Prevent Neurological Decline by Loving your Brain

Every brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is common, and it’s one of the most feared consequences of ageing. But cognitive impairment is not inevitable. 

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits. When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body.

START NOW

It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits. Below we gathered some tips on how to love your brain to the max!

 

1. Get mental stimulation

Your brain is similar to a muscle — you need to use it or lose it. There are many things that you can do to keep your brain in shape, such as doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku, reading, playing cards or putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Consider it cross-training your brain. Incorporate different types of activities to increase the effectiveness.

Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. For example, take a class at a local college, community centre or online.

 

2. Exercise

Exercise has many known benefits, and regular physical activity also benefits the brain.

Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

Aim to exercise several times per week for 30 to 60 minutes. You can walk, swim, play tennis or do any other moderate aerobic activity that increases your heart rate.

 

3. Improve your diet

Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Good nutrition can help your mind as well as your body. For example, people that eat a Mediterranean style diet  that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.

 

4. Get plenty of sleep.

Sleep plays an important role in your brain health. Some theories state that sleep helps clear abnormal proteins in your brain and consolidates memories, which boosts your overall memory and brain health.

Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

Aim for seven to eight consecutive hours of sleep per night, not fragmented sleep of two- or three-hour increments. Consecutive sleep gives your brain the time to consolidate and store your memories effectively.

5.Take care of your mental health

Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.

People who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, stressed or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests. Poor scores don’t necessarily predict an increased risk of cognitive decline in old age, but good mental health and restful sleep are certainly important goals.

 

Extra Tips for Optimal Brain Health

• Avoid tobacco in all its forms
• Stay Socially Engaged
• Keep your blood vessels healthy by improving your cholesterol and blood sugar
• Protect your Head at all Costs (wear helmets, seat belts and take steps to prevent falls)

Brain health is a critical piece of your overall health. It underlies your ability to communicate, make decisions, problem-solve and live a productive and useful life. Because the brain controls so much of daily function, it is arguably the single most valuable organ in the human body – so love your brain and maintain it healthy for optimal wellbeing! 

 

Best Brain Health Products

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Liquid (Lemon) 237ml

Henry Blooms Vitamin D3 1000 IU 60c

Fusion Magnesium Advanced 120 T

Probioform (2L) Liquid Probiotic

Herbs of Gold Sublingual B12 1000 75T

Herbs of Gold Activated Folate 500 60c

 

Need more brain health vitamins and supplements? We focused on this particular condition so you can take care of your brain and prevent neurological decline at any stage of life. The importance of taking care of your brain is enormous so make sure to check out these options here!

REFERENCES

https://brainfoundation.org.au/healthy-brain/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/12-ways-to-keep-your-brain-young

https://www.who.int/health-topics/brain-health#tab=tab_1

https://www.alz.org/help-support/brain_health/10_ways_to_love_your_brain

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-tips-to-keep-your-brain-healthy