THE brain is a very important organ and is responsible for virtually every process in your body.
Here are some great ways to exercise your brain to get the most from it:
Exercise:
• Exercise increases oxygen-rich blood to the brain, stimulating function;
• Production of nerve-protecting compounds;
• Improved development and survival of neurons;
Consume animal-based omega-3 fats:
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fat, is an essential structural component of both your brain and retina;
• Omega-3 fats such as DHA are considered essential because your body cannot produce it, and must get it from your daily diet.
• DHA-rich foods include fish, liver, and brain.
Get enough sleep:
• Sleep is the time when your body does most of its healing and recovery and the brain can only function optimally if you receive adequate rest (sleep).
• A daily nap has been shown to boost energy and restore brain power.
Get your daily dose of Vitamin D:
• Activated vitamin D receptors increase nerve growth in your brain;
• Exposure to the sun (moderate) is very important for Vitamin D production;
Look after your gut:
• There is a close link between a healthy gut and brain health;
• An excessive diet of sugar and processed foods have been shown to have an adverse effect on brain function.
Take Vitamin B12:
• People with lower levels of Vitamin B12 generally score lower in cognitive test as well as often having a smaller brain volume;
• B12 is only naturally available in animal food sources like seafood, beef, chicken, pork, milk, and eggs.
• Mental haze and memory problems are two main warning signs that you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, and this is indicative of its importance for your brain health.
Challenge your brain:
• Your brain is like any other muscle in your body, the more you train it, the stronger it becomes.
• Playing strategic games like chess especially has been shown to improve cognitive function and even increase brain size;
• Doing puzzles, learning a new language and/or musical instrument and reading are all good ways to challenge your brain;
• The size and structure of neurons and the connections between them actually change as you learn.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
