BDNF?

Blood cells renew every few hours.
Taste buds are replaced every ten days.
Skin cells last a month.
It takes a muscle cell fifteen years to do this.

The brain is the last organ we've found to be able to regenerate itself.

Our DNA regulates this process, more precisely a gene on the eleventh chromosome that preprograms the production of a protein called BNDF.

BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor)

loosely translated: a nerve cell stimulating factor that comes from the brain.

What is the role of BDNF?
BDNF plays a key role in the production of new neurons. In addition to neurogenesis, it also protects existing neurons, ensuring their survival and the capacity to form synapses.
Synapses are the bridge between the two neurons that is essential for our thought process, learning process and higher intelligent functions.

What if I have a deficiency?
A reduced production of BDNF can lead to various brain problems. For example, your brain cells are less well protected against damage and the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder increases. This includes emerging brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia and Parkinson's.

BDNF deficiency has been linked by scientists to many other conditions, including schizophrenia and eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also of concern is the link between low BDNF levels and your risk of depression. Depressed patients appear to have significantly lower BDNF levels than healthy people.

And what do I do about it?

You can increase or maintain your BDNF level with, among other things, diet and sports! Even if you have enough BDNF, it does not hurt to stimulate your production.

Increasing BDNF With Diet:
More serotonin contributes to more BDNF and did you know that 95% of your serotonin is produced in your gut?

So give your gut what it needs with pre- and probiotics in vegetables and fermented products. Omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish and flavonoids in blueberries, dark chocolate and turmeric also support the production of BDNF.

Or consider a Lion's Mane supplement! Lion's Mane boosts BDNF production!

Lion's Mane has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The benefits associated with it are very diverse, from cancer prevention to energy boosters and from weight loss to improving symptoms of depression. Most of the claimed benefits are related to its neuroprotective benefits.

Increasing BDNF with Sports
Few raise your BDNF as much as exercise! Exercise activates genes that stimulate BDNF in your body.

Moving in the sun? Even better! The sun helps you make vitamin D, which in turn is essential for the production of serotonin.

Stay Powerful
The Primal Boys