Brain health is closely linked to overall well-being, but it often goes unnoticed. However, it is not a separate phenomenon – brain well-being depends on both physical and mental health. Fortunately, many habits that keep the body and mind fit also support brain function. For example, keeping blood sugar and blood pressure in balance also helps keep the brain healthy.
Good health also ensures a well-functioning nervous system. A healthy diet, regular exercise habits, and stress management contribute to both physical and mental well-being.
Neurology professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld explains that brain health is not given enough attention because many mistakenly believe they have no control over it.
“The brain needs balance,” says Rosenfeld. “If you take care of your physical and mental health, you also keep your brain in good shape. This reduces the risk of dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”
Although scientists are still trying to understand the complexity of the brain, brain health deserves a place among other important wellness goals.
What is brain health?
Brain health refers to its overall functioning and well-being. It allows us to think, learn, remember, regulate emotions, and coordinate movements.
A healthy brain supports cognitive abilities, mood stability, and perceptual abilities, improving a person's quality of life. However, the brain can be susceptible to various diseases, which are mainly divided into two: cognitive decline diseases, such as dementia, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, and Alzheimer's disease.
Although medicine is constantly evolving, it is not always clear why some people develop certain brain diseases. A healthy lifestyle may not completely protect against neurological diseases, but it can significantly improve brain function, resilience, and quality of life.
How to support brain health?
Many people mistakenly believe that there is no way to directly influence their cognitive well-being. In fact, healthy habits can significantly improve brain health. Rosenfeld highlights the following important factors:
- Mental activity: Brain development supports neuroplasticity, or the brain's ability to make new connections. Hobbies, reading, traveling, learning a new language, or even trying a new route help keep the brain active.
- Movement: Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports cognitive function.
- Nutrition: A healthy diet provides the brain with essential nutrients that support its structure and function. Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals help improve memory and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
- Sleep: Good sleep is crucial for brain health. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, strengthens neural connections, and processes information learned during the day. However, poor sleep quality can cause mental confusion and increase the risk of neurological diseases.
Do bad habits damage the brain?
While healthy lifestyle habits can improve brain function, there is no evidence that their absence directly causes brain disease. “Watching TV doesn’t cause dementia,” says Rosenfeld. “But avoiding mentally stimulating and healthy activities won’t help maintain brain health.”
Healthy habits help keep your brain in good shape for longer. Exercise, a balanced diet, quality sleep, and mental activity support brain resilience and help ensure better brain function in the future.
https://adventistreview.org/news-releases/can-brain-health-be-improved/
Angelika Command
Angelika is a health promoter and community advocate with a passion for sharing practical knowledge about holistic wellness that helps balance body, mind, and spirit. Her work focuses on conscious choices, the healing power of nature, and the importance of community and supporting each other.
