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Maintaining a Healthy Brain

Maintaining a Healthy Brain

Everywhere I travel I am asked what people can do to keep their brains healthy and specifically what they can do to help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia. The following are suggestions for maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of dementia.

1. Regular exercise: Regular exercise not only keeps the heart healthy, but keeps the brain healthy as well. When we exercise the brain produces proteins which help keep our brain cells healthy and expands capillary networks so blood flow improves. Exercise also causes the brain to produce chemicals which improve mood. Additionally, recent research has shown that the pathways primarily responsible for physical movement play a key role in helping our thoughts flow in a fluid and organized way. Thus, physical exercise improves our ability to think clearly and efficiently.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients that our brain and body require, but cannot make. If we don’t get this nutrient in our diet then we don’t have it and our body muddles through without it. In the body, omega-3 fatty acids raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol and, thereby, reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by blocked blood vessels. But they do more, omega-3 fatty acids are powerful free radical scavengers. Free radicals are by-products of metabolism which damage cells throughout the body. Certain medical conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) cause a marked increase in the production of free radicals. People with DM often experience damage to their organs, i.e. retinal damage with loss of vision, kidney damage, and peripheral nerve damage causing neuropathies (painful conditions of burning sensation in the extremities). Recent evidence has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids, by scavenging up free radicals, reduce the risk of such damage in diabetic patients.

These are all great things the omega-3 fatty acids are doing in the body, but more importantly, as a psychiatrist, I value the impact they have on the brain. Each individual brain cell has a membrane primarily constructed of a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. When we don’t get omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, the brain doesn’t have them so the brain cell membranes are constructed without them. This causes the membranes to be more rigid and stiff, less elastic and pliable and is associated with an increased risk of mood disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and post-partum depression. Additionally, without the free radical scavenging impact from the omega-3 fatty acids, the brain cells are more vulnerable to damage and evidence has indicated that individuals low in omega-3 fatty acids have greater risk for dementia.

Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained in flaxseeds, chia, black walnuts and wild (not farm raised) cold water fatty fish such as salmon or mackerel. Typically 2000 – 4000mg per day is sufficient. Omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood thinning effect so anyone taking a high dose of omega-3 fatty acids or taking a blood thinner, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should check with his or her doctor prior to taking.

3. Natural Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also a free radical scavenger and is beneficial in protecting the brain. However, studies have revealed that this benefit is only obtained when Vitamin E is obtained in food. In fact, some studies have indicated that supplements of Vitamin E actually cause harm. This is believed to be due to the fact there are multiple forms of Vitamin E in nature and the supplements do not contain all of these forms, whereas Vitamin E in food is balanced appropriately. Vitamin E can be found in wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanut butter and hazelnuts.

4. Folic acid and Vitamins B6 and B12: During normal metabolism a by-product is produced called homocysteine. Homocysteine is damaging to the linings of blood vessels and to neurons (brain cells). Imagine pulling a piece of barbwire through a soft rubber hose. What happens inside the hose? Homocysteine damages the linings of blood vessels in a similar way. The body has two pathways to get rid of this toxic waste product. One pathway is dependent on Vitamin B6 and the other pathway is dependent on both B12 and folic acid. When we are deficient in these nutrients then homocysteine builds up and increases the risk of heart attack and dementia. Vegans and lacto vegetarians are at higher risk of elevations of homocysteine due to lower levels of these nutrients. Additionally, supplementation with these nutrients has been demonstrated to improve cognition, as well as mood.

5. Pomegranate juice: A recent study done on lab animals at Loma Linda University demonstrated pomegranate may be beneficial in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia. In the study researchers took lab animals bred to have high amounts of amyloid protein in their brains (this is the toxic protein believed to cause Alzheimer’s). They randomized the animals into two groups and fed them the exact same diet, except one group had the addition of the human equivalent of eight ounces of pomegranate juice per day. They biopsied the brains before and after the study and the animals without the pomegranate juice had a higher amount of amyloid in their brains at the end of the study than the beginning, but remarkably those receiving the pomegranate juice had 50% less amyloid in their brains by the end of the study.

6. Continued mental activity: The brain, like every other organ and system of your body, is strengthened with exercise. The more one engages in mentally challenging tasks, the more the brain is stimulated and responds by producing growth factors and expanding and strengthening the neural network. Individuals more mentally active throughout life are more resistant to developing dementia.

7. Healthy spirituality: Studies have revealed that those with a healthy intrinsic spirituality also have reduced risk of dementia. This is theorized to be due to lower levels of stress and stress hormones and, thereby, less oxidative stress on the brain throughout life. Additional factors include the added mental stimulation of thinking in spiritual ways which expands the neural network. Bible study is particularly helpful as it requires expanded mental activity in the contemplation of eternal and divine themes.

8. Altruism, giving and beneficence: Multiple studies have now demonstrated that those who engage in acts of kindness, those who live their lives with a giving heart, those interested in helping others have better health throughout life and suffer less illness. This may be due to less activation of the anxiety centers of the brain with subsequent decreased stress hormones and, thereby, less oxidative stress on the body and brain. For those of us who believe God is our designer this is no surprise, for such living is in harmony with God’s original specifications for mankind and would logically result in better health. Thus, the Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

These eight interventions are obviously not an exhaustive review of activities that are healthy for the brain. But they are simple actions that each of us can take to keep our brains as healthy as possible. And the healthier the brain, the sharper the mind and ultimately the greater our

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Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

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Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 35

I am so pleased with the response your message is receiving at my church from the middle-aged to the young adults. I have given out 100 copies of the first two seminars and there are more request every week. One of my [class members] came to me after viewing the series, grateful and impressed with how easy the message was retained. He had been a Seventh-day Adventist in fear all his life, and felt like the scales were removed from his eyes after viewing the seminars. I am so impressed by the change I see in members who have received this message, we are in one accord. However, I am sadden by the negative response of the older people. I am verbally attacked anytime I talk about imposed laws, but I believe my mission is to enlightened everyone I can. I watch your Bible Study Class on YouTube every Friday night and I feel like I am apart of the class. All of you are in one accord and I am so blessed to have found you. I pray that all of you continue to spread this message and I am committed to doing my part.

Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous