Preserving Your Brain Power

As we age we tend to experience a certain amount of cognitive decline: We think slower, our memories are less reliable, and while this is a natural part of aging, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do about it. While cognitive decline isn’t entirely avoidable, there are certainly ways to slow down and minimize the effects of the process. Here are three ways to preserve your brain power as you get older.

Exercise regularly. Exercise has a tremendous effect on neurogenesis, the process by which our brains produce new neurons. Aerobic exercise in particular has been shown to have the most drastic effect, and 2-3 hours per week are recommended, but any amount is better than none and a small start can be worked up gradually.

Eat less, or at least eat smarter. Studies have shown that caloric restriction and intermittent fasting also have a positive effect on neurogenesis. While a restriction on eating should never be taken to an extreme, the benefits come into play when it comes to heart health and general fitness as well. At the very least, foods like refined sugars should be limited.

Get more sleep. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who tells you to get less sleep, and that’s for good reason. In addition to the host of benefits that come with adequate sleep, sleep helps flush away the buildup of brain toxins that contribute to cognitive decline.

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