The brain is one of the most important organs in the body, and you need to take care of it in order to maintain focus, feel the best mentally, and live long.
Dan Buettner, a longevity researcher who popularized the term “Blue Zones,” discussed in a recent episode of his podcast how to “hack the brain for a long lifespan.” During a conversation with psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, Buetner asked Amen to share the biggest mistakes Americans are making regarding their brain health.
“They don’t think about it. They don’t actually develop a relationship with (their brains),” Amen said. “And that’s definitely the most important relationship you’ve ever had.”
Even after years of training to become a psychiatrist, Amen admits that he didn’t focus enough on his brain health until 1991, when he began providing brain imaging in his clinic. Amen scans her brain and learns it’s not very healthy.
I am a top student in neuroscience and medicine and I didn’t care much about my brain.
Dr. Daniel Amen
Psychiatrist
“In 1991, I’m already a board certified psychiatrist. I’m a doctor. I’m a top student in neuroscience and medicine, and I didn’t really care much,” he said.
“I had a bad habit. I only slept for four hours at night. I’m overweight and never really thought about my brain’s physical health.”
To improve his brain health, Amen decided to make a major difference in his daily life and share what he learned with as many people as possible. He has written several books on his discoveries, including “Changes in the Brain, Changes in Your Pain,” which was published later this year.
Some of the practices that Amen recommends for a healthy brain are:
New omega-3 fatty acids measure new in proinflammatory foods like sugar and processed foods, start proinflammatory foods that know your genetic health history and start a preventive plan to avoid family-oriented sleep and driving development conditions. Using a sauna doesn’t believe everything your mind says to you “from a mental health perspective.” Just because your brain is saying something negative about yourself doesn’t mean they are true. Know your vitamin D levels and improve them as needed Tested your hormone levels
“You want to learn to love and care for your brain,” Amen said. “I care about it (and) avoid anything that hurts it.”
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