The human brain is the most complex organ in the Human body, with endless capacity for problem solving, innovation and invention, compared to computer.
It’s surprising that only recently has the concept of brain science begun to emerge. After all, if the body is a “temple”, then surely the brain must be the “high altar” as it generates all our thoughts, feelings and movements. Indeed, it is fundamental to all of our conscious experience.
The good news is that many of the lifestyle choices that are good for the body are also good for the brain. But we need to be mindful that other factors may be particularly beneficial for brain. Clearly, it’s time we all focused more on this most important organ, to improve both the quality and quantity of brain health across the lifespan. Here’s are some of the current evidence supporting the brain health and emprovement.
(1) Eat a healthy balanced diet
Healthy diet is good for your body as well as your brain and can directly improve the health of brain cells and may even slow down brain ageing.
(2) Always exercise your body
Is is somewhat obvious that exercise is good for the body. But not everyone yet realises the extent to which exercise boosts brain health.
Exercise increases blood circulation to the brain and induce the formation of new brain cells (neurons) and connections (synapses).
Prevention is beter than cure, exercise prevents diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other forms of brain degeneration as well as depression and other brain disorders.
(3) Exercise your brain
Two of the cardinal rules of brain plasticity (changes in the brain) are “use it or lose it” and “neurons that fire together wire together”. There’s also some evidence that people who maintain higher levels of cognitive (mental) exercise may be protected from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Along with physical exercise, cognitive stimulation may help build “brain reserve” to protect from, and functionally compensate for wear and tear of brain ageing. But spending a lot of time watching television, for example, may involve the double whammy of reduced physical and mental activity, and could be one risk factor.
So what mentally stimulating activities should you do more ? This is a very personal choice, as it will need to be something you can continue to do not just for days and weeks, but for months and years, in order to have long-term benefits.
(4) don’t stress too much!
It is unfortunate that busy 21st-century lifestyles leave many of us suffering from excessive chronic stress. This may eventually be toxic for the body. It’s especially bad for the brain because parts of it are absolutely loaded with sensitive “stress receptors”.
What’s more, some people are more genetically vulnerable to stress, while others are naturally more resilient. These innate factors also impact our stress responses.
Many lifestyle choices can help us better deal with excessive chronic stress. Stress-reducing strategies such as “mindfulness” and meditation are becoming increasingly popular, often being taught in schools and prescribed by health professionals.
Physical exercise can also help people deal with stress; everyone may have their own approach to “de-stressing” and “chilling out”. Another positive side effect of avoiding excessive chronic stress is healthy sleep patterns. Adequate and regular sleep patterns are known to be beneficial for both brain and body.
In conclusion, “The brain is my second favourite organ!” Says Woody Allen. Considering how fundamental it is to everything we think, feel and do, perhaps we should all be more mindful to look after this most fantastic and plastic organ, the human brain.
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