7 Steps to a Healthy Brain
submitted: 2008-04-10 17:22:39 |
by: KalynnAmadio
Total views: 15 |
Word Count: 636 |
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We're all bombarded with messages about physical fitness and exercise, but how often do you actively exercise your brain?
Worry over general health spurs physical action and should include a routine for sustaining a healthy brain. When you start forgetting little things, a common fear is that Alzheimer's Disease is developing. This is far from true. In fact, most loss of memory has more to do with the medications you may be taking or lack or proper rest and nothing to do with Alzheimer's.
Have no fear! There are steps you can take to effectively exercise your brain to improve health and combat aging.
Incorporate the 7 steps to a healthy brain, developed by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel, into your daily routine.
1. Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the "normal" range.
Normal blood pressure values fall into the following categories: Less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. This would typically be phrased as 120/80.
The peak pressure that occurs within the arteries is systolic pressure. The moment of lowest pressure within those same arteries is called diastolic pressure. Pressure within the circulatory system is not fixed. It fluctuates throughout the day and as often as beat by beat of the heart.
2. Sleep adequately.
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation affects the immune system and hinders the healing process.
In 2007, a study on lack of sleep during a continuous period of time was found to have a strong negative affect on working memory. Your working memory is like the RAM of a computer. It holds information for further processing and easy access. Working memory also sustains decision making and reasoning functions.
3. Have a good breakfast every day. Include more Omega-3 and Omega-6 to your diet.
High doses of Omega-3 fatty acid have been shown to create a protective effect against the dopamine related causes of Parkinson's Disease in the same way it does for Alzheimer's. This research was enough to encourage further study of Omega-3 in the prevention of Parkinson's. Omega-3 and Omega-6 support the brain and is lacking in most diets.
4. East lots of fruits and vegetables.
Vegetables and fruits have necessary minerals, fiber and vitamins crucial to good health. Eating more from this food group is known to slash the risk of certain cancers, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
5. Make time for reading every day, a magazine or the newspaper or do puzzles like crosswords and sudoku.
The British Association Festival of Science reported that seniors who engaged in crosswords and sukodu puzzles could help keep the brain nearly 14 years younger.
Reading exposes you to different ideas and concepts. Whether aware of it or not, your brain will use those concepts to view the world and begin making new connections which stimulates brain health.
6. Avoid alcohol in abundance.
Some studies have shown that even moderate consumption of alcohol may shrink the brain and harm cognitive functions. Study of alcoholics in treatment reveals that excessive consumption affects difficult memory tasks, abstract thinking and perception without damaging overall IQ.
7. Physical exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Physical exercise contributes to mental alertness, especially in those who are above 60 years old, by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and blood vessels connected to the brain.
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services indicate that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity is required to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
Maintain your brain just as you do your body. Modern medical science has opened the door to longevity and you must emphasize brain health in order to enjoy a long, happy and healthy life.
So follow these 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain and know you are engaging in a workout routine that will keep you sharp, productive, and feeling great. How can you resist?
About the Author
A healthy brain starts with a healthy workout that engages the brain. For the best method to accomplish this, visit Kalynn Amadio's website Taekwondo-Network for excellent information on why martial arts is that double duty workout you need for a healthy body and mind. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
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