The human brain is the most complex organ in our bodies. We often overlook the fact that it needs fitness, coaching, and nourishment to work properly. Various lifestyle changes have an impact on our brains. Even if the link isn’t clear, these practices can have a big impact on our mind’s wellness.
The thinning of brain cells called neurons is known as brain atrophy or cerebral atrophy. Degeneration of brain cells also disrupts the connections that allow neurons to communicate with one another. Because brain shrinkage is caused by a variety of illnesses, the degree of loss varies.
Brain-damaging disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and trauma may also cause loss of brain cells. Aside from chronic disorders, loss of brain cells can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as overconsumption of brain-damaging foods or an unhealthy lifestyle.
What are brain cells?
Our brain consists of various types of cells. Each cell has its own function. The most common brain cells are called neurons and other non-neuron cells are called glia. Neurons are brain cells that transmit electrical and chemical messages in the nervous system. They are the brain’s fundamental units, and they communicate information to other neurotransmitters, organs, and tissues all over the body.
The normal adult human mind includes 100 billion neurons and just as many glia, if not more. They offer the chance to think, feel, move, and comprehend your environment. Effective brain functioning requires both neurons and glial cells.
Every brain area has its own functions. The human brain is classified into three main areas known as forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.
Areas of Brain
Forebrain
The Cerebrum and cerebral cortex are the names given to the forebrain. The frontal cortex is the largest region of the human brain, which is linked to higher-level functions including perception and behavior.
Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the cerebrum, near the center of the brain, and above the hindbrain.
Hindbrain
The Cerebellum - or “small brain,” has two hemispheres and an elongated surface, comparable to the forebrain. Its functions include mobility, positioning, maintaining equilibrium, and the cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular centers, as well as their modulation and harmony.
The limbic system is in charge of breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure, among other important life activities. The midbrain, pons, and medulla make up the brainstem. It is located below the brain stem.
Why Brain Cells Die
Loss of brain cells can occur naturally or because of disease. The loss of neurons is a natural element of the development of the central nervous system. Cell death is triggered by evolutionary changes, which may be connected to a difficulty in establishing proper nutritional interactions.
The loss of life signals like growth factors is expected to start a complicated cycle of cancer progression, gene transcription, and ‘killer protein’ production, which leads to genomic disorder and death of brain cells (Gluckman & Williams, 2008).
Things that Kill your Brain Cells
Physiological damage to the brain and other areas of the central nervous system can kill or disable neurons. Blows to the brain, such as those induced by a stroke, can kill neurons instantly or starve them of the oxygen and nutrition they require overtime.
Excessive stress, skipping breakfast, lack of exercise, smoking, consuming alcohol, dehydration, water intoxication, stroke, high sugar intake, sensory deprivation, sniffing paint, cocaine, taking absinthe, pessimistic mindset, overthinking, lack of sleep, working on a sick day, and head injury are all factors that can cause brain cell death, as per the World Health Organization.
1. Excess screen time
Excessive screen time appears to harm the shape and development of the brain. More of the damage happens in the frontal cortex, which changes dramatically from adolescence through the mid-twenties. Some children who spent more than seven hours a day in front of a screen exhibited thinning of the cerebral cortex. The forebrain is responsible for critical thinking and reasoning.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids ages 8-18 now spend, on average, a whopping 7.5 hours in front of a screen for entertainment each day, 4.5 of which are spent watching TV. Over a year, that adds up to 114 full days watching a screen for fun.
2. Smoking & use of drugs
Nicotine can damage brain cells and prevent new ones from developing in the hippocampus, which is a memory-related brain region. The discovery can explain why many heavy smokers have cognitive issues during detoxification.
Cerebral injury caused by alcohol or drugs usage can range from normal cell damage to serious physical harm, such as brain hypoxia caused by overdosing.
3. Eating Habits
Your nutrition has a significant effect on the mental health. Inflammatory eating patterns which are heavy in fructose, processed carbs, trans fats, and processed meals can impair learning and memory while also increasing the risk of illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Using too much sugar
Sugar is present in almost all the types of foods, whether we are aware of it or not. Processed sugar intake is reported to impair the brain and body from absorbing proteins and nutrients. It is okay to eat your favorite donut every week if you eat in a normal quantity.
Over eating
Overeating forms cholesterol deposits and thicken arteries in the brain, resulting in a reduction in blood flow to brain cells. This can seriously impair the brain’s daily functioning. Overeating is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Dehydration
Ions are disrupted when there is not enough water, and the outcome is brain injury. Maintain adequate water levels in the bloodstream and brain to maintain your neurons healthy and avoid dehydration.
Skipping breakfast
To perform at its optimum, our brain requires the right nutrition at the right time. Because of our rushing lifestyles, many of us ignore or miss breakfast to save time in the morning. This results in a lack of sugar and nutrient availability to the brain. To operate normally, the brain needs only pure glucose. Poor diet can have long-term negative impacts on the brain, such as brain cell loss.
4. Sleep deprivation
Cognitive problems are caused by sleep deprivation. Certain brain cells die when you don’t get enough sleep, making remembering things more difficult. Memory and judgment problems, mood fluctuations, and sleep deprivation headaches are just a few of the side effects of not getting enough sleep.
Long-term sleep deprivation may lead our neurons to deteriorate and have problems connecting with one another, according to certain theories. It is able to restore totally from sleep deprivation, however it may take some time. Getting enough sleep and adhering to a regular sleep pattern can aid in the recovery of sleep deprivation.
5. Working/Studying when sick
When we are stressed, we frequently become ill. If we keep working when sick, the brain’s efficiency is sure to suffer significantly. It will only make things worse. When we’re sick, our brains and bodies are already working overtime to fight the virus. Working on a sick day can only make things worse. So take a pause, unwind, and rest.
6. Lack of social interaction
Severe loneliness has a negative effect on your general health, as well as your mental wellbeing. Some researchers have speculated a connection between loneliness and an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Socializing and spending time with your fellow human beings is beneficial for your mental and brain health.
7. Stimulating Thoughts
Constant pessimism, according to research, can raise your chances of dementia. People who have a lot of negative thinking have more cognition and memory issues. Next time you feel negative thoughts rushing in your mind, break the anxious cycle.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What foods kill brain cells?
There are certain foods that kill your brain cells including sugary drinks, refined carbs, refined carbohydrates include sugars and highly processed grains, such as white flour, foods high in trans fats, highly processed foods, aspartame, alcohol, fish high in mercury.
How to increase brain cells?
Consumption of certain foods such as fatty fish, coffee, turmeric, dark chocolate, blueberries, pumpkin seeds, nuts, and broccoli increase brain cells, naturally. Neuroplasticity is another method.
Does holding your breath kill brain cells?
Absolutely yes! Holding your breath for too long can kill your brain cells due to lack of oxygen supply in blood. It can also cause fainting.
Do brain cells regenerate?
Yes, the brain is very adaptable and has the ability to regenerate its cells. Neurogenesis is a procedure that enables brain cells to renew throughout your lifespan.
Conclusion
Practicing healthy habits daily will help you minimize the amount of brain cells you damage. De-stress on a regular basis and incorporate healthy habits into your study regimen, whether it is running or cycling, watching your favorite TV show, or simply having a cup of coffee with a friend.
References:
Nih.gov. (2018). Brain Basics: The Life and Death of a Neuron | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Gluckman, P.D., Beedle, A.S., Hanson, M.A. and Low, F.M. (2013). Human Growth: Evolutionary and Life History Perspectives. Recent Advances in Growth Research: Nutritional, Molecular and Endocrine Perspectives, pp.89–102.
Yvon, D.S. (2020). 50 Ways To Kill Brain Cells | Reprogramming Mind.
Medindia. (n.d.). 13 Daily Habits that Damage the Brain. | MediaNet
Healthline. (n.d.). Brain Atrophy: Symptoms, Causes, and Life Expectancy | Health Line.
John Hopkins Medicine (2019). Anatomy of the Brain. Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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