Monday, June 23, 2008

Brain Food...and Other Good Stuff


I recently read an article about ways to stave off early dementia and Alzheimer's, and was thrilled to discover that I was practicing most of the methods already. All of the things I advocate at livelife365.com and this blog are great contributors in not only living longer, healthy, happy lives, but also quite helpful in ensuring that your mind is sharp and healthy for the duration. Here are some tips:

STAY ACTIVE

I am constantly going on about the importance of exercise, and there's a reason for it. It is so GOOD for you! One of the best things you can do now to help when you're older is start an exercise program. I recently wrote a post about walking that will help you get started. You will also benefit from lifting light weights (in the beginning) three times a week, and some form of cardiovascular exercise. Try riding a bike, either stationary or outside, treadmill, swimming, anything to get your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes, three days a week. As always, consult your medical professional before starting any new exercise program.

WORK YOUR MIND

We all use our brains in different ways, depending on what we need to accomplish. Most of that precious brain power is used to earn a living and maintain our households, relationships, or raise children. But to help keep dementia away, as well as improve your life now, you need to work your mind in other ways. Different ways than you work it during your normal routines. I do a crossword puzzle each day, that helps. Or try Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles. Anything that occupies your mind differently, works another part of the old gray matter, is beneficial. Reading is great for you. Toss out that TV and read, every day. Fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, ahh, blogs? Yes, those too. Expand your knowledge, learn new things--you will enhance your life now, and really help yourself as you age.

Pick up a hobby or learn a musical instrument. Join clubs. Do volunteer work. Challenge yourself and your mind and you will not be as challenged down the road.

DON'T SMOKE

Not much more I need to say about that except: DON'T EVER SMOKE! EVER!! There is absolutely nothing positive that can happen to you by smoking, so, please, don't.

MANAGE YOUR STRESS

First you take away my smokes, now you tell me to manage my stress? Jeez! We all have stress in our lives, there's no getting around it. It's everywhere these days. The key is finding ways to manage it. Here are a few suggestions: Yoga, meditation, long walks, breathing techniques, good relationships, making love (hopefully with the same person from that good relationship), laughter, proper sleep. And proper diet (more on that soon).

I have videos at livelife365.com that talk about all of these methods.

DIET

Eating the proper foods and correct amounts of foods is something I talk and write about all the time. Why? Because I strongly feel that what we eat and their portions is the secret to life. Living healthy, happy lives now--and in our golden years. Diets rich in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory foods will help you now and are being linked to helping keep Alzheimer's away.

Start with as many servings (at least 6, but 10-12 is better) of fruits and vegetables as you can humanly consume every day. The best way to accomplish this is to eliminate some other foods from your daily consumption. I have an idea--how about getting rid of saturated fats, unnecessary sugars and carbs, empty calories, and red meat? Replace them with: high-fiber foods like whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts, and those aforementioned fruits and veggies. And replace butter and other oils, whenever possible, with olive oil. It not only will help you age better, but it also reduces cholesterol and is loaded with healthy fats. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are the good fats. Saturated and trans fats are the ones to keep away from. Read labels and avoid fast food whenever you can.

And drink tea, preferably green. As well as rooibos and yerba matte. These teas not only taste wonderful, but are loaded with antioxidants, which help slow the aging process of cells, thus helping fight cancer--and Alzheimer's. I drink at least five cups a day--you should too.


Here is a video (Brain Food) about this post that may interest you. And most of this information can also be found in video form at my website, livelife365.com.

Until next time...

peace,

Mike

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Many thanks . Your recommendations are very important .
I hope good health for all .
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Anonymous said...

All great tips. Thankfully I am practicing almost all of them. Thanks for the information

Anonymous said...

You are full of good tips! With a world that is full of "drink, smoke, eat our good food with chemicals............." you stand out with good sound advice.

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Anonymous said...

Mike,
Great article. Quoted you on my blog this week because I wanted to share some of your tips with my readers. Thanks.

Robin Plan said...

Excellent tips especially about food. Thank you for sharing sensible things we can all work into a busy life.
Robin

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike,

What great tips. I highly agree in keeping the mind active by learning new things, and using both sides of the brain.

I love communicating with older folks who are mentally sharp and can remember stories from "the good old days". They are so full of wisdom.


BTW: Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I truly appreciate it.

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

Excellent post! I do some of these but need to focus on a couple. Will follow these tips! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I like your introduction video on livelife365.com !! Good job! :)

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Anonymous said...

Good tips. I've got the workout and diet down, now for tackling that stress. Off to yoga...

:)

Anonymous said...

I too read an article about brain food. Like you I was pleased to see that I was doing almost all of the things on the list. So if nothing less it confirmed what I was doing. Probably the area I need to work on more is to take time out to relax, stop work, rest, do nothing time. Reading this was a good reminder for me to do that as I am REALLY trying to focus on that more.

Anonymous said...

I also want to add there seems to be a consensus that aluminum and other heavy metals are a contributing factor in Alzheimer's. And definitely nutritional deficiencies as well, specifically a lack of vitamin B-12. I have more info in a blog post I did last week... http://bedohaveblog.com/?p=11

Anonymous said...

Yes , everybody is killing them self with fried food. You are like whip of fresh air.