Your memories, dreams, wishes, emotions and the nervous system of all your body’s functions are contained in the most vital organ in the body: the brain. So keeping your brain in tip-top condition is essential. Here are 5 easy ways to keep your brain healthy.
Bust the move. Regularly
Exercise is not only good for our muscles and joints, heart and lungs. Scientific research has shown that our brains grow stronger with every step we take.
So get your walking shoes on! By doing at least 30 minutes of some form of exercise every other day, your brain produces more calming hormones that help relieve stress and anxiety.
Food is not only a fuel, but it’s also information; so eat well.
Eat foods high in fiber, lean protein and healthy fats such as olive oil.
Not only do they boost your energy levels, but they are also perfect for helping your brain function at its highest level of effectiveness.
Perfect brainpower foods include:
- Salmon
- Nuts and seeds
- Blueberries
- Whole grains
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
Learn about Why We Sleep
“The shorter your sleep, the shorter your life. The leading causes of disease and death in developed nations—diseases that are crippling health-care systems, such as heart disease, obesity, dementia, diabetes, and cancer—all have recognized causal links to a lack of sleep.” ― Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Our brains can’t function optimally if we’re tired.
Sleep is like giving your brain a spring clean every night. It helps you think clearer and relieves stress. Make sure you get at least seven hours of good quality sleep every night.
Take time to relax
Your brain is always working, so it’s essential to find time to relax and unwind.
Taking time to relax helps you organize your thoughts better as well as relieve your stress.
Effective ways to combat stress include:
- Relaxing exercises like yoga and tai chi
- Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom Salt
- Aromatherapy massage
- Meditation
- Hobbies you love doing
Take supplements
The following supplements are all excellent for brain health:
Vitamin B12 – this is a vital nutrient for healthy blood and nerves. People over 50 are likely to have problems absorbing B12 from food, so a supplement is important. It aids memory and fatigue and prevents depression and brain shrinkage. “A high B12 status helps you maintain a healthy brain,” states Anna Vogiatzoglou M.Sc., R.D, a researcher who participated in a University of Oxford study.
Gingko Biloba – Chinese herbal medicine has used the gingko leaf and seeds for thousands of years. It’s widely known as a “brain herb”. This supplement is an antioxidant, fighting harmful free radicals. It improves blood circulation and several studies show it may help treat dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. It helps to improve memory and thinking, and also helps relieve anxiety.
Coenzyme Q10 – this nutrient exists in every cell in your body. Without adequate levels of coenzyme Q10, your brain becomes sluggish. This antioxidant protects your brain cells from free radicals and aids concentration and clear thinking.
Omega 3 Fish Oil – this essential fatty acid is the building block of the brain. Omega 3 helps to transport nutrients and “happy chemical” like serotonin to the brain. Because our brain is the center of the nervous system, we have a huge need for omega 3 – without it, our brain simply doesn’t function properly.
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