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Our brain is made up of hundreds of billions of cells. Our thoughts, actions and senses affect distinct sets of nerve cells and brain chemicals. Our life experiences literally shape our brains as we age. How you think, feel, act and how well you get along with others has to do with the moment-by-moment functioning of your brain. How your brain works influences every part of who you are and what you do.  

Boost your brain function

Growing evidence suggests that lifestyle factors, like diet, exercise and even challenging activities, can power up the brain by building connections between brain cells and even spurring the production of new ones. Lifelong learning, positive thinking and eating nutritious foods all contribute to giving us a better shot at reaching old age with a brain that still performs at top speed. 

Brain building materials

To build brain cells you need fatty acids. A diet of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is crucial to a well-functioning brain. Good sources of Omega-3 are high-fat, cold water fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. Flax seeds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are excellent vegetarian options.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found in nuts and seeds, especially sunflower and sesame. Meat, eggs, and dairy are also beneficial in moderation.   

Supplements

Supplements to look out for include evening primrose oil, borage, and blackcurrant seed oil.  Olive oil is a source of omega
3-6-and 9; use it for cooking and in salad dressings.  

Keep your brain healthy

Exercise your body regularly; it boosts hormones that keep your brain young.

Keep your mind active, engage in active learning throughout life and pursue new hobbies.

Give  a night class a go!

Be sociable with friends, family and community groups.

Maintain a positive attitude and a sense of control over your life taking steps to manage stress.

Eat a balanced diet, and focus on the brain-healthy foods mentioned above. If you want to supplement your diet take Omega 3 (fish oil) and a good multiple vitamin to promote brain health.

Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation is very harmful to the brain.

Brain exercises

Thinking!

Ask yourself simple questions like how things work, or how something could be better.

 Puzzles

From crosswords and sudoko to lateral thinking problems and riddles.

 Inventing jokes

Choose a random word and make a joke of it or consider the various ways in which it can be used in a sentence.

 Mind scenes

Imagine walking through a place you know or even rooms in your house remembering as much detail as possible and then check to see how well you did.

 Memory

Improve memory by making a list of objects and linking them together as images to put them in order accurately.

Homeopathy
Homeopathic treatment encourages the body and mind to change patterns of illness and habits and improves your general health. Remedies are safe,
non-toxic, non addictive and can be taken alongside conventional medication. Call me, Julia Wilson (RSHom), your local registered homeopath, at Archway House Natural Health Centre, 01858 410820, for a complementary chat to find out how homeopathy can work for you.
Disclaimer: nothing contained in this article should be taken as individual medical advice or as a substitute for consulting your healthcare practitioner