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Ways to a Healthy Brain
Maintaining a healthy brain is an important part of overall health. If you feel like your memory is getting worse with every passing birthday, you aren’t alone: it happens to all of us as we age. The good news is there are ways to help prevent or lessen memory loss.
1. Challenge yourself. Medical evidence suggests that lifelong stimulation is the key to building and maintaining brain cells, staving off memory loss and maybe even preventing Alzheimer's disease. Try doing interesting work (paid or volunteer), pursuing hobbies, engaging in an active social life, taking music or language lessons, or learning a new computer program.
2. Take a daily low-dose aspirin. Some studies link the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) with reduced risk of Alzheimer's.
3. Supplement with vitamins C and E. A study at Johns Hopkins University suggested that vitamins C and E taken together might slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
4. Use a daily multivitamin that provides adequate levels of folic acid and other B vitamins. They help the body reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid formed by the breakdown of animal protein that, at elevated levels in the bloodstream, has been linked with increased risks of Alzheimer's.
5. Use healing spices in your cooking: Turmeric, ginger and red pepper can add zing to meals and are all natural anti-inflammatories.
6. Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts.
7. Incorporate plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables in your meals.
8. Reduce your intake of polyunsaturated vegetable oils (such as sunflower, corn and safflower oils), replacing them instead with a high quality extra-virgin olive oil.
Maintaining a healthy brain is an important part of overall health. If you feel like your memory is getting worse with every passing birthday, you aren’t alone: it happens to all of us as we age. The good news is there are ways to help prevent or lessen memory loss.
1. Challenge yourself. Medical evidence suggests that lifelong stimulation is the key to building and maintaining brain cells, staving off memory loss and maybe even preventing Alzheimer's disease. Try doing interesting work (paid or volunteer), pursuing hobbies, engaging in an active social life, taking music or language lessons, or learning a new computer program.
2. Take a daily low-dose aspirin. Some studies link the use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) with reduced risk of Alzheimer's.
3. Supplement with vitamins C and E. A study at Johns Hopkins University suggested that vitamins C and E taken together might slow the progression of Alzheimer's.
4. Use a daily multivitamin that provides adequate levels of folic acid and other B vitamins. They help the body reduce levels of homocysteine, an amino acid formed by the breakdown of animal protein that, at elevated levels in the bloodstream, has been linked with increased risks of Alzheimer's.
5. Use healing spices in your cooking: Turmeric, ginger and red pepper can add zing to meals and are all natural anti-inflammatories.
6. Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including wild Alaskan salmon, sardines, freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts.
7. Incorporate plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables in your meals.
8. Reduce your intake of polyunsaturated vegetable oils (such as sunflower, corn and safflower oils), replacing them instead with a high quality extra-virgin olive oil.
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