The stress of everyday life constantly bombards us today, more so than any other generation before us. We see commercials and advertisements continually about increasing and improving our brain power by using supplements, brain exercises, yoga and many other suggestions too great to number. But how can you really know what works and what doesn’t? Let’s continue and consider at least 5 suggestions that many contribute to improving brain health; what are they and do they really work.
Genetics – Much of this category is dependent on whether you are looking at the intelligence level or overall health of your brain. We may all not be an Einstein, but having a healthy brain means that we have one that functions properly. So in reality, this is a myth. Our brains act on three definite factors that promote optimal performance: food deprivation or fasting, physical exercise and social or intellectual experiences. These three factors have proven that the cognitive functions of the brain improve with these specific stimulations. However, modern advances in agriculture have made seeking food much easier for most of us, thus reducing exercise and leading a more sedentary lifestyle thanks to the electronics. The results? We see more obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes to say the least. More importantly, we see more and more Alzheimer’s disease. The truth of the matter is that regarding genetics we get what we are born with and nothing more; it’s how we use it that matters.
The only hope for brain health is medication and supplements – Studies have shown, as well as the previous myth-buster noting that exercise is of the utmost importance in brain health that exercise (especially those of aerobic nature) helps to increase the synaptic plasticity in the brain and encourage brain stimuli. So, once again this is a myth. Meditation along with exercise can also encourage relaxation and help the brain to overcome daily stresses.
Alzheimer’s disease is Alzheimer’s and there is nothing you can do. – This is so untrue. Truly a myth. While Alzheimer’s is of definite concern to anyone today, it isn’t a sentence to senility as with more and more research is discovering it is mostly related to lifestyles, not the genetics. Once again, consider point #1 above relating to how our brains work and why. Cognitive functions can be maintained to a degree, but age will still cause a gradual decrease. The important point is that we continue to stimulate the brain as much as possible for as long as possible.
Supplements are the answer! – For many years, proponents of natural supplements for brain health have pushed the usage of certain herbs and other supplements to increase brain functions. Oops…this also is a myth! Studies show that there is absolutely no proof that supplements such as Gotu Kola and Ginseng actually increase the cognitive functions of the brain. While there may be certain supplements that a doctor may recommend for a specific nature that may improve a specific ailment, the overall addition of ‘brain function is increasing’ supplements simply have no basis for their claim. So, save your money and go for the exercise, diet and social interactivity for your supplemental.
Video games stimulate the brain and are great for brain training! – Positive forms of brain training can include meditation, cognitive training and therapy, and neurofeedback. While there may be a stimulation to the brain in some forms, not all video games are the same, thus as a complete statement, this has to be considered a false claim. It is essential to distinguish the ends to the means and determine what advantages a particular video game might give one. Ask a few questions to determine is it actually stimulating your brain, or is it a mindless pleasure? Does it require thought or simply reaction to stimuli? Consider the source.
Several other things can come into question when considering this topic. Does heart health affect the brain health? Does brain training really work? Can your brain age actually be reversed?
Summary
There is so much to discover and learn from and about the human brain. It is truly a fascinating part of our human anatomy. It is the cognitive factors of our brains that tell us how to understand the world and act in it. It is this set of responses that helps us to determine the mental abilities and processes that create our human actions.
So, for ultimate brain health perhaps the best thing one can do is to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition, abstaining from drugs, avoid excessive alcohol, get plenty of exercises and reduce stress with maintaining positive relationships. At least if we can accomplish this, we stand a much better chance of surviving this hectic life we have no choice but to live in today.
References:
https://the-zeit.com/2016/04/20/5-tips-for-keeping-your-brain-healthy-as-you-grow-old/
http://www.inramstechnology.com/games/can-improve-iq-playing-games/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25576651
Author Bio
Daisy Grace works as a freelance writer. She specializes in women’s health and also explores topics related to general health and beauty. Daisy loves studying the latest trends in health, fitness, diet, cosmetics and skin care, but her experience extends further than that. She writes on all aspects of women’s health and beauty skin care and also various product reviews. Read more of her expertise on Facebook, Google + & Twitter.
