Brain Health 101: Keeping the Brain Smart and Healthy

It goes without saying that the brain is an extremely important organ, yet many people do not know the various ways to maintain proper brain health and all of the factors that can cause damage to this vital organ. This is important to note because the health of the brain is not something usually considered until it starts showing signs of reduced acuity. Taking the steps to keep the brain healthy now can pay off once a person starts getting older, as age does cause some natural depreciation in how the brain works. 

How Does Age Affect Brain Health? 

Just like the rest of the body, the brain naturally ages over time. Research shows that the brain actually shrinks in size with age, especially in the front cortex. It also suffers losses in cells, molecules, vasculature and cognition. Dopamine levels drop off about 10% per decade, and hormones and neurotransmitters can suffer drastic changes. 

As a result, memory loss, brain fog, and other brain health issues like dementia become more likely the older the body gets.

Common Brain Health Problems

Although the brain is the most protected organ in the body, it can suffer health problems just like any other bodily organ. Common problems related to the brain include:

• Brain Fog / Mental Fatigue
• Short-Term Memory Loss
• Confusion
• Depression
• Dementia

What Causes Brain Health Problems?

Brain health problems can stem from a wide range of factors, including age, genetics, injury or brain trauma, stress, diet and lack of exercise. One of the most common causes of brain problems is malnutrition, which fortunately is something we have a high level of control over. When the brain does not get sufficient oxygen or the nutrients it needs to function at its best, it will naturally decline in health and acuity.

Foods for a Healthy Brain

Certain foods have been shown to be beneficial in helping maintain brain health. These include foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B. Popular choices for brain health support include walnuts, wild-caught salmon, blueberries, strawberries, yogurt, purple grapes, and more.

Brain Health Supplements

Many people also choose to use brain health supplements as part of their healthy living strategy. One commonly used supplement to support brain health is Astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant with unique properties not found in most other antioxidants. 

Brain Exercises 

The brain is very much a "use it or lose it" organ; the less you use it, the faster its health will depreciate. So, if you want to keep your brain fit and healthy, then it needs to be exercised just like the rest of the body. Good brain exercises include playing memory games, crossword puzzles, reading a diversity of books, and playing games that rely on logic and problem-solving.