7 Brain-Damaging Habits You Should Avoid
Working When You're Sick:
When you're feeling unwell, your metabolism and cognitive functions can significantly slow down. Pushing through work or study during illness may lead to long-lasting harm to your brain, as your body is already under stress and energy reserves are depleted. Research indicates that chronic stress and inadequate recovery can contribute to cognitive decline over time, potentially exacerbating conditions like Alzheimer's disease [1].
Skipping Breakfast:
Believe it or not, the longest stretch without food is from breakfast to dinner. Skipping breakfast deprives your body of essential nutrients and energy, which can lead to cognitive deficits and decreased brain function. Studies show that regular breakfast consumption is associated with improved cognitive performance and better nutrient intake, highlighting the importance of this meal for overall brain health [2].
Sleeping With Your Head Covered:
This habit can increase carbon dioxide intake while you breathe, lowering the oxygen levels in your body. Adequate oxygen is crucial for maintaining healthy brain cells, as low oxygen levels can impair cognitive functions and contribute to neurodegenerative processes over time [4].
Neglecting Mental Stimulation:
Your brain is like a muscle that needs exercise! Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can enhance cognitive function and may even help delay the onset of dementia. Studies suggest that lifelong learning and mental engagement are protective factors against cognitive decline [3].
Smoking:
While smoking is notorious for its links to cancer, many people overlook how nicotine addiction can lead to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Research indicates that smoking is associated with increased cognitive decline and may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases [5].
Excessive Sugar Intake:
Consuming too much sugar can impair your body's ability to absorb nutrients effectively, leading to malnutrition and hindering brain development. High sugar intake is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact cognitive function and increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases [4].
Exposure to Air Pollution:
Polluted air often contains lower oxygen levels, and breathing such air can diminish oxygen availability in your body. Research has linked air pollution exposure to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, emphasizing the importance of clean air for brain health [2].
Being aware of these habits is key. If you want to improve your brain health, it's essential to make some adjustments. And hey, if you have any questions or need more personalized advice, consider talking to a doctor online. With an online doctor consultation, you can easily connect with an AI doctor or even a chat doctor who can give you the guidance you need.
References:
- Pelin Unsal, Merve Guner, Cemile Ozsurekci, Nisa Balli, Arzu Okyar Bas, Yelda Ozturk, Ayse Dikmeer, Suna Burkuk, Meltem Koca, Cafer Balci, Burcu Balam Dogu, Mustafa Cankurtaran, Meltem Halil. Prevalence of nutrition disorders and nutrition-related conditions in older patients with Alzheimer's disease.. PubMed. 2023.
- Mingyue He, Tenghong Lian, Zhan Liu, Jinghui Li, Jing Qi, Jing Li, Peng Guo, Yanan Zhang, Dongmei Luo, Huiying Guan, Weijia Zhang, Zijing Zheng, Hao Yue, Wenjing Zhang, Ruidan Wang, Fan Zhang, Wei Zhang. An investigation into the potential association between nutrition and Alzheimer's disease.. PubMed. 2024.
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- Ting Qian, Lei Zhao, Xiaoli Pan, Shaoming Sang, Yangqi Xu, Changpeng Wang, Chunjiu Zhong, Guoqiang Fei, Xiaoqin Cheng. Association Between Blood Biochemical Factors Contributing to Cognitive Decline and B Vitamins in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease.. PubMed. 2022.
- Demet Yildiz, Nilüfer Büyükkoyuncu Pekel, Ahmet Kasim Kiliç, Elif Nalan Tolgay, Fatih Tufan. Malnutrition is associated with dementia severity and geriatric syndromes in patients with Alzheimer disease.. PubMed. 2015.