I don’t know about you but I forget things sometimes.   And I have learned recently  I shouldn’t worry—it’s completely normal. Neural connections in the brain start declining as early as age 20. While this decline is gradual, by age 45, it can occur more rapidly. But a few healthy habits can help me keep my brain healthy and protect against normal age-related mental decline. Here’s what I am learning I can do.

Exercise your mind.

One of the best ways to keep your brain in tip-top shape is to use it! Like your body, your mind needs to be exercised to stay sharp. Doing puzzles, trying some activity that is challenging, or engaging in anything to stimulate mental networks can help the brain stay healthy.

Exercise your body.

But speaking of your body, regular exercise can help as well. Any exercise will help improve blood flow to the brain and encourage the growth of new brain cells. The best part is that your exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous—even walking can help.

Nourish your brain.

When it comes to wellness, eating healthy may be a no-brainer, but it actually does so much for your brain. Some key nutrients that support your brain are omega-3s, B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin E, and zinc. And it’s a good idea to eat a diet that’s low in fat and cholesterol, with plenty of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (especially dark leafy greens).

Take a supplement.

On top of a healthy diet, you can take MindWorks to give yourself vital nutrients to help keep your brain healthy as you age.* Mindworks contains guarana extract, which has been shown in two clinical studies to significantly enhance short-term memory, sharpen focus, and improve reaction time compared to control.*^1,2 Also, the combination of vitamins B6, B12, and folate found in MindWorks has been shown to reduce age-related brain shrinkage rate.^3,4

It’s never too early to think about maintaining your cognitive health. Think fast, stay sharp, and live healthy by giving your brain what it needs.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1. Kennedy, D.O., Haskell, C.F., Wesnes, K.A., Scholey, A.B. Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 79:401-411, 2004.
2. Haskell, C.F., Kennedy, D.O., Wesnes, K.A., Milne, A.L., Scholey, A.B. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioural effect of guarana in humans. J. Psychopharm. 21:65-70, 2007.
3. de Jager, C.A., Oulhaj, A., Jacoby, R., Refsum, H., Smith, A.D. Cognitive and clinical outcomes of homocysteine-lowering B-vitamin treatment in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. Int. J. Geriatr. Psychiatry 27:592-600, 2012.
4. Smith, A.D., Smith, S.M., de Jager, C.A., Whitbread, P., Johnston, C., Agacinski, G., Oulhaj, A., Bradley, K.M., Jacoby, R., Refsum, H. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE 5(9): e12244. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0012244, 2010.

The post When You Should Start Thinking About Mental Alertness and How to Help It appeared first on Shaklee Corporation.