Blood Flow and Brain Health
“Blood flow is critical for life. It transports nutrients, including oxygen, to every cell in your body and flushes away toxins,” Dr. Daniel Amen said.
If we begin to think of our daily behaviors as those that can positively or negatively impact brain health, we will realize we have a great amount of control over the health of our brains.
The brain makes up 2% of the body’s weight and uses 20% of our body’s oxygen and blood flow. Anything that damages blood flow hurts the brain. Taking care of our heart and blood vessels is so important in our brain health. The easier blood can flow through our body, the quicker healing can get to the areas of our body and brain that need it. Increasing blood flow is one of the most important factors to keep in mind as you are moving towards optimal brain health, allowing better decision making, and the ability to have pleasure and engage in an abundant life.
6 strategies to support overall blood flow:*
Hydrate! Eight to 10 cups of water a day helps keep you hydrated and can decrease risk of hypertension (high blood pressure).
Exercise regularly. Here are some of the best types:
Interval training (30-60 seconds of high intensity and then low intensity)
Strength training 2-4 days a week for 30-60 minutes
Coordination activities (dancing, pickle ball, table tennis, etc.)
Mindful exercises (yoga, pilates, tai chi)
Undergo HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy). This allows the lungs to take in more oxygen than usual. It also boosts production of growth factors and stem cells promoting healing.
Take supplements with research-based evidence to help maintain healthy blood pressure and increase blood flow: Ginko Biloba, coco flavanols, Omega 3 fatty acids, Green tea catechizes, and Resveratrol
Avoid things that decrease blood flow. This can include, but is not limited to, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, more than one serving of caffeine a day, nicotine, marijuana, dehydration, excessive playing of video games, more than two glasses of alcohol a week, etc.
Eat foods low in glycemic index. Colorful vegetables and fruits, as well as high quality proteins and healthy fats, are great for a healthy and well balanced diet.
*As always, please consult a physician before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle, diet, exercise regimen, etc. I am not you, nor am I your doctor, so I don’t know what changes may positively or negatively affect your unique body.