Dr KellyWhen it comes to our health, we don’t always think about taking care of the brain in the manner we care for our bodies. We tend to focus on other parts of the body and ignore the brain, which is actually responsible for all bodily functions.
Top on the list is:
1. Too much sugar consumption:
Excessive intake of sugar conditions the brain to always want sugar thereby neglecting other important food items like protein and vegetables responsible for brain growth and development and, in the long run, cause serious damage to the brain cells. Poor nutrition will lead to malnourishment and brain disorders like poor memory, learning disorders, hyperactivity and depression. So, the next time you add a large coke to your happy meal, think again because it’s loaded with nearly 20 spoonfuls of sugar!
2. Not having enough sleep:
Anytime you don’t have a good night sleep, the hippocampus in the brain suffers the most, resulting in difficulty in recalling new information, slow thinking and poor concentration. Quality sleep is crucial to a sharp and productive mind, according to the Global Council on Brain Health. Consistency is one important marker of good quality sleep: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
3. Skipping breakfast:
The body needs enough nutrients after a good night sleep so whenever we don’t eat breakfast we are denying the body. Study also shows that skipping breakfast can lead o hypertension and stroke. Skipping breakfast leads to low sugar supply and poor nutrient supply to the brain. The brain needs pure glucose to function.
4. Sleeping with head under a blanket:
Oxygen is essential for normal brain functioning. A decrease in the intake of air, which affects brain function can increase the risk of damaging the brain cell.
5. Inadequate water intake:
Seventy-five per cent (75%) of the body is water and it’s vital to bodily functions. Water helps eliminate toxins and supplies the brain with nutrients.
6. Lack of Exercise:
When we exercise, our heart rate increases and blood flows into the brain supplying it with the oxygen that it needs to function effectively.
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Why you should Take Care of your Brain?
THE human brain is the most important organ of our body and we all fail to think that the brain also requires exercise or training and nutrition for it to function well. Thus, forming good habits and avoiding the following bad habits will prevent brain damage and keep it healthy.
To boost your brain health, therefore:
Get Some Proper Sleep
Your brain needs plenty of rest in order to get rid of and replace damaged cells. By getting eight hours of good quality sleep per night, you are ensuring that your“cell factory” is creating the best quality replacement parts as possible.
Exercise
Regular exercise isn’t just great for the body – it’s great for your mind, as well! Studies show that leading an active lifestyle not only helps to ward off age-related cognitive decline but can actually reverse the brain’s physical decay over time.
Diet:
Studies have found that poor nutritional habits lead to a decline in cognitive behaviour and an increased risk of dementia. By adding foods like nuts, fish, Tumeric, among others, into your diet, you will increase your chances of maintaining healthy brain function.
Cut Back on TV
It turns out that watching too much TV can overload your brain with rapid-fire stimuli. A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that people who watch TV or internet-based broadcasts for four or more hours a day have a lower mental acuity score.
Your brain is working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year… all while firing messages at 268 mph to manage your body, your mind, your thoughts, your behaviours and, therefore, your whole life. Take care of your brain and it will take better care of you.
Thank you for Reading
Dr Kelly
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