Habits that damage your brain

Habits that damage your brain

Brain is the boss of your body which runs the show and controls just about everything you do, even when you are asleep. The brain is like a computer that controls body’s functions. It is the most complex part of the human body. The brain is well protected within the skull and is composed of cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and has two hemispheres. It controls movement, speech, intelligence, emotion, and what we see and hear. The cerebellum is located under the cerebrum and it coordinates muscle movements, maintain posture and balance. Brainstem is the relay centre connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord.

Brain being such an important part of the human body requires proper care. However some people make habits that can damage the working of the brain over period of time. Surrounded by modern technology, you may be picking up bad habits every day without even realizing so. These bad habits can slowly damage your brain health.

1. Not sleeping enough

One of the worst habits that can damage your brain functioning is not getting enough sleep. The brain does not get enough time to recover and rest from the day’s activities due to lack of sleep. This leads to serious problems like memory loss and mood swings and can increase the risk of dementia. 7-8 hours of sleep is must for a healthy brain.

2. Spending too much time alone

Everyone needs some time alone but spending too much time alone is not good for the functioning of the brain. Socialization is important for your brain’s health. Lack of social interaction can lead to depression, anxiety and dementia.

3. Overeating

Overeating is another habit that can damage your brain. Even if you are eating healthy but not taking care of the amount of food you eat, can affect the brain. Overeating has been associated with problems like memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults. If you want to protect your brain make sure to eat healthy but quantity controlled diet.

4. Eating too much of Junk food

Fast food or junk food is the biggest enemy for your brains’ functioning. People who eat lots of fries, burgers, chips in their diet have poor learning ability and tend to forget easily.

5. You don’t move enough

Sitting for too long hours or not getting enough exercise can severely affect the brain. You are more likely to have dementia, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Getting in some movement throughout the day is very important.

6. Smoking

Smoking can kill you by shrinking the size of your brain and slowly diminish the ability of the brain to think and perform properly. It makes you more vulnerable for diseases like Alzheimer’s. It also causes heart disease, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure.

7. You stay in the dark too much

Not getting enough natural light, can make you depressed and slow down your brain. Try to get enough sunlight during the day time.

8. Eating sugary foods

Consuming too much sugar throughout the day can destroy the ability of the brain and body to absorb proteins and nutrients. Poor nutrition will lead to malnourishment and brain disorders like learning disorder, poor memory and depression.

9. Working when sick

We tend to continue working even when we are not well. We often fall ill when we are overworked. If during sickness we continue working, then the brain’s ability to perform goes down, so take a break and relax when you are ill.

10. Exposure to contaminated chemicals and pollution

Our brain is totally dependent on oxygen and exposure to chemicals and pollution can harm it. Lack of adequate oxygen in the body may lead to death of cells in the brain. The more you expose yourself to harmful chemicals or polluted and contaminated air, the lesser air reaches the brain.

These are just a few of the habits that can hurt your brain. If you want to keep your brain healthy, make sure you try to work on this habits and follow a healthy lifestyle.