Not absorbing enough vitamin D, lack of exercise, lack of sleep… it affects memory and harms brain health.
A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to your health in many ways. Especially harmful to the brain.
Although it weighs just over 1 kg, the human brain has an unlimited storage capacity, and the speed of information can reach 400 km/h. Therefore, your efforts to protect and preserve this institution are worthwhile.
Adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle should be a part of your daily routine. Besides, you should also avoid certain things that can damage your brain. Here are four bad things you can do to your brain.
◆ not enough vitamin D
According to MedlinePlus, vitamin D helps improve and maintain bone strength, and it also plays an important role in the nerves, muscles, and immune system. Research has found a link between vitamin D and brain health.
Michael Dominello, a radiation oncologist at the Carmanos Cancer Institute, says maintaining adequate vitamin D levels reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s.
“You can increase your vitamin D levels by eating foods rich in vitamin D, exposing your skin to safe sun exposure, and taking nutritional supplements,” advises Dominello.
◆ No physical activity
Sedentary living is detrimental to health in many ways.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2 million deaths per year are due to inactivity, which the WHO warns that sedentary living is one of the top 10 causes of death and disability.
“Researchers have found that sitting down is associated with thinness in regions of the brain that are important for memory formation,” says Science Daily.
“Start with a goal of raising your heart rate with physical activity (biking, running, swimming or brisk walking). You don’t need long workouts, just commit to at least 10 minutes a day and stick to it,” the oncologist said. Dominello advises.
◆ lack of sleep
Naps may boost your brain, but you still need a good night’s sleep. Dominello claims that there is a lot of data proving that people need at least 7 hours of sleep a day.
“Recent research shows that chronic sleep deprivation can cause serious brain damage,” reports Brain & Life.
Studies have shown that lack of sleep interferes with learning, impairs cognitive abilities, and slows reaction times. Experts also link sleep and memory storage.
Oncologist Dominello recommends creating a quiet environment for yourself, such as avoiding drinking water before bed and avoiding electronic devices.