CREATING NEW NEURONS IN ADULTHOOD

We are constantly regenerating the cells in our body. Our skin, our organs, our hair, are "completely" new from time to time.

For a long time it was thought that the brain was different, that we were born with a number of neurons and as we grew older, we had less.

In the 60s it was discovered that this was not the case.

However, attention to this issue did not begin to return until the 1990s.

Specifically , new neurons can grow in the areas of the hypothalamus and hippocampus. The hippocampal area is closely related to short-term 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 find out how.

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

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

For both cases , the formation of neurotrophins is crucial.

They are proteins responsible for our nervous system functioning correctly: they help the survival of neurons, 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 see in a very summary way the main types of neurotrophins:

1 nerve growth factor (NCF or NGF)

It is secreted by the cell towards the neuron, guaranteeing its survival.

2 Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

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

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

In animal studies it has been observed that it is 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 which 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 we leave you some important points:

• Perform physical exercise: Performing physical exercise can increase BDNF production up to three times. Sports disciplines in which you have to think are particularly helpful (it has been seen that, for example, Brazilian jiu jitsu is very effective for this objective).
• Learn something new : whether it's a new language (if it's difficult, the better), 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 to write 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 proven to stimulate BDNF production.
• Eat a healthy diet: properly nourishing your body helps it have 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 gaining a well-deserved place within these substances.

This is the fungus known as Lion's Mane or 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) , reduce depression and anxiety, increasing and modulating the production of NFG and BDNF in animals ( study , study ) and precisely for this reason its usefulness has been seen in the treatment of diseases neurodegenerative by improving, among other things, the production of NGF ( study , study ).

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

Upon seeing this evidence in Baïa we saw it necessary 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 remove aluminum from the brain and reduce amyloid plaque.

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