HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BRAIN HEALTH AS YOU AGE

Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

There are no secret potions that will keep your brain from declining as you age; however,  there are several lifestyle changes that you can make to help maintain brain health. With risk of having  Here are a few ways to keep your brain healthy.
Stimulate Your Mind
Mental stimulation is exercise for the mind and is an important part of keeping your brain healthy. Feed your brain by trying new things Here are some ideas to exercise your brain:
- Engage in completing puzzles progress to harder versions
- Learn something new-try gardening, woodwork, painting etc
- Volunteer in your community.
- Travel and expand your horizons
- Work toward a promotion at your job.
- Read books or watch documentaries.
- Learn to play a musical instrument.
Whichever activity you decide to choose, make sure it is something that you enjoy. If it stresses you out more than it perks you up, you will be causing more harm than good.

Update Your Diet

Nutrition is very important for many reasons. One of those reasons is your brain. Here are some foods that can boost your brain and a couple that can harm it;
- Fatty Fish - Salmon, Albacore Tuna, Mackerel, Sardines
- Leafy Greens - Cabbage, Kale
- Cruciferous Vegetables - Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower
- Avocado
- Nuts and Seeds
- Chocolate
- Curry
- Berries
- Whole Grains
- Drink Lots of Water (If not contraindicated)
- Alcohol & Coffee in Moderation

Get Plenty of Restful Sleep
Sleep is an important aspect to maintaining a healthy brain. It's pretty obvious when you consider how "out of it" you feel after you have been up all night. Restful sleep is vital to forming new neuronal connections and taking care of the ones already existing. When you sleep your brain is clearing out all the unnecessary junk you accumulated through the day, like the proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, and helping to form and store memories. Of course, always discuss with your provider any concerns you may have regarding your mental health. Print this article and take it with you on your next appointment.