More than we might realize, our daily habits have an impact on our brain, which is the control center of our body. While it's well-known that a healthy lifestyle may enhance brain function, certain everyday habits may significantly impair it.

But what are these factors that negatively impact our brain health?

Just as nutritious food may fuel the brain and facilitate its functions, negative habits like a poor diet, insufficient sleep, and a lack of physical activity may impair it.

In today’s video, we will delve deeper into 10 daily habits that may put our cognitive health at risk without us even realizing it.

Also, stick to the end of the video, where we will talk about 5 foods that may protect your brain from daily damage.

#brainhealth #braindisease #DocHealthy

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⌛Timestamps:
⏱️ Intro - 0:00
⏱️ Lack of Sleep - 00:53
⏱️ Excessive Sugar Consumption - 01:58
⏱️ Smoking - 02:50
⏱️ Excessive Alcohol Consumption - 03:39
⏱️ Not Exercising - 04:43
⏱️ Chronic Stress - 05:54
⏱️ Social Isolation - 07:17
⏱️ Dehydration - 08:09
⏱️ Overeating - 09:08
⏱️ Excessive Screen Time - 10:17
⏱️ Leafy Green Vegetables - 11:22
⏱️ Fatty Fish - 11:36
⏱️ Berries - 11:50
⏱️ Nuts and Seeds - 12:05
⏱️ Whole Grains - 12:21


Music:
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️ Summary:
Lack of Sleep
During sleep, particularly in the deep stages, the brain’s glymphatic system becomes more active. This system, akin to the body's lymphatic system, flushes out toxins, including beta-amyloid and tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Without adequate sleep, these toxins accumulate, impairing neuronal function and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.

Excessive Sugar Consumption
Excessive sugar disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters, chemicals that relay messages between neurons. Sugar spikes may cause rapid releases of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, leading to mood swings and contributing to conditions like depression and anxiety when the sugar high crashes. Over time, the brain becomes less sensitive to sugar, reducing the effectiveness of dopamine and other neurotransmitters, which dampens mood and cognitive functions.

Smoking
Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, which may damage brain cells directly. These chemicals also contribute to the development of oxidative stress within brain tissues. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules that may damage cells) and antioxidants (molecules that neutralize free radicals). This imbalance leads to damage to brain cells and DNA, contributing to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption
One of the primary neurotransmitters affected by alcohol is gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is responsible for producing feelings of calmness and relaxation. However, excessive drinking may lead to an overactivation of these receptors, diminishing their responsiveness over time and disrupting the natural balance of excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.

Simultaneously, alcohol consumption affects the levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with learning and memory. By inhibiting glutamate activity, alcohol may impair cognitive functions, leading to difficulties in forming new memories and processing new information, a phenomenon commonly known as "blackouts" during periods of heavy drinking.

Not Exercising
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy vascular system, ensuring an ample supply of blood to the brain. This blood flow is crucial as it delivers oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. Without sufficient exercise, blood flow decreases, leading to a reduction in the oxygen and nutrients reaching the brain, which are vital for its optimal functioning.

Chronic Stress

When stress is constant, cortisol levels remain unnaturally high, leading to a plethora of negative effects on the brain.

One of the first areas affected by elevated cortisol levels is the hippocampus, a region of the brain essential for learning and memory. High cortisol levels may inhibit the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus and cause the atrophy of dendrites, the branch-like parts of neurons that are involved in transmitting messages. This neuronal damage leads to memory lapses and impairs the formation of new memories.


For more information, please watch the video until the very end.
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Disclaimer: Doc Healthy's videos and channel are not meant to replace professional medical advice or treatment, but rather to serve as a resource for anyone interested in health and wellness. If you are experiencing any sort of health problem, you should contact a doctor immediately.