While physical and mental health are key components of overall well-being, brain health –– often overlooked as a crucial factor –– is closely linked to general health rather than existing as a separate concept. Fortunately, many actions that improve physical health, such as managing blood sugar and blood pressure, along with practices that support mental health, like therapy and mindfulness, directly support brain health.
An important outcome of maintaining overall good overall health is a well-functioning nervous system. Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management support both body and mind.
Jeffrey Rosenfeld, PhD, MD, Professor of Neurology, neuromuscular specialist, Associate Chairman of Neurology, and Director of the Center for Restorative Neurology at Loma Linda University Health, says that brain health often isn’t prioritized because people mistakenly believe they have little control over it.
“The brain is part of the complex nervous system, which thrives on balance,” Rosenfeld says. “Actions that promote physical and mental health help maintain balance in the brain, leading to a reduction in risk for conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.”
While the brain is a complex organ that researchers have more questions about its functions than answers, brain health deserves a place alongside other wellness goals.
What is brain health?
Brain health refers to the overall functioning and well-being of the brain, enabling it to perform essential tasks like thinking, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and physical coordination. A healthy brain supports cognitive abilities, mood stability, sensory perception, and overall quality of life.
However, the brain can be susceptible to diseases, which generally fall into two categories: cognitive decline, such as dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. While not all neurodegenerative diseases affect cognition, they can significantly impact brain function.
Despite significant medical advances, the reason some individuals develop certain brain diseases remains unclear. While maintaining good brain health through positive choices is not a guaranteed safeguard against neurological disorders, it can significantly influence brain function, resilience, and quality of life.
How to support brain health
A widespread misconception is that people cannot directly influence their cognitive well-being. In truth, adopting healthy habits can significantly improve brain health. Rosenfeld addresses the following key lifestyle habits that help support optimal brain function.
Mental activity: Keeping the brain engaged through simple and challenging tasks promotes a concept known as plasticity –– the brain’s ability to form new connections. Plasticity, also referred to as neuroplasticity, helps the brain develop and strengthen new internal pathways, which can be done through staying mentally active.
“The nervous system thrives on novelty, meaning trying new things. Take up a hobby, reading, traveling, or learning a new language,” Rosenfeld says. “Even taking a different route to and from work can help the brain's plasticity by encouraging it to stay intellectually curious.”
Additionally, brain training apps and puzzles provide a modern way to keep the brain stimulated. For many people, utilizing a brain app on their phone or smart watch provides a convenient platform to challenge and engage brain agility in a fun and unique way.
Exercise: Regular physical activity supports both physical and brain health by increasing blood flow, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting cognitive function, and enhancing neuroplasticity.
Diet: A healthy diet provides the brain with the essential nutrients that support its structure and function. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals promotes better cognitive performance, enhances memory, and helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, can provide useful guidelines for healthy eating.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for brain health because it plays a key role in restoring and maintaining cognitive function. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, strengthens neural connections, and enhances learning by processing information from the day. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can impair these processes, potentially leading to reduced mental clarity, slower reaction times, and increased risk of neurological disorders.
Can poor habits lead to brain decline?
While maintaining good exercise, diet, sleep patterns, and staying mentally curious help increase brain function, there is no research that suggests the absence of these choices promotes diseases in the brain.
“Watching TV won’t cause dementia," Rosenfeld says. "But you’re not doing yourself any favors, nor are you optimizing choices to maintain better brain health by avoiding mentally engaging and healthy activities."
Healthy habits can lead to a healthier brain. By integrating physical exercise, proper sleep, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation into daily life, individuals can foster cognitive resilience, which can lead to significant benefits for brain function in the years ahead. For more information about the brain, call us at 909-558-2880 or visit our website here.