Brain Helpers, Part 2a

Besides the categories of eat, sleep, move, use it, and be social (covered in Part 1), science has found other ways we can repair, protect, and grow our brains. Here are some of them. I've divided these suggestions into physical and mental to keep posts small.

Physical things we can do to repair, protect, and grow our brains

Keep hydrated to clear out waste and increase communication speeds. Dehydration leads to drop offs in short term memory, numerical ability, and attention as well as causing generally slower cognitive functioning and confusion.

Get enough sunlight. Lack of sunlight brings on neurotransmitter imbalances and cognitive impairment.

Floss. Gum inflammation has been linked to brain inflammation. Also, keeping our teeth (1) in our mouths and (2) pain-free means we’re able to chew healthy foods.

Reduce physical stress to reduce mental stress. Practice the relaxation response (engaging the peripheral nervous system) through meditation, yoga, tai chi, progressive muscle relaxation, etc. 

Reduce environmental stress. This can be done through opening up cramped spaces, decreasing clutter, bringing in plants, and doing what you can to breath clean air (changing filters, using an air purifier). 

Avoid alcohol and smoking. Smokers have thinner cerebral cortices than nonsmokers, and drinking results in reductions in overall brain volume with the damage increasing the more you drink.

(More! Brain Helpers, Part 1 and Brain Helpers, Part 2b)