Brain is our master organ. It’s a dynamic organ. From the day of its creation it works tirelessly. It keeps evolving and updating. According to our need it increases its size. But as we grow up slowly it looses its cells and decreases it’s volume. It undergoes ageing gradually. Then it’s volume decreases. In medical terminology we tell it brain atrophy.
As a muscle the use of different parts of brain increases that part. When we don’t use it gets destroyed gradually and prematurely. So we can try to prevent ageing in brain. We need a healthy brain for keeping all our physical and cognitive function intact. In this digital age we are coming across so many cases where people are facing brain atrophy in very early age. That’s why many young people are suffering from cognitive decline in very tender age.
In this world brain day let’s learn how to keep brain away from ageing. It will prevent early atrophy of our brain.
#1: GET MENTAL STIMULATION
Through research, scientists have found that activities like reading, music, solving puzzles stimulate new connections between nerve cells and may even help the brain generate new cells. Solving math problems, drawing, painting other crafts also help in mental stimulation.
#2: REGULAR EXERCISE & SLEEP WELL
Regular exercise increases blood supply to brain. It increases secretion of happy hormones. It decreases stress and indirectly decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Good sleep helps in deletion of unwanted memories and consolidates good memories. Sufficient water intake helps in blood circulation and better oxygenation.Research shows that animals who exercise regularly increase the number of tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the region of the brain that is responsible for thought. Exercise also spurs the development of new nerve cells and increases the connections between brain cells (synapses).
#3: KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DIET
Less calories and more fibres along with nuts and legumes are best for brain. people that eat a regular Mediterranean diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils (olive oil) and plant sources of proteins are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia.
#4: CONTROL BP, BLOOD SUGAR & BLOOD CHOLESTEROL
These are the risk factors for stroke. Stroke can involve large area or small area of brain. By controlling BP, Sugar, cholesterol we can limit stroke risk significantly. It will decrease chance of brain atrophy and memory loss subsequently.
#5: STAY AWAY FROM ALCOHOL
Alcohol is one of the worst enemy of brain. Decrease alcohol intake regularly. Chronic alcoholic suffer recurrent brain damage. Regular alcohol decrease nutritional intake resulting malnutrition.
#6: PROTECT YOUR HEAD
Both major and minor head injury are detrimental for our brain. Even small trauma can cause brain hemorrhage. It can decrease memory and change behaviour. So always protect your head. Use helmet while driving.
#7: BUILD A GOOD SOCIAL NETWORK
Human is social animal. Good social network and good friend circle enriches our happiness. The more happy we are the more content we are, the more healthier our brain is. In contrary stress depression and anxiety weaken our nerves. Do attend group activities. Do join meditation and yoga classes.
Healthy brain and mind is needed for a successful life. Please read and share.
Reference
Sachdev PS. The Ageing Brain. CRC Press; 2003 Jan 1.
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