Lets get some brain work done

I know that a lot of friends who have this same brain tumour thing have similar things (I don't want to call them problems) as me with memory, concentration, tiredness and memory (did I already say that) and word/speech processing. I have days where I feel like I'm an old woman because I can't speak properly, I can't remember things or words and all I want to do is sleep. Soooooooooo what can be done naturally to improve this? 

Brain training, there are a few apps that are great for the brain training exercises, I do find them tiring though but as usual this could be my trying to overuse myself, my body and my brain. I've heard great things about them though so will keep trying. It's either that or solitaire, hmmmmmm the brain training apps are obviously going to be my choice

Music, once again there is the binary music, I love this and use it just about every day to read, study, rest and sleep. There are so many different sources on youtube to choose from I use this one (link below) just about every day when I'm reading, writing and studying. Honestly I don't know if it's actually helping my brain but I like the quiet playing in the background so it's staying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUnU07e81GA&t=70s

I've mentioned this before but I think it's worth another mention and that is aromatherapy, been around for hundreds of years and whether you believe in it's worth or not it mostly smells beautiful so even for that reason it's worth giving a go. 

Frankinsense

• Helps control stress and negative emotions
• Boosts the immune system
• A great sleep aid
• A brain booster

Rosemary

• An aid to clear neural fatigue (ooohhhhh anyone who has the  brain tumour bomb needs rosemary in their life)
• Banish brain fog
• Memory booster
• Supposedly the ultimate 'go to' brain booster

Peppermint

• Relives tension and headaches
• Stimulating the mind so assisting focus

Jasmine

• In my opinion much better than lavendar for relaxation and stress
• Considered by some to be as potent as valium
• Stress reducer and depression fighter
• Helps to battle low energy
• A great sleep aid

Spanish Sage (also known as salvia)

• It has been shown to improve memory and focus in alzheimers patients
• Can be wafted as an oil or used as a herbal tea, again has been shown to be as effective as caffeine (I do (when I remember) drink the tea with a slice of lemon)

So how about foods to boost the old grey cells? Here we go again, I am not a nutritionist in any way, shape or form but this stuff fascinates me so I read and read to get my head around what foods are good for me, my (currently shrinking, thanks to slimming world) body and my overworked brain. 

Olive oil     Rich in polyphenols, which are powerful brain protective antioxidants

Coconut oil     Enhances the ability of the brain’s neurons to use energy while at the same time reducing the production of damaging free radicals. Provides saturated fat — a vital nutrient for the integrity and function of brain cell membranes.

Wild salmon     A terrific natural source of the omega-3 oil DHA. DHA plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of brain cells and actually helps to stimulate the growth of brain cells in the brain’s memory center.

Blueberries     Power-packed with brain-protective antioxidants. Blueberries also help to reduce inflammation, a cornerstone of virtually all brain degenerative disorders.

Turmeric     Acts to turn on the parts of our DNA that help reduce inflammation. The important role of turmeric in brain health has been described in the Vedic texts dating back more than 3,000 years.

Eggs     Rich in choline, the precursor chemical for acetylcholine, one of the most fundamental neurotransmitters. In addition, eggs contain cholesterol, an important component of brain cell membranes as well as serving as a brain-protective antioxidant.

Walnuts     Rich in a variety of nutrients to support brain health including vitamin E, omega-3 fats, copper, manganese, and fiber for brain supportive gut bacteria.

Exercise     I had to put it on the list. Call it a “food for the soul” if you like. Aerobic exercise turns on the genes that make BDNF (a growth and protective hormone) that targets brain cells.

Asparagus     Rich in prebiotic fiber to support brain-healthy gut bacteria. Asparagus is high in anti-inflammatory nutrients and folate.

Kale     A great low-carb vegetable that’s rich in vitamins C, K, and A, as well as potassium and iron.

Broccoli     High in sulfurophane, a chemical that aids in detoxification, reduction of inflammation, and control of damaging free radicals.

Avocado     High in monounsaturated fats to protect brain cells. Avocado oil has been shown to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Red wine     Rich in polyphenols that may actually boost brain blood flow.

Dark chocolate     Like red wine, also rich in polyphenols.

Spinach     Rich in brain-protective antioxidants along with vitamin K, folate, and lutein.

Almonds     Like fatty fish, almonds have high levels of brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lots of brain-protecting vitamin E.

Pumpkin seeds     A rich source of zinc, a mineral that plays an important role in memory and overall brain function.

Maca      A relative of the radish and tastes similar to butterscotch. It's root is used to make medicine. People take maca by mouth for "tired blood" (anemia); chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); and enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance, and memory.

Most of the food information sourced from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21756/20-foods-to-naturally-increase-your-brain-power.html

So it seems to me that information on moods, brain power, weight loss and blah blah blah is all very similar, eat healthier natural foods, get some salmon that seems to be good for everything and blueberries, Hmmmmmm what a combo :)

Water, I know that most days I don't drink enough water and I know that at the times when I do keep myself hydrated I feel better, brighter, healthier and go for a pee every half an hour (not such a great effect), so I did some reading as to how being rehydrated really does effect my brain function. Apparently this really is the case, hydrating with water allows the brain to function at optimal levels, everything communicates more efficiently and so this helps every part of the body to function better, memory, concentration, energy and alertness. So I will put up with the regular running to the loo while crossing my legs, not the best of looks but at least I can think better :)

Soooooooo this is me for another week. I am loving getting back to my writing, reading, studying and learning. I'm feeling brighter and better about what's happened and what's going to come in the future. Thanks Fearne Cotton for your beautiful diary (a gift to myself not from Fearne herself) I literally love this diary as a daily way of keeping everything in one place. Things have been pretty crappy but they are looking up. Every day I count myself lucky to be alive and surrounded by the most amazing people who have done everything to keep me in this one, little bit crazy piece. My final words for this week are to my amazing grandchildren, these kids are awesome and I utterly adore them, they keep me laughing on the days that I feel like crying, they let me sleep on the days that I can't move. They ask the questions that no-one else is brave enough to, having a 7 year old want a full explanation of having brain surgery and then rubbing his fingers on every part of the scar is incredible. If you are reading this and don't have grandchildren yet, it is an amazing thing. If you're not getting some, borrow someones elses (not steal them of course, that would get you into trouble) but get in there with the kids, play lego, eat ice cream, play on the swings (not the trampoline, the poorly head doesn't like it as much of the rest of the body loves and jump on the trampoline) and laugh like a child over the silliest things, it's a truly awesome way to spend time.