CREATING NEW NEURONS IN ADULTHOOD

We are constantly regenerating the cells in our body. Our skin, our organs, 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 we grew older, we had fewer.

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

However, this issue did not start to receive new attention until the 1990s.

Specifically, new neurons can grow in the hypothalamus and hippocampus areas. The hippocampus 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.

Read on to find out how.

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

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

For both cases , the formation of neurotrophins is crucial.

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

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

Let's take a very brief look at the main types of neurotrophins:

1 nerve growth factor (NGF)

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

2 Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

It is found mainly in the brain. It helps neurons survive, but also helps stem cells differentiate into new neurons and increases synapses (connections between neurons).

It is especially active in the hippocampus, an area of ​​the brain related to memory.

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

3 OTHER TYPES OF NEUROTROPHINS

There are other neutrophins such as Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) that induce the differentiation of neurons and DHEA and DHEA sulfate that are smaller in size and are called microneurotrophins.

Since you have seen the importance of these proteins the question is:

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

• Exercise: Exercise can increase BDNF production up to three times. Sports disciplines that require thought are particularly helpful (Brazilian jiu jitsu, for example, has been shown to be very effective for this purpose).
• Learn something new : whether it's a new language (the more difficult it is), dancing, a new skill (cooking, sculpting, painting...).
• Don't always follow the same route: When you go to work, try not to always follow 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 tap...
• Read a lot: reading activates all regions of the cerebral cortex and stimulates the creation of neurotrophins.
• Fast: Fasting and calorie restriction have been shown to stimulate BDNF production.
• Eat a healthy diet: properly nourishing your body helps ensure that it has the necessary substrates for the production of neurotrophins.
• Use Nootropics: Noo.. what? Don't worry, if this is the first time you've heard this word, it refers to substances that stimulate mental abilities such as cognition, memory, concentration and attention.

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

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

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

For centuries this mushroom has been used in Japanese herbal medicine in teas or as a tonic.

Seeing this evidence at Baïa we saw the need to create a new product to improve your brain function.

Introducing the Brain Latte.

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

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

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