OCTOBER 1, 2012 TIPS FOR MEMORY

" As a body everyone is single, as a soul never "-Hermann Hesset





When the doctor evaluates the overall health of a patient, the health of the brain is sometimes overlooked. Sure there is the quick mini mental memory test. With the new and old diseases of the brain, the baby boomers are now experiencing some memory problems  To influence the brain and help the memory I adhere to five easy tips.

The first tip is the Proper Diet.  This is not read in a diet book. This is adhering to the research about the foods good or beneficial to the brain. You need the right blend of proteins and complex carbohydrates.  Since the brain and nervous system is comprised of 60% fat, you better consume some omega 3 essential fatty acids. Decrease the inflammatory foods and avoid foods high in saturated fat.
Choose foods rich in antioxidants.

The second tip is Physical Exercise.  This is great for overall health and especially for the brain. How many of you keep to a routine schedule ? I know I do not as life gets in the way. There needs to be a schedule or commitment.

The third tip is my favorite. Mental Exercise. This involves stimulating your brain with mental exercises. It is not just the morning New York Times crossword puzzle, but much more. You must challenge your brain. There is research to show that you must always challenge your brain to decrease the aging process. This is where I discuss trying a new activity or learning a new hobby. It could be learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, travel and explore and even volunteer in a community project. It could be using your brain to calculate numbers and not the calculator on the phone. You might try cooking new meals from new and different cook books. It might even include prayer and meditation.

The fourth tip is Social Interaction.  This means you must interact and engage in conversation. This is more than doing a hobby. This might be a hobby within a group. It could be joining a book club. This is all about social interactions with other people.

The fifth tip is Ingesting Calcium. This is understanding the  relationship between calcium and the health of your brain. Books have been written on this subject. You need just the right amount, not in surges. This is sort of the electricity of the brain . There needs to be a balance of calcium in the body.

Until tomorrow...