Brain Fitness Equals Body Power

There is a clear link between brain and body fitness. A well-exercised brain can improve performance, concentration and coordination. Sight, smell, touch and general awareness of the environment is stimulating to the brain and can help keep gray matter in top shape. Exercising outside on different routes, visiting a farmer's market, art gallery or petting zoo or other activities that stimulate the senses are great brain exercises. Playing mental games such as crossword or jigsaw puzzles, planning and planting a garden, learning a new language or dance step, taking an aerobics class, playing sports or playing an instrument are all designed to keep the brain functioning at optimal levels.

New research suggests that eating and lifestyle habits can affect brain fitness. The brain is made up of over 100 billion nerve cells, which use approximately 20-30 percent of our daily calories. Check out these ways to keep your brain fit and functioning at optimal levels:

• Reduce stress -- Chronic stress damages brain cells. Find a form of stress management such as meditation, yoga, prayer, hobbies, or vacations.

• Get adequate rest -- Most people need an average of 7-8 hours per night. Chronic tiredness decreases concentration, increases depression and causes temporary memory loss.

• Exercise regularly -- Exercise increases blood flow to provide nutrients and oxygen to the brain and carry out waste products.

• Eat regular meals -- Skipping meals causes memory loss, and impairs concentration, reaction time and communication.

• Get off very low calorie diets -- Diets with less than 1200 calories can decrease reaction time and attention span and increase short term memory loss.

• Eat more fish -- Fish such as salmon, cod and tuna are all goods source of omega ?3, a type of fat that is low in the typical American diet. Omega-3's keep nerve cells in the brain healthy and may play a part in alleviating depression.

• Eat your antioxidants -- Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants and help keep brain cells healthy. Choose brightly colored fruits and vegetables with beautiful red, yellow, orange, green and purple colors.

By the way, sitting in front of the TV is a "brain drain." It not only zaps brain skills but is also one of the major contributing factors to the rising rate of obesity in our country. If you are a TV bug, try to limit your watching time to an hour or two a day.