The modern world and environment, as well as our 21st century lifestyle and careers, present our brain with never-ending challenges. Stress, anxiety, high pressure work codes, pollution, junk food, lack of sleep, travelling across time zones, minimal movement, constant noise, long hours spent in front of a screen, information overload, societal demands, end of the working day exhaustion - all take their toll and put horrendous pressure on our brains – indeed many of us may regularly have the feeling that our minds are sizzling and struggling to churn out a single sensible idea, let alone processing our emotions and coping with everything which life throws at us.
A fear for most of us as we get older is that while we may be sound of body, our mind may start to fail us and we may begin to lose our mental sharpness and agility. Indeed, by the time we get to our fifties and beyond, forgetfulness and brain fog can result in our walking into a room with absolutely no idea what we came here to look for! And this is particularly noticeable when we reach the menopause and the andropause - indeed it is one of their most disturbing symptoms. However, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease are NOT a normal part of ageing and there are many ways in which the brain can be future-proofed.
The statistics concerning brain disease are truly frightening. They are conditions which have become rampant in the Western world over the last decade and are increasing consistently and dramatically, as well as affecting people at a younger and younger age. For instance, worldwide there are today about 50 million people suffering from some form of dementia, and there are around 10 million new cases every year.
But none of the above is pre-destined and it truly does not have to be this way.
Yes, a number of people are genetically at risk of accelerated brain shrinkage, deterioration and disease. But while genes load the gun, it is LIFESTYLE, including nutrition, which pulls the trigger. There are countless ways in which we can protect ourselves from damaging our brains and ensure a healthy, brain-sharp future - and the earlier we start, the better
The average daily diet and lifestyle in the West is literally a prescription for brain disease! Why? Because it is full of brain terrorists, such as highly processed foods, including junk fats and refined carbohydrates; high consumption of sugar, saturated fats, animal protein and stimulants; insufficient fresh fruit and vegetable intake; and lack of movement, inadequate sleep and effective stress management.
So what is the solution? A nutrient-dense, anti-oxidant-rich diet of fresh, natural, unprocessed foods of course, to provide the brain, and the whole body for that matter, with all the elements it needs in order to flourish, to remain sharp, nimble and engaged for the rest of your life. Add this to regular movement, regenerating sleep and plenty of relaxation and you are ready to fight off the brain terrorists.
And just a reminder to join my free Facebook group, Let’s Age Dynamically. It is a private, safe environment for all of us, men and women, well into MidLife&Beyond where we can talk about any health challenges which are facing us as we grow older and learn to age dynamically and by design, rather than passively and by default. This is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/403073241466517 and I look forward to seeing you there.