Keep Sharp | Health Literacy Month

This month is Health Literacy Month, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I recently finished the book Keep Sharp by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and to say it was eye-opening would be an understatement.

Before diving into Dr. Gupta’s strategies, I believe it’s important to acknowledge this alarming statistic…

Nearly nine out of 10 adults in the U.S. struggle with health literacy, which means that nearly 300 million people in the United States lack the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about their health.

I hope that the information in this blog will open your curiosity about all aspects of your health, just as Dr. Gupta’s book did for me, so we can all collectively feel confident about the decisions we make for ourselves and our families.

Understanding Brain Health

Dr. Gupta is a neurosurgeon who offers valuable tools and strategies for improving our brain health at any age. In his book, he emphasizes that our brains continue to form new neurons throughout our lives through a process called neurogenesis. This neuroplasticity allows our brains to adapt and grow even as we age.

Another important concept is cognitive reserve, the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage. When we engage in brain-healthy activities throughout our lives, we can build reserves that potentially delay or reduce the risks of cognitive decline.

Key Strategies for Brain Health

We’ve all heard many of the following strategies before… Exercise, eating well, sleeping, etc. But we’re not always told why we need to do something.

The age-old “parent” response, “because I said so,” doesn’t cut it in adulthood, and it’s necessary to know exactly why we do what we do for our health.

Physical Health

Dr. Gupta stresses that what’s good for the heart is good for the brain. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells – something I think we all want more of.

We should aim for a combination of both aerobic exercise (running, walking, swimming) and strength training. It doesn’t need to be rigorous exercise every day, but just moving your body daily, even with simple activities like walking, can make a huge difference.

Nutrition

The food we eat is crucial for our brain health. It can either work for or against us; ultimately, it’s our responsibility to provide what it needs to function at its best.

While there are many diets one can follow, Dr. Gupta talks about the MIND diet (Mediterrean-DASH intervention for Neurogenerative Delay) in his book. This diet is composed of:

Leafy green vegetables
Berries
Nuts
Whole grains
Fish
Olive oil

These foods are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that support brain function.

Quality Sleep

During sleep, our brains clear out toxins and consolidate memories, which is why it’s so important to aim for 8-10 hours of sleep. Sleep is composed of REM, light, and deep sleep, and each of these phases plays a part in brain health.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on brain health and other organs. However, incorporating stress-reduction techniques into our daily routine can bring our bodies back to baseline or homeostasis.

These stress reduction techniques could be deep breathing exercises or yoga, but they can also be walking, painting, reading, or anything that brings you a sense of calm and peace.

Social Connections

Social connections do a lot more for our brains than you might think. They stimulate our brains and can help prevent depression and anxiety.

Be sure to stay connected to friends and family, or join clubs and volunteer in your community.

Building Health Literacy

With the rise of technology and social media, information is more accessible now than ever before. While we should be cautious about the information we digest and do our own research, there is so much information past generations may not have had access to.

Not only this, but discoveries are made in health every single day, and staying informed will only help us live healthy, long lives.

By incorporating these brain-healthy habits into our daily lives, we’re not just sharpening our minds – we’re taking control of our overall health and well-being.

For more information on health literacy and brain health, check out these resources:

Did You Know? Quick Facts About Brain Health and Your Body

Flossing does more than just keep your teeth and gums healthy; it also prevents bacteria from potential infections from entering the bloodstream, which can cause build-up in the arteries.
When you eat red bell peppers, you’ll receive different nutrients than if you ate green bell peppers, hence why the phrase “eat the rainbow” is so important.
We need to sleep in much cooler environments than you might think. The ideal temperature is 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.

Disclaimer: This is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional advice from a healthcare professional.