Life Fit Chat with That's Fit Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis brings conversation provoking tidbits to your table, served up with a touch of spice! Byte-sized information that pack some punch, brought to you every Wednesday and Thursday!

In case you need another motivator to get yourself to exercise more, here ya go ... Recent studies link exercise to slow brain shrinkage in people with early Alzheimer's disease. While the studies are only preliminary, and the results do not indicate that participants who were more physically fit had less brain shrinkage than less-fit participants, it is certainly food for thought when determining whether not to blow off the gym.

Our brains require plenty of blood flow, which can be provided through regular aerobic activity. When our cardiovascular system is healthy, more blood travels to the brain bringing with it plenty of oxygen, vitamins, minerals, and glucose. Feeding the brain cells via increased blood flow from activity along with obtaining a nutrient-rich diet can result in more efficient brain functioning.

Another important aspect of keeping your brain healthy is avoiding as much toxins as possible. Smoking, air pollution, and a diet rich in processed foods all contribute to brain cell or neuron depletion. When toxins or free radicals are introduced to the brain, nerve cells oxidize and die off. A lack of aerobic exercise, stress depression, minimal mental and social stimulation, and a deficiency of certain nutrients might also lessen a person's thinking ability and neurological activity.

So ... keep your body fit to keep your brain fit!