How to Keep Your Brain From Aging

Most of what has been discovered about the brain has been learned in the last twenty years. It is known now that cognitive decline as we age does not have to be our future. There are many ways that we can slow down the process and keep our brains healthy and youthful.

There are signs to let you know when your brain is aging: memory loss, mental exhaustion and difficulty multitasking. What can we do about it? We can make personal choices to keep our brains younger in order to avoid what some people call senior moments. The following are some of the many choices we can make:

- Oxygen is very important to our brains. If we live a sedentary lifestyle, we don't get enough oxygen. It is important to get a lot of exercise and fresh air; deep breathe and yawn. Exercise grows brain cells.
- Our brains are comprised mostly of water so it is necessary to keep hydrated. Most people need at least eight glasses of water, tea, juice, etc. every day.
- Proper nutrition is very important for our brains. Protein especially means brain growth and makes our brains more focused. Some of the foods that are important to have in our diets are nuts, eggs, fish, white meat, whole grains, fruits and colorful vegetables. An example of a healthy breakfast is fruit, whole grain and a protein.
- Other healthy foods for the brain are: wheat germ, cauliflower, soybeans, brown rice, turkey, soy products, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, peanut butter, beans and avocados.
- Foods high in antioxidants are especially helpful for keeping a youthful brain. These include carrots, yams, spinach, cranberries, apples, prunes, plums, tomatoes, grapes, strawberries and raspberries. Blueberries are the winner in the antioxidant category.
- Herbs such as garlic, mint, rosemary, thyme and barley are also good for the brain as is green tea.
- It is important to take supplements, or those foods rich in Omega 3's which include fish and flax seed. A general multivitamin supplement is recommended plus vitamin C, the B vitamins and particularly for seniors, vitamins D and E.
- Stress and sleep deprivation take a heavy toll on the brain. Other things are saturated fats and trans fatty acids also. White sugar is poison, not only for your health but for your brain too.
- Smoking is detrimental to the brain as it damages blood vessels and can cause blood clots. And too much caffeine reduces blood flow to the brain.
- Overuse of alcohol detrimentally affects the brain. Hangovers are brain damage.

Education should never stop. Learning is a safeguard against memory loss. It is important to take on mental challenges and do problem solving. Be curious. Ask questions. Unfamiliar activities are the brain's best friend. Be creative and spontaneous. Travel, learn a foreign language, go to a symphony or an opera, especially if you've never gone before. Try your hand at art, sew, build or knit. Do Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Protect your brain from insults, i.e.: concussions or injuries by making wise choices, i.e.: wearing a helmet and using a seat belt.

But it's also important to take time to relax, have fun and enjoy nature; enjoy close support of family and friends. See the humor in life; worry less and laugh more. By doing so, while you are keeping your brain healthy and youthful, you are also helping yourself along the path of longevity.