3 Ways a Healthy Heart Can Protect Your Brain

To stay in good neurological shape, it seems obvious that you need to take steps to protect your brain. But there's another organ you should pay close attention to: the heart.

By Mehmet Oz, MD

Photo: Sezeryadigar/iStock

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Don't smoke. Reduce your blood sugar. Manage your blood pressure.

Brain Bonus: It's all about the vessels: Smoking releases harmful chemicals that wear down blood vessel walls. Diabetes is also linked to damage of the vessel walls. And high blood pressure puts undue strain on vessels and can encourage plaque buildup.

Know Your Numbers: Blood pressure is a strong predictor of brain health. About 85 million Americans have high blood pressure, yet nearly 20 percent don't realize it.

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As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

OPRAH

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