The human brain is one of the most complex and amazing organs in the body. It is responsible for our thoughts, memories, emotions, and movements. It is also responsible for regulating our body’s vital functions, such as breathing and heart rate. As we age, our brains naturally shrink in size. This shrinkage can lead to a number of problems, including memory loss, decreased cognitive function, and an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are things we can do to protect our brain health when we’re young, including taking Thorne supplements to keep your thinking sharp. Keep reading to learn why you should start protecting your brain health ASAP, especially if you’re young.

Your Brain is Still Growing and Developing

Brain health is important at any age, but it’s especially crucial when you’re young. The human brain is still growing and developing into early adulthood, and it’s during these years that you can lay the foundation for healthy brain function for the rest of your life. Here’s why it’s important to protect your brain health when you’re young.

The human brain is still growing and developing into early adulthood, and it’s during these years that you can lay the foundation for healthy brain function for the rest of your life. Indeed, this is a critical time for brain health, as the brain is wiring and rewiring its circuits to form the foundation for optimal cognitive and emotional function. The environment during this time is extremely important, as it can either help or hinder the development of healthy brain circuits.

Your Brain is Particularly Sensitive

The brain is particularly sensitive to stress in early development. Chronic stress can disrupt circuits that are essential for learning, memory, and emotion regulation. It can also lead to an increase in the number of stress hormones in the brain, which can have harmful long-term effects. Indeed, cortisol is important for the body’s response to stress, but it can also have harmful effects if it is produced in excess. Too much cortisol can lead to a condition called “cortisol overload,” which can be very harmful to the body.

Positive Experiences Are Crucial

Positive experiences during this time, such as receiving emotional support from parents or caregivers or seeking helpful college admission coaches, are crucial for healthy brain development. These experiences help to form strong, healthy connections between brain cells. This circuitry is important for cognitive and emotional health throughout life.

Indeed, a recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience found that positive experiences early in life can protect the brain from stress-related damage. The study found that when rats were subjected to a traumatic experience, the positive experiences they had early in life protected their brains from damage. The rats that didn’t have positive experiences showed signs of brain damage, including reduced nerve growth and impaired memory.

How to Protect Your Brain Health

Now that we know why you should start protecting your brain when you’re young, let’s break down the several things you can do to keep your brain healthy:

  • Eat a healthy diet: Eating nutritious foods and taking brain-boosting supplements help support optimal brain health. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is linked with lower rates of cognitive decline. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in your diet.
  • Stay active: Exercise is good for both the body and mind. Physical activity helps improve blood flow to the brain and may protect against age-related cognitive decline.
  • Get enough sleep: Poor sleep habits can take a toll on mental health. Adequate sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and overall brain health.
  • Challenge your mind: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities helps keep the mind sharp as we age. Puzzles, crosswords, reading, and other mentally challenging activities can help preserve cognitive function over time.

By taking these steps, you can help keep your brain healthy and functioning well for years to come.