While everyone wants to get fit and look good, we often forget we have to exercise our brains!
With September being World Alzheimer's Month, we sat down with neurosurgeon Dr. Brett Osborn to learn what we can all do to keep our noggens in shape. Miss Part One of our talks with the expert? Check it out here and then read up on the rest of Osborn's tips below:
Don't sweat stress. There is such a thing as good stress, including the acute bodily stress involved in strength training.
"Of course, there's the bad stress, such as psychological stress associated with work or interpersonal relationships, and environmental stress, derived from pesticide-laden food - toxins. As always, you have a choice."
Osborn says you don't have to accept mental stress in your life either. "Reconsider toxic relationships. Rethink how you handle pressure at work. Perhaps adopt a lunchtime exercise routine."
Fuel a better body and brain. "I don't believe in 'diets,'" Osborn explained. "Fit individuals were around for eons before the term existed, and I associate the term with temporary and, often, self-destructive behaviors."
"Again, it's all connected. A healthy balance of food and activity will inevitably be good for the entire body: the heart, skeleton, muscles, brain, etc. Proper nutrition is a natural mood enhancer, and good health will inevitably improve self-esteem," Osborn stressed.
Feed your head with smart drugs. Osbron says some pharmaceuticals may help enhance cerebral blood flow and increase concentration, including Hydergine, Deprenyl and Prozac, to name a few. The expert advises to ask your doctor about these.
"There are also over-the-counter smart drugs to consider. Piracetam is one of the oldest and has been shown to have a variety of positive effects in patients with cognitive disorders like dementia and epilepsy."
"Vinpocetine has potent anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation is a key component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, and others. You may also want to check out gingko biloba and pregnenolone."
How do you keep your brain fit? Tell us with a note below!
