Just as working out helps keep your body in good physical shape, for good mental health it is important to keep your brain in top condition. No matter what your age is, there are many ways to keep your brain challenged and performing at its peak.

Mental activity can keep your mind sharp. Continue to learn and challenge yourself and your brain continues to grow. Important facts about keeping your brain at its best include:

Stay physically active

Exercise increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain; exercise may even promote cell growth in the brain. Exercise makes you feel more energetic and alert. Just recently I started a membership at a local fitness center. I am amazed at how much better I feel after over one month of daily activity in the fitness center. I walk at a moderate speed on the treadmill for 60 minutes everyday. I started out just five minutes per day, then added one minute each day thereafter.

Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods

Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables protect and nourish brain cells. Antioxidants may also help prevent cholesterol from damaging the lining of your arteries and slowing blood flow to your brain. You are more likely to gain the health benefits of antioxidants from eating whole foods than by taking supplements. Foods high in antioxidants include oranges, berries, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Do not drink too much alcohol

Heavy drinkers for many years can experience permanent brain damage. Heavy drinkers are also at a higher risk of developing memory problems and dementia. If you drink alcohol, do so moderately. If you do not drink alcohol, do not start. Moderate drinking means for women anyone 65 or older, one drink daily. For men under 65, no more than two drinks daily. Some evidence shows that “moderate” alcohol consumption may prevent memory loss; this is not clear how. If you already do not drink, don’t start just for this reason.

Try to keep stress to a minimum

Chronic stress may cause your brain to release hormones that can damage the brain. Chronic stress can also make you feel depressed or anxious. These are feelings that can interfere with your memory.

Protect your head when doing exercise such as riding a bike

Head injury can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Do not smoke

Smokers may have twice the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease as people who never smoked. It is never too late to stop smoking. You can still reduce risk of memory loss later in life.

Check your family history

If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, talk to your doctor, he or she may be able to suggest ways of preventing the disease that would prove helpful to you.

Regular health tests

Keeping regular doctor appointments is a good way to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol level and blood sugar level as well as to be sure your thyroid gland is functioning normally. These are easy ways to know what is going on inside your body.

Source: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.