The human brain has over 100 billion neurons connected to each other by synapses. (synapses can be compared to telephone wire that allow them to communicate) With that in mind, there are some things we can do to keep our brains functioning at the optimum level for our age.
Between the time we are born and the time we reach age 10, our brains loose half the number of synapses, and we continue to loose those connections as we age. When connections are not used, our brain eliminates that from focus. In other words, if our brains don't get feedback from outside sounds, tastes, sights, smells, and touch, it will weaken over time. The brain is continually evolving according to the stimuli it is exposed to. It is important to support our brains with the right foods, lifestyle choices, exercises, and memory exercises to help keep synapses intact.
FOODS
Replace white foods, such as refined carbohydrates, white rice and white breads, with whole grains, beans and vegetables. Studies show a link between "white foods" and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who drink black and green tea at least 2 times a day were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The tea contains antioxidants with 20 times the power to protect against free radicals.
Drinking coffee regularly may counteract the age-related degenerative process the leads to a lower amount of brain hormone dopamine.
The blue color in blueberries (proanthocyanidin) has a unique capacity to protect the watery and fatty parts of the brain against damage by environmental toxins. Research also shows blueberries may reverse age-related memory loss.
In studies with rats, spinach proved the most potent in protecting brain cells against aging.
Grapes in all forms, even wine, has resveratrol which is proven to help protect against Alzheimer's disease. Eating the red or purple grapes is the best protection.
Our brains are made up of 60 percent fat and requires healthy omega-3 fats such as found in salmon, walnuts, hemp seed, flax seed, and many other foods, to help boost our memory. Please choose wild over farm salmon because of the high mercury found in farmed salmon.
Lycopene most commonly found in tomatoes, but also found in watermelons, guava, and pink grapefruit, has shown in many studies to improve memory when also consumed with healthy fats. Unlike most other foods, lycopene is more readily available from cooked tomatoes than fresh, so better to get it from pasta sauce.
HERBS
Turmeric has so many health benefits, among them it protects against brain inflammation and plaques which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. It is the yellow coloring in curry dishes, but can also be added to soups and stews. It also goes by the name of curcumin.
We know of periwinkle as a flower, but research shows the active ingredient, vinpocetine, helps transport oxygen to the brain so it can function optimally. You can find vinpocetine as a supplement.
Sage has much to offer for our total health, but has especially been proven to help with memory. An ingredient called acetylcholine in sage is essential for communication between brain cells.
Ginkgo is a well known supplement to help with Alzheimer's disease. It is also used to help with depression & stroke.
EXERCISE
Anything different can stimulate our brains to function better. There are boundless possibilities to stimulate aging brain cells. Something as simple as changing the drive to work, fixing something different for dinner, talking to a stranger, going to a museum, or taking a class, can stimulate our brain cells. Anything new that is not in your regular routine can make a huge effect on memory and improve brain function.
Ensuring that you get eight hours of sleep improves the brain's ability to think creatively.
A study shows that riding a bike for one to two hours weekly results in improvement in long term memory.
Tai chi exercise can boost brain power by reducing stress and strengthen the part of the brain involved with motor function. Tai chi is used successfully by people with Parkinson's disease.
In our aging brains, anything that stimulates our thoughts helps. Something as simple as daily crossword puzzles to more complicated as learning a new language can make a big difference.
