And it has certain physical requirements that must be met, if it is to function well.  If your brain doesn’t get the water and food it needs, it will NOT operate efficiently.

Not only will you not be as smart as you could be, your memory and judgment will also suffer. The results can vary from mildly irritating to truly disastrous.

For example, your 3-pound brain uses as much as 25% of the water you consume. Scientific studies have clearly shown that only 10% dehydration can reduce your measurable intelligence as much as 50%.

One glass of water may stand between you and 50% of your potential brain power.

Your brain also has a great need for fuel, just like your muscles and your bones. Your brain’s most basic food is glucose. If you eat a well-rounded diet not fast-food, chances are you’re providing your brain with a good supply of its basic fuel.

BUT… if you suffer from chronic stress, most of that fuel is going elsewhere. Stress literally starves your brain, kills brain cells, and reduces your potential brain power.

The stress response releases a natural biochemical called cortisol. Cortisol grabs your brain’s glucose then uses it to adapt your body to whatever is causing your stress it physically prepares your body to either fight or run.

That’s why it’s so hard to think clearly when you’re stressed. Ever run in circles trying to find your car keys when you’re in a big hurry?

Chronic stress, in turn, leads to the very real physical sensation of brain exhaustion.

Take the following steps to optimize your brain:

1. Make a commitment to eat properly. Provide your brain with a steady supply of healthy foods.

2. Drink adequate water: Coffee, tea and soda do NOT count. Eight glasses a day is truly the minimum. Remember, your brain needs 25% of that water just for itself.

3. Manage your stress: Find some way to take control of any chronic stress. Don’t kid yourself about this. Stress KILLS brain cells. Take a break every hour or so, and let your brain do some recovery work.

4. Take good vitamins or brain supplements: There are many valuable natural brain supplements available today. Add one to your daily diet for a mental boost and faster recovery from mental and physical stress.

posted by Jill Ammon-Wexler
Amazing Success

 Crank Up Your Energy — FAST.
The one thing that robs you of energy more than anything else is stress. Bust your stress in the Self Growth Planet and build brain power. Just 10 minutes a few times a week will provide a dramatic boost in your energy levels. Click here and Build Your Brain Power.

Thinking Builds Connections

Recent research on the physical results of thinking have clearly demonstrated that just challenging your  brain by thinking actually increases the number of connections between your brain cells. The more we think, the better our brain function – regardless of age.   

The famed researcher Dr. Marion Diamond says the brain can change at any age. In fact, older brains may often have an advantage. She discovered that highly developed neurons respond even better to intellectual enrichment than less developed (younger) ones do. You can build your mind power, regardless of your age!

Walking Builds Brain Power
Walking is especially good for your brain and mind power, because it increases blood circulation, and thus more oxygen and glucose reach your brain.  And since walking isn’t strenuous, your muscles use up the extra oxygen and glucose like they do during more intense forms of exercise.   

Walking may seem to clear your head and help you to think better because is oxygenates your brain. Also the increased blood flow to the brain enhances your brain’s energy production and waste removal.  Several studies now show that in response to exercise, cerebral blood vessels grow, even in middle-aged, in response to exercise. 

A Toe Wiggle Brain Exercise
 Wiggling your toes  immediately activates a set of nerves that stimulate your brain and internal organs?  Try this mind power exercise in the morning before you get out of bed: Slowly begin to move your toes any way that feels good to you. Try moving them all and once, and then in smaller groups. 

You can also do this exercise after sitting for an extended period of time. You will be surprised at how it helps you become more alert and energized.

A Daily Brain Building Exercise
Here’s a do it now exercise that will immediately develop your mind power by creating new physical neural connections: Switch the hand you’re using to control your computer mouse and begin to use the hand you normally avoid.  If you immediately feel uncomfortable and awkward, that’s a good sing that your brain is struggling to learn a new skill.

Try expanding this to other everyday routines such as getting out of bed on the opposite side, holding your brush or toothbrush with the other hand, driving a different route to the store or work, etc.

Brainwave Training
In the final analysis, the fastest way to build your mind power is through the regular use of engineered brainwave training. There’s a reason Dr. Deepak Chopra calls brainwave training the medicine of the future. You can immediately bust your stress, develop amazing mental clarity, and even raise your IQ or overcome ADD and ADHD. Check out the Quantum Brain Gym!