While physical and mental health are a key component of overall well-being, brain health – often overlooked as a crucial factor – is closely linked to general health rather than existing as a separate concept. Fortunately, many actions that improve physical health, such as managing blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as practices that support mental health, such as therapy and mindfulness, directly support brain health.
A well-functioning nervous system is an important outcome of maintaining good overall health. Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular physical activity and stress management support both the body and mind.
Jeffrey RosenfeldPhD, MD, professor of neurology, neuromuscular specialist, associate chair of the Department of Neurology and director of the Center for Restorative Neurology at Loma Linda University Health, says brain health is often not a priority because People mistakenly believe they have little control over it. .
“The brain is part of the complex nervous system, which thrives in a balanced way,” Rosenfeld explains. “Actions that promote physical and mental health help maintain brain balance, leading to a reduced risk of diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Although the brain is a complex organ for which researchers have more questions about its functions than answers, brain health deserves a place alongside other wellness goals.
What is brain health?
Brain health refers to the functioning and overall well-being of the brain, enabling it to perform essential tasks such as thinking, learning, memory, emotional regulation and physical coordination. A healthy brain supports cognitive abilities, mood stability, sensory perception and overall quality of life.
However, the brain can be susceptible to diseases, which generally fall into two categories: cognitive decline, such as dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s. Although not all neurodegenerative diseases affect cognition, they can have a significant impact on brain function.
Despite significant medical advances, the reasons why some people develop certain brain diseases remain unclear. Although maintaining good brain health through positive choices is not a guaranteed protection against neurological disorders, it can significantly influence brain function, resilience and quality of life.
How to support brain health
A common misconception is that individuals cannot directly influence their cognitive well-being. The truth is, adopting healthy habits can significantly improve brain health. Rosenfeld discusses the following key lifestyle habits that help support optimal brain function.
Mental activity: Keeping the brain engaged through simple, challenging tasks promotes a concept known as plasticity –– the brain’s ability to form new connections. Plasticity, also called neuroplasticity, helps the brain develop and strengthen new internal pathways, which can be achieved by staying mentally active.
“The nervous system thrives on novelty, that is, trying new things. Take up a hobby, read, travel, or learn a new language,” says Rosenfeld. “Even taking a different route to and from work can improve the brain’s plasticity by encouraging it to stay intellectually curious.”
Additionally, brain training apps and puzzles offer a modern way to stimulate the brain. For many people, using a brain app on their phone or smartwatch provides a convenient platform to challenge and engage brain agility in a fun and unique way.
Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes physical and brain health by increasing blood flow, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting cognitive function, and improving neuroplasticity.
Diet: A healthy diet provides the brain with essential nutrients that support its structure and function. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals promotes better cognitive performance, improves memory and helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, can provide useful guidelines for healthy eating.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for brain health because it plays a key role in restoring and maintaining cognitive functions. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, strengthens neural connections, and improves learning by processing information from the day. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can impair these processes, potentially leading to reduced mental clarity, slower reaction times, and increased risk of neurological disorders.
Can bad habits lead to brain decline?
Although maintaining good physical activity, a good diet, good sleep habits and good mental curiosity help improve brain function, no research suggests that the absence of these choices promotes brain diseases.
“Watching TV won’t cause dementia,” Rosenfeld says. “But you’re not doing yourself a favor and optimizing choices to maintain better brain health by avoiding mentally engaging and healthy activities.”
Healthy habits can lead to a healthier brain. By integrating physical exercise, good sleep, a balanced diet and mental stimulation into daily life, individuals can promote cognitive resilience, which can lead to significant benefits for brain functioning in years to come. For more information about the brain, call us at 909-558-2880 or visit our website here.