Keep Your Brain Smart

Cover via Amazon

by Rose Broyles

Recently my niece sent me an interesting article from Spa Magazine (May/June 2009) titled, “Staying Smart: Keeping your brain sharp well into old age is as easy as making healthier choices now.” Though nothing is foolproof, I suppose it can’t hurt to try some of the suggestions that this article encourages.

Scientific Advances

Previously, the school of thought was that as you got older, your brain cells literally just die off. It was a fact of life that we would become senile. While there is a slow progression of cognitive decline, that doesn’t mean  you should be put out to pasture. There is increasing support for neurogenesis, the ability of the brain to create new cells even into our later years.

UCLA researchers have studied brain scans to observe deterioration and regeneration of brain cells. With these scans, they have been able to identify potential areas of deterioration and take preventative measures.

Eat Healthy Live Wisely

You’ve probably heard this saying once or twice. Apparently, there is a good reason to heed its call. Cortisol (the fight or flight hormone) can impact the function of the brain if it is a constant presence. In the book The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain by Healing Your Body First, Dr. Mark Hyman (Director at Canyon Ranch Lenox) notes that cortisol

“injures the hippocampus [the seat of mood and memory], damages brain cells and leads to..dementia”

Three ways to help stress:

• Meditation
• Active Relaxation: Yoga, laughing ,sex, dancing, learning ,etc.
• Exercise

According to the Mayo Clinic, physically active women experience less mental decline and score better on mental tests than those who are sedentary. Regular exercise helps preserrve brain cells and allows for the brain to adapt and change. It improves blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the brain.

Good Food Helps

• Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA help create basic structure of cell membraines. Eat wild-caught fish such as mackarel
• Amino acids: Essential to the formation of neurotransmitters and receptors that the brain and body use to communicate. Eat lean sources of protein such as chicken, beans and fish.

• Complex carbs: contributes to the long-term health of the brain. Eat whole grains, legumes, fruits, veggies and nuts.

• Fresh organic and wild-harvested food

• Supplements to ensure you’re receiving the levels of nutrients for optimal brain health.

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