Your brain works throughout your life, even before you leave the womb, to regulate your body’s functions and help you learn and interact with the world around you. Having a healthy brain will allow you to keep your mind clear and lively so you can work, rest, and explore.
The human brain and the spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System. It regulates every aspect of our body. The brain initiates and executes every physical or mental activity from communication to creativity, memory to messaging, balance to breathing, sleeping to sensory function, digestion to discretion. Good brain health is essential for a better quality of life at any age.
The significance of heart health has long been emphasized, while brain health is equally crucial for our ability to think, interact, and live well. One of the most critical features of your overall health condition is Brain Health, which is often neglected and not given the utmost importance.
Unavailability of medical care and guidance from brain doctor or neurologists at the right time can impact your brain health. The accessibility and availability of care and involvement in preventative programs focusing on the importance of brain health may help avoid any brain-related conditions further.
A neurologist or neurosurgeon specializes in studying, diagnosing, and treating brain nerves and spinal cord conditions. As a result, a seasoned brain doctor in Mulund, Mumbai, such as Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, may help you deal with your neurological problems more effectively.
Dr. Gurneet Sawhney is considered one of the top neurosurgeon in Mulund, Mumbai. He can assist you in maintaining optimum brain health through various effective therapies. Moreover, he is adept in a wide range of advanced neurosurgical procedures for diagnosing and treating neurological conditions.
Continue reading this article to know the significance of brain health and ways to improve it.
Why is brain health important?
Which conditions may impact brain function and health?
Unfortunately, various disorders can have an impact on brain health. These conditions and disorders include:- Brain tissue injuries
- Vascular diseases
- Degenerative diseases
- Inflammation
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Mental well-being
1. Structural damage:
These diseases involve or show some form of damage to the brain structure. These include traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular diseases, sensory disorders, meningitis, brain tumors, and communication disorders.
2. Functional disorders:
In these disorders, one or more connections or networks in the brain are disrupted, resulting in brain tissue degeneration. These include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and addiction.3. Others:
There is no visible structural or functional damage in this case. Migraine and sleep disturbances are two examples. As you age, reducing risk factors, mental activity, and getting the most out of your brain are essential aspects of brain health.Impact of Aging on Brain Health
Age has an impact on brain health because of the complex connection between physical and mental health. Many factors influence age-related brain health problems, including genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, the cultural and physical environment, and many others. With age, the brain reduces volume, particularly in the frontal cortex.
The loss of full-time employment can result in the atrophy of specific brain areas. In addition, aging blood vessels and hypertension may elevate the risk of ischemia, stroke, and lesions. Brain malfunction processes exacerbate these difficulties in several aforementioned neurological conditions, which are not well-researched.
What are the factors that contribute to brain health?
Following are the five factors that signify your brain health:
1. Physical and Mental Exercise
As people age, their cognitive abilities decrease. According to studies, regular physical activity and keeping your body fit and healthy can help slow down age-related cognitive impairment.
Exercise aids in the maintenance of a healthy blood flow to the brain. It also helps lower blood pressure, improves circulation, and prevents cardiac or vascular disorders leading to stroke.
Activities and exercises include:
- Taking a long walk.
- Getting on and off the staircase.
- Dance.
- Zumba workout.
- Taking part in any of your favourite sports.
Mental stability is just as important as physical activity. Mental exercises and activities include:
- Reasoning and logic-strengthening education.
- Strategic thinking helps the brain stay active.
- Solving puzzles and games such as Sudoku and chess.
2. Good Sleep
Sleep plays a vital role in brain health. Sleep is essential for the proper functioning of the brain, immune system, and other body systems because we spend around one-third of our days asleep.
Good sleeping habits keep your mind focused, enhance your general mental process, and improve your capacity to make well-informed decisions.
Doctors recommend a minimum of six to eight hours of sleep per night, depending on your age. Regular, undisturbed, peaceful sleep allows your brain to eliminate metabolic waste and improve memory.
3. Environmental Factors
The environment has a significant impact on our brain health. Environmental toxins that cause health issues include contaminants in water, food, and the air. Neurological disorders such as stroke, as well as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, are among them.
Repetitive head injuries and trauma, both mild and severe, whether by self-injury or accidents, can injure brain cells, impairing brain function.
4. Healthy Eating Habits
Healthy eating habits are critical for brain health, just as they are for the rest of your body.
A healthful diet consists of various fruits and vegetables and carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Whole grains are beneficial for both the brain and the body. Green, leafy vegetables, fish, berries, almonds, and walnuts are excellent brain foods.
On the other hand, junk food, diet-rich processed foods, salt, and refined sugars, may have the opposite impact, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and vascular disorders.
5. Medical Screening
A variety of ailments or habits might exacerbate the onset of dementia. Some of these include diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, depression, and obesity. Routine medical check-ups (once or twice a year) can help diagnose such risks, allowing timely intervention.
Your mental health has a significant effect on all areas of your life. If you have difficulty dealing with mental health issues, don’t be afraid to seek professional help from a certified and seasoned neurologist.