The happy brain

The happy brain

Dec 31, 2007
The Star

WHAT do water, soft undergarments and a smile do to you?

It gives you a happy and more active brain, say experts.

"The brain is composed of approximately 8% protein, 10% fat and 72-75% of fluid," said Khun Vanessa Race, a Harvard graduate with a Masters in neuroscience, who talked about how happiness is good for our brain.

That is why drinking lots of water helps, because its part of what makes you happy, and what makes your brain work better.

"Neurons are like plants, if you don't give them (neurons) water, they will shrink in size," Race explained.

Therefore, as neurons have to communicate by sending neurotransmitters through the space between them (the synapses), any shrinkage in size will result in this space becoming wider, making it more difficult for neurons to communicate.

"Drinking a lot of water actually makes you happier, because you can think a lot faster," Race continued.

In another research done by Prof Shigeki Watanuki from Kyushu University, he found out that our environment and what we wear actually have an effect on our brain activity through various physiological responses.

One of the interesting findings was that soft underwear might decrease physiological stress. "It was found that soft underwear decreases cortisol levels and increases the level of IgA (immunoglobulin A)," said Prof Watanuki, who is an expert in Physiological Anthropology.

Coupled with a comfortable environment and mentally stimulating food such as the essence of chicken, a relaxed person can have better brain function, he explained.

Have you ever smiled and instantly felt better? Race has an explanation.

One of the research she was involved in found out that besides making more friends, a smile could release endorphins in the brain and make a person feel happier.

When the brain is happy, it makes it more conducive to learn, said Race.

This story was first published in The Star on Dec 30, 2007.