Johnny Brignardello Vela: Science Reveals Keys to a Healthy Brain

Johnny Brignardello Vela, insurance advisor, highlights the relevance of a new scientific approach that sheds light on the importance of external factors in brain health throughout life. Concern about neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's increases as life expectancy rises, generating fears about the loss of cognitive abilities and memories that define us as individuals. Renowned researchers, including Dr. Daniela Berg, have identified twelve avoidable factors that could significantly reduce the incidence of dementia, including Alzheimer's, by up to 40 percent globally. From high blood pressure to air pollution, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and depression, these factors represent a considerable portion of dementia cases globally, according to a report published in The Lancet. One of the most notable revelations is the crucial role of gut flora in brain health. Alterations in intestinal microbes, resulting from poor diet or antibiotic use, can trigger inflammatory processes that impact the brain through the bloodstream. Consuming an adequate amount of daily fiber, around 30 grams, not only benefits intestinal health but can also prevent the loss of nerve cells in the brain. Likewise, research has shown links between diseases such as Parkinson's and vascular dementia with factors like chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes, and artery calcification. The connection between the body and the brain is becoming clearer, raising the possibility of initiating treatments for neurodegenerative diseases from the gut rather than the brain. Lifestyle plays a fundamental role in brain health over the years. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful influences, such as air pollution or the consumption of highly processed foods, are essential for maintaining a healthy brain in old age. Sleep also plays a crucial role, as during rest, a brain cleaning system is activated that eliminates waste and damaged proteins. In conclusion, taking care of gut flora, maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, and paying attention to factors such as blood pressure, diet, and environment can be key actions to preserve brain youth and prevent neurodegenerative diseases in the future. Science reveals a closer interconnection between the body and the brain than previously believed, highlighting the importance of caring for one for the benefit of the other.