Keeping in Shape is Good for the Brain

There are a variety of things you can do to help ensure that your brain works optimally well into old age. Staying in good shape is no guarantee, but it helps to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, such as memory problems.

If you stay mentally and physically active, new connections can form between the brain cells even as we age. This helps to offset the loss of brain cells related to aging. It has even been found that smokers over the age of 40 have faster memory loss than nonsmokers.

So what can you do to keep your mind functioning optimally? For one thing, it is important to challenge your brain by constantly learning new tasks. Traveling, taking a course, reading, writing, crosswords and other mental puzzles, card games and board games can all help to keep our minds sharp, helping to prevent memory loss.

The key is to challenge yourself by trying things you have not done before. You could even try learning the meaning of a new word every day or using your nondominant hand for daily activities such as brushing your teeth.

Exercise, even small amounts of it regularly, can help to sharpen the mind by improving blood flow to and throughout the brain. You should include cardiovascular and weight training exercises.

Relaxation is important, since too much stress can impair brain function. Try using breathing and relaxation exercises especially when you are feeling stressed out. Yoga can be good for this.

Consuming generous amounts of antioxidants is important since it limits the damage to brain cells caused by free radicals. Fruits and vegetables are an important source of antioxidants. You should also limit animals fats, and eat more whole grains and fresh seafood. Vitamin C is also important for memory function.

By keeping yourself healthy by following these suggestions, you will not only improve your overall health outlook, but also reduce the decline of your mental functioning.

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