Neuroplasticity : Role of TMS in Improving Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to grow and evolve continuously while we are exposed to different life experiences. Our brain does this by reorganizing the connections between the nerve cells. As we experience different situations regularly or learn something new, the connections between the nerve cells change. This is something that happens to help us learn and adapt to various situations or events. These changes are termed neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity can also happen after a brain injury or a traumatic experience. The two types of neuroplasticity are:
- Structural neuroplasticity - usually happens when you learn something new, like a new language
- Functional neuroplasticity - happens when your brain is trying to shift the functions from a damaged area to a healthier part of your brain (maybe after an injury or trauma)
Neuroplasticity is very important for our mental well-being. It helps us to learn, improve our cognitive skills, recover from trauma and improve overall brain health. On the other hand, an impairment in neuroplasticity may lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
TMS therapy helps in improving neuroplasticity. TMS helps in increasing neural pathway generation, which allows for more executive functions like motivating thoughts, increased sociability, emotional stability, and also reduces ‘brain fog’. This mechanism gives your brain the ability to adapt and develop, increasing the quality of life. On the other hand, stress or any other negative stimuli can change the structure and pave its way down to depression. Therefore, neuroplasticity and its stimulation should be seen as very important when it comes to mental health.
Factors that Contribute to Neuroplasticity Impairment
1. Use of Tobacco and Alcohol:
Overexposure to tobacco and alcohol may affect brain health. Try to reduce the consumption of alcohol.
2. Inflammation:
Sometimes inflammation/injuries may contribute to the decline in neuroplasticity.
3. Overeating:
Excessive dietary or energy intake may impair neural plasticity. Overeating can also be a symptom of an eating disorder.
4. Nutrient deficiency:
Consuming high-quality foods that contain minerals, antioxidants and vitamins nourish the human brain. Deficiency of the same will have a bad effect.
5. Toxic exposure:
Some toxins may affect the development of the human brain. Exposure to toxins like mercury and lead might cause damage to nerve cells in the brain.
6. Chronic Stress:
Stress can cause damaging changes to your brain. Please get help if you suffer from issues like PTSD.
7. Physical Stagnation:
Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle not only contributes to physical health issues but also can deteriorate mental health.
8. Sleep loss:
Ensuring proper sleep, at least for 7-8 hours every day promotes neuroplasticity.
Few Tips to Improve Neuroplasticity
1. Reduce smoking/usage of tobacco
2. Minimize the use of alcohol
- 1 drink, 3 x / week
3. Engage in moderate aerobic and anaerobic activities.
- 30-60 minutes, 3-4 x / week
4. Minimize consumption of processed sugar.
- Choose something high in fiber instead!
5. Get enough quality sleep.
- Around 7-8 hours per night, but no more!
6. Get enough vitamin D3.
- 2,000 u daily
7. Take Omega-3 fatty acids.
- At least 2,000 u 2 x/ day
8. Fast for 12 hours each day or switch to a healthier diet
9. Challenge your brain/Improve cognitive skills
- Learn a new skill or play brain games
- Read a novel. It enhances your imagination and stimulates your brain.
10. Manage stress
- If you are not able to reduce your stress, try to change your response to it. Travel and surround yourself with nature.
The above-mentioned are a few tips that you could adopt to improve neuroplasticity. If you require help, please make sure to consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and also to decide if you need to opt for a treatment modality. TMS therapy helps in strengthening nerve impulses in the safest and well-tolerated way. Book an appointment with us to know more about TMS therapy.