produce more? Here are some important points:

• Get physical exercise: physical exercise can increase BDNF production by up to three times. Sports disciplines that require thinking are particularly helpful (for example, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has been shown to be very effective for this goal).
• Learn something new: whether it is a new language (the harder, the better), dancing, or a new skill (cooking, sculpting, painting...).
• Do not always follow the same route: when you go to work, try not to always take the same route.
• Use your non-dominant hand more: if you are right-handed, try using your left hand to open the door, try writing with it, use it to turn on the faucet...
• Read a lot: when reading, all regions of the cerebral cortex are activated and the creation of neurotrophins is stimulated.
• Fast: it has been shown that fasting and caloric restriction stimulate BDNF production.
• Follow a healthy diet: properly nourishing your body helps ensure that the necessary substrates for neurotrophin production are available.
• Use nootropics: Noo.. what? Don’t worry, if this is the first time you have heard this word, it refers to substances that stimulate mental abilities such as cognition, memory, concentration, and attention.

For some time now, a mushroom has been earning a well-deserved place among these substances.

It is the mushroom known as Lion’s Mane or Lion's Mane (scientific name: Hericium erinaceus). It has the potential to promote brain health by stimulating NGF production.

It has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults (study), increasing and modulating NFG and BDNF production in animals (study, study ) and precisely for that reason its usefulness has been observed in prevention for enjoying good mental health in old age (study, study).

For centuries, this mushroom has been used in Japanese herbalism in teas or as a tonic.

Seeing this evidence at Baïfa, we found it necessary to create a new product to improve your cognitive function.

We present Brain Latte.

With Lion's Mane extract, this latte is your great ally for improving cognitive performance by acting as a powerful nootropic. In addition, we added cacao, which gives it a delicious chocolate flavor and, thanks to its high antioxidant content, complements its beneficial effect on memory.

It also contains cardamom, which helps eliminate aluminum from the brain and reduce amyloid plaque.

You can enjoy Brain Latte by mixing a tablespoon with your preferred milk, with coffee, or by adding it to your oatmeal bowl.