5 ways to keep your brain sharp as you age

March is Brain Health Awareness month. Naturopathic doctor Kate Rhéaume has five ways to help keep our brains sharp as we age.

Feed Your Brain

Eat the colours of the rainbow. Eating vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and radishes help to increase glutathione levels- which is the most abundant antioxidant in our bodies. 

Coffee

Coffee is a well known concentration aid. Drinking fresh-brewed coffee (maybe minus all the sugar) helps increase the brain’s capacity to process information. Coffee is also a source of antioxidants, which may support brain health as a person gets older. You can also take supplements that contain glutathione and other nutrients that support brain health.   

The Power of Protein

Eating a meal high in protein-such as chicken, cheese, beef, tuna etc., provides amino acids that are essential for tissue and cell repair and needed to produce important brain chemicals.

Top Up Your Fats

Gone are the days of oils. To get healthy fats in your diet think of eating flax seeds, walnuts, salmon and avocados, which are great sources of omega-3s.

Exercise Your Brain

A great way to exercise your brain is by doing a puzzle or playing a game. If you have something to focus on it keeps your mind sharp and increases brainpower.