According to neuroscientist
5 strategies to keep your brain fit
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The brain is one of the most important organs in the body. But rarely do people align their lives around what could benefit brain health. A neuroscientist explains what you should pay attention to.
Forgetfulness or lack of concentration can be the result of a person’s neglect of brain health. Five things help to avoid falling into the usual traps of everyday life and to do something good for the organ. A neuroscientist shares her strategies for feeling mentally rested and fit on CNBC Make it.
These 5 strategies are good for your brain
Always take water with you on the way
The bulk of the human brain consists of 80 percent water, as researchers at Heidelberg University write. There are about 140 milliliters of nerve or cerebral fluid in the head. A transparent liquid in which the brain “swims” and which can protect it from physical shock. Every day, the body forms about half a liter of this fluid, which is also broken down again and therefore has to be replaced accordingly, according to Deutsche Welle. The consequences of a lack of water balance can therefore be, for example, headaches, dizziness, tiredness or exhaustion.
Neuroscientist Uma Naidoo recommends drinking water instead of sweetened sodas or energy drinks. That would prevent the low that many people feel after the sugary drink. “I love infusing my water with fruit and mint,” says the expert. You can read here how much we should drink when the temperatures are getting warmer.
Go outside every day
Vitamin D is particularly important for bone metabolism in the body. According to the RKI, it promotes, among other things, the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestine and their incorporation into the bones. According to Study from 2022 it could also prevent dementia and cognitive decline. “I do my best to spend time in nature,” said Naidoo. “Spending at least 10 minutes a day outside can help get most of the vitamin D you need in a week.”
Reduce stress where you can
Stressed people often have more problems making decisions and are more likely to deal with uncertainties in everyday life. This may be related to an imbalance in the neural circuitry. So the motto is to reduce stress in life. For example, Naidoo recommends breathing exercises or other forms of relaxation and meditation.
Take your sleep seriously
Uma Naidoo explains that forgetfulness is often caused by people not giving their bodies enough rest. According to the Gillings School of Global Public Health, sleep is vital to brain health. In addition to having a healthier brain, getting seven to eight hours of sleep has also been linked to better physical health in older people. “I also make sure that I exercise regularly,” says the neuroscientist. This can give an energy boost and help trigger biological processes in the brain that can lead to better quality sleep.
Control certain eating habits
Fried food or foods high in sugar can have a negative effect on the brain. one Study from 2016 according to them, fried foods could contribute to cognitive abilities being weaker than, for example, with a plant-based diet. It can also lead to inflammation that damages blood vessels on the way to the brain. “Diets high in sugar can lead to excess glucose in the brain, with which studies impaired memory,” explains Uma Naidoo.
Sources used: uni-heidelberg.de, dw.com, rki.de