It’s easy to get caught up in maintaining our heart health and forget about keeping our brains healthy. Fortunately, Dr. Efrat Lamandre joined ABC 7 – KABC in Los Angeles to share some powerful ways to protect our brains and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Let’s dive into some simple steps Dr. Lamandre suggests, which can make a big difference in our brain health!
Feed Your Brain Right
You’ve probably heard about diets that are good for your heart and can prevent diabetes and heart attacks. Guess what? The very same foods are champions for your brain health too! Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can nourish your brain just as well as they do your heart.
Engage Your Mind
Just as your body needs physical exercise, your brain thrives on mental stimulation. Dr. Lamandre recommends engaging activities such as puzzles or learning a new musical instrument. Activities like these will help to invigorate your mind and keep it sharp. Consider this a fun gym session for your brain!
Prioritize Quality Sleep Every Night
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. According to Dr. Lamandre, while we are asleep, our brains are incredibly busy clearing out toxins and restoring themselves. Aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night is not just about feeling rested—it’s essential for maintaining a healthy, clear-minded brain.
Incorporate Easy Exercise
Don’t worry, you don’t need a gym membership or intense workout routines to benefit your brain. Just 15 minutes of walking daily can release chemicals that keep your brain sharp and agile. Consider this: anytime you choose to walk instead of drive, or take the stairs instead of the elevator, you’re actually helping your brain!
Nurture Your Social Connections
Hanging out with friends and family isn’t just enjoyable. It’s also beneficial for your brain health. Social interactions can help keep your mental faculties in check, ensuring that your brain remains engaged and active.
Small Changes, Big Brain Benefits
Dr. Efrat Lamandre’s advice is a call-to-action for all of us to mind our brains just as we do our bodies. Small lifestyle changes can significantly minimize the risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. So why not start today? Pick up that puzzle, plan a walk, or just ensure you get those golden hours of sleep tonight. Your brain will thank you for it!