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Brain health is the overall well-being of the brain, and it includes the ability of the brain to function optimally, adjust to changes and resist damage.
In other words, a healthy brain is crucial for improving the overall quality of life, and regulating emotions and cognitive function.
What does research suggest about brain health?
Researchers studied data from a previous British study of 1,417 individuals who were born during the same week in 1946.
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In the study, they compared the various activity levels reported by individuals like cycling, hiking, dancing and even running. Tthese were compared to the cognitive test results all the participants underwent at the age of 69. The test also included the ability to process information and memory functions.
It was concluded that any form of activity when done even as rarely as once a month can help improve cognitive function and brain health compared to no activity at all.
Therefore, any individual who was active for a 50-year timespan had one of the highest cognitive functions. Anyone who started doing physical activity in their 60s also showed more improvement in cognitive function in just ten years than individuals who didn’t do any physical activity at all.
Factors that contribute to brain health
There are various factors that are important to understand when you’re considering the overall quality of your brain. Here are the following:
Brain structure
The physical structure of the brain, such as the size and density of various regions, affects overall function and brain health.
Brain chemistry
The balance of chemicals like hormones and neurotransmitters can help with mood, stress and cognitive function, and behavior.
Brain connectivity
Various regions of the brain are connected to impact emotional regulation and cognitive function.
Cognitive function
One of the crucial aspects of brain health is the ability to remember, reason and think.
Emotional regulation
The brain’s ability to process emotions, regulate emotions and manage stress is important to maintain brain health.
Physical health
It’s important to have continuous physical activity to regulate factors like cardiovascular health, blood sugar level and brain health.
How to boost brain health?
Here are some of the things that you can focus on to promote brain health:
Physical activity
Proper and regular exercise can help with blood flow that helps with growing new brain cells, reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.
Healthy diet
A healthy diet inclusive of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats can provide you with the essential nutrients you need to boost brain health.
Sufficient sleep
Adequate sleep helps with repairing and regenerating itself, regulating mood and consolidating memories.
Managing stress
Chronic stress can have a negative impact on a healthy brain. It’s important to find ways of managing stress that suits your lifestyle like yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.
Challenging the brain
Certain stimulating exercises like learning new languages, doing crossword puzzles and playing an instrument are great ways of promoting growth of new brain cells.
Socializing
Regular socialization can help reduce risk of cognitive decline.
Avoiding harmful substances
Certain substances like alcohol and drugs, when consumed in excess, affect the brain and increase risk of cognitive decline.
Protecting the head
You should take various steps like wearing a helmet when you’re riding a bike or participating in contact sports to protect yourself from head injuries.
A healthy lifestyle is important for maintaining brain health and boosting it. While it may not be possible to focus on all the factors at the same time, it’s crucial to find a balance between to improve your lifestyle and cognitive function.
