You might think it's too early to start thinking about protecting your brain, but the research shows that the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be. Here are 5 of our top tips to strengthen your brain and set you up for a future of balance and wellbeing. 

Your brain is the control centre of your body, responsible for cognition, memory, emotions, along with holding a major hub for hormone transportation – it’s something like the central station of your body! Just like any other organ, it needs care and nourishment to function optimally. We'll be sharing five science-backed techniques to boost brain health, including the crucial gut-brain connection.

Nourish Your Brain with a Healthy Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet plays a vital role in supporting brain health. Focus on a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Incorporate foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, seeds, leafy greens, colourful fruits, and whole grains. These foods provide nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (like vitamin C and E), and B vitamins, which are essential for brain function and may reduce inflammation.

Try the following:

• Incorporate a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables into your meals, such as blueberries, spinach, and bell peppers.
• Include fatty fish like salmon or trout in your diet at least twice a week to boost omega-3 fatty acid intake.
• Snack on a handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts) for a brain-boosting dose of healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Choose whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats instead of refined grains to support stable blood sugar levels and brain function.
• Enjoy a cup of green tea for its antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may have neuroprotective effects.

Cultivate a Brain-Boosting Lifestyle

Regular exercise not only benefits your body but also supports brain health. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and enhancing cognitive abilities. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as walking or dancing. Need some more inspiration? Pick a few of our ideas below to try out this week:

• Take a brisk walk or jog in the park for 30 minutes a day to increase blood flow to the brain.
• Engage in aerobic activities like dancing, cycling, or swimming to promote the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain cell growth.
• Try mindfulness meditation or yoga to reduce stress and improve brain health.
• Spend time with friends and family regularly to foster social connections, which are essential for cognitive function.
• Engage in mentally stimulating hobbies, such as playing chess, doing puzzles, or learning a new language.

Reducing stress through meditation, exercise and enjoyable activities is so important, and this is because stress, along with poor diet and lifestyle choices contribute to chronic inflammation, thereby increasing our risk for cognitive degeneration.

Prioritise Sleep for Cognitive Restoration

Sleep is a crucial time for the brain to rest and regenerate. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories and removes waste products that accumulate during the day. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being.

• Establish a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
• Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, to signal your body that it's time to wind down.
• Limit exposure to screens (phone, TV, computer) before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.
• Keep your sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet for optimal rest.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime, as they may disrupt sleep patterns.

Nurture the Gut-Brain Connection

Emerging research has revealed a profound link between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that influence various aspects of health, including brain health. Probiotics, found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, can promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Consuming prebiotic foods, such as garlic, onions, and bananas, can also support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to improved mood, cognitive function, and reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, is believed to be caused by an abnormal build-up of proteins in and around the brain cells which create plaque deposits, and what are known as neurofibrillary tangles in our brain cells. This then disturbs the communication between our neurons, leading to cognitive degeneration. While there isn’t a certain answer for why all these changes happen, researchers have reason to believe chronic inflammation is one of the big contributors. One of the key sources of inflammation in our lives comes through our lifestyle choices – and an out-of-whack microbiome is directly linked with inflammation, and what’s one of the biggest dietary drivers of inflammation? Sugar. The sweet stuff slips in unnoticed in so many of our household foods, from yoghurt and bread to sauces. That’s why sticking to whole and minimally-processed foods is one of the easiest ways to put your gut, and therefore your brain, first.

• Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi in your diet to support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Consume prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas to feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Reduce intake of sugary and processed foods, which can negatively impact gut health.
• Consider taking a high-quality probiotic supplement under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing and yoga, as chronic stress can affect the gut-brain axis.

Engage in Mental Stimulation

Challenging your brain with mental exercises can help keep it sharp and resilient. Activities like puzzles, crosswords, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments stimulate various brain regions, leading to improved cognitive performance. Engaging in lifelong learning and maintaining social connections can also have positive effects on brain health.

• Solve crossword puzzles or play word games to challenge your vocabulary and memory.
• Learn to play a musical instrument, which requires coordination and cognitive engagement.
• Take up a new hobby or skill, such as painting, photography, or cooking, to stimulate different areas of the brain.
• Read books or articles on topics that interest you to expand your knowledge and cognitive abilities.
• Engage in intellectually stimulating conversations with friends or join discussion groups on thought-provoking topics.

Caring for your brain health is a lifelong journey that starts with simple yet impactful steps. By adopting a brain-boosting lifestyle, nourishing your body with healthy foods, prioritising sleep, and nurturing your gut-brain connection, you can enhance cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in supporting your brain's health for years to come.

Keen to improve your gut health and reduce inflammation? The IQS team have something special for you. Our ALL NEW 21-Day Gut Rebalance Program kicks off soon with delicious, nourishing recipes and exclusive expert content to support you on your way to better health. Whether it's constipation, bloating or even stress that's got you down, it could be your gut warning you that you're missing out on the gut-nourishing foods that help us thrive. We'll show you the ins and outs of healing, from the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics to the inflammation-busting foods you should be eating. Take a look at some of the exciting new recipes on the program:

• Pork Kimchi Dumplings
• Homemade Sourdough Bread
• Miso-Baked Salmon
• Tempeh Satay
• Chinese Beef + Broccoli
• Chocolate Chia Smoothie Bowl

And that's not even scratching the surface! We're selling out fast so don't wait, sign up now!