Be Good to Your Brain

The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, so much so that every year researchers and doctors learn more and more about it. How we process information, making sense of dreams, associating experiences to memories, brains are an endless source of mystery and possibility.

With the complexity of the brain, however, comes the complexity of the diseases that affect it. Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia, can rob a person of their memories and identity, affecting their quality of life severely and oftentimes the people and support systems around them. While the exact causes of dementia are not yet known, what is known are ways we can modify our lifestyles to slow or prevent the onset of the disease.

A healthy diet can improve the body’s health and function in many ways, one of which is promoting a healthier brain. A diet low in saturated fat, and high in dark fruits and dark leafy greens can be beneficial, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Regular exercise is another habit that benefits our body in countless ways, including the brain. With each heartbeat, up to twenty percent of blood flow travels to the brain, bringing it oxygen and other nutrients to keep it functioning. While exercise can be a challenging proposition to someone with limited experience doing it, the best strategy for success is to start small and work up. Try one day a week, or ten to twenty minutes a few days a week, until it becomes routine. Then, add in more time and more days.