Your Brain Can Heal You, Did You Know That?

Your brain changes with every new thought, every new thing you learn, and every new experience you have. This complex and fascinating organ can be our ally when it comes to preventing and treating an endless list of conditions. Your brain can heal you. By understanding this, you open the door to a whole new world of tools and mental attitudes.

One of the greatest experts on cerebral plasticity is undoubtedly Dr. Alvaro Pascual Leone. He is a researcher, professor, and a dean of the Clinical and Translational Science Center at Harvard Medical School. Moreover, he is one of the most inspiring researchers of the human brain and its potential.

We are aware that the expression ‘your brain can heal you’ can lead to more than one misunderstanding. So let’s make something clear first: this organ will not cure chronic diseases.

However, in many cases it can help us prevent the development of chronic disease, and even alleviate its impact if we improve our habits.

Well, according to Professor Pascual-Leone, we need to understand that it’s up to us to “model” our own brain to make it an ally rather than an enemy.

Surrounding yourself with caring and genuine people, always being curious and receptive, having a positive attitude and reducing the impact of stress will undoubtedly enable you to improve your health and well-being.

We are sculptors of our own brain: your brain can heal you

The brain is full of complex constellations. Every day we learn more about that cosmic ocean that extends beyond our little planet. Moreover, we are now experienced astronauts eager to explore and discover relevant data about our neural networks.

• For example, we know that every experience, thought and behavior can change our brain.
• We have also discovered a process called neurogenesis, which clearly demonstrates that our central nervous system can continue to generate new neurons.
• Studies such as those conducted by Drs. Chunmei Zhao and Fred H. Gage of the University of California, San Diego, explain the importance of this process in preventing and reducing the effects of health problems such as depression, memory loss or neurodegenerative diseases.

This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting areas of neuroscience. Until recently, we thought that we were only able to generate new neurons during the first years of our lives.

Our genes don’t determine our brain chemistry

There are two aspects that we should always consider when it comes to neurobiology: genetics and epigenetics.

• Indeed, these factors will always determine whether our brains are at greater or lesser risk of suffering from certain pathologies.
• However, when it comes to the prevention of pathologies, we must always take into account one aspect first: genes do not determine our health 100%. It is up to us to develop new habits and adopt better mental attitudes.

If we are authentic sculptors of a healthier and more plastic mind, we can reduce the impact of many physical and psychological conditions.

A plastic brain is a healthy, resilient brain

Your brain can heal you because it possesses the amazing ability known as plasticity. What exactly does plasticity mean?

• Plasticity is the ability of our nervous system to change itself to respond to our environment.
• Plus, it’s an evolutionary advantage that helps us adapt much better to challenges and common problems.
• When we talk about neuroplasticity, we refer to all those changes in our brain that come from experience.
• Resilience, for example, is a clear example of neuroplasticity because it demonstrates our exceptional ability to overcome adversity by adopting and learning from new strategies.

Your brain can heal you

We already know that brain plasticity is an important tool for meeting challenges in our environment. In addition, however, researchers have also found that aspects such as cognitive reserve allow us to better cope with neurological disorders.

The keys to becoming the sculptor of your own brain are actually quite easy to apply. Our brains benefit greatly from these keys, as they enable new connections. They are stimulating, protective and optimizing.

Let’s see what neurologist Pascual-Leone advises:

Good eating habits

A varied and balanced diet equals good health. We should therefore do our best to always buy fresh, organic products and avoid consuming too much sugar and saturated fats.

We also need to include foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, tryptophan, vitamin K and antioxidants in our diet.

Regular exercise

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the worst enemies of good physical and mental health. Any form of exercise is therefore recommended, as long as you move. Just walking for half an hour a day is enough.

Meditation and Positive Thoughts

Science has been studying the impact meditation has on our health for some time now. A Harvard University study even revealed that mindfulness can help relieve anxiety and stress.

At the same time, your brain can heal you if you adopt a positive and resilient attitude at some point in your life. Positive thoughts improve brain health, reduce stress and even make you better able to learn new things.

Deep and restful sleep

There are people who sleep only six hours a day and feel fine the next morning. Others, on the other hand, need nine hours of sleep a day. However, the most important thing is not the number of hours we sleep, but the quality of that sleep. Never underestimate the influence of a good night’s sleep, as it is essential for a healthy brain!

Positive Relationships

Our brains need social interaction. Having a good support system helps us cope better with 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. Because, believe it or not, happy relationships make us healthier by the day.

Now you know it. Your brain can heal you. Therefore, do not hesitate to adopt better habits. Do not forget that you can be the sculptor of this organ yourself. The organ capable of determining your well-being and even preventing the development of certain diseases.