Mad River Behavioral Health

 Improving cognitive function involves a combination of lifestyle changes, mental exercises, and sometimes dietary adjustments. Here's a comprehensive approach to boost your brain power: 1. Physical Exercise:    - Regular Aerobic Exercise: Activities like running, swimming, or cycling increase blood flow to the brain, which can help with neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells) and promote better cognitive function.    - Strength Training: Can also benefit brain health by improving executive function. 2. Mental Stimulation:    - Learning New Skills: Whether it's a new language, musical instrument, or complex game like chess, learning challenges your brain and can forge new neural pathways.    - Brain-Training Games: Apps like Lumosity or games that focus on memory, attention, or problem-solving might help, though the benefits can vary from person to person.    - Reading and Writing: Engaging in deep reading or creative writing...

  Optimize Your Brain Nutrition matters.  The foods your eat can either improve or damage your brain.   Foods to avoid: 1. Red Meats. Consuming a lot of red meats … is associated with cognitive decline. < 4 three-ounce servings / week.  2. Pastries & Sweets. Enjoy sparingly. < 5 small servings / week. For example: 1 small cookie. Switch to healthy whole fruits.  3. Butter & Stick Margarine. Any fat that is solid at room temperature is a general no-no. Avoid butter, stick margarine, palm oil, coconut oil, and shortening. Use olive oil or grapeseed oil as your fat. 4. Fried or Fast Food. Avoid.  Twice per month at most. For example: 1 small serving of fries. Foods to Include: 1. Leafy Greens 2. Berries 3. Nuts 4. Whole Grains 5. Fish 6. Poultry 7. Olive Oil 8. Beans and Legumes 9. Vegetable For more information, see The Mind Diet and consult with your nutritionist. K. H. Little Consulting Services Kenneth H. Little, MA cell: (603) 726-1006 ...