Research shows that physical exercise may encourage the brain to work at optimum capacity by causing nerve cells to multiply, strengthening their interconnections and protecting them from damage.
Try these actions to sharpen your thinking cap:
• Incorporate mind-stimulating games into your daily life that keep your mind working and stimulated. Listen intently and memorize names, shopping lists, and daily activities. Puzzles and memory games are also helpful.
• Regular cardiovascular exercises, including brisk walking, slow jogging, biking, or swimming, improve circulation to the brain and can help improve memory 20 to 30 percent.
• The sleep factor: A good night's sleep is crucial for mental energy because our body regenerates during sleep. When you feel tired, take a 15-minute power nap.
Brain Foods
A balanced diet rich in essential amino acids, omega oils, minerals and vitamins will ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Make sure to eat some form of protein with every meal-as nuts, seeds, beans, legumes or animal products.
Fish, especially deep ocean fish, provide a good source for the essential oils that our cells need to function optimally. Other brain foods include: apples, bamboo shoots, beets, bell peppers, celery, yams, squash, snow peas, pumpkin, potatoes, parsley, mushrooms, goji berries, papaya, pineapples, raspberries, oats, adzuki beans, black beans, chestnuts, sesame seeds, and (black) walnuts.
Micro-algae-blue-green algae, spirulina and chlorella-are easy to digest, high protein, and high-energy supplements that support healthy brain functions.
Dr. Mao's Anti-Aging Brain Mix
The essential fatty acids, rich carotenoids, and antioxidants in this mix will nourish and support your brain.
- 1 cup walnut
- 1/2 cup pine nut
- 1/4 cup sesame seed
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seed
- 1/3 cup dried goji berry (lycium berry)
- 1/2 cup apricot and 1/2 cup blueberry.
In addition to eating the right foods, drink green tea every day, which prevents an enzyme found in Alzheimer's and is also rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that help prevent premature brain aging.
When you need to concentrate or find your focus waning, try making a tea from herbs and spices rich in volatile oils and B vitamins that naturally perk up your brain.
Steep any of the following herbs in hot water for five minutes: dill, clove, oregano, cilantro, rosemary, sage, fennel, anise, cardamon, garlic, onion, ginger, leek, scallion, pepper, chive, cinnamon, basil, and coriander. Feel free to combine more than one!
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Herbal Help
These herbs will help improve your memory and tune up your concentration:
• Ginkgo boosts circulation to the brain and other organs, improving memory and cognitive functions. Ginkgo has been most effective in helping symptoms of senility, dementia, anxiety, forgetfulness, and inability to concentrate and attention deficit disorder in adults. Gingko biloba supplements have been found effective for strengthening learning, thinking, retention and recall.
• Goji berry, also known as lycium berry or wolfberry, is a delicious fruit native to China that has long been known for its tonic effects on vision and the brain.
• Schisandra berry is a prized energy tonic that enhances mental concentration as it simultaneously soothes the nerves.
• These and other Chinese herbs that support healthy brain functions can be found in my herbal formula, Super Clarity.
I hope you find the ways to power up your brain! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao..
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