What are the actions we can take to maintain our long-term brain health? This week, we discuss this and more with Dr. Marc Milstein, author of The Age-Proof Brain. It turns out that even small behavioral changes, like eating less processed food and regularly challenging yourself with activities like playing an instrument, will support overall brain fitness and neuroplasticity. Furthermore, Dr. Marc also breaks down the surprising link between gut and brain health.
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Key Moments:
“Anything that is processed is likely to feed bad bacteria. These bacteria have been around much longer than us, and so the things that they like to eat are the things that were around much longer than us, long before we got here, and the bad bacteria tend to feed on the things that we created.”
“There’s definitely foods that are great for brain health, but it’s really about variety and we really have evidence that it’s a synergistic relationship. It’s not one food item that is just like this brain-boosting magic food. It’s how the foods work together; and that’s why we believe that supplements can be beneficial but they’re not, in many cases, as beneficial as dietary changes, because what’s in the food works together with other nutrients.”
“So, what we see is that it’s not about this stress-free lifestyle. Our brain is like a car, I like to say, and if you don’t drive it, it falls apart, and if you over-drive it, it falls apart. Stress is a burst of cortisol. Say, I want to get something done. There’s a challenge; I want to tackle something. All those moments of stress are actually good for our brain because they release cortisol and there’s a part of our brain called the hippocampus which is really important for memory, and a squirt of cortisol in a moment of stress actually helps the hippocampus stay strong.”
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Writeup
In this episode of the SuperAge podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marc Milstein, a leading expert on brain health. Dr. Milstein shared his extensive knowledge on how to maintain and enhance brain function as we age. His insights provide practical strategies for protecting our cognitive health and improving our overall well-being.
The Importance of Brain Health
Dr. Marc Milstein emphasized the critical importance of brain health in our daily lives. He explained that maintaining cognitive function is not only essential for memory and thinking skills but also for our overall health. Dr. Milstein highlighted that the brain influences many aspects of our physical well-being, including sleep, stress management, and immune function. By prioritizing brain health, we can significantly impact our quality of life.
Strategies for Enhancing Cognitive Function
During our conversation, Dr. Marc Milstein shared several strategies for enhancing cognitive function. He stressed the importance of regular physical exercise, noting that activities such as walking, swimming, and strength training can boost brain health. Dr. Milstein also recommended engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, and learning new skills, to keep the brain active and agile.
The Role of Nutrition
Dr. Marc Milstein discussed the vital role of nutrition in supporting brain health. He advised adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Dr. Milstein particularly emphasized the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. These nutrients are essential for maintaining the structure and function of brain cells.
Managing Stress and Sleep
Managing stress and ensuring adequate sleep are also crucial for brain health, according to Dr. Marc Milstein. He explained that chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function, while quality sleep is vital for memory consolidation and brain repair. Dr. Milstein suggested practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to promote better brain health.
Conclusion
Our interview with Dr. Marc Milstein provided valuable insights into age-proofing the brain and maintaining cognitive health. His practical advice underscores the importance of a holistic approach, combining physical activity, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, stress management, and good sleep habits. By integrating these strategies into our daily lives, we can protect and enhance our brain function as we age.
For more expert insights and strategies, tune in to the SuperAge podcast and explore the latest developments in wellness and brain health.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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