Power up your brain

We are all in need in our high tech, never ending stimulus lives of a "Brain tune up!" While occasional memory lapses are normal when we get under a lot of stress our brain appears to "Go on vacation!"  After Menopause the ability to retain information becomes more difficult but there are things we can do to help.
Build your B's! When people with memory difficulties consumed more B6, B12 and Folic acid their accuracy on cognitive testing improved by as much as 70%! Eat three to 4 servings of green vegetables, beans and I recommend a sublingual B12 because we often lose our ability to absorb this vitamin through foods. A general B complex from Natural sources is helpful as well!
Drink and Hydrate your brain with fresh vegetable juices and water! Our brains exhibit clearly when we become even a little bit dehydrated. Try to consume half your body weight in fluids per day and when exercising heavily even more. By the time you are thirsty you are mildly dehydrated. Sipping fluids thru-out the day is best.
Enjoy fats! Omega 3's are fats known to lower levels of Beta-amyloid (A protein linked with Alzheimer's) by 30%. Walnuts, Flaxseeds and Avocados are great sources as are sardines.
Purple fruits have compounds called Anthocyanins which defends the brain against free radicals. Free Radicals are very dangerous for the body and the brain. Concord grapes and blueberries are known to bring major gains in brain function for students in a study on short term memory.
Regular walking and breaking a sweat is as good for you as it is for the heart. Your brain starts to lay down new connective messaging between brain cells and age related brain shrinkage is reduced.
Sleep is improved and when the body is rested the brain works more efficiently.
Do something new and differently every day! The brain loves to "figure things out" and grows lazy when not stimulated. So learn new things, drive a different route to work, brush your teeth with your other hand, do a crossword, write a letter, paint a picture. Change it up! Your brain is counting on it!
Minimize chemicals in your life. Buy organic foods and use organic products in your home and beauty. NEVER use an herbicide (weed killer) or pesticide (bug killer) as they are the single MOST harmful chemicals to the brain and nervous system. The increase in neurological diseases is up by 100% from decades prior to chemicals being introduced. Our children and grand children need us to stop using chemicals in our daily life!
Avoid Iron and copper in your supplements. Cook with glass or stainless steel and do not use Aluminum foil ever! These minerals can become  toxic and produce high levels of free radicals when taken in excess. If you are low in Iron it is found in many foods and absorbed more efficiently through foods than supplements.
Find an essential oil that makes you feel good and use it! For me it's lavender while my husband loves Jasmine. Whatever brings a calm to your spirit and body and a smile on your face use it!

Last but never least is prayer and gratitude. The brain responds to thoughts and beliefs in powerful ways. Be thankful and breathe in gratitude for anything that you can think of. It will clear a fuzzy, depressed mind when done daily.