7 Ways to a More Healthy Brain

By Kalynn Amadio in Health on April 10th, 2008

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by Kalynn Amadio

The media is full of messages concerning physical exercise and fitness, but do you ever hear a message about effectively exercising your brain?

Preoccupation with general wellness should always include an approach to keeping a healthy brain. When you begin to forget things, the natural fear is that you could be developing Alzheimer’s Disease. The reality is that most memory loss is not caused by Alzheimer’s but by other causes like the medication you take, or not getting enough rest.

Fear not! There are methods you can use, starting today, to successfully improve your health and fight aging.

Incorporate the 7 steps to a healthy brain, developed by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel, into your daily routine.

1. Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the “normal” range.

Normal blood pressure values fall into the following categories: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. This would typically be phrased as 120/80.

The peak pressure that occurs within the arteries is systolic pressure. The moment of lowest pressure within those same arteries is called diastolic pressure. Pressure within the circulatory system is not fixed. It fluctuates throughout the day and as often as beat by beat of the heart.

2. Get enough sleep.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation affects the immune system and hinders the healing process.

A study on sleep deprivation conducted in 2007 found that the part of your brain that holds information for more processing is seriously affected by lack of sleep. This area of the brain called “working memory” is also responsible for your reasoning and decision making abilities.

3. Have a good breakfast every day. Include more Omega-3 and Omega-6 to your diet.

Both are important to brain function and not present enough in the average diet. In fact a study on Parkinson’s Disease showed that high doses of Omega-3 created a protective effect in the same way it did for Alzheimer’s and is now the basis of additional study for prevention of Parkinson’s.

4. East more vegetables and fruit.

Vegetables and fruits have necessary minerals, fiber and vitamins crucial to good health. Eating more from this food group is known to slash the risk of certain cancers, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

5. Keep socially active. Spend time doing puzzles like sudoku and crosswords; read a newspaper, magazine or book daily.

The British Association Festival of Science reported that doing crosswords and sukodu puzzles helped seniors keep their brains younger. In some cases, as much as 14 years.

Reading is vital. It exposes new concepts and different ideas that urge our brains to make new links to the world. This stimulates the brain which in turn furthers brain health.

6. Avoid drinking too much alcohol.

Excessive alcohol consumption affects abstract thinking, concept shifting and difficult memory tasks as evidenced by alcoholics in treatment, even though their overall IQ does not decrease. Even moderate alcohol consumption could shrink the brain which impairs cognitive functions.

7. Physical exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.

New brain cells and blood vessels supplying the brain are fueled by physical exercise. When you are over 60, this growth enables better mental alertness.

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services indicate that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity is required to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Modern medicine has allowed us to live longer, but a proactive approach to brain health is essential to make that long life healthy and happy.

So follow these 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain and know you are engaging in a workout routine that will keep you sharp, productive, and feeling great. How can you resist?

About the Author:

A fit brain begins with a healthy workout that uses the brain. For the best method to accomplish this, visit Kalynn Amadio’s website Taekwondo-Network for powerful information on why martial arts is that double duty workout you need for a healthy body and mind.