How to keep your brain young
Posted Under: brain sciences, health tips, healthy diet, old post
Exercise your body and your brain. As far as the body is concerned aerobic exercise is the best type for the brain. This is because the brain can get its energy only from glucose through aerobic oxidation. Thus aerobic exercise which allows more oxygen into the brain is great for improving your thinking and keeping your brain young. Moreover your brain needs a balanced amount of glucose – no great ups and downs.
That’s why high glycemic index foods (those that increase the blood glucose levels very fast like some breads, Cornflakes™ breakfast cereal, Sunbrown Quick™ rice, brown, boiled) will rapidly increase the blood glucose level hence alter the mood and the increased insulin kicks in. Glucose level rushes down and we get the lows and in worst cases one may even faint.
Anyway back to brain health – Given that glucose oxidation is typically the only way that the brain gets its energy, we need good blood flow and cardiovascular capacity to allow the brain get all the oxidative energy it needs. The herb ginkgo biloba is supposed to help with blood circulation and hence brain functioning. Even though the verdict is still out on the effects of this supplement on memory and other cognitive functions, I personally take 180 mg a day.
The other type of exercise is that of the mind. Take your choice. Learn a new task like another language, a hubby, to paint, or whatever you wish. Doing crosswords or reading the dictionary or encyclopedia for fun are excellent for keeping the brain young. The public libraries are free, use them. There are lots of free or very cheap adult education classes for seniors. Now-a-days you can find many university classes (including some from MIT) freely online – you just don’t get any support or grades – but your brain will improve.
Two other things help keep the brain young. Joy, laughter, and unconditional love as well as meditation are all spiritual activities which help cognitive functioning.. A good healthy diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables is full of phytochemicals which are great for general health and the well being of the brain. Adding adequate quantities of antioxidant supplements (vitamins A, C, E) and the B vitamins especially B-6 as well as essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 help in protecting the health of your brain.
Please note: You should consult your physician before taking any supplements especially herbal ones which may be counter indicated for people taking various pharmaceuticals.
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