It’s important to take stock of what we really need to get through a crisis and what’s unnecessary or even harmful. Here’s my Brain Warrior’s buying guide for the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns.
1. Brain Healthy Food
Just because we’re facing a crisis doesn’t mean you can allow yourself to give in to your cravings for sugar and other comfort foods. In a crisis, eating healthy foods is more important than ever. If you fall into the trap of thinking you “deserve” to go back to your old ways and eat ice cream and cookies and pancakes, it will increase the anxious and fearful thoughts in your head and could send you into a downward spiral. Focus on foods that enhance brain function to build up your resilience so you can cope better with the increased stress that comes with a pandemic.
Here are 5 food staples every Brain Warrior needs:
- Protein: Frozen chicken breasts, lean beef, fish (such as salmon), or shrimp; protein powder (such as OMNI Protein in vanilla or chocolate) to make smoothies
- Smart carbs: Frozen vegetables and fruits
- Snacks: Nuts and seeds, nut butters, and dark chocolate (such as Brain in Love Chocolate Bars)
- Healthy grains: Quinoa, gluten-free oatmeal, sprouted bread
- Beverages: Water (water in boxes is better than plastic bottles); green tea or herbal tea; coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk
2. Toxin-Free Cleaners
Keeping the house spic and span is always important, but now that we’re stuck inside, it’s even more critical to make sure we aren’t cleaning with products that are toxic. Many household cleaners are packed with harmful chemicals that can be absorbed via our lungs and skin and can eventually impact the brain. These everyday toxins can contribute to brain functions issues and mental health problems. Safeguard your home and your brain with earth-friendly cleaners. For more information, check out The Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast with our guest Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO of ECOS plant-powered cleaning products.
3. Toxin-Free Personal Care Products
The chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products are easily absorbed through your pores and can be transported to every organ in your body, including your brain. This means that by trying to look better on the outside, you could be poisoning yourself on the inside and making yourself more vulnerable to illness. Now is the time to ditch chemical-laden products with harmful ingredients. Check the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database for help finding healthier alternatives.
4. Over-the-Counter Remedies
As an ICU nurse, I’ve always made sure that our household is stocked up on health supplies. The basics I recommend that everyone should have on hand include cold and cough medicines, throat lozenges, pain relievers, and stomach remedies. It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer to check for a temperature.
5. Targeted Nutraceuticals
Everyone can benefit from a multivitamin/mineral supplement, omega-3s, and vitamin D. And now it’s more critical to promote better brain health with supplements targeted to your brain type.
You can find your brain type and get supplement recommendations to optimize your brain by taking this FREE Brain Health Assessment. Take 21% off when you order nutraceuticals through BrainMD. Just enter TANA21 at checkout. Stay healthy!
