Thereare 2 types of strokes:

1-Hemmoragic-a blood vessel that bursts in the brain causing lack of oxygen to be supplied to the area of the brain (a lobe) where the vessel ruptured.　 Lack of oxygen to any area of the body tissue=starvation to the tissue; where in this case is the brain=a stroke.

2-Blockages-These blockages caused by the following: blood clots, athero-sclerosis, a common disorder, it happens due to fat, cholesterol, with even　tar from smoking, or other substances that　build up in the walls of the arteries forming hard structures called plaque and in time creating a blockage in the vessel interfering with blood supply providing oxygen to tissue and if blocked in the brain=high probability of a stroke occurring if not taken care of.　　 “Recommended related to Heart Disease” by Web MD which states that atherosclerosis is the key cause of heart attacks & strokes including it’s the number one killer in the United States.　 Risk Factors for atherosclerosis include high blood pressure (b/p)=arteriosclerosis, blood level of high bad cholesterol (LDL), blood level of low good cholesterol (HDL), smoking, diabetes, and history of heart attacks in your nuclear family.　 Definitely a healthy diet, having exercise in your life, and your weight within the therapeutic body mass index level will help prevent, if not treat, atherosclerosis.

TIA=Transient Ischemic Attack this is a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by ischemia (loss of blood flow) – either focal brain, spinal cord or retinal – without acute infarction (tissue death).  The TIA is pain to the brain due to lack of oxygen like Angina is lack of oxygen to the heart but both are REVERSIBLE where a MI (heart attack) and STROKE OR CVA aren’t they are both INFARCTIONS=ACTUAL DAMAGE TO THE ORGAN (MI to the heart as CVA/STROKE is to the brain).   TIAs have the same underlying cause as strokes: a disruption of cerebral blood flow (CBF), and are frequently referred to as mini-strokes. TIAs and strokes cause the same symptoms, such as contralateral paralysis (opposite side of body from affected brain hemisphere) or sudden weakness or numbness. A TIA may cause sudden dimming or loss of vision (amaurosis fugax), aphasia, slurred speech (dysarthria) and mental confusion. But unlike a stroke, the symptoms of a TIA can resolve within a few minutes or 24 hours. Brain injury may still occur in a TIA lasting only a few minutes. Having a TIA is a risk factor for eventually having a stroke or a silent stroke.

The Risk Factors of this disease, especially diet & sedentary lifestyle:

1. High Blood Pressure (b/p)-This is also known as the diagnosis hypertension.　 In understanding how hypertension works let’s use a metaphor:　 Think of a blood vessel as a long thin balloon and if we stand on it the pressure will increase inside the balloon causing the diameter of the balloon to swell up.　 If you continue to step on the balloon adding additional pressure this causes it to finally reach it’s　total amount of　pressure　or　when you　exceed the total level of　pressure this results　in popping the balloon.　 Similar concept with high b/p, that’s if the pressure keeps rising in our blood vessels due to blockage or vasoconstriction　(which is making the vessels diameter more narrow=increased pressure in the vessels) sooner or later a vessel bursts somewhere in the body due to the b/p passing it’s　total level in the amount of　pressure　that it can　handle in the circulatory system which can result　into　a burst of an artery, like in the brain causing a stroke or in a vessel near the heart causing a myocardial infarction (but this is another topic some other day).　 Think of food,　 a human being not eating　leads into　starvation, well for blood cells lack of oxygen=starvation to the cells.　 This　causes in both situations or cases a　lack of nutrition (the tissue is lacking oxygen).　 With a stroke,　not enough oxygen is　getting to the brain resulting from either a hemorrhage (loosing too much blood=loosing to many cells=oxygen (food for tissue)　or a blockage preventing 02 getting to the area.　 Though many people have increased b/p due to　only 2 things　diet leading them to obesity, and　lack of exercise due to a sedentary lifestyle,　which could be　changed and resolve the problem in most cases.　 Increased b/p can also be due noncompliance- like continuing to smoke, or　not following the healthy regimen the M.D. ordered for　you as a　patient.　 The overall　healthy regimen for a person with hypertension would be a low sodium diet (preventing further vasoconstriction), even low in cholesterol/fat/1800-2000 calories a day (preventing obesity or further weight gain), balancing　rest with exercise　and　the b/p medications taken as prescribed, by their M.D.　　　 So for many Americans hypertension can be controlled just by diet with balancing exercise with rest.　　For others it might take a little more like doing　which is what I just mentioned　with　following　your medication regimen as ordered　and going to your doctor having your b/p monitored, as your M.D. prescribes.

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2.  Smoking-For starters, this unhealthy habit puts you at risk for high blood pressure since it causes vasoconstriction (narrowing)　of the vessels in our body due to the nicotine.　 The answer to this　risk factor　is simply quit this unhealthy habit.　 Smoking adds to the plaque building up in the vessels.　 Centers for Disease state that in 2010 the leading cause of death was heart disease followed by cancer than to chronic respiratory disease and lastly stroke.　 Over time a healthy diet balanced with exercise daily or every 2 days for 30minutes would help decrease the cardiac disease and stroke.　 The American Lung Association states that smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis)deaths.

Among adults who have ever smoked, 70% started smoking regularly at age 18 or younger, and 86% at age 21 or　younger.

Smoking harms nearly every organ in the body, and is a main cause of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema). It is also a cause of coronary heart disease (CAD), stroke and a host of other cancers and　diseases.

So let’s take a car for instance,　if the transmission is bad and not repaired by a mechanic the engine will be effected and soon fail completely.　 Now let’s take the lungs, if they are bad and you don’t go to a doctor to help treat the problem the heart will be effected at some point to failure in function　and vice versa.

If a smoker doesn’t quit it causes COPD=Emphysema (this does take over years) and it will affect the heart in time to not function as effectively with someone who has healthy lungs.　 Worse, if you don’t quit smoking you increase the risk of getting CAD (coronary artery disease) and add to the problem atherosclerosis if you already have the diagnosis　which is caused by fatty materials (lipids), fibrous tissue with tar (from the smoking)　causing blockages in the vessels.　 You also have a risk at lung cancer.

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3. High Cholesterol-The National Stroke Association states the following about cholesterol:
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat (lipid) that is made by the body.　It is found in the bloodstream and in all of your body’s cells.　The body needs cholesterol to form cell membranes, some hormones and vitamin D.

Cholesterol is also found in some foods, such as seafood, eggs, meats and dairy products.

Because cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood on its own, it must be carried to and from cells by particles called lipoproteins. There are two main　types of lipoproteins:　low-density lipoproteins (LDL)=the bad cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins=the good cholesterol (HDL).

LDL can cause plaque build-up. Plaque is a　thick, hard substance that can clog arteries. Recent studies show that high levels of LDL and triglycerides (blood fats) raise the risk of ischemic　stroke. Plaque can also increase risk of a transient ischemic　attack (TIA) where

^{stroke symptoms go away within 24 hours.　 Stroke verses TIA=Nonreversible verses Reversible. Stroke is scarring to the brain where TIA doesn’t.　 Like Heart Attack verses Angina, Heart Attack is scarring to the heart verses no scarring to the heart with Angina. Both Angina and TIA are just lack of oxygen to the heart and the brain, causing the symptoms due to　lack of oxygen=ischemia.　 Both heart attack and stroke are both a lot worse than just ischemia.  They both get to the point where there in no oxygen causing actual permanent damage to the organ since the problem never reversed=scarring to the heart and brain.}

The second main type of cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called the “good” cholesterol.　High levels of HDL may reduce stroke risk.

High cholesterol levels or plaque build-up in the arteries can block normal blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.　High cholesterol may also increase　the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, which are both risk factors for stroke.

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Many things can affect the b/p levels & cholesterol levels.　Some can be changed and some cannot.

We can change 3 things.　 You can change, anyone can change, it’s up to you in deciding whether to do it or not and being able to discipline yourself with having the power to do it. They are:

1-Diet –　Foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase cholesterol levels.

2-Weight — Being overweight can increase your cholesterol levels.

3-Exercise — People who are not active tend to have higher cholesterol levels.

These 3 things can prone you to high blood pressure (B/P), a stroke, & cardiac disease and even other diseases.　 I just had a dear friend who I’ve known almost 35 years that survived coronary artery bypass surgery over 55 y/o,　with 5 blockages (2 100% blocked and 3 at least 80% blocked).　 That was a set up for a silent heart attack if he didn’t have the surgery but he was lucky in getting symptoms of chest pain and fatigue/lethargy due to these blockages.  This made him go the doctor.  He stopped smoking the day before the surgery.　　 His life had taken a　360 turn and　stopped in his　daily routine and life schedule.　 It had begun all over again at almost 60.　　　Without　controlling　your blood pressure therapeutically or　ending your smoking or eating healthy with　living healthy habits　the heart at first will be able to compensate with　living unhealthy habits　but over time　the heart　may find it so hard to function or work that the heart starts to fail in doing its job effectively (it decompensates causing failure if no changes are made).　 Again　let’s take　the　car, you do maintenance to the vehicle it will operate and last longer, well the exact principle with the human body.　 Pretty simple　isn’t it.

If you don’t eat a healthy diet, keep your weight in a therapeutic range, properly exercise than expect a high odds they will be leaning more towards　a shortening of your life span.　 You can control your diet, weight and your exercise the right way with a little direction.　 We are here for just direction in helping you maintain a good diet including weight and giving you guidance through Dr. Anderson’s book called Dr. A’s healthy habits in giving you knowledge about routine exercise, all 4 food groups and how to eat them in healthy proportions.　 It explains how the metabolism works with 3 meals as opposed to 6 meals with how the body works regarding the foods you eat.　 It tells you so much more.　　 It allows you to know the information for changes that you may need to take to lessen risks of certain diseases occurring in your life through modification with diet and healthy habits.　 This allows you to make the choice on your life where you can make it more enjoyable and less restricted now and at retirement by sticking to a good health diet and healthy habits, not for 3 or 6 months but for life. 　You make all the decisions in what you want to do with your body with what’s acceptable.　 Join me in living a healthier life with starting a spread throughout America for a healthier country.　 Go to healthyusa.tsfl.com. and take a peek it doesn’t cost a dime.

Tim Holden (born March 5, 1957) is the former U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 17th congressional district.

There are MANY reasons why someone might get a flu-like illness, even after they have been vaccinated against flu.

1. One reason is that some people can become ill from other respiratory viruses besides flu such as rhinoviruses, which are associated with the common cold, cause symptoms similar to flu, and also spread and cause illness during the flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against influenza viruses, not other viruses.
2. Another explanation is that it is possible to be exposed to influenza viruses, which cause the flu, shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period after vaccination that it takes the body to develop immune protection. This exposure may result in a person becoming ill with flu before protection from the vaccine takes effect.
3. A third reason why some people may experience flu like symptoms despite getting vaccinated is that they may have been exposed to a flu virus that is very different from the viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against. The ability of a flu vaccine to protect a person depends largely on the similarity or “match” between the viruses selected to make the vaccine and those spreading and causing illness. There are many different flu viruses that spread and cause illness among people. For more information, see Influenza (Flu) Viruses.
4. The final explanation for experiencing flu-like symptoms after vaccination is that unfortunately, the flu vaccine doesn’t always provide adequate protection against the flu. This is more likely to occur among people that have weakened immune systems or people age 65 and older.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO IN TRYING TO PREVENT FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS FROM HAPPENING, EVEN AFTER HAVING THE FLU VACCINE OR EVEN IF YOU DON’T GET THE VACCINE PERIOD?

Keep yourself warm DURING THE WINTER WEATHER

Wash both your hands often-keeping hands clean is so very important.

Manage Stress-which can decrease your immunity.

Travel safely

Be Smoke Free

GET VACCINATED for the FLU-FIRST PREVENTION STEP TO TAKE.

Handle food safely, including how you prepare it.

EAT HEALTHY AND BE ACTIVE

Watch the kids-at a high risk for injuries. Develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including electronic media.

Prevent injuries

Many of  these measures help prevent putting your immunity down and allowing you to be put at risk for picking up the FLU easier during the winter weather.

 CORRECT A COMMON MISCONCEPTION OF THE FLU SHOT

Can a flu shot give you the flu?

No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. Flu vaccines that are administered with a needle are currently made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a) flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are therefore not infectious, or b) with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.

“I wasn’t eating the right kinds of calories. I didn’t know about healthy carbs such as brown rice and lentils. Now I eat small meals throughout the day: oatmeal with cinnamon to start, fruit and yogurt as a snack, and vegetables or with chicken or tuna, and a healthy carb, like a yam, for lunch.”

Christine from Special Surgery in Manhattan this is dedicated to you.

If you have been trying to lose weight or just want to live healthier to decrease the chance of suffering certain diseases or illnesses that have happened already in America to some people through poor diet and unhealthy habits, than you have come to the right blog.  Today’s article is on knowing what foods to avoid to prevent slowing your metabolism down.   For starters let’s discuss why foods in high sugar content are bad for you.  Understand how the body works.  If you buy and eat foods with the following, especially in large portions=starches, carbohydrates (CHOs), sugars, calories and even some fats depending on what is in the fat (THAT’S WHY YOU READ THE INGREDIENTS) you will cause through digestion a high peak in your blood glucose level.  Even though we see on the label a section called sugars you must understand that starches, CHOs, fats, including calories and sugars breakdown to further simple and complex sugars in the body as a ending result.  When we eat the food it gets into the stomach, the food than through digestive juices/acids cause break down the ingredients into complex or simple sugars which get transferred into the blood stream (fructose and glucose).  Glucose is the prime fuel for the body.  Fuel meaning giving energy to the body so we can function in doing our daily exercises (as simple as range of motion of extremities).  Remember when digestion takes place it utilizes the glucose it needs at that time throughout the body.  If you have a large meal or a small meal high in starch or carbohydrates or sugars or calories the body won’t need to utilize all the break down of these foods which is broken into simpler sugars which gets broken down in the stomach.  So you’ll have extra sugar in the blood.  If the human body was able to dispose of this extra sugar by getting it out of the body naturally we wouldn’t have any obesity.  So when we have bagels with cream cheese, or a Mc muffin or some fast processed food for breakfast than start work followed with going out to eat for lunch at a restaurant nearby work than stop off at a pizzeria to pick up dinner for a pizza with chicken wings and blue cheese dressing followed with ice cream we are dealing with high percentages of sugars (as the ending product from digestion=fat storage=weight gain).   How this works is first the body utilizes the sugar that it needs than the extra sugar still in the bloodstream when it reaches the liver fills up that organ with glucose (active sugar) that is transferred into glycogen (inactive sugar) but remember the liver is like a gas tank where it can only fill up with so much sugar and when it reaches full the sugar left in the blood stream has to go somewhere.  It goes to our fat tissue where it is absorbed=weight gain.  We have to be more disciplined in our eating habits.  Society needs to speak up or just not go to some of these fast food joints since ending line the food is not good for you.  Burger King just came out with a burger topped with fries (what the heck is this going to do for someone’s health).  America wake up to the restaurant industry and know to eat out 2 times or less a week or you will be at a high probability of  putting weight on.  When you eat 3 large meals a day these meals take 6 to 8 hours to digest.  The trick is when you are in body mass index range for your height still eat 6 small meals a day with vegetables/fruits and healthy fiber with one of the 6 meals a day being highest in protein with vegetables/fruit (being 50% of the meal on a 9″ plate, no larger and no second helpings).  The 5 other meals are smaller and low in calories (80-100), carbohydrates (10-12 grams), sugar (4 or less grams) and the protein (about 6 grams).  In between the meals if you feel hungry drink water or have a snack like celery or something similar to it.  What you cause is your sugar intake with your metabolism of the body to stay more at a steady rate (including your sugar level 80-110) if you eat 6 healthy small meals a day.  When you eat a donut, or processed cereal it will cause the sugar to spike up high and cause the metabolism to slow down (Ex. frosted flakes, grape nuts, and I could go on—again read what the ingredients are and what the products version of a serving is).  You feel tired an hour or two after a large meal of unhealthy/processed food or even a healthy but large meal.  Why do you have no problem in the AM with getting to work and getting started for the day?  Well with drinking coffee in AM it takes care of the fatigue due to the caffeine, so you may not realize the impact of how low your metabolism is.   Trust me, I was there once too.  I am still trying to lose but I am getting there.  So what the body actually does is this:  When glucose gets transferred into the bloodstream from the stomach, following the digestion process, and reaches the pancreas which senses the free floating glucose in the bloodstream it then releases insulin into the bloodstream.  Doing this the insulin now allows glucose to transfer into tissues and cells that need it at that time (fuel for energy of the cells and tissues to do their function) and if not needed we end up with extra glucose in the bloodstream.  When it reaches the liver and is sensed by the liver the liver stores it to the full maximal capacity that the organ can handle.  Keep in mind the liver is only so big, so when a individual has a large excess of glucose in the bloodstream from their meal that they just ate it only can store so much.  The liver actually converts the sugar from glucose (active sugar=active fuel) to glycogen (inactive sugar=non-active sugar).  Now if you still have extra glucose in the bloodstream after the liver does its storing the glucose has to go somewhere.  The extra sugar now gets stored into the human fat tissue=weight gain. Fat storage is simply putting weight gain on the person’s body.  If your sugar blood level isn’t kept between 80-110 throughout the day than your metabolism isn’t kept at a steady rate.  Eat 5 days or more a week with 6 small HEALTHY meals a day and treating yourself one or two days a week to treats (only one or two times each day of the one or two days your treating yourself).  In treating yourself 1 to 2 days with not as healthy foods you can do this ONLY if your body mass index is within normal range.  If not than you have to lose weight first. For if you still need to lose weight and you treat yourself to fattening foods or highier sugar content foods you will put your diet behind 3 days, which will prevent you from losing weight.  This is due to the food high in sugar as the ending result of digestion and you cause high fat storage with decreasing your metabolism.  The sacrifice for your body is worth it but during the weight loss period you will even shrink your stomach size naturally.  There are 4 food groups with each group having lean, leaner and the leanest type of foods in that group of the 4.  If you want to learn more about this than go to my website healthyusa.tsfl.com and peek at what we can offer you through Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson with his book “Dr A’s Habits of Health” and even foods to buy if you want them in the beginning of your diet loss which provides health bars to lunches and dinners to desserts of all kinds to all types of shakes/drinks and so much more foods (low in fat/calories/carbs).  Learn how to become healthier for yourself, even spreading the news to family or friends who may become interested and being a great mentor for your children in helping the next generation to be more healthy which would help our health care system to helping our health economy that includes insurance payments for bills at hospitals/doctor’s offices lessened.  Our society has become so unhealthy in diet causing so many increases in diseases/illnesses, including children, (Obesity, Diabetes II, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and more).  Take a look at facebook or UTube with pictures of people in America shopping at Walmart.  It may be funny to a slender individual but it is also outright scary with what’s happening to our country.  Our country has increased drastically in poor health habits that killed our economy with let alone what our health care system with insurance costs are for society.  We could, as a society, turn things around for the better regarding ourselves and others in our country for everyone’s health that would impact every American citizen of all ages in a positive way.  I hope I have impacted someone in this country in wanting to learn more about knowing how to become healthier with making a good change for our country as a diversified whole.  Society has a responsibility and impact on how things run in each of their respective countries but especially in America, since we live in a democracy.  Its common sense if we get better regarding our health overall it will put an impact on our health economy if we don’t our health care system will just get WORSE.  Do mom’s and dad’s want this for their children’s future or their children or even our own lives?  Society has to take a stand, don’t leave it up to our government but leave it up to our citizens in America’s homes with our schools (proper health teaching to the cafeteria food), our restaurant industry (get off of living with such processed and fast foods in our states and lastly our government to an extent.  What does any politician care really have as a top priority being health since their making high incomes to live life up (President Obama upon retirement will be the first President making 450,000 dollars a year).  I know I would be a happy camper too and I could go on with other politicians salaries but I started with the top.  So let’s make a move America and go for the healthier aspect of life.   Take a peek at no fee or charge, no prescription, no foods that you have to buy, no obligation, and no hacking, as well.  You make all the choices in what you want and when you want to stop.  No rip off or that you have to stay on our time frame, it’s all based on yours.  Again, you make all the choices and wouldn’t it be great if we could turn around back the way our health was, not so bad, that our insurance you pay a price that just keeps rising, and you have to go through so many hoops to see the type of doctor you want when onetime it was just a breeze.  Join me, and go to healthyusa.tsfl.com and just take a peek;)  Hope to hear from anyone who would like a doctor (Dr. Anderson) and free coach (myself) for guidance in making America a healthier country.  Please leave a comment; I would love to hear your opinion.

There’s no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. But research is showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into your old age if you add these “smart” foods to your daily eating regimen.

Blueberries.

“Brainberries” is what Steven Pratt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, calls these tasty fruits. Pratt, who is also on staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., says that in animal studies researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Studies have also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats. Ann Kulze, MD, author of Dr. Ann’s 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality, recommends adding at least 1 cup of blueberries a day in any form — fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried.

Wild salmon.

Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, says Kulze. Both she and Pratt recommend wild salmon for its “cleanliness” and the fact that it is in plentiful supply. Omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory substances. Other oily fish that provide the benefits of omega-3s are sardines and herring, says Kulze; she recommends a 4-ounce serving, two to three times a week.

Nuts and seeds.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, says Pratt, explaining that higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini. Raw or roasted doesn’t matter, although if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, buy unsalted nuts.

Avocados.

Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health, says Pratt. “I don’t think the avocado gets its due,” agrees Kulze. True, the avocado is a fatty fruit, but, says Kulze, it’s a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow. “And healthy blood flow means a healthy brain,” she says. Avocados also lower blood pressure, says Pratt, and as hypertension is a risk factor for the decline in cognitive abilities, a lower blood pressure should promote brain health. Avocados are high in calories, however, so Kulze suggests adding just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado to one daily meal as a side dish.

Whole grains.

Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice can reduce the risk for heart disease. “Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow,” says Pratt. “If you promote cardiovascular health, you’re promoting good flow to the organ system, which includes the brain.” While wheat germ is not technically a whole grain, it also goes on Kulze’s “superfoods” list because in addition to fiber, it has vitamin E and some omega-3s. Kulze suggests 1/2 cup of whole-grain cereal, 1 slice of bread two-thee times day, or 2 tablespoons of wheat germ a day.

Beans.

Beans are “under-recognized” and “economical,” says Kulze. They also stabilize glucose (blood sugar) levels. The brain is dependent on glucose for fuel, Kulze explains, and since it can’t store the glucose, it relies on a steady stream of energy — which beans can provide. Any beans will do, says Kulze, but she is especially partial to lentils and black beans and recommends 1/2 cup every day.

Pomegranate juice.

Pomegranate juice (you can eat the fruit itself but with its many tiny seeds, it’s not nearly as convenient) offers potent antioxidant benefits, says Kulze, which protect the brain from the damage of free radicals. “Probably no part of the body is more sensitive to the damage from free radicals as the brain,” says board-certified neurologist David Perlmutter, MD, author of The Better Brain Book. Citrus fruits and colorful vegetables are also high on Perlmutter’s list of “brainy” foods because of their antioxidant properties — “the more colorful the better,” he says. Because pomegranate juice has added sugar (to counteract its natural tartness), you don’t want to go overboard, says Kulze; she recommends approximately 2 ounces a day, diluted with spring water or seltzer.

Freshly brewed tea.

Two to three cups a day of freshly brewed tea — hot or iced — contains a modest amount of caffeine which, when used “judiciously,” says Kulze — can boost brain power by enhancing memory, focus, and mood. Tea also has potent antioxidants, especially the class known as catechines, which promotes healthy blood flow. Bottled or powdered teas don’t do the trick, however, says Kulze. “It has to be freshly brewed.” Tea bags do count, however.

Dark chocolate.

Let’s end with the good stuff and my favorite desert. Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties, contains several natural stimulants, including caffeine, which enhance focus and concentration, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which helps improve mood. One-half ounce to 1 ounce a day will provide all the benefits you need, says Kulze. This is one “superfood” where more is not better. “You have to do this one in moderation,” says Kulze.

Lastly the prevention of diseases that can impact all organs including our brain.  With obesity comes the risk of heart disease, diabetes II, that can lead into further problems down the road with other systems of the human body.  To get on prevention check if your body mass index is in the range it should be and if your not sure check online BMI where it is for free.  If you need assistance with a good diet plan but more importantly knowing how to get in a regular routine of living a healthy life through diet, habits, balancing rest with exercise than you have come to the right site.  For no fee, no donation, no hacking go to healthyusa.tsfl.com and take a peek at what we offer which is at such a reasonable price.  We provide more of a reachable goal for you with having Dr. Anderson through access of his book “Dr. A’s healthy habits” with a personal coach and the foods to eat while your dieting.  If you have any questions or set backs and need to converse with someone that’s what your personal coach is there for; we provide support.  Take a peek go to healthusa.tsfl.com and you may just like what you see.  Join me and so many others in attempting to reach the goal of getting back in the right weight for our height.  I hope to hear from you.

“The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.”

Christine from Special Surgery in Manhattan I have an article dedicated to you this Friday since today is Part 2 and tomorrow is Part 3.

Ways to keep your brain sharp as a tack despite the brain shrinking as we grow older

–  Get plenty of aerobic exercise, at least 20 minutes every other day,” said Professor Klemm who is the author the book Memory Power 101.

People who stay physically fit tend to stay mentally sharp and hold their cognitive abilities well into their seventies and eighties. A 2012 study of 691 seniors in the journal Neurology found that seniors who reported high levels of physical activity at age 70 had less brain shrinkage at age 73 than seniors who reported less physical activity. Exercise may decrease memory loss by improving blood flow to the brain.

–  Brain Exercise

Train your attentiveness and focus. The most common mental problem with aging is distractibility, which inevitably interferes with memory. An example is when you open the refrigerator door and suddenly realize you forgot what you went to the fridge for,” said Klemm. He recommends challenging your brain with games like chess or Sudoku. Dr. Gandy recommends puzzles and memory training.

– Learn a New Skill

Some research shows that learning a new language or learning to play a musical instrument may help prevent memory loss and improve cognitive abilities. A 2011 study published in the journal Neuropsychology found that people who had instrumental musical training retained their memory and had less cognitive decline with age. The study included 70 seniors between age 60 and 83. The study found that the more years of musical training a person had, the better their cognitive performance was with age.

–   Be More Sociable

Klemm and Gandy agree that social engagement is important in preventing memory loss. “Social engagement, along with physical and mental stimulation, all release substances in the brain that strengthen nerve connections called synapses,” said Gandy. A 2012 study published in the journal Neuropsychology followed 952 seniors for 12 years to see if social engagement protected seniors from memory loss and decline in communication skills. They concluded that being socially active reduced these declines and that seniors who showed declines tended to become less socially engaged.

–  Get Your Antioxidants

Antioxidant vitamins may benefit memory by blocking free radicals that contribute to cell aging. Over the years, some large studies have found that antioxidant vitamins C and E may protect against cognitive decline. Gandy said that vitamins could help but cautions that they only help in cases of vitamin deficiency. You can also get plenty of antioxidants naturally in your diet. “They’re in any dark-colored fruit, berry, or vegetable. Also, take vitamin D3 and resveratrol pills,” advised Klemm.

–  Learn to Meditate

Stress and anxiety may decrease memory and cognitive ability, so take steps to reduce these negatives. “Take up meditation, yoga, or another type of mind-body exercise that reduces stress,” said Klemm. A 2010 study in the journal Consciousness and Cognition found that just four days of meditation training could significantly reduce anxiety and improve memory and cognition. In the study, 24 volunteers took meditation training and 25 listened to a recorded book. Both groups had improved mood, but the meditation group also had better memory, less stress, and clearer thinking.  Check out Part 3 on foods for the brain tomorrow on Wednesday.