The brain is a complex organ that regulates our body’s thoughts, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, and every other process in our body.

Our daily choices and life have an impact on how our brain functions.

Living in stressful situations may have serious emotional and even physical consequences on the brain.

Stress can change brain size, its structure and how it functions.

Chronic stress can result in the loss of synaptic connections between neurons.

In addition, many common chronic illnesses are associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.

However, we know that the brain has an incredible capacity for repair and renewal if given the right tools.

The brain can grow stronger, adapt and work better throughout our lifespan. 

The primary mechanism through which the damaged brain can repair and restore itself is called “neuroplasticity.”

Continue reading to discover how you can optimize your brain health and how neuroplasticity can be used to promote brain repair and aid in the recovery from chronic illness.

Chronic illness can cause brain damage

Stress is not just about lifestyle or circumstances. Things like food intolerances, toxins, or hormonal imbalances are also stressors for your brain.

Chronic infections and toxic exposures have a direct impact on the brain.

Borrelia burgdorferi, one of the borrelial species that causes Lyme disease, has been found to cause the release of inflammatory molecules from glial cells, which are brain cells that support and protect neurons.

These potent inflammatory mediators cause neuronal death and may explain some of Lyme disease’s neurological symptoms.

Chronic stressors, such as infections and toxic exposures, also have a negative impact on brain function by activating the limbic system. A limbic system is a group of brain structures that assist us in detecting threats to our safety and well-being.

Brain retraining programs can help to calm an overactive limbic system by rewiring the brain in such a way that it prunes away harmful neural pathways while creating new, healthy ones.

People with chronic diseases may experience poor cognitive functioning associated with advanced age, progression of the disease, or other comorbid chronic conditions.^[1]

There are a lot of conditions that can impact brain health. These diseases and disorders include:

• Vascular diseases
• Degenerative diseases
• Brain tissue injuries
• Inflammation
• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
• Mental health

Neuroplasticity

The idea that the brain can change its own structure and function through thought and activity is pretty remarkable.

Neuroplasticity refers to the ways that neural pathways are able to re-form in the brain.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt. It’s a tool to create positive changes in your life.

The brain is neutral – it doesn’t know the difference between good and bad. It learns whatever is repeated. 

Your brain makes physical changes based on repetitive things you do, your thoughts, and the experiences you have.

What you think, do and experience all play an integral role in shaping your brain.

As you practice new behaviors, the brain’s plasticity allows it to mold, change, and rebuild damaged areas.

Essentials for brain health

The brain responds like muscles do, growing with use and withering with inactivity. 

Stimulating your brain can help improve how well it functions and reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

In addition, implementing healthy stress-relief techniques can train your brain to handle stress more effectively and reduce the likelihood of future negative effects from stress.

Essentials for brain health are:

• Exercise or movement
• Healthy diet 
• Stress management
• Mental stimulation
• Sunlight exposure in the AM
• Relaxation and plenty of rest.
• Social engagement

Conclusion

When stressors go unchecked and untreated, they can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health.

They can interfere with cognition, attention, and memory.

Brain plasticity allows you to change how your body and brain respond to stimuli and motivates you to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Keep your brain health in mind with everything you do, every thought you have, and every experience you have.