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Sarah,
Memphis

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Brain health undeniably important for a bright future

Dr. David Perlmutter

Ever completed a Sudoku puzzle? Played a game of Trivial Pursuit? Finished a Word Search?

Sure these fun – and sometimes frustrating – brain teasers may seem like nothing more than games. However, they may be important for our health. Our brain health, that is.

We often think of exercising our bodies, be it by jogging, swimming or riding a bike. But how often do we think about exercising our brains?

Brain health is important for people of all ages. Keeping your brain healthy is as important as taking care of the rest of your body, say leading neurological experts, and taking the right steps now can help you to take charge of your brain health.

Exercising your brain is just one way to achieving brain health. According to Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist and leader in the field of nutritional influences in neurological disorders, our diet is also important for a healthy brain.

"Eating foods that contain DHA omega-3 is crucial to building and maintaining a healthy brain," Dr. Perlmutter says. "DHA supports nerve cell function and is important for your brain like calcium is important for your bones."

DHA stands for docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. DHA omega-3 is an important fatty acid that is a building block for nerve cells and helps keep your brain healthy.

Dr. Perlmutter provides these tips for keeping brain health top of mind:

	Have your homocysteine levels checked annually
	This really is a no-brainer (pardon the pun): Starting in your early 20s ask your doctor to check your homocysteine levels each year as part of your annual physical examination. Homocysteine is an amino acid that may promote inflammation and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
	Get sufficient sleep every night
	If you want to function at your mental and physical peak, make sure you get seven to eight hours of sleep on most nights. Constant sleep deprivation is bad for your brain, both short and long term.
	Have some fun
	Make recreational activity a part of your life. Whatever you choose to do, recreational activity is good for your brain. So, go out and have some fun – doctor's orders.
	And of course, add DHA omega-3 to your diet
	How? DHA is found most prevalently in fish, including salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines. Small amounts of DHA are also found in eggs and some meats. In addition, DHA can be made in the body from another omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in common vegetable oils, walnuts, flaxseeds and soybeans.