5 Tips for a Healthy Brain

Brain health is so important, but we often don’t think about it. When you’re young, your brain needs proper nutrition to grow and develop. As you age, your brain starts to change in many ways, but you still need proper nutrition. One study reports, “the volume of the brain and/or its weight declines with age at a rate of around 5% per decade after age 40.”¹ However, you don’t have to worry because taking care of your brain is easier than you think.

Keep reading to learn how to increase your brain power.

Keep Moving!

Exercise, like aerobic training, weight training, and even yoga can contribute to a healthy brain. Studies show those who remain active have higher levels of brain proteins that enhance connections between neurons, improving memory and overall cognition.²

Solve a Puzzle

Whether you are a puzzle expert or not, research shows that regularly taking part in word or puzzle games can reinforce connections between brain cells, improve mental speed, and improve short term memory.^{4, 5} This activity is not only good for your brain, but it’s a relaxing hobby that can boost your mood, too!

Stress Less

Did you know that stress can affect your brain? One study revealed that over a 5-year period, increases in saliva cortisol (an indicator of stress) reduced hippocampal volume in the brain.⁶ This part of the brain plays a major role in learning and memory.

Eat Brain Foods

• Omega 3 fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids, found in foods such as nuts and fish, is a great building block for the brain.⁷ It’s important to get these omega 3s from both plant and fish sources in order to reap even more benefits. 4Life's Essential Fatty Acid Complex offers a superior source of these essential fatty acids derived from various plant sources such as flaxseed oil, safflower oil, borage seed oil, and fish oil.
• Grapes and berries: Grapes and berries are antioxidant-rich foods which can protect the brain from oxidative stress and cell damage. One study shows that blueberries and grape juice even improved memory performance.¹⁰ 4Life’s Riovida^® formula combines Vitamin C with natural fruit juices like purple grapes, blueberries, and apple to give you all the brain power you need!
• Ginkgo Biloba: Labeled by some as the “brain herb,” Ginkgo biloba may have incredible effects on our memory and cognition. As we age, it is harder to get rid of free radicals in the body, which attack our brain cells. Ginkgo contains plenty of antioxidants that may help cancel out those free radicals.¹¹ This herb is found in 4Life Transfer Factor ReCall^® for enhanced brain function and improved memory.

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Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2596698/
2. https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2022/workouts-for-brain-health.html
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-436/choline
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4417099/
5. https://www.progresslifeline.org.uk/news/the-benefit-of-puzzles-for-the-brain/
6. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00041.2006
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7103640/
8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
9. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19640963/
11. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/benefits-ginkgo-biloba