Without doubt, Alzheimer’s is one of the most terrifying mental diseases today and if you have someone in your surrounding with this illness, you know how sad it can be. You are seeing your loved one starting to behave differently, feeling sadder and crying often.
This and other degenerative diseases, according to newest research, may be averted with the help of specific lifestyle and diet changes. These changes are considered powerful enough to protect the brain health.
With this in mind, in today’s article we will share with you seven things you should avoid doing in your life because they are known to encourage slow and sure brain cell death and consequently, increase your risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
7 Things that Cause Brain Cell Death
- Dehydration
Did you know that dehydration can shrink your brain cells? Namely, these cells, same as other cells in the body, depend on water to get nutrients. However, when there is not sufficient water, they will shrink and the brain will find it much harder to perform optimally. What’s more, a study also showed that an hour and a half sweating aged the brain for a whole year. This is why we need to have water with us at all times, especially when we are out in hot weather or when we exercise.
- Alcohol
When overexposed to alcohol, the brain cells tend to become smaller and according to CT studies, alcohol caused brain shrinkage over time. This impact is stronger in women and it may happen even at lower levels of alcohol consumption. Moreover, alcohol is also linked with thiamine deficiency which may lead to a serious brain disorder known as Wernicke’s encephalopathy. This disorder is manifested by symptoms like nerve paralysis, confusion, poor muscle coordination, etc. Though consuming alcohol from time to time cannot harm you, excessive consumption or regular consumption can be problematic. Reduce alcohol and focus on introducing more veggies and fruits to your diet. They contain important nutrients and antioxidants that heal, nourish, and regenerate.
- Junk food like pizza and hot dogs
AGEs are advanced glycation end products. This small molecular fragments cause more damage than free radicals. Once they gnarl the DNA, its function is lost. And, the more proteins it damages in an organ, the higher the speed of aging in that organ. Unfortunately, the more processed a food is, the higher it is with AGEs. Junk foods like hot dogs, pizza, and pre-packed foods like cereals are considered to have the highest amounts of AGEs. Moreover, when this food is heated, the AGEs multiply. When they go into the brain, your brain cells begin to shut down. To preserve your brain health, try to stay away from foods abundant in AGEs.
- High blood sugar levels
If you are consuming too much processed foods and foods rich in high glycemic index, you are at a higher risk of high blood sugar. High levels of insulin in the body can cause the metabolism to start storing fat and trigger inflammation. Moreover, you will be at a higher risk of diabetes. And, chronically high levels of blood sugar can cause glycation and speed up the AGEs damage.
- Foods with high GI
These foods are known to elevate the blood sugar levels. If you frequently consume foods with high GI like potatoes, white bread, and short-grain rice with a GI higher than 70, the excessive blood sugar will start to deposit in the bodily tissues, including the ones in the brain. Consequently, glycation begins. Try to focus on foods with a lower GI and avoid those with higher GI.
- Eating foods you are allergic to
If you eat something that you are allergic to, you can experience symptoms like sleepiness, tiredness, slurred speech, etc. Also, a common symptom is brain fog or the feeling of a heavy cloud covering the inside of the brain which impedes decision making and thinking.
- Exercising excessively with a Lack of Vitamin C or E
Without doubt, regular physical activity is pivotal for optimal health; however, during the process of exercise, free radicals are being produced. If you have a vitamin C or E deficiency, these free radicals are not being neutralized and end up damaging the organs, including your brain.
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