3 ways that exercise changes the very structure of the brain
You probably know that exercise boosts brain function, but did you know that exercise can literally change the structure of our brains? Although these structural changes may not be visible to us, they can help us protect and preserve brain health and function throughout our lives. Below, you’ll Read More...
Want to protect your brain from air pollution? Eat fish prepared this way
If you live in a city, chances are you are exposed to air pollution every day. The good news is a new study has found an impactful way to protect our brains from external threats like pollution: eating broiled or baked fish. According to the study, which was published in the medical journal of Read More...
Want to boost your brain health? Probiotics could help
We at The Optimist Daily write a lot about the numerous health benefits of probiotics. While these healthy bacteria are immensely beneficial for your microbiome and gut health, it turns out they can be good for your brain and even improve your mental health too! Probiotics are "life-promoting" Read More...
These exercises will boost your brain’s neuroplasticity
The amazing thing about exercise is that it not only benefits your body but also the way your brain functions. With exercise, you stimulate chemical changes that enhance learning, mood and thinking—amongst other things. In a new study, researchers found a link between exercise and enhanced Read More...
Why broccoli sprouts may be your new favorite superfood in 2020
The new year means new healthy eating goals, but with endless health food blogs, books, and theories, what’s “healthy” varies based on who you ask. If you ask neurologist David Perlmutter, he will tell you your brain will benefit most from eating a rather uncommon veggie: broccoli Read More...
New study says playing sports boosts your brain’s ability to process information
The beauty of playing a sport is that it can remove you from the more regular emotions you usually feel throughout the day and bring you into a state of focus and adrenaline-fueled excitement—especially when a sporting event reaches a crucial moment. According to a new study from Northwestern Read More...
Regularly playing games like chess can increase mental sharpness later in life
Hosting family over the holidays? The only thing more stressful than preparing the food is deciding how to entertain your guests. New research provides good reason to dust off your old board games; they can boost brain health. According to a 68-year-long study conducted by psychologists from Read More...
This Alzheimer's drug is reversing the effects of binge drinking
Binge drinking in teenage years has been shown to cause damage to neuron formation and plasticity in the hippocampus, a region of the brain critical for learning, memory, and development. This is only one of the major concerns about heavy alcohol use during the formative years. But, there may be Read More...
Love podcasts? We have some good news!
Podcasts are revolutionizing the lifestyles of those who find themselves too busy commuting, cooking, or cleaning to sit down and read. From news or true-crime to short stories and history, there is a podcast for everyone. And now, research shows, listening to a podcast can be as beneficial for Read More...
Boost your memory and focus with these 5 foods
What you eat and drink can have a huge effect on your ability to remember things. For instance, consuming too much alcohol can lead to short-term memory loss, which you may know if you’ve ever had one too many drinks. In addition, consuming too many processed foods that are void of nutrients and Read More...