Brain Damage: Top 10 Habits

We all know that our brain cells are the most precious of all the living cells

in our body. It is because unlike the other cells in our body, once a brain

cell dies, it does not have the capacity to regenerate or create a new cell

that would replace the dead brain cell. That is why we have to take care

of our body especially the brain where most of the processing activities

happen.

Here are ten habits that would surely damage our brain (cells) and at all

cost, should be avoided:

No Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is the first

chance the body has to refuel its glucose levels, also known as blood

sugar, after eight to 12 hours without a meal or snack. Glucose is

essential for the brain and is the main energy source. People who do not

take breakfast are going to have lower blood sugar level. This leads to an

insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.

Overeating

The brain works closely with the stomach. If the digestive organs

experience weakness, depression or congestion due to hunger-related

ailments, it gives signal to the brain for help. In return, the brain aids the

digestive organs by telling you “it’s time to eat”. But when overeating

happens, the brain-nerve energy is benumbed and becomes almost

paralyzed. It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease

in mental power.

Smoking

Did you know that a single cigarette stick contains over 4,000 chemicals,

including 43 known carcinogenic (cancer causing) compounds and 400

other toxins, some of it known to man? These toxins causes numerous

ailments which include heart attacks and stroke brought to by the blocking

of the carotid artery, thus cutting the blood supply to the brain cells. It

also includes emphysema, cancer and multiple brain shrinkage that may

lead to Alzheimer disease.

High Sugar Consumption

True to what was mentioned in the first habit, glucose (which we can also

get from sugar) is essential for the brain and is needed to fuel the body.

Regulation is the key here. Too much sugar can cause the release of

adrenal hormones (called “sugar high”) that squeezes stored sugar from

the liver, sending blood sugar levels up. This will interrupt the absorption

of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with the

brain’s development.

Air Pollution

The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted

air (with nanoparticles) causes inflammation and abnormal protein

deposits in brain tissue, decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain,

bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency. A latest research claimed

that fine particles like those found in air pollutants can switch on the tumor

genes that some people inherited, thus, jump-starting the disease process

which results in brain tumors.

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is needed to refresh certain parts of the body, especially the brain,

for it to function optimally. Long term deprivation from sleep causes

neurons to malfunction, diminish mental performance and accelerates the

death of brain cells. People who regularly do not get enough sleep

becomes less sensitive to insulin. This increases the risk for diabetes and

high blood pressure — both serious threats to the brain.

Head Covered While Sleeping

Are you fond of wrapping your whole body (from head to toe) with the

blanket? Or simply covering your head with a pillow for reasons of

shutting off unnecessary sound or light? Well, take note that sleeping with

the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide on the

covered area. With it, decreases the concentration of oxygen that may

lead to brain damaging effects.

Working Your Brain During Illness

Have you observed that when attacked by an ailment, you cannot think

properly? All you seem to think about is the sickness that you are feeling

or having — this stresses the brain. All the more, working hard or studying

with sickness surely leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the brain,

as well as, damage the brain.

Lacking In Stimulating Thoughts

Have you heard of the phrase “mental growth”? Thinking is the best way

to train and develop our brain. Activities such as constant communication,

socializing, and reading are good in keeping our brain stimulated. A lack

in brain stimulation thoughts or activities may cause brain shrinkage –

making it dull.

Talking Rarely

It is a common notion that when you rarely talk, it means you don’t care

about the subject or you have no idea about it, at all. In relation to the

ninth habit, intellectual conversations promote the efficiency of the brain.

It stimulates and trains the brain to find reasons and answers amidst

questioning and provoking.