New Year, New Focus on Brain Health
It is common for people to come up with resolutions in January for better productivity habits or a more intense workout schedule, but have you considered making your brain health the focus of this new year? If you want to enhance your memory and improve cognitive function, here are some resolutions to can you can make that will positively affect your brain health long after the year is over.
Maintain Your Memory with Brain Exercises
There are several things you can do to keep your memory in great shape throughout your life. For example, if you want to retain new information better, work on building new neural pathways by challenging your brain as part of your daily habits.
One way is through cognitive activities like reading, writing, and playing brain games. Research has demonstrated that an "active cognitive lifestyle" like this can stave off Alzheimer's disease by five years.
Adopt a Healthy Brain Diet
What you eat has an impact on your brain, so eating a healthy diet is extremely important for brain health. Here are just a few examples:
- Fish, like halibut and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) that are anti-inflammatories, which protect against Alzheimer's disease
- Avocados, brown rice, and spinach can improve neuroplasticity
- Blueberries can help keep your memory sharp
- Avoid unnatural sugars, as sugar has an inflammatory effect on the brain
- Drink only on occasions and not in excess, as alcohol toxicity can permanently damage the brain
Overall, a healthy menu of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and legumes, and lean protein, like the MIND Diet, can help you avoid toxic and inflammatory foods and focus on nutrition that supports brain health.
Brain Health Supplements
Though brain health is one of the most important physical and mental wellness aspects, brain diseases continue to rise. Health professionals recommend both brain-boosting foods and brain-healthy supplements to maintain healthy brain function and help prevent disease.
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation cause damage that can lead to memory decline and brain diseases. Brain health supplements like Memory Health can provide the brain with extra nutrients that stave off inflammation and oxidation beyond what can be consumed in a regular diet. Supplementing brain nutrients can help you maintain strong memory and cognitive skills while combating brain diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.
Getting on Track with Brain Health
Even if you aren’t looking to make any major changes right now, you can simply promote great brain health by starting small and building upon small changes over time, so they become second nature. Here are some great tips for getting started:
1) Live an active cognitive lifestyle
2) Eat a healthy brain diet
3) Prioritize brain health with a supplement
And remember, consistency is key! Small habits that stick are essential building blocks for creating the overall healthy lifestyle you’re seeking.
Boosting Brain Health in the New Year
Brain health is a vitally important part of life. Living an active cognitive lifestyle, eating brain-boosting foods, and taking brain health supplements can all help to maintain healthy brain function and are easy habits to develop. For more ways to enhance your brain health, check out The Brain Blog.