The brain is a powerful tool. Like the rest of the body, the brain requires nourishment to function properly. However, because of our busy lives, we don’t often stop to think about the little things we can do to maintain the brain and improve our mental acuity. To that end, here are a few tips to help you start off your day by feeding your brain.
In the morning, your body, and especially your brain, needs energy. Carbs may provide a quick solution, but before you reach for that sugary, carb-laden coffee drink, remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that your body uses up very quickly. It feeds the brain, but not for long. If you’re getting ready for a long day of work, it’s best to choose a morning meal with more complex carbohydrates. Consider a fruit bowl. Fruit is an excellent source of healthy complex carbs, not to mention antioxidants.
If you want to go the extra mile and treat yourself to a more complete nutritional meal, consider something with more protein, like a cereal. Better yet, add fruit to your cereal. In order to hit the ground running, it’s important to give your brain the fuel it needs to stay sharp and productive. Eggs are another fantastic source of protein. They also contain choline, a B vitamin that, according to research highlighted in Psychology Today, has been shown to enhance memory and reaction time.
It may seem trivial, but water is also a key ingredient for a healthy brain. Staying hydrated is important to staying healthy in general, so it should come as no surprise that dehydration can lead to impaired brain functions. Make sure you treat your body well by drinking water throughout the day in addition to meal times.
Remember, your physical health and mental well-being are very much intertwined. Neglecting one can have serious effects on the other. So if you’re ever feeling all little off, ask yourself if you’ve fed your brain recently!
For more information on how to feed your brain, visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk and search for “nutrition.”