Protecting the Brain : Brain Foods
Article by Brenda Williams
The process of aging presents a challenge to the body, mind and spirit. All parts of the body come under the influence of gravity and head south. Wrinkles appear. Joints creak. Flights of stairs are suddenly longer. And the physical changes are all difficult to cope with. They can be a source of depression as people are reminded of their limitations. Or they may be a source of aggravation as the spirit still feels young but the body doesn’t cooperate. However, the most frightening aging factor of all is the gradual loss of cognition. Most people can and do cope with other conditions as long as their brains remain active.
Unlike the appearance of wrinkles, memory does not have to be a normal part of aging. Losing one’s mental prowess is not inevitable. The proper lifestyle can promise happy, productive ‘golden years.’ However, this future does require a commitment. One needs a daily routine that includes proper diet, physical exercise and mental exercise. And in some case supplements are helpful. Others may need medication. However, an early start with diet and exercise may often prevent the need for medication at a later date.
Over the years the American population has gotten older. At the same time it has also gotten fatter. Two-thirds of American adults are overweight or even obese because of two factors, a poor diet and lack of exercise. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2005 discovered that obese women were 200% more likely to contract dementia than their thinner sisters. A diet high in saturated fats, refined sugar, chemical additives and trans fats damages the brain as well as the heart. And one can protect the brain and heart by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and egg yolks. Fish is proven brain food and should be consumed twice a week.
And working out is not just for thirty something muscle builders. Aerobic exercise improves blood circulation. For maximum performance, the brain needs glucose and it needs oxygen to burn the glucose. Optimal circulation transports glucose to the brain. The exercise delivers oxygen to burn the glucose. The benefits of exercise for the brain and its role in preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia have been confirmed in several scientific studies. Walking for thirty minutes a day is an easy and inexpensive aerobic exercise that almost everyone can do. Other recommended activities are swimming, bicycling, hiking, jogging and taking an aerobics class.
Where brainpower is concerned, you either use it or lose it so it is important to engage in mental activities such as learning something new, reading, puzzles and even playing cards. Or you can try a physical activity that also requires mental exercise such as tennis or dancing. In addition to diet and exercise, there are also supplements that help protect the brain. The seven most recommended are:Acetyl L-carnitine, Choline, DMAE, DHA, ginkgo biloba, Vinpocetine and Phosphatidylserine. However, before adding a supplement to your brain protection regime, you should check with your health care provider. This is particularly true if you are taking other medications.
Find More Brain Foods Articles