Fire Your Sofa to Save Your Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 4, 2024
Listen up, couch potatoes.
I’ve got news that’s sure to get you up off those sagging sofa cushions like a shot.
You know the old saying, “Use or lose it,” right?
Well, scientists say it’s true when it comes to the LAST place you’d ever want to see that happen… your BRAIN. But probably not how you’re thinking.
Let me explain…
It turns out that “use it or lose it” applies to your precious gray matter.
But we’re not talking about traditional brain-engaging activities here (like trivia games). Critical areas of your brain can shrink when you don’t move your BODY more.
And let’s face it, NO ONE wants a smaller brain!
After all, accelerated brain shrinkage opens the door to devastating diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
In other words, all those hours spent binge-watching your favorite TV shows or doom-scrolling on your smartphone are eating away at crucial brain-cell real estate….
And don’t make the mistake of thinking these consequences will happen sometime in the distant future either.
A recent study confirms this shrink could be happening right NOW, in the prime of your Golden Years.
Researchers performed whole-body MRI scans on more than 10,000 volunteers.
After some careful data crunching, the team found clear links between staying physically active and having more volume in areas tied to memory and learning.
The frontal lobe (which is involved in decision-making) and the hippocampus (which is vital to memory storage) were significantly larger in the folks who exercised.
But don’t panic. You don’t have to go full marathon runner or transform into a neurotic CrossFit junkie to save your precious brain cells.
Something as simple as a brisk walk around the neighborhood can work wonders. The study found that taking 4,000 daily steps can significantly affect brain health.
Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, supplying brain cells with vital nutrients, including growth-promoting proteins.
Small changes make a big difference in supporting your brain health as you age. So, go ahead and lace up your sneakers, step outside, and give your brain a boost.
P.S. “Sneaky Exercise” is the workout you’ve ALWAYS wanted.
Source:
Raji, Cyrus A. et al. ‘Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals’. 1 Jan. 2024: 829 – 839. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-230740
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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