7 Habits To Avoid Because They Affect Brain Health

Diseases that affect brain health are often caused by genetic factors, age issues, or some type of trauma.

However, the continuous practice of some habits can also cause serious damage, since they kill neurons or reduce their activity. For this reason, it is essential to identify unhealthy habits and, of course, take steps to avoid them.

7 habits that affect your brain health

While memory loss and other cognitive problems are an effect of brain decline that occurs with old age, there are some factors that can make them worse.

Most worrying of all, many are unaware of what these bad practices are and why they tend to have negative effects on the brain. Furthermore, damage tends to manifest gradually and is difficult to detect in its early stages.

Therefore, today we bring you 7 habits that may be affecting your brain health without you realizing it so you can avoid them in the future. Take note!

1. Skip breakfast

Breakfast is one of the main meals and should under no circumstances be ignored. This plays a fundamental role for the body’s metabolism and, although many do not know it, it is also essential to activate brain functions during the day.

In fact, various studies associate breakfast with better cognitive development and performance. Therefore, it is essential for the health of your brain. In addition, skipping breakfast would also be related to a higher probability of suffering from metabolic problems, such as being overweight.

2. Eating excess sugar

Refined sugars are present in many foods that are regularly included in the diet. What few know is that these are the main cause of metabolic disorders and some cognitive diseases.

According to a study published in the journal Neuroscience , high sugar levels decrease the production of some brain chemicals, which regulate many important functions, such as memory.

3. Smoking

It is no secret to anyone that cigarettes are full of toxic substances that negatively impact health. Its regular consumption causes damage to the lungs and, as if that were not enough, in the long term it affects cognitive functions.

Both active and passive smokers are at higher risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s problems. This is due to the interruptions suffered by the blood flow, which prevents a correct process of cellular oxygenation from taking place.

In addition, smoking reduces the ability to concentrate and memory-related tasks, according to various investigations.

4. Sleeping poorly

A poor quality of sleep not only manifests itself with a lack of physical but also mental energy. When the body doesn’t get enough rest, studies show that various neurocognitive processes (such as learning and memory) are affected.

Likewise, it is believed that it could affect emotions, decreasing the ability to control them and increasing anxiety.

Sleep deprivation also increases cortisol levels, which generates stress and other emotions that affect quality of life.

5. Not hydrating enough

Dehydration is one of the factors that directly affects brain health. According to an article published in the journal Human Brain Mapping , this could affect brain tissue, negatively impacting executive and visual functions.

Since the brain is composed mostly of water, the lack of fluid interrupts essential processes for its optimal functioning. On the other hand, the deficiency affects circulatory health and prevents a good brain oxygenation process from taking place.

6. Exposing yourself to polluted environments

The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen to provide energy and cognitive abilities. However, according to a study published in the journal NeuroToxicology , continuous exposure to polluted environments can interfere with gas exchange and oxygen transport to cells.

This would lead to a decrease in your efficiency. In fact, this factor is linked to an increased risk of serious cognitive problems, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

7. Overeating

The excessive consumption of calories and fat not only has an impact on metabolism and body weight, but also on brain health. Various studies associate a high intake of saturated fats with the development of neurodegenerative diseases, memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Why take care of your brain health?

The brain is an essential part of the body. Without it, the human being would not be able to do such basic actions as grabbing objects or walking.

In addition, it is closely related to emotional capacity and the five senses. Therefore, brain deterioration would end up affecting all areas of your life.

Therefore, it is very important to take care of it properly. By changing these little habits, you can do a lot for your brain health. Also, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and practice mental exercises and relaxation techniques.