Your Brain Can Also Heal You

Your brain changes with every new thought, with every new learning and experience you integrate into your life. This complex and fascinating plastic organ can be our ally when it comes to preventing and treating countless conditions. So, understanding that your brain can also heal you – positively influencing a healing process – can open the door to applying new tools and mental approaches.

One of the greatest specialists in the field of brain plasticity is, without a doubt, Dr. Álvaro Pascual-Leone. Researcher, professor and associate dean of Clinical Sciences at the Harvard School of Medicine, he is one of the most inspiring references in the knowledge of the human brain and its potential.

We know that the phrase “the brain heals” can lead to a misunderstanding. This organ will not, for example, make us cured of a chronic disease. However, it can allow us to prevent it in many cases and even alleviate its impact if we improve our lifestyle habits.

Thus, as Professor Pascual-Leone reveals, we must be able to understand that it  is in our hands the power to “sculpt” our own brain so that it is an ally, not an enemy. Surrounding ourselves with a social network of significant people, being curious, receptive, thinking positively and reducing the impact of stress will allow us to gain ground for health and well-being.

If the brain heals, let’s be sculptors of our own brain

The brain is like a universe full of complex constellations. Just as we learn more every day about the cosmic ocean that extends beyond our tiny planet, we also launch ourselves as skilled astronauts exploring and discovering relevant data about the processes of our neural networks.

• We know, for example, that every experience, thought and behavior can change our brain.
• We discovered, in turn, the hopeful process called neurogenesis, a clear indication that our central nervous system can continue to generate new neurons at any point in our lives.
• Studies, such as those carried out by Dr. Chunmei Zhao and Dr. Fred H. Gag, from the University of La Jolla, California, indicate the relevance that  this process can have in preventing and mitigating the impact of realities such as depression, memory loss or illness. neurodegenerative

This aspect is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting areas of neuroscience. Especially if we think that, until very recently, we took it for granted that the ability to generate new neurons was restricted to the early years of childhood.

Genes do not determine our brain chemistry

There are two aspects that must always be taken into account when we talk about neurobiology:  genetics and epigenetics.

• Like it or not, these factors will always determine that our brain is more or less likely to suffer from certain pathologies.
• However, when it comes to preventing these realities, we must not lose sight of one thing: the  genes do not determine the 100%. Initiating new practices and better mental approaches is up to us.

Launching ourselves, in essence, as true sculptors of a healthier and, above all, more plastic brain will help us to reduce the impact of a large number of physical and psychological illnesses.

A plastic brain is a healthy and resilient brain.

The brain heals because it has an incredible capacity: plasticity. Now what exactly does this term mean?

• Plasticity is the ability of our nervous system to change to respond to the environment around it.
• It is also an evolutionary advantage with which we can better adapt to challenges and difficulties.
• So when we talk about neuroplasticity, we are referring to all the changes that take place in our brain based on our experiences.
• Resilience, for example, is  a clear example of neuroplasticity, because it defines the exceptional ability to overcome adversity, generating new strategies and learning from them.

How can we “sculpt” the brain to promote our health?

We already know that brain plasticity is the key tool to face the challenges of our surroundings. Likewise, factors such as cognitive reserve have also been found to allow us to better deal with neurological disorders.

The keys to being architects of our brain health are actually accessible to most of us. These are processes with a great benefit for the brain, to generate new connections, to stimulate, care, optimize…

Let’s look at the dimensions highlighted by neurologist Pascual-Leone as those that we should work on:

Adequate food

A varied and balanced diet is synonymous with health. We must always look for fresh organic products, avoid the abuse of sugar and saturated fats.

Also, list foods rich in omega 3, magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin K, antioxidants…

regular exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is a voracious enemy of health and even mood. Therefore, it is advisable to include some form of exercise in our routine. A half-hour walk every day is enough.

Meditation and positive thoughts

Science has been studying the impact of meditation on our health for years. A Harvard University study revealed the benefits of Mindfulness  for reducing anxiety and stress symptoms.

Positive thoughts improve brain health, regulate tension and even improve the ability to learn.

Deep and restful sleep

There are people who feel that 6 hours is enough, while others need 9 hours. In any case, the most important thing is that our nightly rest is always deep and restorative. Something essential to gain in terms of brain health.

positive relationships

Our brains need the social connection to experience well-being and life satisfaction. In addition, having a significant support network helps us deal with depression, strengthens neuronal connections, and also makes us gain in cognitive reserve.

Friendship is health, love is energy, relationships that bring us happiness, not worries, are synonymous with well-being.

In conclusion, now that you know how the brain heals, don’t hesitate: improve your lifestyle habits. Remind yourself daily that you can be the sculptor of this prodigious organ  capable of mediating your well-being and even preventing certain diseases.