Sport

Exercise, along with proper nutrition and appropriate lengths of sleep, is vital for maintaining the optimal state and function of the brain. It is rather expected, however, that one would not immediately associate such needs with the maintenance and improvement of brain conditions and processes. However, as commonly pointed out, such activities boost the efficiency of the body in general and further enhance the wellbeing of an individual. Most probably, such improvements may also be linked with the presence of beneficial effects for the brain. In this sense, it is quite important for one to understand to interconnections between the brain to physical activity, proper nutrition, and ample sleep. Also, in order to completely appreciate the significance of such requirements, it would be most appropriate to delineate the possible repercussions of not being able to satisfy each. Therefore, throughout the course of this essay, clarifications and explanations regarding such points would be presented.

As noted beforehand, sufficient physical activity may have beneficial effects to the overall condition of the brain. In fact, although most would probably associate exercise with improving muscle tone and achieving the ideal weight, simple actions or movements are known to immediately enhance ones focus (Perlmutter and Colman 30). In relation to this, it should be taken into consideration that as life or human development progresses from its peak to late adulthood and death, gradual brain degeneration in terms of capability and function would normally occur. Hence, throughout the different stages of life, the brain should be optimally maintained if not improved so that during the later stages of life, brain degeneration may in fact be alleviated or slowed down to a degree. In addition to such general notions regarding the degeneration of brain function, some studies also point out that such a process may actually occur for those at their peak age specifically, stress may detrimentally affect the condition of the brain (Perlmutter and Colman 5).

Given such points and taking into account that brain degeneration is not entirely age specific, it becomes apparent that maintaining the brain at its best should be a lifelong endeavor rather than merely a course of action that should be considered upon entering old age. To further prove such a point, it would be most proper to discuss the physiological effects of exercise on the brain. In particular, through exercise, blood flow throughout the body would be enhanced, which means that even blood flow towards the brain would be improved as well. As a result, the brain would gain more of the vital nutrients and oxygen used for its function (Perlmutter and Colman 30). In this sense, physical activity or exercise indeed has a direct effect on the need to ensure the proper function of the brain. As a matter of fact, to attest to the beneficial effects of the brain, even the risk for some of the most serious of brain diseases such as Alzheimers has been scientifically determined to be significantly lowered simply by being able to follow a regular exercise routine (Perlmutter and Colman 30).

In addition to physical activity, proper nutrition is also an important aspect to consider in maintaining proper brain function. Proper nutrition, which is often defined through the consumption of sufficient amounts of certain types of food, is a more specific term if brain function is taken into consideration. Specifically, the brain requires a constant supply of fatty acids such as those derived from fish based diets so as to maintain the form and function of the neurons. This in turn would enhance the interconnectivity of the different parts of the brain and lead to enhanced sensory and mental capabilities (Schmidt 26). In this sense, fats and oils are the most essential components of the diet that mainly affects the brain. Also, iron is also of importance in a proper diet as it allows for the efficient transfer of oxygen through the blood (Cunnane 134). However, it would also be proper to assume that attaining balance in other components of the diet would also be necessary in ensuring proper brain conditions since the efficiency of the other organ systems would have an effect on the brain as well.

Given such details about the effects of ones diet upon the brain, it becomes evident that maintaining a balanced diet throughout life should be considered as a life-long pursuit. Of course, if a proper diet is not maintained, then various repercussions upon brain functions and capabilities would most probably manifest. In addition, even if other needs such as sufficient physical activities have been met, then it would not be surprising at all if brain degeneration would still occur at a faster pace if an individual would not be able to maintain a balanced diet that of course should contain oils beneficial to the brain. Specifically, the diet should contain proper amounts of nuts and fish as these  have unsaturated fats in addition to Omega-3 which is required to attain optimal functionality throughout the brain and the nerves (Schmidt 248250). Thus, it is indeed factual that the brain not only requires physical activity but also needs proper diet in maintaining its efficiency and reliability.

As mentioned earlier, sleep is another factor of importance in ensuring that the brain as well as the other parts of the body is at top form. In particular, during sleep, the brain initiates the release of various hormones that are important to the body such hormones include the growth hormone which is of course important especially for those still in the earlier phases of human development (Saunders and Sullivan 81). Of  course, sleep has various beneficial effects to the various processes specific to the brain. To further expound on such a point, it is necessary to point out that even during sleep, the brain still functions so as to properly process the information gained during the waking hours, such as in terms of storing memory, since the need to respond to the environment is no longer at its peak (Sousa 102).  Thus, given that numerous brain processes are activated only during the hours of sleep, it is then appropriate to state that sleep is indeed necessary in maintaining proper brain functions in relation to this, ensuring that enough sleep would be gained each day is definitely among the most important actions to consider throughout ones lifetime.

Sleep, along with exercise and proper nutrition as aforesaid, is one the most crucial requirements in ensuring the proper brain conditions in this sense, if such needs are not met, then various detrimental effects upon the bodily functions would develop. In terms of both nutrition and exercise, if such requirements are not appropriately met, then problems regarding the flow of oxygen as well as other nutrients to the brain would become problematic. Specifically, as previously noted, the brain needs a supply of both oxygen and nutrients which may increase depending on brain activity (Cunnane 60). If sufficient physical activity has not been achieved, then the pace in which both oxygen and nutrients would pass through the brain may become insufficient. In addition, even if a sufficient pace of blood flow through the brain is achieved, if the blood is lacking in terms of oxygen and other necessary substances, then it may also result in deficiency in such. In effect, the overall functions of the body would then be compromised since stress and headaches may most likely develop (Cunnane 134).

Similar to having insufficient exercise and nutrition, not acquiring enough sleep is another point of concern as well. As previously noted, the release of growth hormones is in part dependent on instances of sleep (Saunders and Sullivan 81) thus, if one does not have sufficient hours of sleep, then it would only be proper to assume that optimal growth may not be achieved. In addition to this, other expected repercussions also develop which include a decline in thinking capabilities as well as an increase in the tendency to become confused and stressed all due to the improper release of hormones during sleep (Perlmutter and Colman 29). Therefore, from such physiological manifestations of not having the ideal hours of sleep per day, it becomes apparent that the brain and the other parts of the body are all indirectly driven through the presence and release of hormones which are in part directed through the signals released by the brain after having met certain internal and external conditions.      

From such physiological concerns that arise through insufficient exercise, nutrition, and sleep, it becomes apparent that maintaining proper brain functions and conditions should not be taken lightly even by adults, teens, and adolescents. In effect, the information presented above should be taken advantage of and made complete use of by individuals at such age groups if they are to successfully accomplish the various tasks and challenges throughout development. Specifically, if concerns such as lowered mental capabilities and hampered growth would manifest, then it would be most expectable that the potential of the individual to accomplish various feats would also be hindered. As aforementioned, since brain degeneration may not only occur among the elderly but among those at a considerably younger age as well. In this sense, such individuals must consider the various key points discussed such as the relevance of exercise, sleep, and nutrition to proper brain function. The means by which such needs would be best addressed should personally reflected upon but consulting with experts would be best.

Personally, as an elite athlete, exercise and physical training in addition to proper nutrition and enough sleep certainly allow for a significant increase in overall wellness and athletic potential. To further explain, in becoming physically and mentally sharp through such means, successfully competing in events and expressing a comparable if not superior performance are far from being impossible. After competing, however, it is still necessary to maintain ones physical fitness for a variety of reasons such as preventing health deterioration and lessening the chances of developing lifestyle diseases. In order to attain fitness despite not being involved in intense training and competitions, the most important course of action to take is to satisfy the core requirements of the brain. Specifically, by maintaining a sufficient level of physical activity everyday in addition to ensuring that proper nutrition and enough sleep are achieved as well, fitness should be easily maintained and even furthered. Various aerobic exercises, such as swimming and jogging, would be ideal for maintaining physical activity. In a similar sense, a balanced meal plan suggested by a nutritionist would be the best way to specifically determine the most suitable diet.

In general, throughout the discussion, it becomes clear that exercise is without a doubt essential to the brain. In particular, aspects such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep are not only a necessary requirement but are also rather interconnected in terms of the benefits in fulfilling such and the repercussions of not being able to do so. Therefore, while attempts to maintain and further brain conditions may often be associated with the elderly, all individuals, regardless of age and occupation, should keep in mind that ensuring that ones brain is at its optimum state also translates into being able to achieve well-being, both physically and mentally.