Healthy Brain

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Unfortunately, as we get older, our brains shrink and there's an increase in mental decline.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help slow mental decline!

We've talked a bit about food in our past two newsletters.  The foods we should be focusing on for brain health as we age are the same as at any other age.  Studies show that foods high in vitamins and antioxidants plus omega-3s are excellent for helping brain function as we get older.  Think fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, and fish. But it's not just about nutrition! There are many other things we can do to help.

Stay Mentally Active!

Be sure to challenge your brain.  Doing crossword puzzles often really can help!  Other ideas: learn a new language or take an educational class.  Keeping your activities varied is even better!

Exercise

Exercise increases circulation and blood flow to the brain.  Studies show those who exercise are less likely to develop dementia.  Bonus: even starting exercise later in life makes a difference!

Manage Stress

Stress impacts ability to remember and to learn.  Worse yet, stress overload may actually damage brain cells.  Definitely worth finding stress relieving activities!

Get Your Sleep!

A consistent lack of sleep has been shown to decrease mental activity.  Keeping a regular sleep pattern of 6 to 8 hours per night seems to really help keep your brain healthy.  Weird note: getting too much sleep (over 9 hours) may actually cause mental decline as well!

Source Naturals Ageless Mind 

 Source Naturals Ageless Mind is is a comprehensive formula for the brain that provides ingredients
that support brain health and cognitive function, including memory and concentration.  Here's a bit about just a few of its ingredients: 

 Phosphatidyl Serine
Phosphatidyl Serine is a structural molecule needed in the cell membranes.  Although it's in all the cells, the highest concentration is in the nerve cells.  PS is rare in foods, but the body can make what we need.  Unfortunately, as we age the process becomes less efficient.  Supplementing with PS has been shown to create more effective, well-structured cell membranes.

DMAE
DMAE is a natural substance found in some fish. It's a building block for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory, concentration, and focus.

Magnesium
Magnesium must be present in the gaps between neurons or they become hyper-active which can cause noise issues and poor emotional reactions.  Magnesium is key to helping maintain the sodium-potassium balance in the cells, which is essential for electrical activity of nerve cells.

Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo is a commonly used herb for memory and brain function.  It helps increase blood flow to the brain by helping dilate blood vessels.