February is Heart Health month. What does this have to do with your brain? Well, most everything that promotes good heart health also promotes good brain health. A heart healthy diet is also a brain healthy diet. Eat foods in as close to their natural form as possible. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Obesity also affects the brain. Being overweight makes it hard for your brain to function at its peak. High blood pressure also decreases your brain’s power to function. Studies show that people with chronic obesity have a lowered mental ability, especially memory and learning. High blood pressure, which often accompanies obesity, also affects mental capacity.
Physical exercise increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. You don’t have to do extreme exercise for your brain to benefit. Walking can effectively oxygenate your brain and increase breathing and heart rate so that more blood flows to your brain. Studies have shown that walking can improve memory.
Smokers are at very high risk for atherosclerosis. Smoking blocks the carotid artery, cutting off blood flow to the brain. It also leads to blood clotting. Quit smoking and you will reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Being heart healthy by quitting smoking also benefits your brain. Studies have shown long-term smoking has negative effects on memory, problem-solving, and IQ. In fact, studies show that smoking directly diminishes the smoker’s thinking ability.
Neurofeedback can help you get your weight under control and reduce your blood pressure. Neurofeedback an increase your appetite awareness and reduce your sugar cravings. You will have more energy, so fatigue will not keep you from exercising. Neurofeedback can also help you quit smoking. It lowers your stress level, combats anxiety and reduces cravings. You can be comfortable with yourself and eliminate the need for addictive behaviors to make you feel good. Neurofeedback gives you an easy transition to the natural you.
