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Want a Healthy Brain? Follow these 7 Steps

By: Kalynn Amadio We're all bombarded with messages about physical fitness and exercise, but how often do you actively exercise your brain?

Worry over general health spurs physical action and should include a routine for sustaining a healthy brain. When you start forgetting little things, a common fear is that Alzheimer's Disease is developing. This is far from true. In fact, most loss of memory has more to do with the medications you may be taking or lack or proper rest and nothing to do with Alzheimer's.

Have no fear! There are steps you can take to effectively exercise your brain to improve health and combat aging.

Incorporate the 7 steps to a healthy brain, developed by Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Fox News Channel, into your daily routine.

1. Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the "normal" range.

What's considered normal blood pressure? Lower than 120 systolic and lower than 80 diastolic usually expressed 120/80.

Systolic is the peak pressure in the arteries while diastolic is the lowest pressure in the arteries. The actual pressure of your circulatory system fluctuates heart beat by heart beat and is dependent on the activities you engage in during your day.

2. Get the recommended amount of sleep.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the affects of sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can slow the healing of wounds because it affects the immune system.

In 2007, a study on lack of sleep during a continuous period of time was found to have a strong negative affect on working memory. Your working memory is like the RAM of a computer. It holds information for further processing and easy access. Working memory also sustains decision making and reasoning functions.

3. Have a healthy breakfast each morning and add more Omega-3 and Omega-6 to your diet.

High doses of Omega-3 fatty acid have been shown to create a protective effect against the dopamine related causes of Parkinson's Disease in the same way it does for Alzheimer's. This research was enough to encourage further study of Omega-3 in the prevention of Parkinson's. Omega-3 and Omega-6 support the brain and is lacking in most diets.

4. East lots of fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals and fiber essential to your health. People who consume generous quantities reduce the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

5. Stay active socially. Read a newspaper or magazine every day or do crossword puzzles and sudoku.

The British Association Festival of Science reported that seniors who engaged in crosswords and sukodu puzzles could help keep the brain nearly 14 years younger.

Reading is vital. It exposes new concepts and different ideas that urge our brains to make new links to the world. This stimulates the brain which in turn furthers brain health.

6. Don't drink too much alcohol.

Some studies have shown that even moderate consumption of alcohol may shrink the brain and harm cognitive functions. Study of alcoholics in treatment reveals that excessive consumption affects difficult memory tasks, abstract thinking and perception without damaging overall IQ.

7. Physical exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Physical exercise contributes to mental alertness, especially in those who are above 60 years old, by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and blood vessels connected to the brain.

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services indicate that at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity is required to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Modern medicine has allowed us to live longer, but a proactive approach to brain health is essential to make that long life healthy and happy.

If you follow the 7 Steps to a Healthy Brain, you're on the road to feeling good both physically and mentally. Keep sharp and productive and improve your life. Why not start today?

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

A healthy brain begins with a healthy workout that uses the brain. For the best method to accomplish this, visit Kalynn Amadio's website Taekwondo-Network for excellent information on why martial arts is that double duty workout you need for a healthy body and mind. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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