How To Increase Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis is the growth and repair of neurons or brain cells. It is an essential function to cognitive function, and plays a role in things like learning, memory, and focus. It also plays a role in cognitive decline and neurological diseases. By increasing neurogenesis, we can make our brains grow in a literal way. For any cognitive function you want to increase or improve, neurogenesis will invariably play a role and profoundly benefit it. The more brain cells you have, or the healthier your brain is, naturally the more powerful your cognition and better your brain operates.

More Neurogenesis = Healthier & Better Brain

More Neurogenesis = More Intelligence

It was (somehow) thought professionally that the adult brain did not grow new brain cells, and that it slowly lost brain cells with age, eventually leading to cognitive decline and neurologic illness. Starting around two decades ago, it was found and became accepted that the adult brain does grow new brain cells, albeit at a much lower level than childhood. This makes increasing neurogenesis paramount to preventing cognitive decline and neurologic conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia, and that your brain fog or cognitive deficits could be caused by decreased neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is also critical to recovery from stroke and concussions or TBI.

How To Increase Neurogenesis

Neurotrophins like BDNF and NGF, are proteins that promote the growth and survival of brain cells. They are essentially ‘(anabolic) brain hormones’, like what testosterone is to muscles. By increasing these proteins, you directly increase neurogenesis.

Exercise has been repeatedly shown to increase and promote neurogenesis, in part by profoundly increasing BDNF.

Lion’s Mane

Gotu Kola

Panax Ginseng

Rhodiola Rosea

Protein

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Antioxidants

Sleep

Relaxation

Sunlight

Red Light

Novelty

Fun

Learning

Games & Puzzles