As the festive season winds down and the new year begins, many will be returning to work, which can make getting back into a routine challenging.
As the January blues is a common reason for people’s declining mental health at the start of the year, one doctor has shared his tips on preparing your brain to go back to work.
However, Dr. Bing, an expert in brain health, has shared some tips to help you sharpen your focus as you transition back to the workplace.
“Just like there’s no magic pill to stop cognitive decline, no single food can guarantee your sharp mind as you age, but research show that certain foods can give your brain a serious edge,” neurologist Dr Bing said in a TikTok video.
The first foods he recommended were leafy greens, such as kale, spinach and broccoli, which are filled with nutrients that, according to studies, can slow cognitive decline. These include vitamin K, folate, beta carotene, B12, and Vitamin E.
“Think of them as fuel for your brain cells,” he explained before moving on to the second food, which was fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and cod.
“These are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which have been linked to lower levels of beta amyloid – the protein that forms damaging clumps in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
Dr Bing recommends eating two servings a week of fatty fish. But don’t worry if you don’t like fish, as there are several plant-based alternatives to this, such as flaxseeds and walnuts.
The third food he recommended was fruit, such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, which are packed with flavonoids, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants out there and can help improve your memory.
“In addition, berries are also anti-inflammatory, can decrease the risk of cancer, and help boost your immune system,” he added.
The fourth food will come as welcome news for any coffee or tea lovers, as Dr Bing said that caffeine is a good way of improving your focus, as well as helping your brain solidify new memories.
“However, be careful not to over-caffeinate yourself and try not to have any caffeine in the afternoon which may impact your sleep,” he said.
The fifth and final food he recommended was nuts, especially walnuts, as they are rich in a special type of Omega 3, which has been linked to improved cognitive performance and better heart health – “both of which are essential for keeping your brain in top shape,” he explained.
