Run To The Best You

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#139 - Running, Intermittent Fasting, & Improving Your Memory

Episode #139 In this week’s blog/podcast we will discuss the topic:

“Running, Intermittent Fasting & How To Improve Your Memory!”

Some say that our brains are like supercomputers. If this is true, how is your computer running? Is your computer/brain running fast like the latest 2022 model or is it running slow and crashing like an old computer?  In this article, it is my goal to help give you tips for improving your memory. On the podcast, I will be joined by Jessica Young as a co-host. Jessica is a member of the Run To The Best You program and has been accomplishing a lot in her young running journey. I’m going to show you how running can enhance your memory. Jessica will give her research on how intermittent fasting can improve your cognitive functions. Jessica Young was also featured in episode #115 - Can Running Make You Younger? 

Hello, my name is Coach Tadris Parker, I have a passion for helping people become healthier one step at a time. My podcast is designed to help share stories of everyday people that are doing amazing things with their health through running, walking, and following a whole food approach. My blogs are my shorthand notes for the podcast. The notes may not always be complete, but they are short and to the point for a quick read. Continue to scroll down for a quick read and check out this week’s photos. 

Thanks for checking out this week’s post.

Press play to hear me dive into this topic. 
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This Week's Topic:

Our brains are like a supercomputer, but with so much clutter today we can’t seem to focus for too long. We live in a world full of distractions. Many people today are living in a trance, controlled by bells and whistles from alerts on our smartphones.

What we see on our smartphones today are endless commercials telling us that we need to upgrade every product that we own. On social media, we see a barrage of photos of how great other people’s lives are. Makes us think to ourselves that we are broken. You are not broken. You are enough. It’s time to end the trance that many are living in.

When it comes to our brainpower, we need to limit screen time and get outdoors for some fresh air. Running and walking both alike are great ways to not only improve your health but also can improve your brainpower and memory.

Benefits for Improving Your Memory:

When Taking Notes: Business people and students need to take notes for exams and understand contracts. When at a meeting or in class, it is better to jot down keywords or short phrases instead of long detailed notes. When your memory is sharp, you can see that keyword and spark a lot of the memories from that meeting or class.

Double Reading Time:

In life, we have a ton of reading to do. Have you ever had to re-read a paragraph or a whole page because you didn’t remember what you just read?

Increasing your memory can save 2 hours per day in reading time.  

Did you know that ½ of salaries are paid out per year just to read? 

Running & Improving Your Memory:

According To Millennium Memory Care:

Regular exercise is often credited with relieving stress, reducing the risk of stroke, lowering blood sugar, and improving balance and coordination. Scientists have also suggested that the increased blood flow to parts of the brain resulting from vigorous exercise may stimulate the growth of neurons involved with memory and learning.

Now a new study by the National Institute on Aging is helping to shed light on exactly how exercise helps boost memory functioning. The study, recently published in the journal Cell Metabolism, shows that running induces an increase of a certain protein, cathepsin-B, that promotes the production of new brain cells. Animal studies demonstrated both an increase in new brain cells and improved memory function as a result of running. The connection between exercise and memory function was observed in humans as well.

(Read Full Article Here)

According to cigna.com

There are 8 major benefits of running and improving your memory.  I’m going to list the benefit then give my brief thought after each benefit. If you are already a runner comment below which is your favorite benefit.

Stress management:

Before I started my one-mile-per-day streak, I used to get cranky and realized that streets were calling my name. I would always come back in a better mood.

The Sunshine Vitamin: 

For a person that lacks vitamin D as it is, I need this. My favorite time to run however is right before the sun comes up. I love sunrise runs along the Jersey Shore.

Prevention of Cognitive Decline:

Sounds good to me! I’m still running after all this time, so I suppose that makes me smart with no decline.  



A Calmer State of Mind:

Did I mention that before my streak I would be cranky? Yes, family members of a runner need to be very thankful for this benefit. You may leave the house upset, or stressed, but when you return from a run, things don’t seem as bad.  

Brainpower Boost:

Starting my day with a run knowing this simple fact give me the edge on the competition. When others show up to work tired from the night before and holding a sugary drink to start the day, I’m already in work mode.

A Faster Track to Dreamland:

Getting exercise in your day will promote better sleep. Pro-tip (try not to exercise 3-4 hours before bed as it may cause you a hard time falling asleep.)

Increased Productivity: 

This is a fact as well, I will move on because I think the next point is in harmony with this one.

Greater Creativity:

Some of my best ideas for runtothebestyou.com have come after a long run. I like to ask Siri to make a note for me so that I don’t forget the thought that I got during my long run. Yes, running can improve your memory, but during a 13-mile run we may have 13,000 thoughts that will run through your mind.

Read Full Cigna’s Article Here

Intermittent Fasting & Improving Your Memory: (Researched By Jessica Young)

According to a study funded by the National Institute of Health in 2013, found that intermittent fasting can improve brain function and memory. The study was done on mice which are often studied as substitute for humans because their brains are structured similarly. They had a control set with access to a normal diet and compared against a set who fasted on alternate days over almost a full year, and they tested their response to a maze that tests their spatial learning and memory. They also measured oxidative stress in the brain since that’s an indication of impaired cognitive function. Results of the study suggested that intermittent fasting reduced oxidative stress and improved memory and brain function. The mice who were intermittent fasting were able to learn and recall the right path in the maze faster! (Read more about the study here)

Press play to hear Jessica dive into her research on this topic, as she helped co-host the show. - Apple Podcast You will also hear how intermittent fasting has been helping Jessica Young handle her work and family responsibilities.

What Are Your Thoughts?

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