As we age, our brains normally shrink, especially affecting regions associated with learning. The brain also is slightly slower in its response to ignoring irrelevant data—by 200 milliseconds (0.2 seconds) or more. This creates greater distractability, which also affects learning and memory. University of Michigan psychologist agrees that things get harder, but many seem to be able to compensate for it. Dr. Gazzaley, a neurologist, says that to keep mentally fit, do cognitive calisthenics, eat right, and exercise.
My comments—Bravo for talking about specific things that can improve mental sharpness for years to come. Let me add some specifics:
1) Eat real food, and avoid those things that directly affect the brain in a negative way, like caffeine, alcohol, smoking, MSG, aspartame, stimulants, depressants
2) Certain nutrient supplements improve brain function, including all the B vitamins (especially B1-thiamine, B6, B12, folic acid) and essential fatty acids (both omega 3 and omega 6) and anti-oxidants like vitamins C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, glutathione
3) Remove toxins from the brain and body, like far-infrared sauna to encourage sweating safely and chelating agents for toxic metals
4) Walk as exercise. Be sure you learn how to walk correctly, or correct misalignments or muscular pulls that will only get worse if you persist in walking incorrectly. Stretching may be the most important part of an exercise program.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
2 responses so far ↓
1 Annette // Dec 10, 2008 at 11:07 am
please elaborate on far-infared sauna - how is this different from sauna at most fitness clubs?
2 Dr. Stan Gardner // Dec 16, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Annette, A far-infrared sauna releases far-infrared rays that cause the body to sweat at a much lower temperature. Those people that cannot tolerate temperatures of 180 degrees F or higher (like elderly or people with heart conditions or some people just plain do not like those high temperatures), this becomes a excellent alternative. Some health clubs are using FIR saunas. This wave length is very healthy for the body, and is given off by all living things.
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