Your Health

We all tend to slow down as we age in the brain as some reports say the brain shrinks about 2.5% every 10 years of adult life.  This does not mean you have to get less smart over time.

Our brain is made with millions of neurons that transmit messages to another through a synapse.  A synapse is the spacing between each nerve where chemical messages are sent from one nerve to another. As we age the chemical messages do not always make it in accurate form to their end destination but we can increase that accuracy over time.  Apply these tips to not only increase your brain ’smartness’ but lessen your memory loss so you can remember where you left your keys or if you locked the house when you left.

1. Add DHA to your day – your  brain is about 50% DHA – an essential fatty acid commonly found in fish.  If you are not a fish eater or vegetarian make sure you consume walnuts, olive oil, flax or salba as these can get converted into the fats your brain needs or eat fortified DHA foods such as eggs daily.
2. Give yourself a better breakfast.  A study looking at kids and sugary breakfast items – found they performed at the level of 70 year olds in memory and attention.  Simple sugar items to start your brain only provide you with a fast source of fuel that crashes usually in 30 minutes.  Oatmeal is the number one choice, and always accompany your morning with some fiber rich fruit such as raspberries.
3. Get in the practice of doing things with your less dominant hand – try brushing your teeth with your left hand if you are right hand dominated. This really causes a few areas of your brain to work in ways it is not accustomed too and can strengthen the fibers within your brain making them stronger.  Tying a shoelace with the opposite hand is a great challenge too.
4. Pick up a music instrument. They have found that music hits many brain functions such as finger movement, listening and emotional development which did boost IQ in 6 year olds by 2-3 points

Brain Enhancer Salad Dressing:

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 tbsp white vinegar

Dash Sea Salt

Pour over the prepared greens and toss really well.  If you are looking for a different zest – try apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.