Boosting Brain Health Helps the Body, Too
By Brandi Swieter
The body and brain may seem like they need two completely different sets of rules, which can be true, but they can also correlate to each other. Boosting one can help the other, ensuring both the body and brain work better and more efficiently. Certain things can get done to boost brain health that will impact the body as well.
Complete Mentally Stimulating Activities
Activities that are mentally stimulating help to boost the brain. They get it focusing on the tasks at hand and help it to reach new heights. With increased levels of stimulation, the brain is better able to remain awake and focused -- attributes that come in handy during a workout where it’s important to be alert.
Eat More Nutritious Foods
Foods rich in nutrients and vitamins work to improve the brain. Eating junk will lead to a decrease in brain health, making people forgetful and inattentive. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins increase attentiveness and improve memory. Consuming these foods not only helps the brain, but the body as well, as they make it stronger and better able to handle the stresses of life. It also changes the caloric intake, which can lead to weight loss and better habits.
Improve Blood Pressure and Sugar
High blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline. High blood sugar is a factor for dementia. Improving both of these things can help to keep a healthy mind. In turn, it can produce a healthy body as well. Lifestyle modification can improve both of these aspects. Eating a healthy diet, reducing stress where possible, getting enough rest, and exercising regularly are just a few ways to change levels to ensure a healthier mind and body.
Get Enough Sleep
Without adequate sleep, the brain cannot function correctly. People who are exhausted are more likely to fail a cognitive test than those who have gotten enough rest the night before. In the same way, those without proper sleep cannot perform well physically, either. Their bodies will become fatigued far sooner, unable to complete a full workout. Getting enough sleep will improve both the brain and body so they can function adequately and perform to the best of their abilities.
Protect the Head
Concussions can happen easily, and they can impact the brain and body greatly when they do. It is said that concussions early on in life are likely to cause cognitive impairment later on down the line. Head injuries like this also affect the body, making it impossible for people to get in the exercise time they want while they’re healing. It can also throw off hand-eye coordination. Protecting the head is one of the best ways to ensure optimal brain and body health long-term.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Peachtree City, Ga.