7 Important Things To Know About Your Brain’s Health
The brain is one of the most sophisticated organs we have in our body.
This complex organ controls and regulates various vital functions like memory, vision, touch, breathing, emotions, motor skills, and much more.
Whether you are recalling a childhood memory, chopping up greens for your salad, or doing push-ups, it’s the brain that does all the coordination so that you can execute such things effectively.
Most people don’t care about their brain health until they start experiencing cognitive decline, especially in old age. You can understand cognitive decline as the brain’s ability to remember, concentrate, memorize, or make decisions that progressively worsen over time. As mentioned earlier, this decrease in the brain’s capacity is visible in the elderly. However, there are certain things you can do to keep your brain healthy and sharp. Without further delay, let’s jump right in to know the things you need to know about your brain’s health and ways to improve it.
Keeping the Heart Healthy
Our organs are interconnected and work in synchronization, supporting each other’s functions. The heart and the blood vessels keep the blood pumping throughout our body. High cholesterol levels, medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and habits like smoking directly affect heart health. These conditions can thicken the vessels and decrease the blood flow to the brain, ultimately depriving it of the essential nutrients required to carry out cell growth, carry out functions, and execute repairs. The combined effect of decreased blood flow, blood clotting, and nutrient deficiency can lead to another medical condition called an ischemic stroke. In this medical condition, a blood clot forms, blocking the blood supply to an area of the brain, resulting in brain damage that can be temporary or permanent. So, keeping a tab on your blood pressure and visiting your doctor at least bi-annually for a health checkup is essential to keep you sharp-minded.
Detox Your Mind
In this digital age, we are surrounded by loads of gadgets and devices that we rely on for our everyday activities. Research suggests that using these devices over long periods can result in problems like an increased inability to pay attention, social and emotional disturbances, and decreased brain development. Professionals working at Mind Lab Pro suggest limiting screen time and turning off all your devices 30 minutes before bed will help significantly relax your mind for a peaceful sleep. Moreover, dietary supplements for brain health are also available to protect the brain, prevent cognitive decline, and keep the brain healthy.
Improve Your Sleep Routine
The brain needs at least 7 hours of sleep a day so that your brain replenishes itself, allowing it to regenerate and repair cells. Sleeping helps clean up the toxin build-up in the brain when awake. During sleep, the brain shuts itself up while only vital functions are carried out. Before you go to bed, write down your to-do list for tomorrow and try to let go of any thoughts you have in your mind.
Meditate
Try meditation or yoga to improve not only your physical health but also your mental health. The brain’s cognitive abilities like attention, focus, and memory can improve with a short session of mindful meditation. Moreover, these healthy practices ward off anxiety, depression, confusion, and fatigue when following a work routine.
Physical Activity
A 30-min walk, a 15-min jog, going for a swim at the pool, and even dancing are physical activities that you can do to improve your brain health. Lack of physical activity can directly result in decreased attention, cause depression, induce problems with memory, and increase the rate at which the brain ages. Maintaining a daily exercise routine improves the blood flow to the brain, especially the hippocampus responsible for memory and attention.
Eat Healthily
Our diet consumption is directly related to our brain health. Eating loads of processed foods with bad fats and high amounts of refined sugar can impair brain functions. There are certain chemicals used in the food industry that can damage the brain over long-term use. So, keep your diet organic, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts while limiting red meat. Consulting a dietician will help significantly develop a meal plan according to your body requirements for the best outcomes. If you have prior experience with following diet plans, a DASH diet, and the MIND diet are two meal plans you can follow to keep your heart and brain in good health.
Stay Socially Active
Social isolation is another problem we face in this age. Long working hours and responsibilities have limited our social life. Connecting with friends and family limits stress, depression and relaxes your mind so that the brain can function with ease. When socializing, the blood flow to the brain areas for reasoning and communication also increases, eventually improving well-being.
Suppose you ever feel that your cognitive decline is worsening day by day. In that case, it is best to visit your doctor and tell them your concern, as several neurological conditions need to be ruled out. Lastly, do try the things mentioned above to stay healthy while enjoying your life to the fullest.
