What’s Good For Your Heart, Is Good For Your Brain

February is the American Heart Month, so let’s explore the connection between heart fitness and brain health. The cardiovascular system functions like a highway that delivers blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain. Risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and genetic factors, burden and block this highway and can significantly affect brain health in several ways. These risk factors have been associated to cognitive decline, such as impaired memory function. Certain lifestyle choices can help you maintaining a healthy heart, and thus help you preserve cognitive function. Here are some tips that can help you do just that: · Manage Blood Pressure: If high, it can strain the blood vessels and reduce blood flow. Check you blood pressure regularly, limit foods high in sodium, take medication if prescribed by your doctor · Monitor Cholesterol Levels: Make food choices that are low in saturated fats and high in omega-3, such as fish and other lean proteins. · Do Not Smoke: Smoking raises blood pressure, may cause blockages on arteries, and increases the risk of strokes. · Manage Blood Sugar Levels: High levels contribute to inflammation. Follow a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and attend regular medical check-ups. · Practice Stress-management Techniques, such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and other activities that promote deep breathing and relaxation. · Stay Active: Engage in activities that promote cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, running, cycling, and dancing among others. In summary, everything that’s good for your heart is good for your brain! Making healthy lifestyle choices, under the supervision of your physician if you have certain medical conditions, is likely to reduce your risk of neurodegeneration and other brain-related conditions.