When you think about being healthy or getting in shape, most people think about the physical aspect of health. This article focuses on getting your brain in shape. Mental health is the most important type of health in my opinion, and many people tend to overlook it while they are focusing on getting their physical health in order. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any health routine. Here are four ways that you can help out your brain function:
1. Take your Vitamins! [1]
Vitamins play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everybody has a unique body and different circumstances. It is important to make sure that you are getting enough of every nutrient and not lacking essential minerals and vitamins. These are some of the vitamins that are beneficial to your mental health:
Vitamin D- this helps by enhancing nerve signals, removing toxins, and reduces risks of hypertension and heart disease.
Magnesium- helps with cognition function; stress depletes your body of magnesium, try to avoid stress as much as possible.
Zinc- helps prevent Alzheimer's disease by promoting healthy blood flow to the brain
B12- Low levels of B12 are connected with degeneration of cognitive function
Folic acid- helps the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning
Vitamin C- helps balance your electrolytes; aids in neurotransmitter production
Potassium- controls electrical conductivity of the brain; helps with memory and learning
Iron- improves cognitive function
2. Use Essential Oils (Aromatherapy)
Essential oils have many health benefits [2], not only are they beneficial to your health, they also smell good! However, with so many essential oils to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to remember which essential oil benefits what. Here are a few that I use to help with mental clarity and relaxation:
Ylang Ylang- helps reduce anxiety and depression
Cedarwood- helps reduce stress and helps with your mood
Lavender- helps regulate emotions and influence the nervous system
Frankincense- aids in oxygenation of the blood going to the brain
Sweet Orange- When used as aromatherapy, helps relieve anxiety
Sandalwood- promotes mental clarity
For a more complete list, click here
3. Pay Attention to What You’re Eating!
Your diet also plays an important role to your overall health. Eating a well balanced diet is always your best option, but here are some foods you should try to make sure to include in your regular diet to help with your brain function:
Carbohydrates- Many people believe people have been told that cutting carbs from their diet is a good thing. Cutting carbohydrates may help with weight loss but they are vital for proper brain function.Carbs play an important role in maintaining healthy mental health. They are a brain food so to speak.
Glucose- gives your body energy; important for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Thinking, focus and memory are directly connected to glucose levels in the brain
Salmon- high levels of omega 3 fatty acids
Spinach- Contains many B vitamins
Eggs- contain Omega 3, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D
Garlic- removes toxins from the brain
Avocado- contains vitamin k; helps prevent Alzheimer 's
Walnuts- Shaped like a brain so that means they’re good for your brain [3]
Almonds- contain zinc which is a blood-brain barrier (the blood vessel system protecting brain from toxins)
4. Make Sure to Get Your Beauty Sleep
Making sure you’re getting plenty of sleep is vital to healthy brain function. Adults should be getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night, while children should be getting 10-11 hours every night. Getting plenty of sleep offers the following benefits:
*Helps you think clearly
*Helps make it easier for your brain to process information
*Helps with cognitive function
Of course there are numerous other ways of maintaining your mental health, I have only mentioned a few options that help me. You can check out the links for more options. Make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any new health routine.
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