how-to-keep-your-brain-healthy-from-the-inside-out

Did you ever get a song stuck in your head?  Like perhaps, “Don’t You Forget About me”—that definitive ‘80’s song from the teenage classic, “Breakfast Club”?  You’re not alone!  And just maybe your brain is trying to tell you something….like ‘don’t forget about me—I’m your top organ pretty much in charge of everything else that goes on in that body of yours’!

Won’t Be Fooled Again…

While our culture is very in tune with keeping our bodies fit, there hasn’t been as much attention on our brain health.  But that is changing.  As a matter of fact, it seems like there’s a new supplement or “smart pill” on the internet every day that will give you limitless brain capacity or make you as smart as Steven Hawking!  (Attention advertisers: Our brains may be a little rusty, but they can definitely detect scams!)

Natural Brain Fuel

Of course, there are legitimate solutions out there to strengthen your neural response and increase focus.  Certain fatty acids (particularly omega-3 fatty acids) have been proven to optimize brain function and can be found naturally in salmon, or in plant-based sources such as macadamia nuts, walnuts, and flaxseeds.  There are many supplements on the market that contain these vital fatty acids—just do your homework (and always consult with your doctor before trying any type of supplement).

Brain Calisthenics

If you’re not interested in taking supplements, there are other ways to get your brain in shape–they’re called “Brain Games!”  Not only does it help to sharpen the ‘old CPU’, doing them can be fun!  We’re big fans of Sudoku, Word Scrambles and trivia games.  Check out http://www.lumosity.com/ to learn more about brain training, and choose from a wide variety of fun, stimulating brain games to keep you at your sharpest!  Your brain will thank you. J

– By Cherie Boldt

Smart Lifebites