Not Smoking Can Help Your Brain

As I get older I notice that my memory is not what it used to be, so whenever I learn about things that can help me retain or increase my memory, I take note. Here are some things I learned recently while doing research online.

I think most people realize that as we age our brains begin to degenerate and memory deteriorates along with it. But did you know there are 4 main reasons for this degeneration?

1. Reduction in Neurotransmitters, especially acetylcholine causes decline in brain function.

2. Reduced blood circulation. The brain uses a significant proportion of all blood. Any impediment to blood flow therefore has a huge impact on brain function.

3. Effects of Cortisol. As a response to stresses cortisol is produced in the brain which damages the cells in the Hippocampus. The Hippocampus is instrumental in converting short term memories to long term ones. The damage in the hippocampus also triggers further production of cortisol setting off a ever increasing cycle of cell damage.

4. Free radical damage. Free radicals are atoms that have an electron imbalance and are constantly seeking to steal an electron to make itself whole. This process of stealing electrons from cells causes cell damage. Brain cells are no exception and brain cell damage also occurs due to free radical activity.

There are many common sense approaches to limiting and preventing brain degeneration:

* Proper diet – limit intake of salt, cholesterol and fat while eating plenty of fresh fruits and foods high in antioxidants.
* Regular Exercise – avoid becoming overweight.

* Control Blood pressure

* Control and limit stress

* Limiting alcohol intake and not smoking helps reduce free radical damage.

* Increase intake of Omega 3 fatty acids – found in large quantities in fish -helps combat free radical damage.

* Avoid even minor head trauma – When engaging in activities which could result in jarring of the brain use adequate protection. Regular jarring, even minor levels has been connected with higher incidence of dementia.

There are those in the medical field who believe that anyone who has been knocked unconscious has a greater chance of getting Alzheimer's.

Several not so obvious strategies that have emerged from recent studies into the brain include:

* Depression can affect the way the brain processes information and retrieves it. Therefore avoiding or minimizing depression can positively impact on brain function in later years. Socializing and involvement with family and community activities is recommended.

* Mental exercise. "Use it or lose it". Stimulating your brain with mental exercises such as crossword puzzles, board games or even taking up a new hobby or learning a musical instrument has been shown to increase the number of brain cells and connections between brain cells.

These activities improve what is known as "Brain Plasticity". Personally, I have noticed an improvement since I starting publishing blogs. Just learning how to do it was tremendously taxing for my brain and forced me to really think.

Certain drugs such as aspirin and anti-inflammatories as well as cholesterol reducing drugs in the "Statin" group are also believed to deter the onset of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Careful with the drugs, though, as they can damage the liver if taken too often.

Herbal supplements such as Gingko Biloba which is credited with improving blood circulation may also help.

These strategies were an encouragement to me. They are, for the most part, very simple. It's easy to take Omega-3 capsules and Gingko Biloba.

Brain exercises are easy to do, too. Who doesn't enjoy a good game of checkers, Monopoly or Risk? And it's never too late to learn an instrument. I have a sister-in-law who started taking violin lessons after her 40th birthday and found that she loved it.

Of course, if you can quit smoking it will actually help your mind stay sharp, too. Anything that puts toxins in your system, whether it's polution or cigarette smoke, damages your cells, causing aging and brain deterioration.

I thought this information was important enough to share. I hope it has given you some good suggestions for improving your memory now or in the future.

Tags: Don't Start Smoking, Reasons Why to Quit Smoking