How to take care of the brain? 5 things you must know

The brain is an amazing organ that is responsible for almost every function of the body. Keeping it in good shape is crucial for proper functioning. Thanks to it, we can learn, remember, move and even breathe. Activating the brain, just like in the case of physical activity, allows you to avoid many diseases. What should we do to help it work properly?

A balanced diet for your brain

The brain can be compared to a command center that processes and transmits a lot of information and performed operations require a lot of energy. Therefore, despite its relatively low weight, it consumes up to 25% of your daily caloric intake. What does the brain eat? Its main food is glucose – the brain consumes nearly half of the glucose found in the blood. It is a simple sugar and the body obtains it from carbohydrates. Glucose is found primarily in fruit, but it is also in honey, cereals, bread, and many other foods. A lot of value for the brain comes from eating foods rich in complex carbohydrates, which can be consumed, for example, in whole grains. Such products are also rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential nutrients to function.

What vitamins and minerals do the brain need?

The proper functioning of the brain is additionally supported by B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids – Omega-3 and Omega-6. They can be found primarily in oils such as linseed or rapeseed, but also in walnuts. Fish is a very important source of unsaturated fatty acids. The list of minerals that positively affect the functioning of the brain is very long, and each of them supports different processes. These include:

• B vitamins – are responsible for the efficiency of the nervous system;
• Lecithin – is responsible for improving memory, and its deficiency can lead to senile dementia, which is why it can be an important element of Alzheimer's prevention;
• Iron - its deficiency can cause distraction, problems with learning and reasoning;
• Potassium – supports the oxygenation of the brain, and its supply is very important, especially in stressful situations;
• Phosphorus – is responsible for a good mood and adds vitality, thanks to it our memory does not fail us;
• Magnesium – along with calcium is responsible for the transmission of impulses between nerves and muscles.

Providing them in the right amounts requires a balanced diet. Some minerals may not be absorbed easily, so it is worth considering supplementation after consulting your doctor.

Physical activity

In addition, oxygen plays an important role in its proper functioning. Without its constant influx, its structures are affected by changes that disrupt its functioning. For the sake of its good condition, it is also worth taking care of the appropriate dose of physical activity. If we have the opportunity, we should go for walks in the forests or parks, where we will provide ourselves with fresh air, and additionally we will stimulate circulation. The activity that requires breathing to be regulated may prove very valuable for the work of the brain. Great examples of such activity are yoga and meditation. Playing sports is also very stimulating for the brain - it requires coordination of movement and concentration.

Exercises for the brain

Just like the body, the mind needs to be active in order to stay in good shape. The brain is an organ that needs a variety of stimulation. The brain is an organ that likes challenges. This allows the organ to constantly develop, which translates into its vitality even in old age. The most valuable activities for this organ are activities that require a lot of effort, but even easier tasks will benefit its work.

Ways to stimulate the brain:

• Start learning something new. This is a way not only to stimulate the brain, but also to gain completely new skills. Specialists from the University of Texas in Dallas conducted a study that proved that by learning new things, memory is improved. What is worth starting learning? It is best to choose an activity that will please us – it can be learning a foreign language, but also a new hobby.
• Make changes from the usual patterns. As mentioned before, the brain likes challenges. These challenges do not have to be very complicated - just change the route taken on the way to work.
• Use your non-dominant hand to write something. If you are right-handed use your left hand, and if you are left-handed use your right hand. This way you will give your brain a real challenge. You can also use this exercise while eating. It won't be easy, but that's the point.
• Logic games – crosswords, chess, board games, as well as logic-dexterity games - are an excellent method of combining business with pleasure. During the game, we must show creativity, strategic thinking and concentration.

Prevention for brain diseases

An important part of caring of this amazing organ is prevention, which largely depends on a balanced diet. Thanks to it, we can avoid many serious diseases such as stroke, elderly dementia or Alzheimer's. It is also worth being alert to any disturbing symptoms from the nervous system. In the event of their occurrence, we should contact a doctor who will refer us to appropriate tests. By implementing ways to support and develop the brain, we give ourselves a chance to remain fully mental.