Macronutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins/cofactors that are particularly important for the developing brain.
These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, cholesterol, fiber, and water.
Key nutrients for brain development:
While all nutrients are important for brain growth and functioning, some play a bigger role in early brain development than others. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition recommends certain nutrients for healthy brain development in toddlers:
B Vitamins
Folate (methylfolate, B9)
Iodine
Iron
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids
Protein-plant based as well
Vitamins A
Zinc
Lutein
Omega 3 Rich Foods
DHA / EPA
Keep in mind mitochondria need B1, B2 vitamins plus additional nutrients. Many people under appreciate the importance of all B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. A Therapuetic Grade Multivitamin can help support these essential vitamins and nutrients.
While the frontal lobe controls movement, the cerebellum “fine-tunes” this movement. This area of the brain is responsible for fine motor movement, balance, and the brain's ability to determine limb position.
Nutrients Essential for the Cerebellum:
When it comes to brain health, focus on the three B's: vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (folate). “These three types of B vitamins are necessary for the brain's normal functioning,” says Dr. Agarwal, “and any deficiency in them may increase the risk of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline.”
Foods linked to better brainpower for the Cerebellum:
Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene
Fatty fish
Berries
Green Tea and Organic coffee
Walnuts
Fatty acids enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis associated with cognitive and behavioral processes, promotes synaptic plasticity by increasing long-term potentiation and modulates synaptic protein expression to stimulate the dendritic arborization and new spines formation.
Findings from preclinical studies have shown that extra virgin olive oil added to the diet of Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models enhanced the blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, reduced AD-related pathology, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, which collectively led to improved memory.
A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, and essential micronutrients forms the cornerstone of brain resilience, enabling the brain to form and reorganize neural pathways crucial for learning and memory.
When it comes to brain health, focus on the three B's: vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (folate). These three types of B vitamins are necessary for the brain's normal functioning and any deficiency in them may increase the risk of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline.
Ataxia cerebellar dementia and leukoencephalopathy can result from vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause serious developmental regression, hypotonia and cerebral atrophy in infants.
Vitamin D supplementation improves neuromuscular or neuroprotective function, which may in part explain the mechanism whereby vitamin D reduces falls and fractures.
Vitamins of the B-complex group, particularly B1, B6, and B12, are the most important, followed by Vitamins A and E, which are involved in neuronal metabolism.
Both Vitamin E and Vitamin C have antioxidant roles. Vitamin D is now recognized as playing an important role in the central nervous system.
Potassium is important for the nerves, muscles and heart to work properly. It also helps lower blood pressure.
While it is important for us to have a balanced diet that supplies all the necessary minerals to keep our bodies functioning at an optimum level, certain minerals, such as iron and iodine, are vital at certain stages of our development to ensure that our brains and nervous systems develop normally.
Lutein is a nutrient best known for its help maintaining eye health, though it may have other health benefits as well. It’s a carotenoid — compounds that give plants their color — found mainly in yellow and green fruits and vegetables.
Foods With Lutein:
Kale. Kale's dark green color holds high amounts of nutrients, including impressive levels of lutein
Spinach. Loaded with iron, vitamin K, and magnesium, spinach is an all-in-one source of many essential vitamins and minerals
Romaine Lettuce
Non gmo Corn
Bell Peppers
Parsley
Pistachios
Eggs
Healthy muscles and muscle strength need these nutrients:
Water
Protein from plants based proteins too
Calcium
Magnesium
Glutamine found in all sources of protein/amino acids
Vitamin D
Potassium
Carbohydrates-Healthy carbs
Can the cerebellum repair?
Fortunately, some and full recovery is possible. It depends on the particular situation and injury. The key to healing any brain injury, including cerebellar injuries, is nutrients for the brain and to engage your brain's neuroplasticity.
Completing therapy exercises daily can promote improvements in your balance, coordination, and cognitive skills.
Movement creates brain derived neurotrophic factors, which is like fertilizer for the human brain.
Movement has been shown to help boost focus and creativity and even improve knowledge retention.
Add this key list of nutrients to focus on for your next shopping list!
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with love, light and healing,
Krista Zweers