Neurogenesis is the process of creating new nerves and is stimulated by a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
BDNF Definition: A protein that plays an important part in cognitive function, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal development and survival. It fertilizes brain cells to maintain their good function and keep them growing.
When you stimulate BDNF, the human body will enjoy the following health benefits:
Improved mood and memory
Protection from damaging pathways (aka oxidative damage) that cause dementia
Increased protective pathways in the nervous system
Regrowth of brain cells and dendrites
Increased synopsis
1. Keto Diet
A keto diet is a high-fat, low-carb meal plan that helps you burn fat effectively. Lowering your carb intake through keto diet will promote the benefits of neurogenesis. When your body enters ketosis, it produces ketone bodies that give an alternative form of energy for your body. Your brain can use those ketones instead of glucose to fuel most of its parts. The small amounts of carbs you take will fuel the parts of the brain that require glucose to function.
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that focuses on the cycle between fasting and periods of eating. This fasting usually takes 18 to 23 hours and concentrates more on the eating time than what you are eating. One study revealed that intermittent fasting promoted new brain cell production when researchers used a 16:8 schedule on the participants.
3. Sprinting
Sprinting is a form of a high-intensity exercise that involves fast running in a short period. It maximizes body stress by activating the muscles for a short duration, which can stimulate neurogenesis and the human growth hormone.
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Neurogenesis or the growth of brain cells is just one of the many benefits you can gain from keto and intermittent fasting. Partner your diet plan with regular exercise and discipline, and you’ll be on your way to your health goal.
How’s your mood? How about your memory? Let’s talk about cognitive health and keto diet in the comments below.