The Brain and Nutrition

There are many people who want to know how to optimize their brain functioning. Brain functioning is very dependant on nutrition. Consider this quote from MIT research psychiatrist Richard Wurtman " the ability of a meal's composition to affect the production of brain chemicals distinguishes the brain from all other organs. The crucial compounds that regulate other organs are largely independent of whatever was in the last meal we ate - but not the brain." The brain works on a what have you done for me lately basis in that it is the only organ that is affected immediately by what you eat. Brain chemistry is regulated by neurotransmitters and there are four main neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, acetyl choline, and GABA. All of these neurotransmitters are responsible for different moods and feelings and these moods or feelings are regulated by the foods that you eat. So if you are eating junk food all of the time what do you think your mood is going to be like.

How can you utilize nutrition to improve your mood, memory, cognition, ambition, and motivation to workout? Amino acids are the building blocks that are necessary for neurotransmitter production. Amino acids are found in protein, this is one of the reasons why I always emphasize proper protein intake with all of my clients. Ensuring proper protein intake from quality sources is one of the best ways to regulate your brain chemistry. Protein at breakfast is one of the best things you can do to regulate your brain chemistry. The first thing you eat everyday influences your brain chemistry for the rest of the day so make sure to eat some protein at breakfast.

Do you need motivation to workout? If you need more focus and motivation to workout then you should look at increasing your dopamine levels. Dopamine will provide you with energy and focus and this is what you want during your workouts. One of the best ways to increase dopamine levels is to eat grass fed red meat before your workout because it is rich in the amino acid tyrosine(the precursor for dopamine production).