Keeping Your Brain Fit
Your body isn't the only thing that you need to keep fit. Your brain is just as important especially as you age. The brain generates new cells throughout your lifetime, you can help keep your brain healthy by doing little things to exercise it daily.
Learning a new language or musical instrument is a great way to challenge your brain. Reading and crossword puzzles can help stimulate brain nerves, doing daily tasks with your non-dominant hand can strengthen the opposite side of your brain. Getting proper sleep is vital; at least seven hours nightly to regenerate the brain.
Keeping Your Brain Fit
Of course a healthy diet with all the proper nutrients is key. Choose lean, quality protein such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef, fish (especially salmon and sardines), eggs and whey protein. Emphasize omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines) and omega 9 fats (olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados, macadamia oil and coconut oil).
Don’t forget your veggies! Eat anywhere from 5-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Eliminate refined carbohydrates such as bread, cereal or pasta made with white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar, corn syrup, honey and candy. Stay away from trans fatty acids such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, margarine and shortening; substitute with olive oil at a low heat.
Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake and also potentially neurotoxic compounds like aspartame and MSG.
Drink water (64 oz.) or herbal teas (decaffeinated)
Last but not least, don’t forget to exercise the body! Doing short bursts of exercise (20-60 seconds) during the day enhances growth hormone release, and resistance training that works major muscle groups is highly beneficial.
Aster Elliott Team
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