8 Ways to Boost your Brain Function!

This month's Yoga Journal highlights seven ways we can keep our mind functioning well into our elderly years, according to medical experts:

1. Vitamin D: Research suggests that Vitamin D is essential for cognitive function and helps to keep our bones strong through metabolizing calcium.

2. Brain tonic: As foreign as this is to many of us, brain tonics have been around for thousands of years in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicine. The herb Brahmi has been highly recommended. My personal favorite is chyavanprash, which has been incredibly effective in immune support.

3. Frequent socializing, including dancing, travelling, volunteering, playing board games, etc. have been found to lower risk of dementia.

4. Positive outlook: Studies have found that negative thinking is bad for your brain! According to Jeffrey M. Greeson of Duke University Medical Center, chronic anger, hate and resentment produce stress causing your adrenals to release the hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol shrink the hippocampus and can actually lead to more negative thinking.

5. Vitamin B12: Studies have shown that B12 deficiency is linked to memory loss.

6. Regular meditation: According to several studies, meditation can keep your mind nimble and clear.

7. Frequent Exercise: Simply put, habitual exercise promotes healthy brain function.

Here is one that Yoga Journal omitted:

8. Eat Dark Leafy Greens!!! They contain antioxidants, help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels and protect the immune system.