Vancouver Sun

CONVERSATI­ONS THAT MATTER

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You have probably heard the false adage that you only use 10 per cent of your brain. Advances in neuroscien­ce has swept that concept aside, but that doesn’t mean your brain is functionin­g at its peak.

In fact, there’s a good chance it is underperfo­rming because you are not feeding it the nutrients it needs. Your brain is the most metabolica­lly active organ in your body.

The brain needs 10 times the fuel of any other organ. Failure to supply it with the elements it needs means your brain gets tired, it falters and it will let you down.

It comes down to diet, exercise and a full complement of vitamins. Vitamins need to interact with one another. For example D3 without magnesium is far less effective, eggs without the yoke robs you of choline which becomes a neurotrans­mitter. Turmeric without fat is less effective.

Remember your brain needs you to provide it with a healthy diet, one rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. A properly fed brain is then equipped to be used to its full potential.

You owe it to yourself and to all of us to be your best.

Luckily you can and along the way enjoy better sleep, increased vitality, better moods; you’ll be more focused and creative. Your work will improve, you’ll enjoy life and you’ll find coping with stress easier.

Then, as you age, the health of your brain will play a vital role in warding off dementia. You’ll enjoy and remember your grandchild­ren and the people you love and care about.

We invited Aileen Burford-Mason to join us for a Conversati­on That Matters on how to optimize your brain at any age. Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue presents Conversati­ons That Matter. Join veteran broadcaste­r Stuart McNish each week for an important and engaging conversati­on about the issues shaping our future. Please become a Patreon subscriber and support the production of this program, with a $1 pledge at https:// goo.gl/ypXyDs.

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Aileen Burford-Mason

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