Brain Health Food for Thought:

Our brains act as the command center for all aspects of our daily life. It is the most complex organ in our system. The brain enables our thoughts, memories, movements, emotions, intelligence and behaviors. Just like other organs in our bodies, our brains should be taken care of.

WHY IS BRAIN HEALTH IMPORTANT?

Keeping our brains healthy is critical to our overall well-being and quality of life, especially as we age. Boosting your brain health can reduce your risk of developing memory-loss-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

“ There are two key aspects to brain health — your mental and behavioral brain health, and neurocognitive brain health,” said Dr. Amna Ramzan, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “One impacts how we feel, think and act. The other impacts our ability to complete normal daily activities, such as eating, bathing and functioning within a community.”

Habits To Boost The Brain

Healthy diet: An important pillar of developing good brain health is what you put into your body. You should eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, quality proteins, healthy fats and whole grains. “Studies have shown that people who have adopted the Mediterranean diet are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease,” Ramzan said. “Consider eating more plant-based foods, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, such as olive oil and avocado.” Healthy exercise: Research suggests that physically active people are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

You should exercise 30-60 minutes several times a week, doing activities that increase your heart rate.

“Mental exercise is just as important as physical,” Ramzan said. “Play games, read, learn a new skill, meditate — all of these activities will improve your memory, attention, brain speed, people skills, intelligence and navigation.”

Healthy sleep: Getting rest is a critical part of good brain health. Sleep keeps you sharp, focused and able to make thoughtful decisions. Experts also believe that sleep boosts your overall memory. For most adults, healthy sleep consists of six to eight hours per night.

Healthy surroundings: Your environment plays a signifiant role in good brain health. It encompasses the people, places and things you surround yourself with that can either enhance or diminish your health. Be mindful of your surroundings and how they impact your mental health. Staying socially engaged is shown to reduce stress and depression, which are symptoms that can contribute to memory loss.

“Implementing these pillars of healthy habits is good for developing your brain, and also can bring down your risk for many other health conditions,” said Ramzan. •

Keep Your Brain in Shape

The specialists at Houston Methodist Neuroscience Center at Willowbrook can help you assess your risk factors for certain brain and memory conditions. Visit houstonmethodist.org/ neuro-wb or call 281.737.1167 to schedule an appointment.