This Is Like Miracle-Gro For Your Brain, Says A Precision Medicine Doctor

When you think of the benefits that come with frequent exercise, you probably jump to the following: weight management, better heart health, building muscle, etc. While these certainly are positive results, let's not overlook the brain-building benefits of a good sweat. You may know that regular exercise can support your emotional well-being, but did you know exercise can, quite literally, grow brain cells?

"When you exercise, especially intensely, you increase BDNF in your brain," Dawson says. BDNF stands for brain-derived neurotrophic factor1, which is a protein that improves learning, memory, and higher thinking by stimulating the growth of new neurons and helping existing neurons stay alive. And research shows that exercise can increase BDNF levels1. As Dawson puts it, "[It's] basically like Miracle-Gro for your brain."

At this point, you're probably thinking: Which exercise is best for BDNF? Well, Dawson says any type of movement is great in terms of longevity and overall health; however, there is one method that can help optimize brain health even further. "When we talk about exercise and movement, one of the key components is to keep it varied—do different things with your body," Dawson says. While sticking to a consistent workout regimen is great if you're looking to achieve a certain goal, switching it up every once in a while will help keep your brain busy. Not only will you benefit varying muscle groups, but you'll stimulate your mind simultaneously. Win-win.

Of course, you can and should nourish your brain health in other avenues, too. Make sure you get your fill of brain-supporting foods, find the stress-relieving practices that work best for you, and perhaps invest in a cutting-edge nootropic supplement like mindbodygreen's brain guard+.