Did you know?
- The storage capacity of the brain is virtually limitless
- Around 60 per cent of the brain is made from fat. Thus, healthy fat is necessary for a healthy brain
- The main channel of communication between the body and the brain is the spinal cord
- The brain does not feel any pain. It interprets the signals and responds accordingly
- The brain requires approximately 20 per cent of the blood and oxygen produced in the body
- The brain is capable of generating roughly 23 watts of power
- Around 75 per cent of the brain is made up of water
Introduction
The brain is a crucial organ that aids in managing essential functions such as breathing, eye movement, swallowing, digestion, and heartbeat, to keep us alive.
From several things that can impact brain health, lifestyle choices are the most crucial ones. While a healthy lifestyle helps the brain perform at optimum efficiency, an unhealthy lifestyle can wreak havoc on the brain.
For a thorough understanding of these lifestyle choices, this article will help you learn about what not to do and what to do to keep the brain healthy.
What not to do for a healthy brain
Missing out on sleep
Sound sleeping hours are essential for the healthy functioning of the brain and improving overall well-being.
According to research, lack of sleep can give rise to conditions such as migraine, depression, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Prolonged sleep deprivation can also harm the heart, cause high blood pressure, weaken immunity, and lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Some studies suggest that seven to eight hours of sound sleep is essential for a healthy you. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, here’s what you can do:
- Avoid alcohol
- Reduce caffeine intake
- Try to minimize using electronic devices in the evening
- Start a bedtime ritual that soothes your routine
Eating excessive junk food
The brain requires several nutrients for optimum performance.
Bingeing on junk foods such as fries, chips, burgers, pizzas, and soft drinks negatively influences the part of the brain associated with learning and memory, making it smaller.
To boost brain health and slow mental decline, swap junk foods with berries, whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
Avoid deep-fried foods and increase the intake of boiled or roasted foods.
Following a sedentary lifestyle
Exercising regularly and staying active can help uplift the mood, boost immunity, and keep several ailments at bay.
Some studies suggest that people who indulge in regular exercises are less likely to suffer from ailments that can give rise to Alzheimer’s disease – such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, than people who follow a sedentary lifestyle.
If a regimen of intense workouts is not possible, try exercising for at least 30 minutes every day.
It can include brisk walking, yoga, jogging, swimming, skipping, and more.
Smoking
Smoking is a harmful habit that increases the risk of fatality. It can cause thinning of the brain cortex, increasing the risk of brain complications such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Smoking also impacts overall health by raising the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular ailments.
Quit smoking right away to minimize these risks and improve your health.
Staying in the dark too much
If you stay too much in the dark, now is the time to change this habit to improve brain health.
According to studies, this habit can wreck your sleep cycle and increase the risk of depression.
Go out and get some sunlight. It can help in vitamin D secretion, uplift your mood, and improve brain functioning.
What to do for a healthy brain
Given below are a few steps that can help boost brain health:
- Remain socially involved
- Exercise regularly
- Eat brain-friendly foods
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol consumption or have in a limited amount
- Take up a hobby
- Make small targets and achieve them
- Learn new skills
- Meditate
Final thoughts
For the optimum performance of the brain, it is essential to avoid those lifestyle choices that can harm the organ and include those that help boost brain performance.
With that said, the above-mentioned are the five choices that can deteriorate brain health and some tips to boost brain functioning.
Furthermore, you should also frequently opt for preventive health checkups. These health checks provide you with a comprehensive insight into your health, allowing you to take necessary precautions to stay at the top of your health.
Disclaimer: This blog is purely informational. We strongly recommend you consult your doctor before you begin managing any condition based on the information given above.
