The brain, arguably the most complex organ in the body, is responsible for everything from controlling body functions to generating thoughts and memories. But how do we ensure it stays in peak condition? According to Dr. Madhureeta Achari, a neurologist with 30 years of experience, the answer starts with a balanced diet.
Speaking on the HuffPost podcast “Am I Doing It Wrong?” with hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson, Dr. Achari shared her expert insight into maintaining brain health. She pointed out that many of the issues she sees in her patients stem from “nutritional deficiencies,” and warned that the United States is suffering from a condition she calls “high-calorie malnutrition.” In short, people are consuming a lot of food but not getting the essential vitamins and minerals their bodies need.
Feeding the Brain Right
Dr. Achari emphasized that the brain is like a finely tuned machine and requires a variety of nutrients to function well. Just as a car can’t run properly with a flat tire, the brain can’t perform optimally without all the necessary nutrients. To nourish the brain, Dr. Achari recommended eating a diverse range of foods.
She encouraged listeners to focus on “eating the rainbow,” meaning a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, nuts, seeds, meats, poultry, fish, and dairy. Dr. Achari noted that many people today consume ultra-refined grains, which can deprive the body of essential nutrients. Instead, she advocates for whole, unprocessed foods, which are much more beneficial for the brain.
Supplements? No Thanks
When it comes to supplements promising to boost brain function, Dr. Achari is firm in her stance—don’t bother. She explained that many of these products are promoted by what she calls the “wellness industrial complex,” but they simply don’t deliver the health benefits they claim. Instead of relying on supplements, Dr. Achari suggests getting the nutrients your brain needs from food.
“Our ancestors lived a certain way and ate a certain way, and that’s why we’re here today,” she explained. “We are not smarter than our bodies.”
Chew Your Food, Don’t Drink It
In addition to the foods we eat, how we eat also matters. Dr. Achari highlighted the importance of chewing our food properly, a practice that’s often overlooked in today’s smoothie culture, where food is blended and consumed without much effort. But she reminded listeners that chewing is the first step in digestion. It activates enzymes like amylase in the mouth, which help break down food and prepare the body to absorb the nutrients it needs.
Beyond Nutrition: Brain Health in Daily Life
The conversation also touched on lifestyle factors such as alcohol and cannabis use, exercise, and more. Dr. Achari shared how these substances can impact brain health, and even talked about her own post-martini ritual. Ultimately, though, her advice for keeping your brain healthy was clear: nourish it with a variety of nutrient-rich foods, and never underestimate the power of a good chew.
In sum, Dr. Achari’s number one piece of advice for maintaining brain health is simple but powerful—feed your cells daily with a wide variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods.
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