We all want to sharpen our focus, enhance our memory, and improve our concentration. Yet if you believe what you read online, you’d think you need special foods, dietary supplements, online games, and various apps to do it. It’s enough to make one’s brain hurt.
But don’t believe the hype. You don’t need special vitamins or flashcards or tinfoil headgear to maximize your brain’s performance. These four simple, everyday tips and four common foods will help you increase your brain and memory power naturally.
4 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power
1. Get a Fast Start with Breakfast
2. Exercise Your Muscles and Strengthen Your Brain
Exercise gets the blood flowing. That helps your brain get the oxygen and nutrients it needs for top performance. Some research found that people who rode a stationary bike or walked on a treadmill for 30-60 minutes, three times a week, had improved blood flow to the area of the brain that deals with memory retention. After 12 weeks, they did better on memory tests. Other types of exercise can be helpful as well. Yoga three times a week has been found to improve brain function in older adults.
3. Teach That Old Dog Some New Tricks
4. You May Not Lose If You Snooze
4 Proven Fuels for Your Brain
1. Be Smart –
2. Go Nuts and Chocolate–
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E. In some studies, that’s been found to reduce cognitive decline as you age.
Dark chocolate – in addition to being delicious – also has powerful antioxidant properties. (Plus a little caffeine to perk you up.) You don’t need a lot – just an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate will give you the boost you want.
3. Get the Blood Flowing with Whole Grains and Fruits–
4. Blueberries Are Brain-Berries–
What About Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?
The internet is full of supplements that claim brain-boosting power. Supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, but supplements are primarily useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient. Some researchers are cautiously optimistic about vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations, but more proof is still needed.
Get Smart – See Your Doctor Regularly
The brain is an amazing organ. But to help it achieve peak performance, you don’t need fancy tools or supplements, or equipment. The smartest way to help your brain stay healthy and high performing is by regularly seeing your primary care provider. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.