How does Sanjay Gupta, MD, a neurosurgeon and CNN correspondent, stay sharp when his schedule gets crazy? It's all about what he eats and drinks.
By Sanjay Gupta, MD
Rise and Hydrate
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The brain is about 75 percent H2O, but by the time you wake up, you've gone seven, hopefully eight, hours without hydrating. I keep a 16-ounce glass of water by my bed or next to the sink to remind me to take my first sip as soon as I wake up. One study found that among healthy women, mild levels of dehydration can result in difficulty concentrating. And consider adding a lemon or lime wedge. Citrus fruits are high in the electrolyte potassium, which also helps keep you hydrated.
Load Up On Protein
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Some trainers swear by carbo-loading in the morning, but I focus on protein and eat eggs. Besides making me less hungry throughout the day, they have plenty of choline, a nutrient that may enhance memory.
Go Nuts
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For lunch, I'm a soup-and-salad kind of guy. But I also keep plenty of nuts rich in vitamin E (like almonds and peanuts) on hand. They may help protect the brain from cognitive decline with age, and the results of a 2011 study suggest they may boost levels of the feel-good chemical serotonin.
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Indulge a Little
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For dinner, I like salmon because it's high in omega-3s, which research suggests can help temper your response to stress. And if you still have work to finish up at home, consider pouring yourself a little wine: One study found that resveratrol -- a compound in red wine --can increase blood flow to the brain during challenging mental tasks.
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Before You Go
