The human brain is done developing at around age 25 and begins to degrade when you’re in your thirties and forties. When you’re in your sixties, the rate of deterioration increases. Your brain shrinks, physically, as you get older.

If this is the first time you’re hearing this, we’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but there’s good news to go along with it: By making certain changes to your diet and daily habits, you may be able to slow the rate of deterioration and stay sharp well into your old age. Here’s how:

1. Keep Your Brain Busy

Your brain is just like any other organ in your body in that it needs regular exercise to stay in good working condition. “Use it or lose it” applies to your muscles, your bones, your internal organs, and yes, your brain. Studies routinely show that cognitive ability improves with mental stimulation.

The good news is this is something you can do anywhere. We all carry smartphones with us everywhere, so whenever you have a free moment you can get your mind going with a game of chess, some crossword puzzles, or any other problem-solving activity that you enjoy.

2. Keep Your Body Moving

The brain is just another body part. If you are dealing with obesity, your organs crowd each other, your knees strain under the extra weight, and your brain suffers, as well.

Obesity heightens inflammation throughout the body and in the brain, so losing weight can be one of the best things to help your focus.

Losing weight is challenging. You need to be dedicated, but your physical and mental health is worth it. You’ll want to get thirty minutes of moderate exercise a day to burn fat, and you may want to consider upping your protein intake, as this is one of the most critical nutrients to burning fat.

3. Feed Your Brain

If you’re trying to add an inch to your biceps, you want to eat a lot of protein and creatine. If you’re trying to improve your focus and memory and stave off mental decline, you’re looking for Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which work as an anti-inflammatory agent.

You can get Omega-3 by eating fatty fish like salmon a few times a week. Fish oil pills can help as well. Walnuts contain Omega-3, as well, and make a great snack between meals.

You may also want to consider trying Bacopa. This is a plant native to Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and Nepal, which contains antioxidants and which may have nootropic, or brain-boosting, properties.

An easy way to get all of this into your system is with Herbalife Products. Supplements and shakes made with quality ingredients can help you to get the fatty acids and antioxidants that you need even when you don’t have time to sit down for a meal.

In addition to Herbalife ingredients, exercise, and mental activity, you also want to get plenty of fiber and water to aid your digestion, and you want to make sure you get enough sleep. If you want your brain functioning to its full potential, you’ve got to make sure that your body is functioning to its full potential, as well.

Photo by Denis Tuksar on Unsplash