Brain health hack: How to boost your brain's natural detox system with visual stimulation

Brain health is crucial, as it's responsible for controlling all bodily functions, thoughts and emotions. It's also the organ that produces and accumulates waste products over time, which can lead to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

However, the brain has a natural detoxification system that can be boosted with visual stimulation. In this article, we will explore the brain's natural detox system and how to boost it with visual stimulation.

---

Brain's natural detox system

Vsual stimualtion helps in removing brain toxins. (Image via Unsplash/Alexander Van Steenberge)

The brain's natural detoxification system is called the glymphatic system. It's a network of channels that remove waste products from the brain, such as beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The glymphatic system is most active during sleep, where it can remove up to 60% more waste products than during wakefulness.

---

How visual stimulation can boost the glymphatic system

Recent studies have shown that visual stimulation can increase the activity of the glymphatic system, leading to increased removal of waste products from the brain. Specifically, studies have found that flickering light at a specific frequency can increase activity of the glymphatic system by up to 60%.

---

How to use visual stimulation to boost your brain's detox system

Flashing light can be used. (Image via Unsplash/Nick Herasimenka)

One way to use visual stimulation to boost the brain's detox system is through a process called "flicker therapy."

Flicker therapy involves exposing the eyes to a flashing light at a specific frequency, typically around 40 Hz. This frequency has been shown to be most effective in increasing glymphatic system activity.

You can use a commercial device like a "flicker light" or "flicker box" to perform this therapy, or you can simply use a strobe light or flashing light at home. You can also try watching a movie or video that has been edited to include flickering lights at the specific frequency.

---

Other ways to boost brain health

Getting enough sleep and proper diet is crucial for brain. (Image via Unsplash/Robo Wunderkind)

Apart from visual stimulation, there are other ways to boost the brain's health and natural detox system. These include:

1. Getting enough sleep: As mentioned earlier, the glymphatic system is most active during sleep, so getting enough quality sleep is essential for brain health.
2. Having a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and protein can help reduce inflammation and support brain health.
3. Regular exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, which can help support brain health and cognitive function.
4. Reducing stress: Chronic stress can damage the brain and lead to cognitive decline, so finding ways to manage stress is important for brain health.

---

The brain has a natural detoxification system that can be boosted with visual stimulation.

Flicker therapy is one way to do that, but other lifestyle factors can also support brain health and natural detoxification. By making these lifestyle changes, you can help keep your brain healthy and functioning at its best.