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Improving Brain Health Naturally at Any Age

by Aviv Clinics
September 19, 2021

Old Beliefs, New Possibilities:  Can Bran Health Really Improve With Age?

When it comes to brain health, most scientists used to believe the old saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” The long-held belief was that the adult brain lost the ability to grow after a certain age. In other words, the conventional wisdom believed that once we lost certain cognitive functions, they were gone forever. Fortunately, new research has revealed that improving brain health is possible at any age.

Not only is it possible to change your brain at any life stage, but you can improve your cognitive functions just by making a few simple lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can improve your brain health naturally, no matter how old you are!

What is Neurogenesis and Why Does it Matter for Brain Health?

The human brain is home to millions of hard-working neurons, or brain cells, firing their synapses to create connections. As we age, the number of neurons in our brains naturally begins to decline, which can lead to cognitive problems. You might find yourself forgetting where you put your keys more often, or struggling to solve a simple brain teaser that might’ve taken you minutes in earlier years. These small slips in your cognitive functions can become frustrating. They can interfere with your daily life, and even become outright debilitating over time. Fortunately, some people can recover their cognitive functions with a little help.

The creation of new neurons is called “neurogenesis.” New research suggests that the brain can continue to create neurons well into adulthood. The findings reveal that adults with Alzheimer’s disease have fewer neurons in their brains than neurologically healthy adults, suggesting that Alzheimer’s disease and a lack of neurons are directly connected.

Treatment options, like the non-invasive HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) protocol offered at Aviv Clinics, have been shown to stimulate neurogenesis in the adult brain, slowing and even reversing the effects of age-related cognitive decline. It’s also possible to stimulate neurogenesis on your own.

Neuroplasticity Explained: How Your Brain Adapts and Grows

When you experience something new, such as playing your grandkid’s favorite video game for the first time, the stimulation causes the neurons to form new pathways in your brain. The more you play the game and hone your skills, the stronger those connections become. This is “neuroplasticity”—the brain’s ability to change itself in response to new information. With neuroplasticity, your brain can rewire itself by changing its physical structure.

But neuroplasticity can do more than help you level up your gaming skills. Through neuroplasticity, the brain can even restructure itself after suffering an injury, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke, by forming new neural connections in undamaged parts of the brain. Building and strengthening your neural connections is a key aspect of maintaining brain health at any age. Here are a few ways to promote neuroplasticity you can try out at home.

5 Tips for Improving Brain Health Naturally

Improving brain health with games

Eat for Your Brain: Foods the Fuel Neurogenesis

Think of the brain as your body’s engine. If you want your brain to run optimally, you need to give it the proper fuel. Eating processed foods high in saturated fat and sugar can stall neurogenesis, slow your thinking, or cause “brain fog” and other cognitive issues.

The good news is, eating a diet with foods that promote neurogenesis can improve your cognitive health. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and fish can increase neuron production. So can the flavonoids in foods like dark chocolate and fresh berries. Even the resveratrol in a glass of wine can give your brain a boost, although drinking in excess can have the opposite effect.

The amount of food you eat and how often you eat also have a role to play. Caloric restriction diets promote neurogenesis, and so do eating methods like intermittent fasting. Try a simple 16:8 fasting schedule and see if your cognitive functions improve.

Move to Improve: How Exercise Enhances Brain Performance

The brain and the body are intimately connected. When one is out of shape, the other can suffer. To give your brain an extra boost, try getting up and moving your body. Studies have shown that physical activity can promote neuroplasticity.

The skills you learn from playing sports like pickleball or golf can stimulate neural connections in your brain. Plus, the physical activity can improve your heart health and help you reach your recommended exercise. You don’t have to run a marathon to see results. The key is to find a physical activity you enjoy doing and to do it regularly. Your body and brain will both reap the benefits.

Learn Something New: Stimulate Neuroplasticity With Mental Challenges

Of course, you can also exercise your brain directly. Just like any other organ or muscle in your body, the brain needs regular stimulation to remain strong. Learning new skills is one of the key aspects of stimulating neuroplasticity in the brain. The possibilities for promoting new neural pathways are endless. You could learn to play a musical instrument, practice speaking different languages, try out a new recipe in the kitchen, or even take a class online.

Playing specialized brain games is one of the best ways to give your brain a good workout. Even solving a crossword puzzle or a challenging Sudoku game can provide extra stimulation. So long as your brain is facing a challenge, then you’re promoting the growth of new neural connections.

Calm the Mind: How Meditation Supports Cognitive Health

Meditation is more than just a way to calm down. It’s an activity you can use to hone your brain’s focus and concentration. Meditating can improve your ability to focus on cognitive tasks by training you to stay present in the current moment. Practicing mindfulness meditation can also ward off stress and anxiety, which can improve mental health. A calm brain is a healthy brain.

Meditation can even slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and increase memory recall. You can start seeing positive results in as little as a few weeks of regular practice. The next time you’re having a hard time concentrating, try meditating for a few minutes and see if your cognitive functions improve.

Woman in bed sleeping soundly for brain health

Sleep Smarter: The Role of Rest in Brain Repair

Just like every other age range, older adults need plenty of sleep. Sleep is the vital period when our bodies take the time to recharge after a hard day’s work. It’s when the brain consolidates memories, solidifies learned experiences, and cleanses itself of harmful waste. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you could be sabotaging your efforts to create new neural connections in your brain.

Practicing healthy sleep habits can promote neuroplasticity and improve your overall cognitive health. Try to fall asleep at roughly the same time every night to establish a routine. Avoid consuming caffeine too close to bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances. If you need a nighttime snack that can help boost your sleep, try reaching for a handful of almonds to spark your melatonin production!

The Aviv Clinics Advantage: Taking Brain Health to the Next Level

Cognitive decline doesn’t need to be inevitable as we age. With these consistent lifestyle interventions that promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, you can take control of your brain health at any stage of life.

For those seeking to go the extra mile to remain cognitively fit, the Aviv Medical Program offers an evidence-based personalized treatment protocol for brain and body health. The Aviv Medical Program harnesses the power of a unique hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol and complementary therapies like cognitive exercises, physical training, and nutritional coaching to enhance brain performance.  Backed by nearly two decades of published scientific research, this program is designed to help you regain mental sharpness and increase energy using a program personalized specifically for you.  If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to brain health and aging, contact us to learn if the Aviv Medical Program can help you unlock your brain’s full potential.

 

Aviv Medical Program provides you with a unique opportunity to invest in your health while you age

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