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.

By Zina Stone February 26, 2026
Ingredients 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, divided ½ medium yellow onion, diced 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (15-ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons curry powder ½ teaspoon ground turmeric ¼ teaspoon dried ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh peeled ginger, grated or finely minced) ½ teaspoon fine salt Pinch of black pepper 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach (about 3 ounces) Optional For Serving: Chopped fresh cilantro, steamed rice, and lime wedges Instructions Step 1 Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat. Add the chicken and cook, 5-6 minutes, until almost cooked through, stirring occasionally. Step 2 Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. Step 3 To the pan, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions start to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant. Step 4 Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the tomatoes (and their juice), coconut milk, drained chickpeas, frozen cauliflower, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Step 5 Remove the lid from the skillet and add the spinach. Stir and allow the spinach to wilt, 2-3 minutes, then serve over steamed rice with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Nutrition and Cooking Times Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20minutes Serves: 4 Nutrient Value (per serving): Calories: 375cal | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Carbohydrates: 29g |
By Zina Stone February 25, 2026
Barbell & Trap Bar Training
By Zina Stone February 25, 2026
In this bulletin we discuss Lactate & Brain Health. . .