The "God spot" in our brain?

Scientists are searching for the "God Spot"

Did you know that scientists have been looking for one distinct area in our brains that is responsible for spirituality?  They are calling it the "God spot" !

Researchers at the University of Missouri now believe that spirituality is a complex phenomenon and that multiple areas of the brain are responsible for the many aspects of spiritual experiences.  According to Brick Johnstone, professor of health psychology at the University of Missouri, "Spirituality is a much more dynamic concept that uses many parts of the brain. Certain parts of the brain play more predominant roles, but they all work together to facilitate individuals’ spiritual experiences.”

We know that we need to keep our bodies healthy but now we need to be sure to include our brains as well!  How lucky for me that I attended a lecture on brain health just last week!  I thought I might share that with you today.

Brain health seems to be very dependent on keeping our brains supplied with positive endorphins.  I am not a science teacher and I know that wikipedia cannot always be trusted but I went there anyway!  Here's what I learned:  Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalmus (I've heard of that before but I can't explain it or tell you where it is in the body;  look it up on wikipedia if you feel compelled to know more about it!).  Anyway, they are produced from things like exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food and love.  Endorphins are considered a morphine-like substance originating from within the body.  They resemble opiates because they make you feel good.  And feeling good makes our brains healthier!

According to the speaker, the number one thing to increase positive endorphins is go to church!  I wouldn't have guessed that myself.  Apparently, church is a place where positive things happen, endorphin-producing things.  Many people come up to greet you and actually want an honest answer to "How are you today?"  There is singing and fellowship and good feelings abounding!  Church is not only good for your spiritual well-being but it contributes to good brain health!

Exercise is great for brain health!  What's more, walking could be the perfect thing to do!  I love walking and do it at least 5 days a week although only 3 days needs to be your goal.  When you walk, you get a lot of cleansing breaths going on.  The scenery is likely to be relaxing, the sounds of other people helps us feel connected as does the laughter of children and neighbors and fellow walkers greeting us!  Research shows that the colors green and blue release positive energy and how perfect for us - the grass is green and the sky is blue!


Having a BFF, best friend forever, is another link to creating more of those positive endorphins.  We all know that there are friends and then there is our best friend.  Our best friend is someone we can confide in and know the information goes no further.  We trust them completely and our best friend is the person we turn to in both good and bad times.  You can have more than one BFF but you probably have only one BBFF (best best friend forever)!

What about gossip?  That's right, I said gossip!  Gossip is another way to create positive endorphins to help your brain health.  However, the study was NOT talking about malicious gossip; but good gossip that is positive and friendly.  Where did you buy those shoes?  Love your haircut - who did it?  Have you tried the new restaurant on the corner?  Conversations that are upbeat and happy and informative in a friendly, helpful manner.

Finally, watch your diet!  Eating healthy is so important to your brain.  According to Web MD , research shows that we can maintain a healthy brain well into our old age if we include the following "smart foods" in our daily diet:

Blueberries.  or "Brainberries"!  Blueberries could reduce the effects of Alzheimers or dementia. It is recommended we eat at  least 1 cup of blueberries a day - fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried.
Wild salmon.  Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids which contain anti-inflammatory substances. The recommendation is a 4-ounce serving, two to three times a week.
Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E and higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day and raw or roasted doesn't matter.
Avocados. Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health. It's a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow.  Avocados also lower blood pressure. Avocados are high in calories, however, so they suggest eating just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado each day.
Whole grains. Whole grains can reduce the risk for heart disease and it is recommended to have 1/2 cup of whole-grain cereal, 1 slice of bread two-thee times day, or 2 tablespoons of wheat germ a day.

Beans. Beans stabilize glucose (blood sugar) levels. The brain is dependent on glucose for fuel and since it can't store the glucose, it relies on a steady stream of energy. Any beans will do and 1/2 cup every day is the recommended amount.
Pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice (you can eat the fruit itself but with its many tiny seeds, it's not nearly as convenient) offers potent antioxidant benefits which protect the brain from the damage of free radicals (probably no part of the body is more sensitive to the damage from free radicals as the brain).   You should drink approximately 2 ounces a day, diluted with spring water or seltzer.
Freshly brewed tea. Two to three cups a day of freshly brewed tea -- hot or iced -- contains a modest amount of caffeine which, when used judiciously, can boost brain power by enhancing memory, focus, and mood. Tea also has potent antioxidants, especially the class known as catechines, which promotes healthy blood flow. Bottled or powdered teas don't do the trick, however,  it has to be freshly brewed. Tea bags do count, however.
Dark chocolate.  Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, contains several natural stimulants, including caffeine, which enhance focus and concentration, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which helps improve mood. One-half ounce to 1 ounce a day will provide all the benefits you need. This is one "superfood" where more is not better so remember to eat chocolate in moderation (bummer....).

Oh, one more thing I found out - March is National Brain Health Month!  Let's celebrate!

Let's keep our brains healthy and make sure that we keep our "God Spots" well-tuned!  You never know when He will have a message for you......

FYI - This is what an endorphin looks like!