How to support brain health

Even when our body is resting, our brain keeps working 24/7. We constantly think about supporting our immune system, being physically active, but how often do we think about supporting our brain? Here are a few simple activities you can do to give your brain a good workout!

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Keep a clean and healthy diet

Studies show that there may be a link between diet and brain processes such as our thinking, or cognitive skills.  Your brain requires a constant supply of fuel, and that comes from your diet — and what you eat plays a key role. It affects the structure and function of your brain and, even your mood. A diet high in refined sugars worsens your body’s regulation of insulin, and also promote inflammation and increase oxidative stress on the body. Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function — and even a worsening of symptoms of depression.

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Mental stimulation

Research has shown that there are many ways you can work on your mental sharpness and help your brain stay healthy. Doing brain exercises to help strengthen your memory, concentration, and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do, and keep your brain sharp as you get older. Even doing something simple, like a jigsaw puzzle makes your brain look at different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture. This can be a great way to challenge your mind.

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Physical activity

Exercise not only supports your body, but also aids in long-term brain health.

Research has shown that areas of the brain that control memory and skills, such as planning and organising, improve with exercise like dance. Additionally, your workout increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain, and aids the release of hormones which provide an excellent environment for the growth of new brain cells.

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Sleep

Sleep affects our whole body, including hormones and the immune system. Neurobiological processes that occur during sleep deeply impact brain health, and as a result, influence mood, energy levels, and cognitive abilities.

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Supplements

Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for proper brain function and healthy brain development.  Studies show that low omega 3 levels may speed up brain ageing and decrease brain function. A 6-month study of EHA and DHA  supplementation in young adults (18-45 years of age) noticed improvements in memory abilities.  In addition to their crucial role in the brain, omega 3 fatty acids have triglyceride-lowering, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure lowering properties, plus effects on cell membranes that may also contribute to increased longevity. bioniq Omega 3 supplements are made in Norway to the highest global standards for purity, and surpasses the standards set in IFOS 5-Star rating

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