Last Monday, we published Mark’s wildly popular revelation on health. Next, we turn to PBRG friend James Altucher for further insight on how to maintain a healthy brain…

From James Altucher, editor, The Altucher Report:

A. Diet. And by “diet,” here’s what I recommend: Be a flexetarian. No one diet is the answer. For every macronutrient you remove from your diet (meat, carbs, etc.), there is some incredibly healthy population out there that thrives on that macronutrient.

To me, a healthy diet simply means no excess and no snacks.

Dan Buettner, who wrote The Blue Zones Solution, told me that if you just switch from 15-inch plates to 10-inch plates, studies show that people eat 20-30% less calories.

B. Killing Negative Thoughts. In other words, if you tell yourself you “can’t,” then your mind is going to believe you, and it acts as a sort of hypnosis. Example: If you say, “I’m bad at remembering names,” then you will forget the name of the next person you meet.

C. Brain Supplements. Sometimes, the right food is not enough. So make sure you have a lot of vitamin B in your diet.

D. Exercise. This doesn’t mean going to the gym every day. But walking, doing light exercise, anything that keeps you moving for a while. As Dan told me, “When the body moves, the brain grooves.”

E. Positive Peer Group. You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

F. Clean Environment. I have detailed notes on this for my book club members, but basically, the cleaner your house, office, and desk are, the less stress you have. Your brain has more energy for other things.

Don’t forget that the brain is just 2% of your mass but uses 25% of the oxygen and the nutrients you consume that day. So the less stress, the less energy the brain needs to do the things that are important to you.

G. Brain Protection. Wear a helmet. Jim Kwik had a traumatic brain injury at age 5 that gave him severe learning problems. This is what gave him his lifelong focus on improving and understanding his brain function. Now, he coaches everyone from Richard Branson to world-famous actors, CEOs, etc.

H. New Learning. The brain thrives on novelty. New research shows that even into old age, the brain can still grow new neurons and form new strong connections. If you never learned to tango, maybe give it a try. If you never learned to watercolor, maybe give it a try. Anything new.

I. Sleep. The brain rejuvenates itself during sleep. It’s still just as active, forming new connections, etc. But, it’s not bogged down by the energy draining that occurs when you are awake.

J. Reduce Stress Levels. The best way is by avoiding the headlines in the newspaper…

Reeves’ Note: James’ newsletter, The Altucher Report, is unlike any investment advisory service I’ve ever read. Any given issue will show you clever ways to start a business… find a new job… develop a retirement career… publish a book… make extra money in your spare time… and improve your mental and physical health. Learn more right here.