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.
