How to protect brain health? What damages brain health?

The brain, a part of the central nervous system, performs functions such as thinking, feeling, moving, learning, and remembering. Because the brain is at a critical point in human life, its health is also very important. So, what can harm brain health? What can be done to protect it? Here are the details...

WHAT DAMAGES THE HUMAN BRAIN?

The human brain is affected by environmental and genetic factors. However, an individual can damage their brain through their lifestyle. For example, malnutrition, irregular sleep, chronic stress, and the use of alcohol, substances, or cigarettes are negative behaviors for the brain. Vitamin B, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fats are important antioxidants for the brain; consuming too little of these vitamins has a negative effect on the brain.

Regular exercise is very important for blood flow and oxygen intake to the brain. If regular exercise is not performed, it can lead to the weakening of cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and learning.

Neurology Specialist Prof. Dr. Nihal Işık explained the problems that may occur if brain health deteriorates as follows:

“The deterioration of brain health can lead to various consequences, ranging from problems in nerve transmission and hormonal production disorders to functional impairments in muscles and glands, and disruptions in organ activities. Furthermore, changes that occur in the brain with advancing age, combined with the influence of external factors, can bring about certain diseases.”

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S...

Işık drew attention to the importance of regular exercise to protect brain health and stated the following:

"Regular activity supports a reduction in the risk of depression, higher quality sleep, increased blood flow to the brain and other organs, and the development of mental functions alongside physical functions. In addition to these, regular exercise also lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's."

Referring to various studies, Işık stated that tobacco products harm the human brain and said that limiting or quitting tobacco products is important for the health of the brain and the circulatory system.

Stating that adequate and regular sleep is the most important factor in brain health, Işık said, "It can help consolidate and store the information the brain receives during the day, ensure the body rests, and be effective in reducing stress. Poor sleep can lead to memory difficulties, mood-related problems, and weakened concentration."

Drawing attention to weight control, Işık said that one should eat a balanced diet and consume sufficient amounts of whole grain products, meat, chicken and fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, and dairy products.

Stating that blood pressure should remain within a normal range, Işık said, "An increase in blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels, and this situation can negatively affect brain health."

Furthermore, Işık concluded her remarks by explaining that unnecessary medication use, stress, depression, and chronic diseases can damage brain health and that attention should be paid to these issues:

"Unnecessary medication use should be reduced, stress and depression should be brought under control, and if there are chronic diseases such as diabetes, they should be monitored regularly."