Did you forget where you put your car keys yesterday? Do you remember what you ate for lunch three days ago? Does it seem like simple things are getting harder to remember as you get older?
If so, you’re not alone. Like any other part of our body, our brain shows signs of decline as we get older. Most people accept lower brain activity as just another part of aging. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Over the past 20 years, scientists have made astonishing discoveries to minimize or even eliminate the decline of brain activity. These discoveries identify preventative steps you can take to keep your mind vibrant, sharp, and strong. Here are a few surefire tips to keep your mind healthy for life!
Exercise Regularly. That’s no surprise, is it? But did you know that people who are aerobically fit are brighter? Best of all, you can enjoy the benefits of exercise at nearly any age. Even a 55 or 60 year old will see improvement of mental fitness and a lowering risk of Alzheimer’s disease by daily exercise.
Take Antioxidants. Antioxidants can help minimize brain decline as we get older. And the best antioxidant is Vitamin E. Take 400 IU of vegetable oil-based d-alpha-tocopherol Vitamin E every day. Avoid the synthetic forms of Vitamin E. Other antioxidants such as Vitamin C and beta-carotene also have been proven to help the brain, and even reduce the risk of stroke.
Avoid Aluminum. It’s hard to imagine that we actually ingest metal in our diets on a regular basis. But we do. In fact, aluminum has been identified as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease. How can you limit or eliminate aluminum in your diet? Most metals come from antacids and calcium supplements. First, limit aluminum-containing antacids. Second, eliminate calcium supplements with “oyster shell” or “natural source” on their label.
Eat Fatty Fish. What are “fatty fish?” No, they’re not overweight fish. Fatty fish include salmon, mackerel, and tuna that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Eating fatty fish may be the single most important change you can make to your diet. Eat at least four ounces of fatty fish, four times a week, and you will take a huge step in improving not just your brain’s health, but your body’s too.
Drink Green and Black Tea. What do the British know about tea that we “Yanks” haven’t yet discovered (until now)? They’ve learned that drinking tea can protect against vascular problems, including heart attack and stroke, and even lower risks of dementia! That’s because teas contain flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant properties.
Drink Wine. Hold on. Don’t overdue it. I’m talking about only one glass a day. And if you don’t drink, you can substitute wine with a delicious glass of natural grape juice.
Eat Your Spinach! Was Popeye on to something? It appears so. Studies have found that folate and Vitamin B12 are proven to protect the brain from aging. But if you don’t like spinach, don’t fret. Folate also is found in dried beans, seeds, soy, whole grains, and citrus fruits. And if those don’t suit your fancy, or if your diet doesn’t allow you to eat folate-rich foods, just supplement your diet with 400 to 600 mcg. of folate and 6 mcg. of Vitamin B12 per day.
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