Moving makes your brain young

Every day you might read new information about how to save your brain health. But I can almost guarantee you’ll never again come across a brain-saving tip this easy…

You already know that exercise promotes a healthy, sharp brain. But what if you have limitations on just how physical you can get?

Research from the Archives of Internal Medicine show that mild exercise — or even minimal movement every day — offers protective benefits for maintaining brain health and acuity.

Two separate studies examined groups of seniors to determine if daily exercise, and what type of exercise, protected them from cognitive decline and more serious conditions, such as dementia. Here’s what they found…

Walk to make your brain 5 to 7 years younger

One study examined the reports of 2,809 women over the age of 65 who had a history of cardiovascular problems or other noteworthy risk factors. Much of the research between memory and exercise involve healthy individuals, however, minimal exercise is especially important for people with cardiovascular risk factors because unhealthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels are related to poor memory and mental decline.

This unique study determined that women who participated in daily exercise performed better on memory tests. Those who walked briskly for 30 minutes or more each day experienced much slower cognitive decline than those who got little or no exercise. According to the researchers, the difference is equal to having a brain that is five to seven years younger.

Reduce your cognitive decline by 90 percent

Another study used laboratory tests (instead of self-reported, subjective responses) to gauge the physical activity of participants. Laura E. Middleton, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, was the lead researcher involved in the study. She observed a group of men and women, all over the age of 70, to see how well their bodies break down certain compounds added to their water to gauge their energy expenditure. Those who were active managed the task much better than those who were sedentary, and were 90 percent less likely to develop cognitive issues.

As simple as standing and walking

Middleton concluded that simple, everyday activity, and not just exercise, may help maintain brain health. She states, “It’s not only the type of purposeful physical activity that’s important; it’s also the less intense work … stuff like just standing up more often and walking more often.”

“It’s bad news for those of us, including myself, who sit at a desk all day,” she adds. “It means that we really need to find some way to get up and move.”

Herbs and nutrients for cardiovascular support

Healthy blood flow and blood pressure are cornerstones of vibrant cardiovascular health. While diet and exercise are critical for cultivating good heart health, certain natural herbs and nutrients are also recognized for their ability to support the heart and circulatory systems.

Heart-healthy herbs such as Hawthorne berry and Chinese salvia, and ingredients such as the powerful enzyme Nattokinase, are known to effectively support lasting heart health. A comprehensive circulation formula might also contain medicinal mushrooms and the amino acid L-Carnitine for its antioxidant properties as well as its potential to enhance physical function. Research shows L-Carnitine supplementation can increase exercise capacity in some individuals.

By supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, you are also supporting healthy blood flow to the brain. Boosting blood flow with effective, gentle herbs and mild exercise are necessary strategies for supporting and protecting cognitive health throughout your life.

Sources:

1. Activity energy expenditure and incident cognitive impairment in older adults — Archives of Internal Medicine

2. Physical activity and cognition in women with vascular conditions — Archives of Internal Medicine