Max Biocare :: Brain Health Products & Information

Abstract: The brain is the most important organ in the body, and the most complex. Every function of your body is controlled by the brain, whether it be controlling and facilitating your five senses, regulating blood flow to and from the heart, or remembering the last few words you have just read. Our brain is a very active structure, requiring a large proportion of our body’s energy and oxygen intake for optimal function.

Key words: nerves, neuron, brain health, BranIn, nervous system, central nervous system

Undeniably, the brain is the most important organ of the human body. Without it, human life would cease to exist. The brain, being the control centre of the central nervous system, is responsible for all essential and non-essential bodily functions. It does this by communicating with all areas of the body via the nerves. Nerves consist of many short and long neurons that conduct electrical signals, transmitting information between the brain and the rest of the body.

The central nervous system controls:

- Voluntary actions; and

- Involuntary actions

For example, nerves originating in the brain control and accurately regulate heart and lung function without voluntary action. These vitally important roles of the brain, along with many others, are part of the autonomic (auto- meaning self controlling and functionally independent) nervous system. Other tasks which are voluntarily controlled by the brain include all body movements via nervous stimulation of the muscles such as walking, running and speaking.

Intelligence is a unique function of the brain which separates us from other animals and organisms. Our increased ability for perception, attention, cognition, memory, and emotion, is exclusive to humans. We are able to reason, plan, solve problems, use language and think abstractly. The triumphs and achievements of human-kind are directly attributable to our level of intelligence and higher brain function.

As our brain is the most important organ of the body, it seems logical that it requires and uses:

- 20% of the body’s oxygen

- 25% of the body’s glucose

- 15% of total cardiac output

The arteries that supply our brain are also vital in delivering essential nutrients to the brain. If the brain becomes starved of oxygen and/or nutrient supply, even for a few minutes (e.g. stroke) neuron loss and brain damage occurs. The nutrient supply to the brain is significantly affected by diet, which can be associated with brain and mental wellbeing. Given what the brain requires, it is important to adjust our lifestyles accordingly. A good example is reducing the frequency in which alcohol intake is excessive. Excessive alcohol intake can deprive the brain of oxygen, causing cell death.

The brain is a dynamic organ responsible for the incredible multitude of activities performed by the body, which must be intimately cared for. Maintaining optimal levels of nutrients important for the brain can ensure good brain health and function, as well as supporting mental health.

Your Brain