{"id":562,"date":"2021-12-02T17:10:34","date_gmt":"2021-12-02T17:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nootopia.com\/blog\/?p=562"},"modified":"2022-08-16T19:44:19","modified_gmt":"2022-08-16T19:44:19","slug":"low-bdnf-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nootopia.com\/blog\/low-bdnf-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"How to know if you have low BDNF? What factors are robbing you of it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you want to optimize your mood and brain function, you need to pay attention to Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). It is a protein that helps your brain regrow. You can consider it your brain\u2019s fountain of youth and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, the way we eat, live, and use our brains nowadays can lower it, contributing to mental health and cognitive problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll cover the definition of BDNF, its roles, and the factors that lower it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the next article, Part 2, read about 19 ways to increase BDNF naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is BDNF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"brain\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

BDNF is a small protein produced in the brain that stimulates the growth and survival of neurons.<\/span> It\u2019s also important for the proper development of the nervous system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It stimulates neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adjust to change.<\/span><\/span> Neuroplasticity is how your brain adapts, masters new skills, and stores information, which are all important for learning and memory.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the roles of BDNF? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Promoting neuronal growth and survival<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

BDNF stimulates neurons\u2019 growth, generation, and survival.<\/span> The development and preservation of neuronal networks depend on how many neurotrophins, including BDNF, your brain makes and releases.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Formation of synapses (synaptogenesis)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Synapses are the connections between neurons.<\/span> They control the flow of information between neurons and their target cells. The formation of synapses is a crucial part of memory and learning.<\/span><\/span> BDNF controls the number and arrangement of synapses.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mental challenges strengthen the formation and preservation of synapses.<\/span><\/span> These activities also increase BDNF in the brain, stimulating the formation of even more synapses.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Synaptic plasticity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Synaptic plasticity means changes in neuronal connections critical for learning and memory.<\/span>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neurotrophins encourage synaptic plasticity, help preserve cells, and assign cells their functions.<\/span> BDNF is the most abundant neurotrophin in the brain, suggesting its powerful effects on synapses.<\/span>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"young<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You need synaptic formation and plasticity to form memories and recall the information.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, your hippocampus is the memory center of your brain. Low BDNF in the hippocampus naturally affects memory and mood. Factors like aging, lack of physical activity, and brain inflammation correlate with low hippocampal BDNF, and thus memory loss.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Low BDNF can allow neurons in the hippocampus to die.<\/span> In people with depression, these neuronal deaths and shrinkage of the hippocampus correlate with their depression severity.<\/span><\/span> Not surprisingly, improving BDNF levels, such as with exercise, improves mood and relieves depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peripheral nerve regeneration after injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although peripheral nerves (nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord) can spontaneously regenerate after injury, their complete recovery is unlikely. BDNF treatments have been successful in treating peripheral nerve regeneration in animal models, and there has been some success in human patients as well.<\/span> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are low BDNF symptoms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"depressed<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you have been struggling with depression or low mood, you could be experiencing the following changes in BDNF levels in the brain <\/span>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n