The brain and heart connection

We often think of the brain and heart as two separate powerhouses - one that helps us think, and the other that keeps everything running. In fact, the two are deeply connected.  

The brain relies on a vast network of blood vessels to help function at its best. While making up only a small fraction of our total body mass, the brain consumes around 20% of the body’s oxygen and energy supplied by blood pumped from the heart. Of this, it is estimated that neurons consume 75%–80% of energy produced in the brain1. Most of this energy is used where neurons communicate at the synapse with a large portion helping reset the brain’s electrical signals after they’ve fired. This powerful link highlights how circulation and oxygen delivery are important for supporting healthy brain function, particularly in areas like memory, cognition and mental recall. 

Let’s look at practical lifestyle tips to support your brain and heart connection, as well as the herb Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo):

• Prioritise sleep: get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night which is important to support mental function.
• Manage stress: practice techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga to help your brain stay focused and your heart stay calm.
• Stay physically active: exercise supports blood flow delivering oxygen and nutrients to both the brain and heart.
• Stay mentally engaged: by reading, solving puzzles or learning new skills.
• Eat nourishing foods: include antioxidant rich foods such as berries and leafy greens, and warming foods such as ginger, cinnamon and turmeric to help support circulation.
• Include healthy fats in your diet: such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil and fish high in omega-3s such as mackerel, sardines, and tuna.
• Stay hydrated: adequate hydration supports circulation. 

Ginkgo

The Ginkgo tree is believed to be the world’s oldest living tree, dating back more than 250 million years. Ginkgo’s health benefits are attributed to the active constituent flavonglycosides, which are found in standardised ginkgo extracts. Ginkgo has a vasodilatory effect that helps to support healthy blood circulation.

If this ingredient is of interest, consider Herbs of Gold Ginkgo Biloba 6000, containing a high strength Ginkgo extract standardised to flavonglycosides, which have antioxidant activity and reduce free radicals formed in the body. Ginkgo Biloba 6000 supports blood circulation to the peripheral areas of the body (legs, hands and feet), maintains blood capillary and cardiovascular system health, and supports brain function, memory, mental recall and cognitive function.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

1. Watts, M.E., Pocock, R., & Claudianos, C. (2018). Brain energy and oxygen metabolism: Emerging role in normal function and […] . Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 11, 216.