Brain Health

Aging is inevitable. How we age, however, is up to us.

It has been known for a long time that diet and exercise affect the body. Medical research has historically focused on the prevention of disease or extension of life as a function of body health. There is another type of result, though, that is just starting to be understood, and that is the effect good diet and exercise have on the brain.

People who eat right and exercise claim to be happier, more enthusiastic, and feel more creative and energetic than their counterparts who aren't taking care of themselves. Researchers are now focusing on measuring and quantifying these feelings and effects. And the results are not so much startling as they are obvious:

• Regular exercise increases oxygen content in the blood, strengthens the heart, and increases the efficiency of the lymph and digestive systems in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The brain needs oxygen and a low- or non-toxic environment to function at it's peak potential.
• Eating a diet low in processed ingredients and high in fruits and vegetables aids digestion and absorption of nutrients, which in turn fuels the brain with the basic blocks it needs to work well.
• Anti-oxidants are, among other things, used by all the cells in the body to repair damage to the cell components. Since neurons don't regenerate the way skin or other tissues do, repairing damaged brain cells before they die has great value.

Eating healthy foods in appropriate quantities, getting regular physical activity, creating an environment that reduces stress and supports relaxation, and keeping ourselves physically and mentally stimulated keeps us young both at heart and at mind. Chronological aging is inevitable, but physiological aging is entirely within our influence.

Now go eat an apple and take a walk.

Resources:

• Diet, exercise, stimulating environment helps old dogs learn [www.nih.gov].
• Brain Research Shows That Diet and Exercise are Keys to Living Well [www.hotlib.com].

Other  news

• It's all Greek to somebody: Mediterranean diet helps cut Alzheimer’s risk [www.msnbc.msn.com].
• Using your brain affects how it ages: Educated people face different Alzheimer's risk [www.msnbc.msn.com].
• Of course pharmaceuticals are safe: Non-Cox-2 Painkillers May Also Carry Heart Risks [www.healthday.com].

From the editor

I've recently discovered how much of a difference it can make to eat several small snacks throughout the day instead of eating two or three big meals. Historically, I've had a tendency to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at prescribed times and in large quantities. Over the last year, however, I've shifted to snacking regularly and having only one meal of any significance (usually late in the morning).

The first effect I noticed was more energy in everything I do. Even without much sleep (sometimes I go days without getting enough), I am not so sluggish in the afternoons. When having a quiet conversation or reading in the evenings, I am more focused and less groggy.

Next, I realized I wasn't eating as much. I lost thirty pounds over about six months, and it's staying off. Those of you who know me might not think I had thirty pounds to lose, but I now wear smaller pants and belts and am much happier with my stomach and abs and hips.

The most recent effect that I'm correlating to this change in eating habits is that I feel happier. In general, I come away from an eating experience having appreciated it more fully. I look forward to an orange or a bowl of oatmeal or a sandwich as nourishment for my body and mind rather than as feeding a craving or as an interruption of "important" things.

There is a zen saying: "When you are hungry, eat." Eat when you are hungry, but only as much as you are hungry for. When you are no longer hungry, stop eating.

I'd love to hear your experiences too!

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff