To avoid cognitive deterioration, it is very important to stimulate our brain daily, either by reading or playing mental games that help us exercise it. And quit the habits that kill neurons.
Disorders that affect brain health are often caused by hereditary factors, age, or injury. However, it has been shown that there are particular habits that may be the origin, because they kill neurons and reduce their activity.
Cognitive health declines over the years, so at very advanced ages memory is lost and it becomes more difficult to perform usual tasks that were previously very simple. However, there are people who have these problems at an early age, due to the deterioration they suffer thanks to the regular practice of certain activities.
Table of Contents
9 bad habits that kill neurons.
Although in almost all cases the effects do not occur immediately, we must all be aware that in the long run these activities generate irreversible damage. Since it is important to maintain good neuronal function to have a healthy brain, we will share with you the 9 unhealthy habits that kill neurons and affect your brain health.
1. Stressful situations.
A person who is subjected to regular stressful situations tends to have a more difficult time concentrating and using their cognitive skills. In fact, in response to stress in the body, neurons are killed and, in some cases, stress prevents the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus.
2. Not having a good breakfast.
Breakfast plays a fundamental role in metabolism and body weight. However, it is also necessary to activate the brain in the early hours of the morning.
Lack of protein, vitamins, and nutrients at breakfast causes brain degeneration, leading to neuron death due to overload during daytime activities.
3. Little sleep.
One of the most serious consequences of lack of sleep is related to cognitive impairment. This causes the loss of brain cells and produces harmful effects in the short, medium and long term.
For example, after a night of poor sleep, it is more difficult to concentrate and perform tasks that require mental effort. Later, this can lead to further deterioration, and some degenerative disorders such as dementia can occur.
4. Not practicing physical activity.
Sedentary life is a bad habit that causes problems in the brain. Inactivity of the body decreases the secretion of several important chemicals and results in loss of abilities.
On the other hand, it has been shown that playing sports can change the structure and function of the brain, which influences health.
5. Polluted environments.
Environments with high levels of pollution affect people who are directly exposed to it, and kill neurons. The brain is the organ that consumes the most oxygen and in this type of environment, the amount it receives is limited.
6. Smoking.
The toxins in tobacco have a negative impact on the lungs and significantly attack cognitive functions. Direct users, such as passive smokers, are more likely to suffer from memory loss and Alzheimer’s as they become older people.
7. Overeat.
Ingesting dishes in exaggerated amounts slows down blood circulation and limits oxygen transport to the brain. If you eat foods rich in saturated fat, you should know that your cholesterol levels will increase and cause inflammation in the main tissues of the body.
Failure to moderate your portions impairs nerve function and immediate memory.
8. Force brain activity when you are sick.
Many conditions cause a type of physical weakness, including impaired brain function. Working, studying, or doing cognitive activity when you’re sick can be very harmful to humans.
This habit decreases the efficiency of the brain and neurons are killed.
9. Lack of stimulation.
There are many activities that stimulate every brain function and keep it in perfect condition, despite the passage of time. Reading a book, practicing mental games or any other activity that involves thinking is a way of exercising this organ so that it does not develop serious pathologies.
When we look for a solution to these negative practices, we have a positive impact on this aspect of health.