T’ai Chi: Supreme Ultimate Science

What is brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein which can be thought of as “brain fertilizer.” BDNF helps the brain to develop new connections, repair failing brain cells, and protect healthy brain cells. Having enough BDNF around can protect our brains from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28928987/

How do you get more brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

One word: STIMULATION. Stimulation of your brain and all its cells can come in many forms. Of course, traditional brain exercise has been thought of as activities such as cross words and using formative assessment tools (which are definitely good!) but here’s another aspect you can add to the list: exercise. As little as 30 minutes of jogging on three days a week has been shown to improve brain functioning, but even better gains have been suggested with more complex activity, which requires you to build or acquire a skill. An example of this is exercise that challenges your balance or thinking, like rock climbing or dancing. You could also consider consuming something like these to help your concentration and brain growth, if you don’t think that exercise is enough for you. However, exercise will ultimately help you.

Exercising is by far the most sure-fire and fastest way to increase BDNF levels. That is why it is so effective in relieving stress and symptoms of mental illnesses. This is also why exercise allows the brain to learn so effectively.

https://examinedexistence.com/what-is-bdnf-and-what-does-it-do/

Brain-derived neurotropic factor is like fertilizer for the brain.

BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor, is an incredible protein that supercharges your brain. It’s one of the most important molecules for keeping you mentally sharp through all stages of your life.

The problem is, BDNF levels naturally decline as you get older (1). BDNF levels also decrease with things like chronic stress, eating too many processed foods, depression, and anxiety.BDNF is like fertilizer for the brain.

https://naturalife.org › mind › increase-bdnf {1}

T’ai chi is exercise that challenges your balance and thinking.