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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 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

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 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

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 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, 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 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA