IG: BDNF: what is it, why do I want more, and how can I get more? ⁠🧠 ⁠ So my latest health nerding deep dive has been into my own GENOMICS and I am HOOKED. Ho-lee-cow people, this stuff is interesting.⁠ ⁠ I recently received my results of @thednaco ‘s Comprehensive Clinical Profile and have been BLOWN AWAY by the information about my genomics I received.⁠ It has has explained so much about my body, health and even my personality, and in such, what I can do to optimize it.⁠ ⁠ So BDNF: one of my weak areas is the BDNF gene, in which my particular genotype is associated with suboptimal production and levels.⁠ ⁠ Womp, womp ☹️, because we really want solid levels of BDNF. ⁠ ⁠ BDNF (aka brain-derived neurotrophic factor), is a protein that protects neurons and plays a role in creating new ones (neurons are cells within the nervous system that transmit info to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells). ⁠ BDNF essentially acts like a growth hormone for neurons and is vital for thinking, learning, and a higher level of brain function. Plus, it turns out that levels of BDNF are lower in those with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, so increasing one’s levels of BDNF is a first line of defence against these neurological diseases. ⁠ ⁠ But the good news is that we take steps to increase our BDNF (essentially activating the gene that turns on BDNF) by:⁠ •caloric restriction⁠ •curcumin (think TURMERIC, and add that shit to everything)⁠ •DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid⁠ •intermittent fasting⁠ •exercise⁠ •intellectual stimulation⁠ •meditation⁠ •being in a state of ketosis⁠ ⁠ The more of these things you can do / add to your daily life, the better chance you have of having more BDNF and thus better brain function and disease prevention. ⁠ ⁠ Cool, right?⁠ ⁠ Now wondering what the heck this photo is of?⁠ It’s bone broth cauliflower soup that I’ve stacked with turmeric for my daily dose of curcumin. Which of these BDNF boosters will YOU try?