The human brain is constantly changing – not only during puberty but throughout our life! It continues to form connections, strengthen neural pathways and eliminate old cells right up until old age. Even if some aspects remain beyond our control, it's been proven that healthy eating and drinking habits and regular brain exercise will help us stay mentally fit.

Food for the brain

If brain-organic, psychological or other physical causes for an apparent loss of capacity have been ruled out or treated, it's worthwhile to pay attention to a healthy diet for general prevention. After all, nutrition plays an essential role when it comes to keeping the brain healthy and resilient. Let's be clear about one thing: you generally don't need food supplements if you pay attention to what you eat, because a balanced diet will give you enough of the necessary valuable vitamins and minerals. And an adequate supply is also guaranteed for those on a vegetarian diet.

Foods that are especially good for the grey matter include:

Paying attention to your diet is one thing, but let's not forget about liquids. We all know the importance of drinking enough fluids, with recommendations ranging between 1.5 and 2 litres daily, preferably water or unsweetened fruit or herbal teas. After all, our head needs sufficient fluids to think quickly and function well.

Exercising the brain

It wasn't so long ago that we had to know phone numbers and addresses by heart, remember our routes and crunch numbers in our heads, tasks we have since delegated largely to our digital aids. Therefore, it's all the more important that we exercise our brains.

Brain workouts can be a lot of fun:

• Solving puzzles: Crosswords, Sudoku – or why not play with the Rubik's Cube again.
• Playing board games: It doesn't always have to be Memory. What about a round of Master Mind?
• Learning languages: Since you already speak English, what about learning some Arabic?
• Learning an instrument: A fun thing to do, even if you don't have a music teacher because you can always use an app. And it's the best prevention against dementia.
• Dancing: One, two, three ... Clap your hands, move your feet – practice makes perfect.
• Listening to music: Learn the lyrics and sing the tune at the same time.
• Handwriting: Handwritten birthday cards not only look good but also lend a personal touch.
• Doing sports: Schedule a time to jog with someone who shares your interest.
• Reading: Your favourite author is bound to have written a new bestseller.
• Doing yoga: More challenging than you may think!
• Meditating: After all that training, it's time to close your eyes and switch off.
• Cooking course: It doesn't always have to be Swiss cuisine.
• Social contacts: Discussing current issues with others in different age groups helps to broaden your horizons and understand what others think.

 
All of these activities keep your brain fit for different reasons. Some of these exercises strengthen nerve cell connections and boost your creativity and attention span as well as your memory.

For your health: santé24 and SWICA Benecura

Do you have a health question? Our physicians and healthcare professionals at santé24 are available 24/7 on +41 44 404 86 86 for SWICA customers. In addition to telephone health advice, patients whose conditions are appropriate for telemedicine can receive medical services such as diagnostics, treatment, and even e-prescriptions for prescription medications.

Do you feel ill? The SWICA Benecura medical app makes it easy to carry out a digital SymptomCheck. You will receive a personal recommendation about what to do next. Send your information in encrypted form to the santé24 online practice for your telephone consultation to significantly shorten the assessment.