Ever accosted the word ‘BDNF’ in your day-to-day reading? There is a high chance that this is your first time but do not panic; it is not a word heralding another mishap in the health sector of the world. BDNF is literally how your brain helps to keep you mentally active for life. Let’s get to know what BDNF means.
What is BDNF?
Image Source: https://siimland.com/how-to-increase-bdnf-naturally/
Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a long-chain protein encoded by the BDNF gene, which acts as a fertilizer to your brain. The human brain is made up of billions of brain cells (neurons) which aid functionality in all ramifications. It is the work of the BDNF to keep your neurons healthy, active, and strong. When BDNF is released in the brain, your neurons are able to survive, regenerate and have better synaptic connections between themselves. BDNF also supports retentive memory, which is essential for learning, mental development, and alertness. Why must you strive to increase your BDNF? www.bosterbio.com explains the benefits of a high BDNF.
Benefits of a high BDNF
Image Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/11/529/htm
Better Sleep
People with increased BDNF often sleep better because this peptide helps to increase the body’s slow brain waves during the deepest stage of sleep.
Acts like an Antidepressant
Higher levels of BDNF help the neural pathways of the body to become more flexible and active hence easing depression.
Protects against Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia
Research has it that an increased level of BDNF may decrease one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is because BDNF supports healthy brain activity and long-term memory through the continuous creation of brand new brain cells. A higher BDNF means you are mentally powered for life.
Improves Weight Loss
A study done on a group of mice showed that lowering their levels of BDNF made them susceptible to being overweight. Therefore an increased level of BDNF reduces your chances of unhealthy weight gain.
Improves faster recovery of damaged brain cells
Due to the fact that BDNF aids in the creation of new brain cells and protection from damage, when the brain cells of someone with high levels of BDNF suffer any form of damage, their brain cells are easily protected and make a quicker recovery.
Knowing the benefits of having an increased BDNF must have made you eager to know how you can increase yours. Well, hold on tight as we jump on a rollercoaster ride of juicy information on increasing your BDNF levels.
Effective ways to increase BDNF
Image Source: https://www.organicolivia.com/2018/07/9-ways-to-naturally-increase-your-brains-growth-hormone/
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidants from foods that help with the stimulation of your BDNF. These antioxidants also protect you from brain stress. Polyphenols include; Coffee, dark chocolate, colored vegetables, berries, green tea.
Exercise
During physical exercise, a protein known as FNDC5 (fibronectin III domain-containing protein) is released, which in turn releases the BDNF of your body by about 300 percent. Ensure to go for moderately intense cardio such as running, cycling, swimming, fast-paced yoga, etc.
Meditation
Ensuring reduction of stress is ensuring a boost of your BDNF levels. All meditation does is to release the body from the toxic embrace of stress, thereby keeping the parts of the brain responsible for thinking, tolerating pain, happiness, mental and emotional awareness in optimum health. Start your day with 5 minutes of meditation and experience the great good that those to your BDNF.
Deep Sleep
BDNF is released during deeper stages of sleep. These deeper stages of sleep are known as restorative sleep. There are available hacks that can help you move into deep sleep faster than usual. This will, in turn, boost your BDNF, and you can get better restful sleep in a little time.
Hypoxia
You are probably wondering how hypoxia made it into the list. Researchers have discovered that holding your breath which deprives your brain of oxygen for a short while, is a great way to release instant BDNF. This is one of the reasons swimming is a great and effective way to increase your BDNF.
Conclusion
Prior to taking these measures to increase your BDNF levels, you can subscribe to getting a BDNF Elisa test done in order to know what BDNF levels you are working with. This will help for a better and more effective process of getting your BDNF to the target level you hope for.
