Promoting Brain Health Through Diet
What we eat can significantly affect not just our bodies but also our brains over time.
“CBS Mornings” is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association for a three-part series called “Brain Health: From Awareness to Action,” which focuses on habits that may help reduce the risk of dementia in the future.
Joanne Pike, the CEO and president of the Alzheimer’s Association, highlights nutrition as a key element, along with other lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity. She states that their research shows how important physical movement, nutrition, and cognitive challenges are for preserving and even enhancing our cognitive abilities.
The association’s new “6-Step Challenge” emphasizes diet and nutrition, offering practical advice aimed at supporting cognitive functions.
What to Eat and What to Avoid
A brain-friendly diet, referred to as the MIND diet, focuses on foods rich in:
- Fruits
- Vegetables, particularly leafy greens
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
Pike mentions that these options are “nutrient-rich and dense, with great food value.”
The Mediterranean diet, which has solid scientific support, also advises reducing processed foods and sugar intake.
To stay on track, Pike suggests maintaining a food log. This way, you can see what you’re eating and identify areas for healthier swaps.
Participants in the Alzheimer’s Association’s challenge will get help incorporating these tips into their daily routines. The aim is to build sustainable, healthier habits over time. Pike emphasizes, “This is a movement about increasing brain health over time, and it’s never too early to start. Your brain health in your 40s and 50s really affects how you will age.”
If you’re interested in the Alzheimer’s Association’s “(re)think your brain” initiative and “6-Step Challenge,” you can find more details at rethinkyourbrain.org. There, users can sign up for the challenge and receive daily tips through text or email.
