Cognitive Performance Fuel is a conceptual term describing the optimal combination of molecular substrates and regulatory signals required to sustain high-level executive function and neuronal efficiency. This fuel encompasses essential nutrients, balanced neurohormones, adequate cerebral blood flow, and optimized mitochondrial function within the central nervous system. It represents the necessary physiological conditions that enable prolonged mental effort and rapid information processing.
Origin
The term draws from the clinical application of nutritional neuroscience and performance endocrinology, acknowledging the brain’s high metabolic demand and sensitivity to chemical inputs. It shifts the focus from simple energy intake to the specific quality and regulatory impact of the compounds consumed or modulated. This concept is fundamentally linked to the metabolic requirements of complex neural networks.
Mechanism
The mechanism centers on ensuring the continuous, stable delivery of glucose, ketones, or specific fatty acids to the brain, alongside essential cofactors for neurotransmitter synthesis. Key neurohormones, including optimal thyroid and adrenal balance, act as modulators, enhancing synaptic transmission and promoting neurogenesis. Furthermore, effective management of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation ensures the structural integrity of neuronal membranes and prevents the degradation of cognitive function over time.
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