We want our brains to function well and stay sharp as we age. But did you know that age is only one factor in brain health? The things you do today play a large role in your brain health for years to come.
At Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, naturopathic doctors Jacob Schmutz, NMD, and Joshua Hersh, NMD, offer brain health treatments for patients who hope to avoid cognitive decline or those who are struggling with mid- to late-life cognitive decline or neurodegenerative disorders.
It’s never too late or too early to add brain-healthy habits to your daily routine. Here’s a look at our top tips for boosting brain health.
Exercise isn’t just good for your body — it’s an excellent way to keep your brain in shape too. When you exercise, your heart pumps more oxygen-rich blood to your brain, improving thinking.
Physical activity also fosters new brain cells and synapses between them, helping you keep your brain performance high as you age.
It’s no surprise that it’s important to eat foods that support brain health. The good news is that these are the same foods that support overall health. The foundation of your meals should be plants, like vegetables and fruits; legumes and beans; whole grains; and healthy fats, like avocado.
Likewise, avoid eating foods high in saturated fat, high in protein, like meat, and sugar. These foods hinder your brain’s overall health and plasticity, encouraging a faster rate of cognitive decline.
To help you achieve the best brain health possible, your provider at Integrative Medica may recommend certain supplements based on your medical history and lifestyle factors.
Your brain needs sleep to recharge and stay healthy. Aim for 7-8 hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep each night. If you struggle with a sleep disorder, like insomnia or sleep apnea, get help. These conditions are linked to declines in thinking and memory.
As researchers study the brain more, they’re finding that mental health and stress management play a significant role in your brain’s health. Those who have untreated mental health disorders, like depression or anxiety, and those who don’t exercise healthy stress management have an increased risk of cognitive decline.
Your brain and body are connected. You can’t protect your brain’s health if your overall health is suffering. Take steps to keep your overall health as good as possible.
If you’re a smoker, quit or get help with quitting. If you have an underlying condition, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, get help managing and reversing these conditions. Your brain will thank you.
At Integrative Medica, our providers approach brain health holistically, taking into account all aspects of your health, from genetics to health history to lifestyle and environment. If you believe you need more guidance with brain health, our experts can help.
Everyone’s treatment plan differs based on their unique needs. Some treatments your provider may recommend include:
Your provider may also suggest additional treatments or supportive care from other specialists, such as chiropractic care or occupational therapy.
To learn more about boosting your brain health, contact the knowledgeable providers at Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, by calling 801-406-1939 or book online now.
