7 Dangerous Brain Damaging Habits To Stop Immediately

Our brains are powerful and complex organs that allow us to think, feel, remember, and function. As the control center for the body, the brain coordinates everything from emotions and reflexes to regulating vital organs. To maintain a healthy brain, we must be careful about our lifestyle habits and choices that can have negative effects over time. There are many common things that can actually contribute to brain shrinkage and neurodegeneration. Here are 7 dangerous brain damaging habits you should stop immediately to preserve your cognitive abilities.

Chronic Stress and Anxiety
When we perceive something as threatening, the body initiates the fight-or-flight stress response. While this can be protective in truly dangerous situations, chronic activation from everyday stress and anxiety is severely damaging. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones like cortisol kills and shrinks neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, impairing cognition. Learning to manage daily stress through lifestyle changes is key.

Sleep Deprivation
Getting adequate deep sleep for 6-8 hours nightly is when the brain detoxes itself and forms new neuron connections. Regularly limiting sleep disrupts this vital function. Sustained lack of sleep contributes to plaque formation, reduced gray matter volume and dementia risk. Prioritize proper sleep hygiene like limiting electronics before bed, sticking to a schedule, and creating an optimal sleep environment.

Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking or other tobacco consumption introduce toxic chemicals into the body that travel straight to the brain. Substances like carbon monoxide, benzene and nitrosamines destroy neurons and other brain cells through increased oxidative stress. Tobacco use hastens brain shrinkage and cognitive decline. If you smoke, get help quitting as soon as possible to halt further damage.

Excess Alcohol Intake
In the short term, alcohol depresses the central nervous system. With chronic heavy use over years, it can literally cause the brain to shrink. Excessive alcohol consumption reduces gray and white matter brain volume, destroying critical areas involved in memory, processing and emotions. It is also linked to dementia and cognitive impairment. Moderation is key.

Poor Diet and Nutrition
What you regularly eat provides the basic building blocks for brain structure and function. Diets high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats reduce growth of new brain cells. They also lead to oxidative stress which damages neurons. Ensure your diet includes antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins B, C, D, E and key minerals to nourish your brain.

Social Isolation and Loneliness
Since the brain is wired to be social, lack of interpersonal connection and community takes a big toll on brain health. Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are linked to various types of brain tissue damage and poorer cognition. Nurture your social bonds and relationships with others to avoid the detrimental impacts of being alone.

Excess Screen Time
Studies show excessive use of phones, tablets, computers, video games and television impairs brain structure and performance. Too much screen time over-stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and reward. This can damage parts of the brain’s frontal lobe responsible for memory, focus and mental flexibility. Limit screen time and take regular breaks.

Conclusion
To maintain healthy brain function as you age, the habits and exposures you have on a daily basis matter tremendously. Stop or limit the 7 behaviors discussed here to prevent accelerated cognitive decline. Instead, make choices each day that nourish your brain through proper sleep, exercise, human connection, brain-training activities and a diet rich in antioxidants and key nutrients. Protecting your brain now ensures a mentally sharp future.