Wellness Wednesday: Improve Your Brain Health

As we get older, our brains get rusty. This deterioration of the brain eventually leads to Alzheimer’s disease. There are ways to improve your brain health however and decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Eating a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables is important for brain health. The brighter the colors the better, because fruits and vegetables like this contain a lot of antioxidants which help rid the body of toxins. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fruits and vegetables have a 70% lower chance of getting dementia as they grow older. Another way you can improve your brain health is by taking a vitamin B supplement everyday. Most Americans are vitamin B deficient because we consume too much alcohol, coffee, sugar and cigarettes; all which deplete the body of vitamin B. Without enough vitamin B in our diets, we are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, as well as other frightening diseases such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, heart attacks and strokes. You can also increase your vitamin B intake by eating more beans and green leafy vegetables. Having a lot of stress in your life also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. Try exercising more, meditation and not getting worked up over little things. Eating more good fats will also increase your chances of having good brain health. Most of your brain is made up of fats, but not the type that comes from a hot dog. People who eat a lot of fried fats are at an increased risk for dementia, whereas people who eat good fats such as fish, nuts, flax seeds and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are at much lower risk. Your brain also needs enough rest to keep up good health. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night so your brain will keep functioning at its top capacity. Exercising is also very effective in promoting good brain health. It will keep you alert, lively and more focused when you are dealing with other activities. Exercise is also vital to other parts of your body so you should try to fit it in at least a few times a week. Just as exercising is important for your body and brain, working your brain out so to speak is also important for good brain health. Don’t stop using your mind as you grow older. Keep it active by reading, doing crosswords or math problems - any type of brain activity to enjoy doing will help.