there are many things you can do to help stimulate your brain and maintain its health. as with any other part of your system your brain requires proper nutrition and exercise to keep it young and vibrant.

How to exercise your brain
the simplest and most effective way to exercise your brain is to keep it active. An idle mind loses its ability to function properly.

Learn some new skills. exercising your brain can be as simple as taking up a new hobby, attending classes, or even studying a new language. activities such as solving word puzzles, learning to play an instrument, and writing poetry can stimulate your brain and maintain its health.

socialize

Maintaining an active social life and communicating with others is also important to your brains health. Conversing with friends and relatives of all ages is one of the best ways to stimulate your brain and make sure it remains active.

Exercise your brain by participating in some physical activity, nothing too rough, just enough to work up a bit of perspiration. This helps blood circulation and wakes up the healthy chemicals in your brain.

protect your head from injuries. be sure to wear proper head gear and safety helmets when engaging in any activities that could cause injury to your head. This is also extremely important to do when you're young.

Concussions and other head injuries that occur at an early age can have an effect on your brain as you get older. fluid and pressure could build up over the years causing cognitive impairment in old age.

nourishing your brain

your brain needs proper nutrition to help maintain its health. These are some dos and don'ts to feed your brain and encourage optimum performance.
watch your calories

Studies show that a low calorie diet helps to maintain brain health and reduce the risk of mental decline in old age .

reducing your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, and most importantly Trans fats, helps prevent buildup of plaque in your brain.

The B vitamins, most noticeably Folic acid, B6 and B12 aid in maintaining proper brain health and function. These vitamins can help reduce the risk of dementia. Good sources of these B. vitamins are whole grains, fortified cereals, and leafy green vegetables .

Increase your intake of black currants and blueberries. Certain chemicals found in these fruits help reduce the risk of cholesterol buildup in the brain. These fruits contain powerful antioxidants that contribute to over all health maintenance.

eat fish

Studies show that when your brain needs a boost of energy and to be alert, eating fish can help promote to both of these. The high protein in fish, the amino acid tyrosine, aids the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and helps give them a boost which energizes your mind and makes you feel more alert.

It is preferable to eat 3 or 4 oz. of grilled or broiled fish if you're experiencing a mental slump.

Shellfish

The same holds true for shellfish.. Three to 4 oz. of shellfish have the same effect on the brain. Because it is one of the highest pure proteins, baked, broiled, steamed or stewed shellfish provides an excellent burst of tyrosine to your brain.

It is important to note that eating more than the recommended amount of fish or shellfish does not increase your mental energy more.

Milk and yogurt

Contrary to popular belief, drinking skim or low fat milk sends a powerful boost of tyrosine to your brain. This is the same chemical as we noted in fish. The high fat content in whole milk however, decreases your mental ability.

Eating low fat yogurt has the same effect as drinking skim or low fat milk.

Sugar

Eating approximately 2 oz. of candy or 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar, can help you be less stressed, anxious, more focused and relax relaxed.

Eating sugar or other carbohydrates increases insulin in the blood, creating a larger amount of the chemical called tryptophan. Tryptophan speeds to the brain where it produces serotonin. This is also known as the calming chemical.

Some studies show that increased amounts of serotonin in the brain decreases feelings of depression. Sometimes this lack of serotonin causes people to become suicidal. So if you are moody and rather depressed, eating some sugar may help switch your brain to another healthier mode.

Control harmful diseases and conditions

High blood pressure that develops issue get older can cause a decline in brain function. It is important to keep high blood pressure under control by taking prescribed medication, eating properly, limiting your alcohol intake, reducing stress and exercising regularly.

Diabetes can also prevent proper brain function. Regular exercise, reducing sugar intake, and eating properly help reduce the possibility of diabetes.

Lower your bad cholesterol

High levels of bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol can both be a risk to poor brain function. Avoiding tobacco, and maintaining a proper diet, regular exercise, and managing your weight all help stabilize cholesterol levels.

Avoid using tobacco

Use alcohol in moderation

Excessive drinking increases poor brain function. It is interesting to note however, that according to some studies, low amounts of alcohol such as up to two drinks per day can actually reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.

Alzheimer's disease

To reduce the risks of Alzheimer's disease, these things are recommended.

Avoid the consumption of fatty foods

exercise regularly

eat foods high in antioxidants

avoid head injuries

control high blood pressure

quit smoking and the use of tobacco products

if you have diabetes maintain control of it

avoid drinking excess alcohol

avoid consuming beverages that are stored in aluminum cans

avoid using aluminum pots and pans when you cook