Our brain is the main controller center of our body. This delicate structure performs multiple functions – controlling our thoughts, movement of arms and legs, memory and speech, and the function of numerous organs within our body.
It’s important that we let our brains rest every once in a while, and provide the nutrients it needs to function effectively. However, certain lifestyle habits can affect how regulated and calm your brain activity can be, thus increasing our risk of mental disorders like anxiety and depression, epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer.
Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep provides proper rest and helps repair and recover our body from the stress during the day, thus making it one of our top priorities. Inadequate amount of sleep can make us sluggish and forgetful the next day as it robs the neurons’ ability to function effectively thereby affecting our works and relationships.
Take the time to sleep properly (7-8 hour sleep for healthy brain function) and we’ll be able to get more done in less time the next day.
Too Much Sugar Intake
Too much sugar intake regularly is harmful to our cells, including brain cells, since it can cause chronic inflammation. This will affect our body’s ability to absorb important nutrients from our food thus starving the brain of what it needs for optimal cognition. Due to this, a person may have an increased risk of dementia, and a smaller hippocampus, the region in the brain that is involved in the formation of new memories and is also associated with learning and emotions.
Dehydration
Water is essential to every bodily function, including brain function. According to research, dehydration mostly impacts various functions like complex problem-solving, coordination, and attention. Even two hours without water during heavy exercise can cause cognitive decline.
Drink consistently throughout the day to keep the brain happy and functioning at its best.
Smoking
This detrimental habit can lead to “multiple brain shrinkage,” or dementia-related diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease.
Smoking thins the cortex, where processes including language, memory, and perception occur. Aside from these, it also damages cell membranes and neural viability in the areas of the brain that manage balance, coordination, and both fine and gross motor skill.
Skipping Breakfast
Breakfast is said to be the most important meal of the day. Skipping it on a daily basis can result in low blood sugar and is damaging to the brain since it needs more energy than any other organ in the body as well as 20% of the total available glucose in our system each day. Insufficient amounts of nutrients to the brain, especially if it happens frequently, can lead to brain degeneration.
