Five Ways to Support Brain Health

Five Ways to Support Brain Health

How’s your brain health?

Chances are, if you’re like most people, you don’t give it much thought.

But even though your body as a whole is a self-sustaining mechanism, chances are you can get a little more leverage and mental sharpness by paying a bit more attention to brain-healthy habits.

Because think about it – your brain is a precious possession. It’s the organ that controls your thoughts, memories, and emotions. It’s also responsible for your body’s coordination and movement.

In this article, we’ll go over the 5 best ways to support brain health.

But first…

The Mystery Of Life

The brain and consciousness have long been some of the most puzzling and intriguing areas of scientific research. Despite hundreds of years of study, we still do not fully understand how they work or why they are so complex.

Some have even argued that the brain and consciousness are essentially ununderstandable objects due to their complexity. Yet despite this challenge, scientists continue to explore these areas in order to unlock new secrets about the nature of our minds and how we perceive the world.

Rather than viewing the brain and consciousness as insurmountable obstacles, many researchers see them as exciting avenues for discovery.  These scientists recognize that every day we learn more about our brains, whether through studies of animal behavior or advances in brain imaging technology.

And as we gain a better understanding of these core components of ourselves, it is clear that we will be able to make incredible progress in many other areas of science, from medicine to psychology to engineering.

Indeed, the brain remains one of the last great frontiers for human knowledge, waiting for us to conquer it with curiosity and determination.  Rest assured, though, you don’t really need to be a scientist and have a lab, in order to do things that are beneficial for your brain.

Here are our top 5 brain-healthy habits.

#1 Brain-Nurturing Foods

When the task is to keep your brain healthy and well-functioning, there are some specific nutrients that are pivotal. And well, it is no secret that nutrition plays a crucial role in the body’s overall health, including that of the brain!

The most important nutrients for the brain include:

  1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  2. Calcium
  3. B-Vitamins
  4. Vitamins D & E
  5. Magnesium

Below, you can find the top 10 favorite food products on our list, that are abundant in these essential nutrients:

  1. Leafy green vegetables
  2. Walnuts
  3. Almonds
  4. Broccoli
  5. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)
  6. Salmon
  7. Sardines
  8. Olives
  9. Whole eggs
  10. Dark chocolate

By including these ingredients in your diet on a regular basis, you can help give your brain what it really needs to stay strong and perform at its best. So be sure to add plenty of these brain-nurturing foods to your meals starting today!

#2 Braining!

Keeping your brain active is essential for maintaining a healthy and efficient brain. Our brains are constantly working, taking in information and making connections to help us understand the world around us.

However, without adequate stimulation, the neurons in our brains can become sluggish and slow down this crucial activity.  To keep the mind sharp and your brain functioning at its best, it is important to practice activities that help to activate and challenge your neural networks. This might include anything from puzzle games and crossword puzzles to music lessons or learning a new language.

By constantly engaging your brain and keeping it active, you can enjoy the many benefits of a healthy and capable mind. So don’t underestimate the power of keeping your brain active – with a little braining (brain training), you can live life to the fullest!

#3 The Social Aspect

Besides good food and mental activity in solitude, it has been suggested that there is a strong link between having a good social life and maintaining a healthy brain. The concept is simple – interacting with others helps you use (and improve) cognitive function and, thereby, improve mood and keep your mind sharp even as you age.

Furthermore, having an active social life can reduce stress levels, thereby limiting its harmful effects on the brain. Whether you are outside with friends or trying to make new connections through networking and local meetups, it is clear that having a social life is one of the keys to staying mentally sharp for years to come.

#4 Sleep

Though we may not understand exactly how sleep works, it is an essential component of mental health and well-being. Whether we are resting after a long day at work or catching up on needed rest during the weekend, sleep is crucial in the context of enabling our brains to function properly.

Not only does it allow us to charge up the brain and clear away neural detritus from the day’s activities, but it also seems to be crucial to maintaining our ability to form memories. Additionally, good quality sleep can improve mood by helping to keep stress levels in check.

Thus, though we cannot fully explain why or how our brains benefit from sleep, it is a crucial factor for maintaining mental health and performance.  So don’t skimp on those precious hours of shut-eye – get yourself at least 6!

#5 Exercise

Many people view training primarily as a way to sculpt their bodies and improve their physical fitness. But what many don’t realize is that exercise can also have a profound impact on our brains.

Working out may boost cognitive function, increase memory, and even help prevent certain diseases. And while any kind of exercise can be beneficial, it seems that high-intensity training like weightlifting may be particularly effective when it comes to improving brain health.

With this in mind, if you want a workout that will give your body and your mind a real boost, head to the gym and get moving! The benefits of just 2-3 sessions a week may just surprise you.

Final Thoughts

So, what can you do to support your brain health? Plenty!

Just make sure that you’re incorporating a variety of activities into your life and giving your brain the chance to work in different ways. And don’t forget to keep learning – it’s one of the best things you can do for your brain!

Can you think of (no pun intended) anything else you’d add to this list?

Let us know in the comments below.

 

Five Ways to Support Brain Health

Three Foods to Boost Health

We’ve all been there – you eat an unhealthy meal and instantly regret it. Your stomach feels bloated, you feel tired, and all you can think about is how to make yourself feel better again. Eating nutritious foods is one way to boost your health and avoid dreaded regretful meals.

In this article, we’ll give you our list of the 3 best foods to support your health, so without further ado, let’s get to it!

What Makes Food Healthy?

When we talk about nourishing food, there are many opinions out there about what is healthy and what isn’t. Some people swear by a strict diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, while others believe everything in moderation may be the key to good health.

So, what is the truth?

Unfortunately, there is no single answer that applies to everyone. There are guidelines that can help you make healthier choices. The primary consideration, in this context, is meeting the body’s needs and maintaining balanced body composition.

Meeting the body’s needs related to consuming sufficient protein and fats (both of which the body can’t produce entirely on its own) and consuming enough (but not too many) calories.

Following that train of thought, we can conclude that the healthiest foods are the ones that are most nutritious. Those are also very satiating, meaning that you’ll be less likely to overindulge!

Without further ado, let’s have a look at our 3 favorite foods to add to your nutrition plan.

Eggs

Eggs are often called “the perfect food,” and it’s easy to see why. They’re packed with nutrients and are easy for the body to digest. In fact, eggs are so nutrient dense that they’ve been used as a standard by which other foods are measured.

So, what makes eggs so special? They’re an excellent source of protein. Each whole egg contains 6 grams of protein, which is essential for building muscle, tissue, and enzymes and repairing the body.

The whole egg contains all the essential amino acids (building blocks of protein) your body needs to function properly. But eggs aren’t just about protein—they’re also a reliable source of healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins.

Simply put, whole eggs are one of the best foods you can eat, and that’s why they take the #1 spot on our list!

Beef

Beef has long been considered a dietary staple, and for a good reason. Not only is it loaded with high-quality protein, but it is also an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Beef is especially high in iron, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood cells, and vitamins from the B group, which are much needed for converting food into energy. Beef is an excellent source of zinc, which helps to boost the immune system.

While there are many different animal foods to choose from, beef is one of the best options because of its nutritional value. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal option, reach for the medium rare steak!

Fruits & Veggies

Though commonly criticized by carnivore proponents, plants and fruits are essential for a healthy diet.

Fruits and vegetables are quite loaded with nutrients that are essential for good health, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are low in calories and fat and also high in fiber, which is satiating. This makes them a great choice for people trying to lose weight. And contrary to widely held belief, meat is not the only source of protein. Plants such as beans, legumes, and tofu are all excellent sources of this essential nutrient.

So next time you’re considering skipping the salad in favor of a steak, remember that plants are an essential part of a health-supporting diet.

Grass-Fed & Organic

There are a lot of talks these days about grass-fed meat and organically grown plants. Some folks say one is better than the other, but there’s no definitive answer. In the end, it’s up to you to decide what you feel is best for your body.

If you feel that grass-fed meat is healthier for you and you feel better eating it, go for it. If you believe organic produce is the way to go, then stock your fridge with veggies and fruit that are free of pesticides and herbicides.

It’s all about listening to your body and making choices that make you feel good – both physically and mentally. So, if grass-fed meat or organic produce makes you happy, then opt for that! Your body will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

The question about “healthy foods” is quite difficult to answer, but overall, one thing is for sure – we must meet the body’s needs by providing it with the nutrients it needs in sufficient amounts.

So, what are you waiting for? Add these nutritious foods to your grocery shopping list and start enjoying their health benefits today.

 

Which one is your favorite? Comment below, and let’s discuss!

8 Small Steps to Improve Your Health

8 Small Steps to Improve Your Health

8 Small Steps to Improve Your Health

In a few weeks, we will start another month and moving farther away from our beginning of the year goals. To that extent, this might be a great time to reflect on those goals and evaluate our progress.

It is difficult to see the year quickly passing, but it is rewarding to see how our goals have been put into practice and achievements are being made weekly.

One of those common goals to evaluate from month-to-month is the status of our health. Many people will make a health goal (some call it a resolution) at the beginning of the year. Those goals might be to stop eating poorly, gain better nutrition, stop smoking, walk more, or finally make use of that gym membership.

While setting high-achieving goals is common, setting smaller goals will help you on your way to achieving all your goals. This concept applies to your health goals as well.

Take a moment and reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of this year, or even at the end of last year, and see how you are achieving those goals.

Dr. James Hill, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center is noted as saying, “Small steps are achievable and are easier to fit into your daily routine. They are less overwhelming than a big, sudden change.”

Thinking of Dr. Hill’s words, allow us to offer 10 small steps you can take today to improve your health.

#1 – Watch your weight.

Most of us have a bathroom scale around the house. It might have found its way to an obscure corner of the room, but we know where it is located. Take an evaluation of your weight regularly.

8 Small Steps to Improve Your Health

#2 – Just a few more steps a day.

Start taking a few more steps in your daily routine. Simple things like walking a few more steps at work, in your home, in the store and everywhere can quickly add up over time. Make it a point to park a little further from the store, if you are able, and get those extra steps. You might use a pedometer to keep track of your steps. Set a goal of 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day and see if you can achieve that for one week.

#3 – Eat an excellent breakfast.

People tend to skip what we have called the most important meal of the day. Having a good, nutritious breakfast will kick start your body into action. In the days of a “grab-and-go” breakfast, many are not finding the nutrition they need to maintain a good day. Some people find success in eating a whole grain cereal topped off with fruit in low-fat or fat-free milk. It is quick and simple, while giving you a prepare start. Remember, everyone is different, but I would avoid loading your body up with sugar filled treats to start your day.

#4 – Drink water.

Your body needs hydrated and hydrated well. Just because a drink has water in it does not mean you are getting the proper hydration. Many people think that any liquid hydrates and it does not. You need to drink water daily. Many will say that you need to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Example: if you weigh 200lbs, you should drink 100 ounces of water a day.

#5 – A salad a day.

Eating one salad a day will make a difference if you try it. While you are trying to work on your health, but some excellent food into your system. This will add motivation to your actions, you will notice a change in your lifestyle. Remember when you have a salad, not to load it up with dressing. Dressing will add calories, fat and sugar to your system. In the past, we considered it healthy to eat at least five cups of fruits and vegetables a day. Having one salad a day will help you meet that goal.

#6 – Downsize your servings.

Instead of grabbing the entire bag of chips, pour the chips into a bowl. A simple change to downsize your serving sizes will make a difference to the amount of food you put into your system. Try changing the size of your plate and see if it changes the size of your portion.

#7 – Try some yogurt.

Some in the health world feel that adding two to three servings of low-fat or fat-free yogurt to your diet will help you lose weight and even boost your immune system. This dose of daily calcium will be good for your bones as well.

Is Organic Worth It?

#8 – Track your food intake.

One of the best things you can do for your health is to track what you are putting into your system. It might be the case that you are eating more food than you realize, or you might find your food intake balance is tilted one way. Sometimes, stress eating is something we never track or consider. Try to track your food and see how it helps.

You can begin today and change your health future.

It will take action. It will take work. It will take motivation. It will take time.

You can start today and begin following a few of these steps and watch your health improve.

To your success,