But sometimes it can be challenging to make healthy choices when life is putting too much pressure on you. To help you out, we provide you with a list of 7 tricks you can use to keep your brain healthy while you’re juggling other obligations.
1. Food for thought
The brain is an organ that needs a lot of energy to function properly; it requires one-fourth of total oxygen intake, and it accounts for more than twenty percent of our metabolic rate while just resting! Giving proper fuel for your brain will ensure its proper functioning and optimal health for many years to come. According to the latest studies on brain health, switching to a Mediterranean diet that is abundant in plants, fish with just a little bit of red wine is your best bet. Other than that eating 60grams of walnuts daily will give you enough omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and polyphenols, all important nutrients for optimal brain health.
2. Brain enhancement supplements
Given the agricultural changes and high prices of organic foods, it has become difficult to get all essential nutrients from our diets alone, which is where brain enhancement supplements come in handy. Magnesium is a mineral important for proper nervous system functioning, but its presence in our food has become too low due to overt manipulation of the soil. If you suffer from migraines, magnesium supplements might reduce the frequency of the attacks. Other important compounds for brain health are vitamins B6 and B12, Folate, Zinc and as mentioned earlier omega-3s. All are, thankfully, available in supplement forms.
3. Give your brain a rest
Sleep is crucial for brain health, and if you aren’t getting enough chances are your brain is drowsy and slow. Other than that, you might be risking developing degenerative brain diseases in later life such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Eight hours of sleep each day is the recommended dose, and if you have trouble getting it, you should consult a physician to avoid developing a wide host of diseases associated with a lack of sleep.
4. Exercise whenever you can
Lifestyle fitness of any kind is proved to enhance brain function according to one study conducted on rats. At the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, scientist conducted research on rats to see whether exercising resulted in structural brain changes – and, surprise, it did. Exercising does not only promote better blood flow to the brain, which might result in better cognition, but it brings about a host of changes such as increased neuron connectivity, and their resistance to injury. Finding extra time to hit the gym will not only make your body stronger but your brain as well.
5. Concentrate on your moods
Bad moods can bring about cognitive decline, and cognitive decline can bring about bad moods leading to a vicious cycle. If you are finding it hard to concentrate and remember things, you might be depressed. Depression is a common debilitating illness that can among other things cause degeneration in the brain and this will show on your cognition. Take depressive symptoms seriously and consult a mental health professional as soon as you notice your moods are becoming low.
6. Meditate
Meditation is a practice of great value for great brain health. Meditation is recommended as an alternative to cognitive behavioral therapy for those suffering from depression to avoid relapses. Meditation helps you develop insight into how your brain works; how your thoughts are formed. With developed insight, you can control your mind and not let it slip into negative forms of thinking, which can have a negative impact on your brain health. Meditation brings real changes to brain structure as proved by science, a good reason to give it a try.
How to keep your brain healthy as you grow old:
7. Exercise your brain
Before, the scientific community used to believe that our brain develops a faced set of connections by a certain age, but now we know that the brain is a flexible organ, capable of learning new things throughout life. One way you can keep your brain healthy is by giving it new tasks and challenges at any stage of life. Boredom can make your cognitive functions decline, which is why you should learn something new each day. Reading, writing and learning new skills will keep your brain fresh and awake even in old age.
Your brain is your most valuable organ. To keep it healthy you should eat a healthy diet, lead a healthy lifestyle and make sure to foster positive thoughts each day. Take these tips and tricks as rough guidelines for your brain enhancing practices that will become your daily habits.
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