By Royane Real

Author of “How You Can Be Smarter - Use Your Brain to Learn Faster, Remember Better and Be More Creative” 

When you think about how you will spend your retirement years, chances are that you wonder if you have put away enough money to survive comfortably. 

However, there is another kind of investment you should be making today to make certain that your later years are happy and healthy.  Too many seniors are robbed of enjoyment of their later years because they develop terrible brain diseases such as various forms of dementia which slowly destroy their independence and their minds. 

Evidence is increasingly mounting that lifestyle changes we make now can increase the chances of having good brain health in our later years. Looking after our brains is one of the most important investments we can make for our future

The more you do now to protect your brain health, the more likely it is that you can live into your older years with a sharp mind.  The more you do now to protect your brain, the better chance you have to live independently for a long time as you grow older. 

Still, you may find it daunting to try learn what you have to do to protect your brain.   

You might think, “ I already feel overwhelmed by trying to learn all the things I need to do to prevent heart disease, and to prevent cancer, as well as preventing lots of other diseases.  I don’t think I want to start worrying now about how to look after my brain.”

The good new is that to help your brain, you don’t need to learn a lot of new ihealth nformation.  You don’t need to choose between doing things that are good for your heart, and doing things that are good for your brain. 

Why? Because many of the same factors that can help your heart stay healthy will also help your brain stay healthy as well.  We often forget that our billions of brain cells depend on having a very good supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered by means of the blood that your heart is pumping. 

Here’s a short list of some action steps you can take now to help improve the way your brain works.  The good news is these will help your heart too!

-         It’s very beneficial for your brain if you get regular physical exercise at least four times each week.  And of course, regular exercise will benefit your heart as well.  If you are over forty or out of shape, you may need a doctor’s advice about what type of exercise program is best for you.

-         Avoid eating foods that contain saturated fats or hydrogenated fats.  They can stiffen your arteries and keep your brain from getting the kinds of fatty acids it needs most.

-         Increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids, by eating more oily ocean fish, or by taking fish oil capsules or flax seed oil.

-         If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels and avoid the dangers of getting a stroke.

-         Diabetics should work with their doctor to keep blood sugar levels in the proper range.

-         Eat at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day.  Those fruits and vegetables that have bright colors seem to have an especially strong anti-oxidant benefit.

-         In some studies, taking folic acid in the amount of at least 400 mcg. a day seems to provide a protective effect on memory as well as lowering the risk of heart disease.

-         If your life is very stressful, learn how to deal with stress effectively.  Learn to say no.  Schedule time for relaxation.  Develop more optimistic ways of looking at your situation.

-         Make it a priority to have a good social life with other people.  Be sure to have fun on a regular basis and stay in touch with people you like, who like you back.

-         Learn to deal effectively with stress, by using exercise, prayer, and meditation.

-         Stay interested in life.

Follow these simple steps, and not only will your heart will thank you, but your brain will thank you too!

This article was written by Royane Real who is the author of the book  “How You Can Be Smarter - Use Your Brain to Learn Faster, Remember Better and Be More Creative”  Download it today and learn more ways to get the maximum use of your brainpower. It’s available at  http://www.lulu.com/real 

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Mentally Fit Forever

Boost Your Brain Power

By Lee Pulos, Ph.D.

The reality is that you can be sharper as you age, if you start now to care for that most important of all organs, your brain. And even more exciting news—if you are already experiencing memory loss, you can do what hundreds of others have already done—reverse the process!

To get more information visit                                                                               http://nightingale.directtrack.com/z/10548/CD1323/  

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