What causes premature brain aging and how to protect it?

Why do we age?

As we age, fewer and fewer neurons are produced, and without enough regenerated neurons to fill the gaps, the brain gradually slows down.

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What are other causes of accelerated aging?

① Overeating. Research by Japanese experts found that long-term overeating can also cause a significant increase in a substance called "fibroblast growth factor", which can cause the proliferation of capillary endothelial cells and fat cells, promote and accelerate the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

The increase of this growth factor in the brain will lead to cerebral vascular hardening, reduce the oxygen and nutrients supplied to the brain, cause memory loss, lead to premature brain aging and mental retardation. The brain is the headquarters of the human body, and brain decline is the "fuse" for the human body to decline. At the same time, frequent full meals will cause excess calories in the body, increase blood lipids, and lead to cardiovascular and other diseases.

② Smoking Nicotine in cigarettes can reach the brain within 10 seconds of inhalation and remain active for 20 to 40 minutes. Nicotine can damage blood vessel walls, promote arteriosclerosis, reduce brain oxygen supply, impair logical thinking ability, and accelerate brain aging. A US study showed that smoking a pack of cigarettes reduces life expectancy by 2.3 hours.

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③Staying up late When you stay up late, your brain is silently eating itself.

Irregular life affects the body's normal biological clock and metabolism, disrupting brain function.

Staying up late will keep the brain in an excited state, and the lack of rest will prevent the brain from being fully repaired, damaging the brain's neuron cells. A joint study by the UK and France found that irregular rest and frequent night shifts can damage the brain's cognitive ability.

④ Three high diseases: Diabetes can cause sclerosis and occlusion of brain microvessels, increase blood viscosity, and cause the brain to be in a state of ischemia and hypoxia for a long time, which will accelerate human aging.

Hypertension, atherosclerosis, etc. can also accelerate brain aging.

How to protect your brain

①Exercise can not only regulate blood pressure, but also promote blood circulation in the brain. Taking a walk during lunch break can effectively exercise the cardiovascular system; you can also arrange some exercise appropriately, such as 30 minutes of exercise at least 3 times a week, 10 minutes of jogging, 10 minutes of brisk walking, and 10 minutes of jogging; do some yoga before going to bed to relax your body and mind. Clinically, many elderly people suffer physical injuries due to excessive exercise, so the elderly must exercise in moderation and within their ability.

② Cultivate hobbies Different areas of the brain control different physical activities. Being busy with work all day will cause a part of the brain to be constantly tense, causing fatigue and depression. Hobbies can relax the brain. Clinical studies have shown that people who lack hobbies are more depressed than those who have a wide range of interests. In addition to relaxing the brain, hobbies can also enrich life. Many elderly people become empty and boring after retirement, and are more likely to suffer from depression after being stimulated.

Everyone should develop at least one hobby to give the brain a rest. Young people can jog, play ball, go hiking, etc.; the elderly should find some relatively relaxing hobbies, such as gardening, playing chess or reading.

③Diet 1. Food rich in DHA

DHA is an important component of the brain and is known as brain gold. It can play a significant role in repairing dead brain cells, thereby achieving the purpose of delaying brain aging.

For example: deep-sea fish such as salmon, cod, and tuna, and freshwater fish such as sea bass, mandarin fish, and eel.

In addition, the α-linolenic acid contained in walnuts, almonds, peanuts and nuts can also be converted into DHA in the body.

2. Rich in lecithin

Lecithin, also known as yolk, can renew damaged and aging cells and enhance brain memory, concentration and thinking ability.

Examples: egg yolks, peanuts, soybeans, kelp, animal liver, etc.

The general public can eat one whole egg a day. If you are concerned about cholesterol, you can eat half an egg yolk a day.

3. Rich in folic acid

Folic acid is also called vitamin B9. It can promote red blood cell production, promote brain nerve development and repair, and improve the body's immunity. Since folic acid is also a water-soluble vitamin, it is lost quickly in the body, so it needs to be supplemented frequently.

Example: dark vegetables.

However, folic acid has unstable properties and needs to be stored away from light, so it is best to eat it fresh.

4. Can promote dopamine secretion

The dopamine synthesized in the human body is closely related to the degree of our brain aging, but this substance is not found in food.

Therefore, we need to consume more foods rich in tyrosine in our daily life to promote the secretion of dopamine.

Examples: mushrooms, black rice, kelp, grapes, etc.