Mind Matters

It was my goal to get in one more blog post before I enter the twilight zone, outer limits or famed rabbit hole... in others words - before I start my three week written comprehensive exams for my doctorate program.  My comps are occurring while I am also enrolled in classes so I couldn't possibly carry on blogging.  It does sadden me.
I should see you again in November.

My last post comes directly from an article in the Nutrition Action publication of CSPI.  They had a special feature recently which discussed whether or not supplements could improve brain health and reduce the risks of stroke and brain disease.  The bottom line was that evidence does not support pills as a strategy for good health - but the usually lifestyle factors do.  Actually, the article was about keeping your mind sharp - memory and thinking - but the advice was the same as it would be for maintaining health overall.

• don't have a stroke (really don't) The best method for avoiding strokes is to keep blood fats low (LDL and triglycerides), control or prevent high blood pressure, and don't smoke.

• lose excess weight (this is recommended as a way to prevent type 2 diabetes which leads to circulatory problems - blood flow to the brain).

• cut saturated and trans fats from your diet (this is the same advice you find everywhere - foods high in solid fats and added sugars increase calorie density and also are said to be metabolized differently than whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils).

•  eat fish (we have been over this as well.  PUFAs and Omega 3s are heart and brain healthy foods.  Choose salmon.)

• Move (a growing body of research suggests that people who are physically active and limit their sitting time, have an overall better outlook for health and aging.

This information came from a special feature written by David Schardt of CSPI.