Pump the Brakes on Brain Aging in 15 Minutes Flat
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 10, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
I’m going to give it to you straight. Aging is tough on your whole body.
Your joints… heart… and even your youthful skin all begin to show the effects of the passage of time.
But aging takes the biggest toll on your brain.
Because as the years go by, you lose brain cells. Eventually, your brain literally begins to shrink. And while some shrinkage is normal, an accelerated shrink could lead to major memory problems.
Fortunately, recent research has revealed one of the BEST ways to keep a sharp, healthy brain as we age. And it couldn’t be any easier.
In fact, in just 15 minutes a WEEK, this simple change could pump the brakes on aging and give your brain a BIG boost.
If you feel your brain is a bit more sluggish than it used to be, you’re not alone. Most people over 40 are measurably slower at thinking tasks than those young whippersnappers.
In fact, that delay in processing speed is one of the main measurements scientists use to distinguish between old brains and newer ones. And that same drop in processing speed is also what makes us FEEL old.
But lucky for us, researchers have confirmed we not only can boost our mental processing speed, regardless of our age. It doesn’t take a huge commitment to see some significant improvement.
A new study published in the journal Neurology showed that women who exercised regularly had a significant boost in mental processing speed. The guys benefitted too. But their uptick in processing speed was a bit more modest.
The researchers found that women who were physically active for just 15 measly minutes a week erased an impressive 2.75 years from their brain age. But it gets even better. The ladies who exercised the most, fitting in some movement every day, knocked an incredible 13 years off their brain age.
Women’s and men’s bodies benefit from daily exercise in a variety of ways. But to keep your brain “young” and firing on all cylinders, don’t stop there. Try my Brain Protection Plan instead:
- Creatine: This brain-friendly amino acid can help improve short-term memory and reasoning. Plus, it also supports energy production and benefits aging brains.
- CoQ10: This powerful antioxidant has neuroprotective effects. It can improve learning and memory deficits and helps to provide energy throughout the body.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins A and C and phytonutrients, including bioflavonoids, flavanols, and polyphenols, are natural antioxidants that can help prevent oxidative stress from damaging brain cells. This is critical for older brains that essentially stop replacing dead or dying neurons. Coffee, chocolate, wine, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants.
- Mitochondrial support: Mitochondria are the energy-producing motors of our cells. Supplementing with mitochondrial-supporting CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, selenium, and vitamin E can boost your brain’s energy.
- Herbs: Curcumin and bacopa are herbs that help decrease inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants. Curcumin can help improve memory and mood. And bacopa is used to support mental focus and improve memory.
You can’t stop the hands of time. But you CAN slow down the effects of aging on your brain. Commit to moving more and taking these extra steps to protect your memory.
P.S. Every time you strap on your walking shoes and head out the door, you boost your brain power. Now researchers have discovered that this brain-boosting mineral could AMPLIFY your exercise efforts even more.
Source:
“Effects of Sex, APOE4, and Lifestyle Activities on Cognitive Reserve in Older Adults,” Neurology, Aug 2022, 99 (8) e789-e798; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200675
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.
View More Free Articles
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...