6 Simple Steps for a Healthier Brain

Are you concerned about Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?  Few of us aren’t, especially as we witness the degeneration of older friends and family members.  But did you know that much of that outcome can be significantly influenced by your lifestyle choices now?  Here are six steps you can take to keep your brain, and your mind, healthy over the coming years.

1. Undetected gluten sensitivity has been associated with dementia and early onset Alzheimer’s.  If you are gluten sensitive, it is crucial to eliminate gluten completely from your diet. If you are not sure, but have family members with Alzheimer’s or dementia, diabetes, colon cancer or chronic GI issues, I can help you ascertain whether or not you are gluten sensitive.  If you are, taking steps to eliminate gluten from your diet will change your life and your health dramatically, both now and for your future.
2. Include healthy fats in your diet at every meal.  Fish oil has gotten a lot of press, and has been shown to decrease incidence of dementia.  My favorite forms are XanthOmega Krill, OmegAvail and smaller fish such as sardines, mackerel, and herring, which are high in Omega 3s and very clean, due to their short life span.  However, coconut oil and other plant oils such as black currant and evening primrose, may also be neuro-protective.  Foods that have healthy fat include avocados, nuts, and seeds (chia seeds are one of my favorites. See my article on SuperFoods for more info on these little nutrient dense powerhouses.)
3. Brain Exercise: keep using your brain in new and different ways. You can strengthen your brain and your whole nervous system by learning new things spatially, kinesthetically, even musically.  Word games and number games are great, but also try a class or dvd with a different kind of movement, choreography or balancing challenge.  Brush your teeth on one leg.  Learn a new dance step, a new instrument, or a new language.
4. Body Exercise:  Using your body keeps your blood circulating to your brain as well. Yoga balance postures and inversions are particularly helpful (I never miss an opportunity to promote the infinite benefits of yoga!).  Do burst training (short high intensity intervals). And then move for pure pleasure: take a walk outside or put on some music and dance.
5. Many studies have shown that social interaction keeps the brain healthy and functional longer.  Call a friend; go to a meeting; get out and see people face to face.
6. Hydration The brain is 75% water, and even small drops in hydration can effect its function.

One more supplement I love for brain health is Brain Vitale.  Brain Vitale is a combination of two powerful and beneficial brain nutrients: Phosphatidyl serine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine. These two nutrients have been extensively researched for their ability to enhance memory, relieve depression, improve mental acuity, promote recovery from stroke and nerve injury, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Vitale is one of the most dramatically useful brain formulas, particularly for promoting mental alertness.

Want help customizing a program and following through? I’d be delighted to put my mind to it!

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