Remember from my last article that the brain is the most nutrient dependent, energy dependent, and toxin vulnerable organ we have. That means we have to feed the brain the right nutrients so the brain can produce the amount of energy it needs while at the same time protecting the brain from toxins.

The next nutrient we need to talk about is good quality protein. This does not include meat-like products at the deli counter or hot dogs. Some of the good sources of protein isn’t even meat at all, for example something called spirulina. Protein is important for neurotransmitter function in the brain. Our neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that allow neurons to “talk” to each other. They include serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and acetylcholine. When we have lack of serotonin we have depression, lack of dopamine results in addictions and ADHD, lack of GABA causes anxiety, and lack of acetylcholine gives us memory loss. Unfortunately anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are becoming more and more common for all ages.

So what are we eating if we are not eating good fats and quality proteins? We are eating too many processed foods and sugar. How many things on your plate did you make from scratch? How many things on your plate came out of a box? If you want a healthier and smarter brain for yourself and your children it is time to start putting the right building blocks in your mouth. You can’t have the stability of a brick house with straw.

Now I would love to hear from you. What good quality protein are you eating? What is one way you can start incorporating better quality protein into your diet now? Stay tuned for last article in this series when I talk about protecting yourself from toxins on the next Doctor As Teacher Tuesdays!