The way we live our lives depends a lot on our brain health. To have an active, vibrant life we should take care of the physical wellness of the brain by engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Read below about the main elements of healthy living.
1. Exercising
Scientists argue that one of the most efficient ways to protect your cognitive skills is by exercising. Aerobic exercises increase blood flow to the brain which improves the health of brain tissues. Moreover, they reduce the risk of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in vessels and from high blood pressure. Also, physical exercises help the brain to release brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF. It’s a molecule that is necessary for repairing brain cells and creating new connections between them. According to some studies, people who are physically active may have higher levels of BDNF and therefore a lower risk of dementia. Even a few hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week would be enough to feel the advantages of exercises for your brain health.
2. Eat healthier food
Try to eat food that is good for your heart and vessels, so it will have a positive impact on your brain. Such food includes fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and products that contain healthy unsaturated fats, like olive oil and canola. If you eat fish with omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or mackerel, it will maintain your cognitive skills at a high level. Also, add strawberries and blueberries to your diet as they are helpful for brain health. And don’t forget about dark, leafy greens like kale, broccoli, and spinach, as they contain nutrients needed for good brain function.
3. Adopt healthy habits
Do your best to sleep more than seven hours a night to have a lower risk of dementia in the future. Good sleep is essential for your brain health as during sleep your brain clears out waste material that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. Take control over your stress. Stress leads to the release of the hormone called cortisol. Although it’s helpful in small amounts, high cortisol levels over the long period of time cause excess plaque in blood vessels and brain damage. Another condition that has detrimental effects on brain health is depression. It must be effectively treated on time to reduce the risk of developing dementia.
4. Learn something new
Brain health is associated with new skills and knowledge. Try to gain new skills by learning a foreign language, a dance, or a recipe. It helps to create neuron connections in your brain and build your cognitive reserve. Remember that the state of your brain defines the quality of your life. Good brain health also allows you to live longer. The more habits mentioned above you practice, the better for your future well-being.
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