When we think diet and exercise, we often think about getting the body in shape.  Our doctors get us to have blood tests to identity if we have high cholesterol, blood pressure problems, and or nutrient deficiencies.  But, when do they ever say “hey, let’s find out how healthy your brain is.”

The brain is a very important organ.  Without it we basically can’t do much, if anything.  And yet we pay very little attention to it.  Neuroscience research tells us that the brain is one of the most sensitive to wear and tear from poor lifestyle habits than any other organ in the body.  If we don’t look after our brain, at the very minimum we feel foggy, depleted of energy, and forget things. At it’s worst, we age quicker, get sick more often, and run the risk of developing chronic conditions, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.

What we know is that for optimal cognitive fitness we need to provide our brain with some basic ingredients.  The good news is that by working on brain fitness, we then automatically also reinforce a healthy body and a resilient mindset.  So, if you are not going to do it for your body, do it for your brain.

1. Water: The brain is made up of 75-80% water.  The chemical reactions in the brain rely on it being adequately hydrated.
2. Essential Fats: The brain consists of 60-70% fat.
3. Protein
4. Carbs
5. Sleep
6. Exercise: Our brain uses 20% of the oxygen in the body.
7. Stress Less
8. Avoid sugar and other inflammatory foods
9. Brain games
10. Self-esteem