Brain Fitness - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi all! I know it’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from me, but I’ve been busy. Most recently, I was backpacking in the Montana wilderness, exercising my body and my brain. That’s right, my brain! In order for our brains to perform efficiently, they require a regular fitness program, just like the rest of our bodies. Our brains function optimally when they are in a balanced state. This includes a balance between neurotransmitters like Glutamate and GABA, balanced calcium ions and cellular stability. As we age, some of our brains’ processes can become less active, resulting in loss of memory function and mental disorganization. So, here are a few things we can do to maintain optimal brain fitness:

1.      EXERCISE. According to Harvard Psychiatry Professor John Ratey, author of  Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain, ‘nothing beats exercise for promoting brain health’.

2.      DIET and NUTRITION: James Joseph, neuroscientist at the Agricultural Research Service writes: ‘vitamins and minerals in plant foods provide protective antioxidants, but fruits vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains contain thousands of other types of compounds that contribute significantly to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants.’ Antioxidants help to provide energy for brain cell activity. And avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, as toxins can build up and break down cellular integrity.

3.      KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP: Read, learn a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. Increased focus can improve brain fitness by promoting concentration, alertness and blood flow to the brain.

So, when you’re thinking about your fitness, don’t forget about your brain. And by the way, what goes for us, goes for our pets. Maintaining a strong, dependable and healthy brain will ensure years of productivity and health! Have a comment? Join the conversation.