8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age
Worrying about your brain health is normal as you age. With age comes the risk of memory decline, have issues with multitasking and be at increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Thankfully, there are various ways we can prevent an excessive decline in our brains due to aging.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise has long been related to overall brain health. Other than just physical benefits, the increased blood flow to your brain from exercise contributes to countering the effects of aging.
Exercise helps with the development of a protein called BDNF or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF has been linked to improved learning and memory. Low BDNF has been linked to Alzheimer’s and depression. Herbal supplements like curcumin could potentially help with increasing BDNF levels.
Manage your blood sugar
Diabetes is a risk factor for numerous diseases from heart disease to kidney damage. Diabetes is also a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Therefore, managing your blood glucose level is important in preserving your overall health. Eating healthy, regular exercise, and cutting sugar can help prevent diabetes. There are various herbal supplements for diabetes like moringa that have been linked to reducing blood glucose levels.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure in your 40s could lead to an increased risk of cognitive decline as you age. The best way to maintain healthy blood pressure is to have a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are the keys here. Studies have shown that ashwagandha supplements could help with lowering your blood pressure and maintaining your overall heart health.
Improve your diet
It doesn’t have to be said, but one of the most important things you can do for your health is to eat healthily. Good diet and exercise can help you avoid the most preventable diseases. Make sure that you meet all your daily nutritional requirements. Consider taking vitamin supplements if you feel you’re not meeting these needs.
Avoid tobacco & alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can seriously affect your health. If you’re a chain smoker, you are at increased risk of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Alcohol can also increase your risk of getting cancer as well as other severe problems like liver disease, obesity, and brain injury.
Sleep
Regular sleep is incredibly important for your overall well-being. Poor sleep has been linked to:
- Weight gain
- Low concentration
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of strokes
- Depression
- Weakened immune systems
Stay mentally active
People who stay mentally active are at reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Aside from regular exercise and a healthy diet, you must maintain an active mind. A stimulated mind helps maintain your memory as you age. There are various activities that you can engage in to stay mentally stimulated such as crosswords, book clubs, and mind games.
Remain socially involved
Social interactions have many benefits to your overall physical and mental health. Seniors who engage in regular socializing have better mental health, lower stress, reduced risk of dementia, and better cognitive function.
There are various vitamin supplements like ashwagandha, curcumin, moringa, and omega-3 supplements that help with maintaining your overall health. However, having an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, strong social connections, and an active mind are also essential in helping your brain stay young as you age.