Healthier Brain By Avoiding These Substances
The health of our brains depends on many internal and external factors. While many of the brain disorders we can suffer from have genetic origins, certain habits can also cause a lot of deterioration. Therefore, pay close attention to the tips in this article to maintain a healthier brain.
Inevitably, brain function declines somewhat as a result of aging. However, sometimes we don’t take into account that certain things can also lead to the premature aging of neurons and tissues.
This includes certain foods that are often eaten, but at the same time also contain substances that can have harmful effects on the brain.
For this article we have made a list of the six most important substances that can be bad for you when consumed in excess if you strive for a healthier brain. By being aware of this information, you can do your best to consume these substances as little as possible.
Substances that stand in the way of a healthier brain
1. Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate is a component often used in ready-to-eat products and certain takeaway meals. It is a concentrated salt that allows us to store food for longer. At the same time, it also helps to preserve its taste and smell.
When you regularly ingest this substance, it can cause the brain to produce more dopamine. As you may know, dopamine is a substance that induces a temporary feeling of well-being.
The problem, however, is that it also contains large amounts of ‘excitotoxins’, which can negatively impact brain health.
Excitotoxins may be linked to the development of:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- dementia
- chronic fatigue
2. Fluoride
Fluoride is one of the elements added to drinking water in certain countries to maintain purity. You don’t notice it while you drink it, but it still occurs in tap water in certain countries. In addition, fluorine is used in dentistry.
Although it is used worldwide and serves a good function, scientists have nevertheless started to investigate whether it has a negative effect on human health.
- There are studies that suggest that excessive fluoride intake is linked to low intellectual performance and changes in some cognitive functions.
- In addition, organizations such as UNICEF have also spoken out against water contaminated with fluoride.
3. Refined Sugar
Then we have arrived at refined sugar. This substance, and all its derivatives, is considered by some groups to be the main white poison, along with salt and refined flours.
Today, sugar is one of the most commonly used additives in cooking. Despite all the warnings, it is still one of the foods that many people consume in abundance.
Eating too much sugar can negatively affect metabolism and potentially affect our cognitive functions.
Once it enters your body, it limits the function of the BDNF protein. This protein is responsible for performing important functions within the nervous system.
As a result, high sugar intake could cause problems with memory and could also cause difficulties in the connection between neurons.
4. Artificial Sweeteners
Sweeteners are substances that the food industry uses as a substitute for sugar. While some are organic, most sweeteners are made up of chemicals and artificial substances that may not be healthy.
Some doctors see artificial sweeteners as ‘poison to the brain’. According to them, they cause neurons to be overstimulated.
You often find these types of sweeteners in packaged industrial foods that say ‘light’ or ‘sugar-free’.
5. Gluten
For some people, gluten is also on the list of substances that get in the way of a healthier brain. In fact, gluten can be a real enemy to your brain health if you have celiac disease.
This group of proteins, present in several grains, can cause a variety of problems in the body, including brain fog.
Because the body’s immune system reacts to gluten, celiac disease causes inflammation in the gut.
Although there are many people who are not sensitive to this ingredient, in others it can have a negative influence on the body.
6. Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks contain toxins and chemical compounds that can cause significant impairment of brain functions. This deterioration is usually temporary.
Its excessive consumption directly affects the functioning of the liver, but can also lead to a problem known as ‘brain fog’. This problem is characterized by a condition in which the brain feels cloudy and cannot think clearly.
In addition , alcohol interferes with nervous system function and can increase anxiety and depressive states.
Is your body often exposed to these dangerous substances for your brain? If so, try to take steps to limit your exposure to it to maintain a healthier brain.
In addition, try to develop habits and do exercises that strengthen your cognitive functions.