How to Optimize Brain Circulation

A missing piece to brain health is optimal circulation. Ensuring the brain has proper circulation is vital to neuronal survival and function since blood not only carries oxygen, but also nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins, minerals and hormones. The brain is the most vertical organ, and as such, it may need an extra boost now and then to get oxygenated. Maybe you can recall being dizzy upon standing up? This is actually a blood flow issue, and a consequence to poor adrenal function, usually. And imagine if this happens daily, in a subtle fashion where there's poor perfusion to your body and brain. Those who are sedentary, consume a standard American diet, (SAD) or have either hypertension or hypotension, may be at risk of poor perfusion. It's also important to realize as one ages, hardening of the arteries occur and blood flow dynamics become altered, thus, leading to poor brain endurance and other cognitive issues. This is more reason to optimize circulation from an earlier age as a preventive strategy. First, let's take a look at some of the symptoms:

Symptoms of Poor Circulation:

*Cold extremities such as as fingers, toes and nose

*Always being cold when others are not (wearing additional layers)

*Toenail fungus, since poor blood flow is associated with less immune cells

*Poor brain endurance on reading or other cognitive tasks

*Stiff neck (coat hanger syndrome) from dysautonomia

*Venous pooling of blood in the extremities

*Brain fog and cloudy thinking

*Confusion

*Poor memory

Exercise

Exercise increases cerebral circulation and has an impact on nitric oxide and growth factors such as BDNF. It has also been shown to modulate glial cells, and key neurotransmitters such as GABA and Serotonin. Honestly, if you want to get right to it, my favorite book on this topic is Spark, by John Ratey, MD. The author discusses the importance of exercise, cites numerous studies and reveals the physiological mechanisms behind the transformative effects of exercise and the brain. It's well worth your time!

In addition to exercise, the following nutrients may be incorporated into a protocol to improve circulation and brain health:

Gingko Biloba:

Gingko is a large tree with fan shaped leaves known to improve cerebral circulation. (R) It's native to China and has various phytochemicals that have healing properties through antioxidant mechanisms. (R) Gingko could exert an antioxidant effect by scavenging free radicals, regulating oxidase and antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting lipid/proteins, DNA, RNA, peroxidation and protecting the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Feverfew:

Feverfew is native to parts of western Asia, but it now grows throughout the world. Feverfew has properties that improve vasodilation and cerebral blood flow while commonly being used for headaches. The key phytochemical involves parthenolides, and the ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis.

Vinpocetine:

Vinpocetine has the vincamine alkaloids and has been shown to vasodilate vessels. It has widely been used in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases and mild cognitive impairment. In one particular study, it was shown to enhance blood flow velocity and demonstrated significant improvement of cognitive function in a 12 week trial. (R)

Cayenne:

Cayenne is known to many as a spicy addition to meals. It's an active component of chili peppers, which are plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. It has been shown to enhance cerebral circulation through vasodilatory properties. (R) This may be through the activation of endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS). (R) Bottom line, this can help cerebral circulation and brain health.

Others may include Butcher's Broom, Hawthorn, and taking the mineral Magnesium to optimize brain circulation.

And one last note.....

Improving Blood Volume:

If one desires to improve their blood volume, then increasing fluids, decreasing arterial resistance and increasing electrolytes such as Sodium may help. Another strategy to increase blood volume is by taking Glycyrrhiza, a licorice extract. This can be in topical form, root, tea, but either way, they all have the ability to retain cortisol and aldosterone, which then leads to more sodium. Compression sleeves for people with dysautonomia or peripheral arterial insufficiency may be beneficial as well. I suggest discussing with your provider to find a trustworthy brand and pressure that suits you.