Maintain Mental Sharpness

Life can be tough when you lack mental sharpness - from the battle to get through an average day at work to simply taking part in normal daily activities. Identifying the factors that affect our brain negatively and knowing how to correct them can help to restore and preserve mental sharpness. When these factors are examined closely, it's apparent that many of them are lifestyle related and are therefore modifiable.

Healthy Nutrition Is Essential For Healthy Brain Function

A poor diet that consists of processed foods, fast food and TV-dinners is very low in nutrition.
A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can upset blood sugar and insulin levels.
A diet that consists of foods that cause inflammation such as grains (wheat), sugar, dairy and processed foods can lead to inflammatory responses in the brain.
Food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), tartrazine, artificial colourants and artificial sweeteners can interfere with neurotransmitters, causing hyperactivity and lack of concentration, and can also lead to degeneration in the brain.
A diet low in healthy fats (such as omega 3 oils and saturated fat from vegetable origin) can lead to a decline in mental sharpness.

Get 7-8 Hours of Good Quality Sleep To Maintain A Healthy Mind And Body

Sleep breathing disorders such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disrupts normal sleep cycles and causes a decline in memory, concentration and sharpness. Stress often causes insomnia which quickly leads to a decline in mental sharpness.
Many of the sleeping tablets commonly prescribed for insomnia also disrupt normal sleep cycles.

Exercise

A lack of exercise leads to poor oxygen supply to the brain.
Regular exercise will improve circulation, ensuring good oxygen supply to the brain, which can help protect the brain from degeneration.
Stress

Long-term stress can lead to Adrenal Fatigue which can cause significant problems with memory, mental stamina and sharpness.
Gut Problems

Candida or bacterial overgrowth in the gut can affect brain function negatively and cause problems with concentration and memory.
Healthy gut bacteria are needed for serotonin production.

Liver Toxicity

A sluggish liver, burdened by toxins from poor diet, alcohol, drugs or medication causes increased inflammation in the body which can cause a decrease in mental sharpness.
Lack of Use

A brain that is not stimulated will begin to degenerate faster and lose sharpness.
Brain training techniques have been shown to be very beneficial in restoring and maintaining mental sharpness.
Degenerative Conditions

Degenerative conditions which affect the brain such as Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease cause impairment of cognitive abilities.
These conditions are often associated with ageing, but good nutrition and lifestyle choices can prevent or delay the onset of these conditions.

Read the full article at: https://www.healthrenewal.co.za/mental-sharpness/maintain-mental-sharpness 

March 26 2019 By Health Renewal Health