Did You Know That Your Brain Can Heal You?
Your brain changes with every new thought, new thing you learn, and new experience you have. This plastic, complex and fascinating body can be our ally in preventing and treating endless diseases. It is therefore important to understand that letting your brain heal you can open the door to using new tools and mental approaches.
One of the greatest experts in cerebral plasticity is undoubtedly Dr. Álvaro Pascual-Leone. He is a researcher, professor and assistant dean of the Clinical and Translational Science Center at Harvard Medical School. Furthermore, he is one of the most inspiring researchers of the human brain and its potential.
We are aware that the phrase “your brain can heal you” can lead to more than one misunderstanding. Let’s get something done: this organ will not cure chronic diseases. However, it can allow us to prevent them in many cases, and even alleviate their impact if we improve our habits.
Now, according to Professor Pascual-Leone, we must understand that it is up to us to “create” our own brain to make it an ally instead of an enemy. Surrounding ourselves with caring and genuine people, being curious and receptive, thinking positively and reducing the impact of stress will undoubtedly allow us to improve our health and well-being.
We are sculptors of our own brains
The brain is full of complex constellations. Every day we learn more about the cosmic ocean that extends beyond our small planet, and in addition we are now skilled astronauts who like to explore and discover relevant information about our neural networks.
- We know, for example, that any experience, thought, and behavior can change our brain.
- We have also discovered a process called neurogenesis which clearly shows that our central nervous system can continue to generate new neurons.
- Studies such as the one conducted by Dr. Chunmei Zhao and Dr. Fred H. Gage of the University of California, San Diego, state how important this process is in preventing and limiting the impact of health problems such as depression, memory loss or neurodegenerative diseases.
This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting areas in neuroscience because, until very recently, we believed that we were only able to generate new neurons during the first years of our lives.
Genes do not determine our brain chemistry
There are two aspects that should always be considered when it comes to neurobiology: genetics and epigenetics.
- These factors will always determine whether our brain has a greater or lesser chance of suffering from certain pathologies.
- But when it comes to preventing them, we must always have one aspect in mind: genes do not determine our health 100%. It is up to us to adopt new practices and better mental approaches.
Being authentic sculptors of a healthier and more plastic brain will help us reduce the impact of many physical and mental conditions.
A plastic brain is a healthy, resilient brain
Your brain can heal you because it has an amazing ability called plasticity. Now, what does that really mean?
- Plasticity is the ability of our nervous system to modify itself to respond to our environment.
- In addition, it is an evolutionary advantage that helps us adapt much better to challenges and general difficulties.
- When we talk about neuroplasticity, we are referring to all the changes in our brain that stem from experience.
- Resilience, for example, is a clear example of neuroplasticity because it demonstrates our exceptional ability to overcome adversity by using new strategies and learning from them.
How can we “create” the brain?
We already know that the plasticity of the brain is an important tool for meeting challenges in our environment. Nevertheless, researchers have discovered that aspects such as cognitive reserve allow us to better cope with neurological conditions.
The steps to being architects in our brains are actually quite simple to implement. They have great benefits for our brain since they allow it to generate new connections. They stimulate, protect and optimize.
Let’s see what neurologist Pascual-Leone recommends:
Proper eating habits can heal you
A varied and balanced diet means good health. We should strive to buy fresh, organic products and avoid eating too much sugar and saturated fat.
We should also include foods with omega-3, magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin K and antioxidants in our diet.
Regular physical exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most important physical and mental health enemies. Therefore, it is advisable to do any form of physical activity. Just walking half an hour a day is enough.
Meditation and positive thoughts can heal you
Science has been studying the effects of meditation on our health for some time now. In fact, a study from Harvard University has revealed that mindfulness can help relieve anxiety and stress.
On the other hand, your brain will be able to heal you if at some point you have managed to adopt a positive and resilient approach to life. Positive thinking improves brain health, reduces tension, and will even improve your ability to learn new things.
Deep and restful sleep
There are people who sleep for only 6 hours and feel perfectly fine in the morning. Others, on the other hand, need to sleep approx. 9 hours every night. What matters, however, is not the number of hours we sleep, but the quality of sleep. Never underestimate sleep as it is important for a healthy brain!
Positive relationships can heal you
Our brain needs social interaction. Having a significant support system to rely on helps us better manage depression, strengthens neural connections and improves cognitive reserve.
Friendship is health and love is energy. We should strive to maintain relationships that make us happy instead of worried. Believe it or not, they make us healthier day by day.
In conclusion, now that you know that your brain can heal you, do not hesitate to adopt better habits. Remember that you can be the sculptor of this body that is able to convey your well-being and even prevent the development of certain diseases.
