Alertness, Learning, Memory, Dementia, & Alzheimer’s

Every thought… Every feeling… Every memory… Every decision… Involves neurons and neurotransmitters

Free Radicals cause damage

Antioxidants protect us against damage by Free radicals

Your findings…

Eat more WHOLE Grains Are digested slowly to provide a steady source of glucose and therefore steady alertness. Sources: Brown rice, whole wheat, whole wheat pastas, wild rice, oats, barley, rye

Eat more Tyrosine (an amino acid) Norepinephrine (NE) is an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with motivation, alertness, and concentration. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with positive feelings of well being Both NE and dopamine are manufactured from tyrosine Best Sources: cheeses, soy beans, salmon, eggs, meats, nuts & seeds  

Eat more Omega 3 fatty acids Have multiple roles in neuron functioning Effective in treatment of ADHD Best sources: cold water fish (esp Salmon, sardines, mackerel), nuts & seeds

Eat more antioxidants Protects neurons from damage by free radicals Best sources: dark fruits & veggies – blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, broccoli, nuts

Eat more B Vitamins Needed for production of ATP by all cells Best sources: fruits, veggies, meats, dairy, etc etc etc