How to Stop From Damaging Your Brain

The human brain is an amazing organ far, more complex than any computer. It can process and sift through thousands of pieces of information that it's constantly receiving from your senses. Are you aware that your brain uses 20% of the nutrients and oxygen you take in. So it's not surprising how just a few simple bad habits can damage our brains.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Skipping breakfast, mom was right when she told you to eat a good breakfast. We're all guilty of it you sleep in, pushed for time etc, so out the door we run. What happens is you have been fasting all night as your glucose levels drop so does nutrition to your brain and this can lead to brain degeneration

2. Obesity over eating can lead to hardening of the arteries which interferes with blood flow to the brain.

3. 
    
   Brain on right shows signs of shrinkage

   Smoking it doesn't only cause cancer and heart disease it can effect your brain by interfering with oxygen uptake and causing brain shrinkage.

4. Alcohol and drug abuse can damage brain cells leading to early Alzheimer's. Remember even prescription drugs can be abused if taken in excess. Make sure you follow doctors guidelines when taking pills.

5. 
    
   Neural stem cells

   Air pollution it doesn't only affect your lungs The brain is a big consumer of oxygen so poor air quality will cause problems. Pollution can also damage brain cells. Some studies have shown an increase in brain tumors.

6. Couch potato, you know who you are! Not having enough brain stimulation can slow you down so puzzles, books, new adventures will all help to keep your brain going.

7. Not talking, no I don't mean someone who is quiet. We all need social stimulation, intellectual conversations provoke new thought and ideas. Which in turn train the brain to work out problems and stop your brain from stagnating.

8. Not enough sleep this slows you down in more ways then you think your brain needs down time to heal and repair itself. This also the time for your body to flush out its toxins. Constant lack of sleep slows you down, impairs memory and effects concentration. If you don't believe it just ask new parents!

Tips & Warnings

• Eat brain healthy foods a diet rich in vegetables and dark fruits that are packed with antioxidants keeps our brains learning curves more active.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like tuna, salmon or mackerel help fight free radicals and maintain brain function
• Physical exercise helps you stay focused and increases energy levels

[kittykat3]

on 11/21/2009 Excellent tips on how to stop from damaging your brain. 5*.

[tammyfrost]

on 11/4/2009 Wonderful tips...I guess it is obvious the damages that smoking can do, but I never thought it could hurt the brain....I must be a smoker lol. Thanks for your great tips. I am trying to quit.

[billips]

on 11/4/2009 All your points are wise ones - I think we take too much for granted - we need to take responsibility for our own health - 5* - B.