January 6, 2022

Bulletin 104 Health Topic

BRAIN REPAIR

The brain has its own waste removal system which is similar to the bodies lymphatic system called the Glymphatic system.


When we fall into a deep sleep, the hippocampus part of the brain will shrink by 200%. This leaves room for cerebral spinal fluid to wash beta-amyloid and other metabolic waste out of the brain.


This happens during the deep non rem sleep cycle which is the early stage of sleeping. It’s important not to wake up or disrupt this process as it will affect how much fluid is released into the brain cavity.


The Glymphatic system operates most efficiently when the body is horizontal. Falling asleep or dozing off upright will severely limit the release of spinal fluid.


For optimal results sleeping on your side with legs slightly raised will increase the Glymphatic wash process.


Zone 2 training, where you are training at a low-level heart rate (being able to talk but not sing) has also been shown to support the Glymphatic system.


This can be done on a stationary bike or cross-trainer for 45mins to an hour, 3 times per week.


You will also get the added benefit of making your mitochondria more efficient in utilising fat oxidisation for energy.


Each night if you are not getting enough sleep the waste product (beta-amyloid) accumulates, leading over time the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowls

By Zina Stone • July 9, 2026
Ingredients 1 large sweet potato, peeled, cut into 1/2" cubes 1 large red onion, finely chopped 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped 1 lime, juiced 2 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter 1 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil 4 cups cooked brown rice 1 avocado, thinly sliced 2 cups baby spinach 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro 1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Sesame salmon, purple sprouting broccoli & sweet potato mash

By Zina Stone • July 2, 2026
Ingredients 1 ½ tbs p sesame oil 1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce thumb-sized piece ginger grated 1 garlic clove crushed 1 tsp honey 2 sweet potatoes scrubbed and cut into wedges 1 lime cut into wedges 2 salmon fillets 250g purple sprouting broccoli 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 red chilli thinly sliced (deseeded if you don't like it too hot)

Beef & Tofu Stirfry

By Zina Stone • June 18, 2026
Ingredients 250g extra lean ground beef 250g firm tofu, drained and crumbled 1/4 tsp sea salt, divided 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup broccoli, chopped into small florets 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish) 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated 4 cups napa cabbage, finely sliced 2 tbsp coconut aminos 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavour)