Monmouth's Ask the Doctor May/June 2019

CHILD, ADOLESCENT & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST

H E A L T H Y M I N D & S O U L

SERVICES FOR ADULTS & TEENS MENTAL HEALTH PARTIAL CARE & INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS 732.655.4CFW(4239) CENTER FOR WELLNESS PROGRAMS INCLUDE GROUP THERAPY, INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT AND FOLLOW UP COMMERCIAL INSURANCE ACCEPTED FOUNDED BY A DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED CHILD/ADOLESCENT & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST

INDIVIDUALIZED CARE EXTENDED SESSIONS DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED

Appointments in Freehold & Monroe Twp.

CENTERFORWELLNESSNJ.COM 312APPLEGARTHRD • SUITE 200 •MONROETWP 08831 Accessible within 5 minutes of the NJ Turnpike, Rt 33 & Rt 130

609.245.8550 WWW.GSINGHMD.COM

Brain Food By Lauren Kolacki

Every decision we make or step we take is a result of a message that was sent from our brain. The brain is the control center of your body; therefore, we must treat it as so. The foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration. For those who start your morning with a cup of coffee each day, you’ll be happy to hear somebody tell you to continue do- ing so. The two main ingredients in coffee is caffeine and antioxidants. Caffeine has the ability to improve various aspects of brain function, such as mood, reaction time, vigilance, attention, learning and general mental function. In addition, coffee increases your alertness and sharpens your concentration. Drinking coffee over the long term is also linked to a reduced risk of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s Broccoli is another food that is packed with antioxidants and vitamin K which contributes to memory and mental sharp- ness. In addition, broccoli contains several vitamins that work as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which could poten- tially help the brain against damage. Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder obtained from the rhizome of a plant of the ginger family. This spice is used in many Asian and Indian dishes and is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can contribute to benefiting your memory, easing depression and helping new brain cells grow. Deficiency in various nutrients have been linked to neurological conditions. For example, low zinc levels have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, depression and Parkinson's disease. Low magnesium levels have been linked to migraines, depres- sion and epilepsy. Low iron has been linked to brain fog and impaired brain function. Pumpkin seeds contain powerful antioxidants that are an excellent source of all of the nutrients listed above. About 60% of our brains are made of fat, half being omega-3. Our brains use omega-3 to build brain and nerve cells that are essential for learning and memory. Foods that are high in omega-3 are as follows: • Mackerel • Salmon • Cod Liver Oil • Herring • Oysters • Sardines • Anchovies • Caviar • Flaxseeds • Chia Seeds • Walnuts • Soybeans

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