Dr. Jennifer Pearlman MD CCFP FAARM ABAARM
We are 99.9% identical genomically to each other but amazingly the differences in our hard wired genetic code contribute to the huge variability amongst us. We know that genetic variation determines physical traits like eye and hair colour but also tendencies to mental health disorders, substance abuse and even how likely we are to worry. The worrier v. warrior gene is a common genetic variation that can predict your likelihood to ruminate on negative events. This gene trait can be shaped in its expression through lifestyle and diet.
The primitive brainstem controls the flight fight reflexes and our response to immediate danger or acute stress.
Our emotional middle brain involving the temporal lobes of sensory processing and memory register input in our emotional brains.
The cognitive computer, the human super-brain or forebrain comprised of the frontal cortex controls our thoughts and behaviours in a way that allows humans uniquely to plan, forecast, make chooses and execute complex tasks. The forebrain allows for self-awareness.
We now know our brains are more adaptive then we ever imagined. Neuroplasticity describes the amazing ability of our brain to rewire, adapt and build new neural networks. Neuroplasticity allows our brain to recover from trauma or illness and continue to learn and evolve as we age. But to preserve the power of an adaptive brain we must maintain a brain healthy lifestyle.
