As spring arrives, consumers get motivated to freshen things up, and that can include spring cleaning the cobwebs out of the brain. Celia Milne, in an article for Metro Canada, called out three cornerstones of better brain health—good nutrition, regular exercise, and brain stimulation.
On the nutrition side, there are several important foods and dietary habits. Omega-3 fatty acids can improve mood and cognitive focus; Milne noted Alan Logan, author of “The Brain Diet” promotes omega-3s for their ability to stimulate production of a protein in the brain the regenerates brain cells. Logan also advises eating breakfast regularly to sustain mental energy, concentrating on consuming whole grain breads and cereals to support balanced blood sugar levels.
Exercise also supports brain health, according to Milne, who cited information from John Ratey, author of “Spark, the Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain,” that exercise can “supercharge” the circuits of the brain and sharpen thinking. She added exercising outside can improve mood even more, as getting out in the sunlight can impact production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can enhance mood.
Finally, mental stimulation is important to challenge memory and cognitive function.