The brain is a vital organ in the body, it plays a role in just about every major body system. Some of its main functions include; processing sensory information, regulating blood pressure, breathing and releasing of hormones. The brain is actually a central organ in the human system which is why a healthy brain is prerequisite to an overall healthy existence.
However, certain lifestyle or habits poses danger to the normal brain functioning, actually such habits bear a brain damaging effect. Many of us have these habits without knowing that we are slowly damaging our brains.
So, for the sake of healthy living, read below brain damaging habits you need to stop right away:
Smoking
Smoking can cause many complications in the body and that includes impeding the normal functioning of the brain. Smoking leads to shrinkage of multiple cells in the brain and can lead to problems like dementia, alzheimer’s and even death. Excessive smoking indirectly causes neuro-inflammation which can cause an autoimmune disorder called Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Lack of adequate sleep
Lack of sleep can hinder the normal function of your brain. Temporary memory loss and certain psychological issues are associated with lack of adequate sleep. Make sure you get, at least, 7 hours of sleep daily, your brain needs it.
Skipping breakfast
The brain needs pure glucose to function and skipping breakfast leads to low sugar supply and poor nutrient supply to the brain. Inadequate supply of nutrients to the brain can have a long term harmful effects on the brain like degeneration of the brain cells.
Read also: Health implication of smoking
Lack of exercise
Exercise stimulates the release of growth factors—chemicals in the brain that affect the health of brain cells, the growth of new blood vessels in the brain, and even the abundance and survival of new brain cells. It also improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Lack of exercise could cause problems in these areas Thereby contributing to cognitive impairment.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption kills brain cells, actually, brain volume decreases due to chronic alcohol intake. Anything more than 2 units/ day for men and 1 unit/ day for women is excess alcohol.
Premature stress
Stress is a part and parcel of our lives. But stress that goes beyond your capacity to cope can hinder the normal functioning of the brain and makes you feel low, depressed, angry, irritable, and sleepless. If you feel one or more of these emotions too often, it is time to seek help with a counselor or move away from things that are causing stress.
Binge eating
Binge eating or over-eating leads to deposition of cholesterol plaques and thickening of blood vessels of the brain causing reduced blood supply to brain cells. This can impede normal functioning of the brain.
High consumption of sugar
Most of our food and beverages has either natural sugar or synthetic sugar. The ability of the brain and body to absorb proteins and nutrients is affected by high intake of sugar. High consumption of sugar is a nasty feeding habit and will lead to malnourishment and brain disorders like poor memory, learning disorders, hyperactivity and depression.
Using earphones or headphones to play loud music
Listening to loud music with your earphones or headphones applies excess pressure to your brain. It can result in some brain problems such as loss of memory and damage to your brain tissue in the coming future. This is because brain is the one, which takes efforts to comprehend what is being said around you. Moreover, this habit can lead to loss of hearing.
Covering the head while sleeping
This causes a reduction in oxygen concentration and increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. Poor oxygen supply affects the brain’s functioning capacity. It causes a feeling of suffocation, fatigue and drowsiness.