The brain is an organ that is very important for the continuity of the movement of the whole body, because the brain is the command center and the human nervous system. However, with age, brain health can also decline.
Decreased ability and brain function such as cognitive decline is a sign of aging that many people fear. If not anticipated from the start, it can increase a person's risk of developing dementia, senile dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in old age.
But, calm down, there are various ways to maintain and improve brain health. Both by way of brain training until fasting turns out to have a positive effect on the brain. Let's look at the following reviews that have been summarized from various sources!
1. Cognitive Stimulation
Giving a stimulus to brain activity can stimulate new connections between nerve cells. Brain exercise and games that require cognitive effort, such as completing crossword puzzles, reading, drawing, doing problems, or learning new things can improve cognitive abilities.
2. Physical Exercise
Still launching from the same source, doing physical activities such as exercising can help brain performance. Exercising regularly can improve the ability of small blood vessels to carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
Exercise can stimulate the development and increase of nerve cells to be more optimal. In addition, exercise can also maintain heart health, lower blood pressure and burn calories. You can do light exercise such as jogging, walking and gymnastics.
3. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Quoting from Medical News Today, intake of nutritious foods rich in anti-oxidants has an important role in maintaining brain health. Antioxidants ward off free radicals and inflammation and lower the chances of suffering from dementia.
Foods that contain antioxidants are nuts, dark chocolate, fish oil, and eggs. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar and fast food.
4. Rest Enough
Adequate rest contributes positively to brain health and thinking ability. When you sleep the brain will regenerate cells, sort out information and help the process of converting short-term memory into long-term memory. So, it is recommended to get enough sleep for 7 to 8 hours every night.
5. Fasting
Who would have thought that fasting can actually improve memory. This is in accordance with research in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which says that fasting or eating less for several weeks has a memory-boosting effect.
Fasting can also reduce inflammation in the brain that can lead to disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsion. Then, according to a study in Nutrition Research, fasting is claimed to reduce inflammation because it is good for improving brain health and mental health. Wow, it turns out that fasting is very beneficial!