• Wednesday April 06th
  • The Aging Brain and How to Keep It Healthy Depends on These Factors

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    If you’re getting older you may have noticed your memory failing.  If those “where did I leave my glasses” moments are becoming more frequent you may be worried about your aging brain.

    The Aging Brain and How to Keep It Healthy

    One of the biggest ways to keep your brain healthy is to use it.  Scientists say learning new things creates new pathways in your brain which stimulates your neurotransmitters and keeps them sharp.  In fact, did you know can constantly create new neurotransmitters?  The exciting thing is your brain is capable of making these new “thought centers” on and on throughout your life.  There’s no limit.  But, you have to challenge yourself to do this. 

    Learning a new skill like a foreign language or taking up dancing will create these new pathways in your brain. 

    Get Your Exercise

    Getting exercise pushes oxygen through your brain which “feeds” your brain so it can think better.  More oxygen=better thinking. 

    Experts say many of us are oxygen deprived much of the time.  Think about a time when you’ve been sitting at your desk for too many hours and you felt drained.  Yet, a quick walk around the block or even the office could revive you.  Getting up and walking around gave your brain a boost of oxygen. 

    Eat Your Broccoli

    The right nutrients play a major role too.    Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will play a big role in your health, including your brain.   You need your antioxidants to neutralize free radicals floating around your body seeking to destroy your healthy cells.  Broccoli, spinach and tomatoes will help meet these needs. 

    But you also need omega 3 fatty acids.  You’ve probably heard of them referred to as “good fats” and nutrition experts say Americans are sadly deficient in these.  It turns out, there’s a real danger to lacking in these fats, not the least is they promote brain health. 

    Fish for Your Brain

    Fish is the best resource for the aging brain because it’s filled with DHA.  This is an essential fatty acid that makes up omega 3’s.  It’s also the largest component of your brain matter. 

    If you’ve ever heard of fish as “brain food”, this is the reason why.  Cultures where people eat a lot of fish like Iceland and Alaska have little instance of Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Scientists believe part of the reason is because of they eat a lot of fish.  Fish is rich in DHA.   Nutritionists say eat fish 2-3 times a week. 

    If that seems difficult, you might consider fish oil pills.  They can help you get the nutrients you need and they can be purified so you don’t get the mercury and other toxins present in some fish. 

    There you are, the aging brain and how to keep it healthy is a mix of using your brain, getting regular exercise and eating right, including getting your fish oil!