CROSS TRAIN YOUR BRAIN

In recent articles, you’ve read that steps can be taken that may lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The three major steps include what you eat, exercise, and brain exercise. Today let’s talk about exercise.

Exercise is naturally good for your whole body, and as with the food we eat, what helps one part of the body benefits others parts. When your heart is working well because of blood pumping freely because of lower cholesterol levels, your brain benefits from that blood flow.

Doctors internationally stress walking (or other similar activity) for your whole body health, unless there is a medical reason you should not walk. My own doctor has recommended it to combat depression, to lower cholesterol, to lose weight, to help prevent osteoporosis, to lower stress, for heart health, and general well being.

That list makes up a good portion of what affects your brain’s health as well. Diet, stress, depression, exercise, and stimulation can influence whether you will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. A simple walk may very well lighten depression. It will lessen stress. It will stimulate mind and body. Along with that, it will encourage better eating habits often and give you more energy for everything you do.

Besides these visible benefits, chemicals are at work in your brain as well. Exercise affects how those proteins and enzymes work and interact in your brain. It does have a positive effect.

You can read about it in more detail here.

As long as you are healthy, there is little excuse not to walk. You can start even for ten minutes a day. The goal should be at least thirty minutes a day, five days a week. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes. No special outfits are required, no training is needed, no reservations, no cost. Just step out your door.

Besides going for that walk, don’t overlook the importance of strength training. It’s important for you brain as it is for your body. Tests show it actually improves memory. Don’t let your age stop you either. It’s been shown to help even in your seventies. Go for it. Get moving. Cross train. Start no matter what your age. Do everything you can that might help prevent Alzheimer’s disease from striking you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Alzheimers HQ and Simple Living Ideas