Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "Our muscles in the calves function as a 'second heart'"

Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan participated in Türkiye's first 'longevity' meeting and expressed that "Our muscles in the calves function as a 'second heart' and it is also important for these muscles to work properly. It is very important to walk 5 thousand steps a day. When we walk, the muscles in the calves contract and act as pumps, and this eases the burden of the heart."

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that "It has been determined that people who can approach events with a positive perspective, know how to be happy with small things, and try to change themselves instead of changing the world are happier. This has become one of the main reference points of positive psychology.

President of Üsküdar University Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the concept of Longevity, which has just entered the literature, and pointed out that the issue of 'can we stop aging?' has been wondered since the past.

"Our thoughts seriously affect our nervous system and the body's response"

President of Üsküdar University Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, who gave a speech on 'Longevity Codes in the Brain' at Türkiye's first 'longevity' meeting, thanked the organizing committee for organizing such an event on this subject that has just entered the literature. Pointing out that the subject of 'can we stop aging?' has been wondered since the past, Prof. Tarhan stated that "I am very happy that the issue of longevity is being discussed in our country. I would like to discuss my own field, that is, the secrets of life stored in the brain. In brain imaging, we see that the brains of healthy people do not have much difficulty during thinking, while the brains of people with problems such as depression react a lot of stress even with very simple thoughts. In other words, the brain spends more energy."

"There are over 100 billion cells in our brain"

Stating that many conditions affect brain health, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan made the following remarks:

"Changes in the blood, sleep, depression, obesity, stress, stroke, hypertension, head injuries all affect the brain. As a result, the aging process occurs. Neurodevelopment and epigenetics are very important to make this process healthy. There are over 100 billion cells in our brain. Each of them has 5-10 thousand connections. Beliefs change epigenetics, and our perceptions change. Our perceptions make up our personality. Our lives are shaped by negative perceptions or positive perceptions. Placebo and nocebo effects are examples of this situation. Our feelings and thoughts are not innocent. If we manage them well, we can change ourselves. Our thoughts seriously affect our nervous system and the body's response. Psychiatric illnesses are brain diseases. Emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger and love are caused by the secretion of hormones, that is, chemical reactions in the brain. These hormones, such as serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, need to be in a certain balance and level. Thus, whoever can manage the chemistry in the brain can manage brain health."

There is a very close relationship between the brain and energy consumption

Stating that there is a very close relationship between the brain and energy consumption, Tarhan stated that the brain, which constitutes only 2 percent of the body, uses 15 percent of the energy consumed by the heart and consumes 25 percent of all oxygen and glucose.

Pointing out that today, in the field of neuroscience and psychology, studies are being carried out on repairing the data in the brain, Prof. Tarhan said that "We are working on psychology and neuroscience to repair the broken connections in our brain. Our brains are treated with treatments such as rewiring and rebooting (resetting). Neuroplasticity is actually a magical concept. Thanks to neuroplasticity, it is aimed to change the brain structure."

“The brain is constantly working in the background, even though it seems to be silent."

Stating that epigenetics can also be called the quantum of genetics, Prof. Tarhan continued his remarks as follows:

"Therefore, epigenetics is when the environment makes non-hereditary changes to genes. While genetic polymorphisms are innate, epigenetic changes can occur with our lifestyle and alter gene expression. Lifestyle changes can lead to epigenetic changes. In this way, the brain automatically begins to produce certain chemicals through epigenetic mechanisms. Epigenetics refers to the innate part of the genetic structure, while epigenetic structures represent acquired traits. Neuroplasticity is also an important concept here. Our brain is not a fixed organ, but a 'plastic' organ that is constantly changing and remodeling. There are more than a hundred billion cells in our brain, and each cell makes about five thousand to ten thousand connections. The brain, although it seems to be silent, is constantly working in the background. It consumes oxygen even during sleep. This constant connection also plays an important role in the brain's association with disease."

"The limbic system is located deep in the brain and regulates instinctive behavior"

Giving information about the working principle of the brain, Prof. Tarhan stated that "The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that makes us human. The left brain is involved in functions such as logic, reasoning, analysis, speech, and calculation. The right brain, on the other hand, is responsible for areas such as emotions, emotions, music, and art. The limbic system is located deep in the brain and regulates instinctive behavior. The frontal lobe governs this system, that is, the ability to effectively manage our forebrain is crucial. At this point, the concept of neuroplasticity comes into play. Interestingly, 2,500 years ago, Aristotle made observations about neuroplasticity, and modern neuroscience has confirmed these observations."

"Oxytocin is secreted especially in breastfeeding mothers"

Noting that dopamine is secreted when people pursue pleasure, Prof. Tarhan said that "However, oxytocin, the attachment hormone, comes into play when long-term happiness goals are based on happiness of meaning, idea and ideal happiness. Oxytocin is secreted especially in breastfeeding mothers and creates a strong bond of love between mother and baby. Oxytocin plays an important role in this bond. Even oxytocin spray has been developed in Switzerland. It is used in couples therapy by squeezing the nose before going to bed. This is said to allow couples to hug each other more comfortably. It was also observed that when oxytocin was given to male monkeys, they were more interested in furry objects and their offspring. While this hormone is secreted more in mothers, it is found in less amounts in men, but it can be said that men can also benefit."

Who is happier?

Prof. Tarhan stated that "It has been found that people who can approach things from a positive perspective, know how to be happy with the little things, and try to change themselves instead of changing the world are happier. This has become one of the main reference points of positive psychology," and Tarhan also explained that a person who falls in love also changes their mood and begins to see the world differently, and that dopamine levels increase with the effect of love, and the person focuses only on thinking about the person they are in love with.

"Managing our emotions actually means managing our autonomic nervous system"

Stating that there are emotions such as hatred, anger, hatred, jealousy and hostility in our brains, which we can call the "five horsemen of darkness", Prof. Tarhan continued his remarks as follows:

"When these emotions kick in, the brain initiates the fear response. The muscles of the shoulders, neck and face are stretched, sweating begins, blood pressure and heart rhythm increase. When such changes occur in the body, the brain exhibits a fight, flight, or freeze response. Tensions rise in the war response; In the flight response, blood pressure may drop and the person may faint. The freezing response is more often associated with acute stress. For example, in situations such as earthquakes or wars, a person may block themselves and become unresponsive. This is the body's natural response to acute stress. If this condition lasts for several hours, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. Sensing that danger has passed, the brain releases relaxing chemicals and the body relaxes. Managing our emotions actually means managing our autonomic nervous system. Being able to control our own mood means being able to manage brain chemistry, which contributes to a healthy life. This process also has a positive effect on the immune system."

“Our muscles in the calves function as a "second heart"

Stating that the brain can block some systems when a healthy person encounters a sudden stress situation, Prof. Tarhan said that "This may cause an increase in our vascular values and an increase in the risk of heart attack. The brain communicates constantly between our organs—the heart, the respiratory, and the immune system. When we relax and rest, our immune system also relaxes. Breathing is of great importance, because when we are under stress, breathing correctly relaxes our nervous system. You can relax your autonomic nervous system by doing the following exercise: As you breathe, take a deep breath for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4. Then continue to breathe for 1, 2. Hold your breath for a count of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Then exhale slowly enough to count 1, 2, 3, 4. When doing this, close your eyes and place your left hand over your heart. Breathing deeply, count 1, 2, 3, 4, hold, and then slowly exhale for 4 counts. Repeat this 5-6 times. If you do too many repetitions, you may feel dizzy. This exercise is a method used in autogenic training and relaxation techniques. It is also used as a simple exercise in neurofeedback applications to manage the brain's alpha waves. Proper and healthy breathing is very important in stress management. Also, interestingly, this exercise increases the blood flow of the body. Do not forget that our muscles in the calves function as a 'second heart' and it is also important for these muscles to work properly. It is very important to walk 5 thousand steps a day. When we walk, the muscles in the calves contract and act as pumping, and this takes the load off the heart. Walking relaxes our circulatory system and supports our heart. For this reason, the metaphor of the "second heart" was made to the calves. The muscles in the calves are considered a mechanism that supports the function of the heart. In addition, walking also has significant effects on brain health and mental health."

"Loneliness is an increasingly common problem in this age”

Noting that the World Health Organization and the United Nations talk about three main dangers that threaten the world, Prof. Tarhan said that "These are income inequality, climate change and loneliness. Loneliness is an increasingly common problem during this period. People's happiness is not only about self-actualization, but also about helping others and focusing on spiritual needs. At this point, Maslow's determinations are important. He emphasizes that in order for people to be happy, they must contribute not only to themselves but also to others. In addition to individual benefit, social benefit is also important. Therefore, it is necessary to share and help each other."

"Loneliness can push individuals to despair"

Noting that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the world, Prof. Tarhan stated that "A study conducted by Hawking in 2004 shows that cognitive development decreases in individuals over the age of 50. A 70-year study by Harvard University reveals that those with strong social networks age healthier. Social isolation is one of the factors that increase the risk of death in old age. Loneliness can push individuals to despair. People who feel lonely may have suicidal thoughts by saying, 'There is no point in living'. For this reason, it is extremely important to be in social environments that will eliminate loneliness and to strengthen social ties. For example, the UK and Japan have established ministries of loneliness because rates of loneliness are increasing dramatically. In a study conducted by a university with 50 thousand people, the rate of loneliness in individuals over the age of 50 is 27 percent, and in the 16-24 age group it is 40 percent. With the spread of social media, social isolation among young people is increasing."

"Individuals who stick to static and routine cannot fully use the potential of their brains"

Noting that it is necessary to change the habits around us in order to develop our brain and be open to new experiences, Prof. Tarhan said that "Trying different ways instead of always using the same ways can increase brain activity. People who are open to change are able to activate previously unused areas of their brain. Individuals who stick to static and routine are not able to use the full potential of their brains. When you take a different path, your brain adapts to a new situation and encounters new mental programs."

Teflon-type people often have narcissistic traits

Stating that there are three types of people in stress management, Prof. Tarhan said, "Type A, Type B and Type C. Type A people are referred to as the 'sponge type'. These people are individuals who constantly complain, take everything on themselves and have a self-sacrificing attitude, and bear the burden of stress. Sponge-type people often become moody or depressed because of this condition and are often unable to do any work. Another group is the 'Teflon type' people. The peculiarity of Teflon pans is that they do not burn themselves but burn everything they come into contact with. Teflon-type people often have narcissistic traits. They are selfish, harsh individuals who only think about their own interests. They do not feel stressed, but they ruin the people around them. Teflon people are closed to change and cannot maintain their relationships by saying 'I do not change'; therefore, they run the risk of being alone."

The concept that modern and traditional medicine focuses on: Longevity

Longevity, the concept that modern and traditional medicine focuses on, took place in İstanbul. At the conference, which brought together Türkiye's leading clinics and specialists, genetics, healthy living, physical activity, nutrition, mental health, sleep and environmental factors were discussed in detail. Within the scope of the 'Longevity' meeting, which means extending the life span of individuals and a healthy aging process, how to have the ability to stay healthy and active during a long life was discussed.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)