Simple & Effective Steps To Improve Your Brain Health
You may live longer than your parents or grandparents did, thanks to breakthroughs in science and technology. But will your brain remain healthy and sharp along with your body? Let's discuss what science says about brain health throughout your prime of life and into your golden years.
Imagine yourself in your 90s. What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? Does your current lifestyle support that vision? The daily choices you make affect the health of your brain not only today but also how it will function long into the future. The good news? If you realize that you need to make improvements in your lifestyle choices, it's never too late.
Even better news: The steps that slow a decline in brain function are simple and easy. It's a "no-brainer." You only need to actively take the steps.
What Is Brain Health?
A good definition for "brain health" refers to the ability to think, move, concentrate, remember, and regulate your emotions without concerns.[1]
A healthy brain means that you can do the following:[2]
- Pay attention
- Perceive and recognize sensory
- Learn and remember
- Solve concerns and make decisions
- Regulate emotions
- Move about
- Communicate
Why Should You Monitor Your Brain Health?
Sometimes, we forget how important the brain is because it functions automatically.
For the most part, people walk, chew, breathe, sing, or talk without much effort. Our lungs inhale or exhale at 12 to 20 breaths per minute without being prompted. Your heart beats at 60 to 100 beats per minute outside our control. A healthy brain manages all of these functions.
It's only when we lose the ability to walk, talk, remember, or recognize people that we realize something may be wrong with our mental functioning.
You don't need to wait until it's too late to monitor and take care of your brain!
Wouldn't it be great to spend your senior years dancing with friends, running in the park, and volunteering in the library instead of relying on a caregiver?
While not all of this is under our control — genetics and outside forces can sometimes be at play — every person can do something today to maintain a healthy brain for as long as possible.
Steps for Keeping Your Brain Healthy
In recent years, scientists discovered that cells could regenerate and repair themselves in certain areas of the brain, but this depends on the lifestyle choices you make today.[3] Luckily, these choices are simple and easy.
1. Physical Exercise
Studies show that exercise is one of few things that actually promotes new brain cell growth.[3] When these brain cells mature, memory and thinking improve.
There are a ton of exercises to try! Find what works for you and your body.
For brain cell growth, experts recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. You should exercise for at least 10 minutes each time, focusing on muscle strengthening on two or more days each week.[4]
Imagine the added benefits of protecting your brain from the hazards of heart disease and obesity! You are worth it.
2. Medical Health
Your brain depends on a healthy blood supply for adequate oxygen and nutrition. Any disease that affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels will speed up brain degeneration.
By keeping your blood vessels elastic, you maintain a healthy blood pressure, which ensures adequate blood flow to the brain. On the other hand, uncontrolled blood sugar level and cholesterol plaques can damage your blood vessels.
We’re not joking! Those regular health checks and doctor visits are important!
It's important to monitor your health regularly not just at your annual exam — including your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. That way you can do something about your lifestyle and environmental exposures before it gets to the point where medical intervention is needed. This leads us to the next important step.
3. Eating Well
What’s the best diet for brain health? A plant-based diet, Mediterranean diet, or a diet rich in leafy greens and antioxidants is not only good for weight control but also for the brain.[3]
Some nutrients to look for include polyphenols, resveratrol, and omega-3 fatty acids. Polyphenols like curcumin promote brain cell growth and performance.[3] The same thing is true with trans-resveratrol, which you will find in grapes, tree nuts, dark chocolate, and berries.[3] Some good plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include walnuts, flaxseeds, and algae oil.[3, 5]
Eat foods rich in folic acid and folate (Vitamin B-9), cobalamin (Vitamin B12), vitamin E, and vitamin C, which are excellent vitamins for brain health. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to poor cognitive function.[5] For best brain health, avoid refined sugar and most saturated fats (coconut oil is an exception).
4. Sleep
Did you know that acute sleep deprivation can cause brain atrophy? This means that the brain shrinks!
While the effects of one or two nights of sleep loss are reversible with one night of good sleep,[6] if poor sleep habits persist, recovery tends to take longer, too.[7] With brain atrophy, imagine the impact on your attention, memory, and decision-making.
Adults should get 7 to 9 hours of sleep for optimal health. This recommendation is based on reviewing thousands of articles on sleep and its health benefits, and the hazards of lack of sleep.[8]
An adequate amount of sleep will improve memory, attention, behavior, learning, mood, quality of life, and mental and physical health.[9]
5. Mental Fitness
How does mental fitness or mental exercise work? Several studies have shown that mental stimulation, such as games and puzzles, can improve brain health and function.[10]
Did you know that mental exercises stimulate brain cell growth?
In those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment, and dementia, mental exercise stimulates the brain cells to grow.[11] It also restores the damage caused by depression.[12]
You can stimulate your brain by engaging in hobbies and learning new crafts. Doing a stimulating activity can help you learn, remember, and find creative solutions.
6. Quit Smoking
The long-term effects of smoking are not only confined to the lungs. Why? Because smoking causes the blood vessels to thicken and narrow. This affects the blood flow to the brain. When this happens, the risks for stroke, hypertension, and heart disease increase.[13]
Did you know that your risk for a heart attack drops after 1 year of not smoking?
Quitting smoking for just one year drops your risk for heart attack dramatically. Within 2 to 5 years, your risk for stroke is about the same with that of a non-smoker.[13]
Protect your brain from the consequences of smoking. Quit smoking — the sooner, the better.
7. Minimize Alcohol
While alcohol is not good for your overall health, if you can't avoid social drinking, choose red wine, which contains resveratrol, a heart-healthy molecule.
Light to moderate intake of red wine provides heart-healthy benefits which translate to brain protection. When your heart pumps, it sends a healthy blood supply to the brain.[14]
Avoid the damaging effects of long-term and heavy alcohol drinking. Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on brain cells. Its indirect effects include thiamine deficiency, which is common in alcoholics. Liver damage also ensues, which exposes the brain to toxic waste products normally cleared by the liver.
Studies have found that when alcoholics abstained for a year, their brain structure and function improved![15]
8. Be Social
Did you know that people who are more social tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives? Several studies have shown this association.
Although the mechanism is unknown, experts think that positive social stimulation enhances the creation of new nerve cells and even pathways. Additionally, social activities tend to reduce stress and keep depression at bay.[16]
Gather your friends and play cards. Travel to new places and watch shows in theaters. Go out and meet your neighbors. If you love to cook, volunteer in your local soup kitchen. Your brain will thank you.
Are There Brain Health Supplements?
Many studies have shown evidence that certain vitamins, minerals, and other food supplements can boost brain health.
The best way to get your nutrients is still the natural way. Nothing can beat a healthy diet of whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. But there are situations when you may need to take supplements. This would prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies that could be harmful to the brain.
Probiotics & Psychobiotics
Trillions of bacteria live in the gut and affect brain function through the gut-brain axis.[17]
Stress, infection, drugs and antibiotics, and illness tilt the balance in favor of the harmful bacteria.[18] This alters the balance of brain chemicals that improve brain function and mood.
Take note: Psychobiotics are live probiotic bacterial strains that help mental health.
Taking psychobiotics can reverse the imbalance; these are simply live probiotic bacterial strains that positively influence the gut-brain signals and enhance the growth of gut bacteria.
Studies show that taking psychobiotics lightened mood and lifted the blues in people.[19]
Probiotics also benefit other parts of the body like the lungs, liver, colon and endocrine system.[20]
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is critical to brain function and development. When you do not get adequate levels of B12 — including at the low end of the normal range — it can affect cognition.
To prevent memory concerns, get adequate Vitamin B12 intake through foods and supplements.[21] Look for one that contains methylcobalamin & adenosylcobalamin, the two most bioactive forms of B12. Your body absorbs these types best! Our Vitamin B12 is an excellent choice. This certified organic liquid contains methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, but also contains hydroxocobalamin for long-lasting, sustained support with 5,000 mcg of B12 per serving. It also provides support for the brain, immune system, and metabolism.
There is not much evidence that B12 supplementation will improve cognition once a deficiency has happened. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular because of the observed health benefits. But vegans and vegetarians are particularly vulnerable to vitamin B12 deficiency, so make sure to take a plant-based supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps maintain healthy blood vessels, which supply blood to the brain.[21]
Vitamin E has beneficial antioxidant effects on brain cells as well as the cardiovascular system.
Oxidative stress contributes to aging, so vitamin E and other antioxidants can play a role in protecting the brain against free radicals that cause oxidative damage.
Studies have found that low levels of vitamin E consistently result in low memory and cognitive performance, while normal levels resulted in better cognitive function.[22]
Nuts, seeds, and their oils, and green leafy vegetables are excellent natural sources of vitamin E.
Nootropics
Nootropics are commonly called memory boosters. These are natural supplements that can enhance your brain performance, including memory, focus, creativity, and motivation.
Their actions seem to involve brain cell receptors, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and nerve growth factors. Some nootropic supplements may boost blood supply, nutrients, and oxygen to the brain. Others may act as antioxidants or reduce swelling in the brain and body.
Examples of these substances that are good for your memory are:[23, 22]
- Ginkgo biloba
- Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng)
- Bacopa monnieri
- Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng)
- Rhodiola rosea (golden root or Arctic root)
Other Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy
Besides the above options, such as exercise and a healthy diet and supplements, you can take action steps in your daily life to keep your brain healthy.
Manage Stress
Stress is part of life. When we are stressed out, our body produces stress hormones and chemicals that help us deal with acute stress.
Chronic exposure can be harmful to the brain. To manage stress, engage in regular physical activity and seek social support.
Practice Meditation
Meditation has been shown to improve brain health. What can eight weeks of 13-minute meditation do?[24, 23]
- Improve attention
- Boost memory
- Enhance mood
- Provide better stress-coping mechanisms
Listen to Music
Did you know that listening to classical music can improve creativity? This type of music elicits a positive mood. With high arousal, the brain generates new ideas and perspectives.[25, 24]
Stay Optimistic
People with a positive outlook in life and with a can-do attitude tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives.[26, 25]
The optimism trait seems to play an important part in how your brain deals with stress. Optimism induces resilience to stress rather than anxiety.
Points to Remember
Brain health is essential to aging well. Caring for your brain should be a "no-brainer." The choices you make, whether diet, supplements, or lifestyle choices, all add up.
Exercise, take care of your body, and avoid chemical and physical stressors in the mix and you can delay the cognitive decline that comes with old age.
Develop these good habits early, and you can be optimistic about growing old. Take three small steps and make a huge leap towards your overall mental well-being. It's all about synergy!
Have you tried any of these idea to keep your brain healthy? Do you have any other ideas? Share below!
References (26)
- “Brain Health.” National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.
- Gorelick PB, et al. Defining optimal brain health in adults: a presidential advisory from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2017 Oct;48(10):e284-e303.
- Aimone J, et al. Regulation and function of adult neurogenesis: from genes to cognition. Physiol Rev. 2014 Oct;94(4):991-1026.
- Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. World Health Organization. 2019. Accessed 6 Dec 2018.
- Poulose SM, et al. Nutritional factors affecting adult neurogenesis and cognitive function. Adv Nutr. 2017 Nov;8(6):804-811.
- Dai XJ, et al. Plasticity and susceptibility of brain morphometry alterations to insufficient sleep. Front Psychiatry. 2018;9:266.
- Alhola P, Polo-Kantola P. Sleep deprivation: impact on cognitive performance. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Oct;3(5):553-567.
- Watson NF, et al. Recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult: a joint consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society. J Clin Sleep Med. 2015;11(6):591-592.
- Eugene AR, Masiak J. The Nneuroprotective aspects of sleep. MEDtube Sci. 2015;3(1):35-40.
- Kelly ME, et al. The impact of cognitive training and mental stimulation on cognitive and everyday functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2014 May;15:28-43.
- Schultz S, et al. Participation in cognitively-stimulating activities is associated with brain structure and cognitive function in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Brain Imaging Behav. 2015 Dec;9(4):729-736.
- Mahati K, et al. Enriched environment ameliorates depression-induced cognitive deficits and restores abnormal hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2016 Oct;134 Pt B:379-91.
- Swan GE, Lessov-Schlaggar CN. The effects of tobacco smoke and nicotine on cognition and the brain. Neuropsychol Rev. 2007 Sep;17(3):259-73.
- Alcohol. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2015. Accessed 3 Dec 2018.
- Alcohol Alert. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health. Oct 2004. Accessed 3 Dec 2018.
- Social engagement and cognition. In: Carstensen LL, Hartel CR, eds. When I'm 64. National Research Council (US) Committee on Aging Frontiers in Social Psychology, Personality, and Adult Developmental Psychology; Washington (DC):National Academies Press (US); 2006.
- Wang HX, Wang YP. Gut Microbiota-brain axis. Chin Med J (Engl). 2016 Oct 5;129(19):2373-2380.
- Ghaisas S, et al. Gut microbiome in health and disease: linking the microbiome-gut-brain axis and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of systemic and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Ther. 2016 Feb;158:52-62.
- Cerdó T, et al. Probiotic, prebiotic, and brain development. Nutrients. 2017 Nov;9(11):1247.
- Havala S, Dwyer J. Position of the American Dietetic Association: vegetarian diets. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Jul;109(7):1266-1282.
- Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. 17 Aug 2018. Accessed 10 Dec 2018.
- La Fata G, et al. Effects of vitamin E on cognitive performance during ageing and in Alzheimer's Disease. Nutrients. 2014 Dec;6(12):5453-5472.
- Suliman NA, et al. Establishing natural nootropics: Recent molecular enhancement influenced by natural nootropic. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:4391375.
- Bassoab JC, et al. Brief, daily meditation enhances attention, memory, mood, and emotional regulation in non-experienced meditators. Behav Brain Res. 2019 Jan 1;356:208-220.
- Ritter SM, et al. Happy creativity: listening to happy music facilitates divergent thinking. PLoS One. 2017; 12(9):e0182210.
- Rasmussen HN, et al. Optimism and physical health: a meta-analytic review. Ann Behav Med. 2009 Jun;37(3):239-256.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.