Brain-killing drinks

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Extract from the article: It is well documented that certain beverages have a negative effect on the brain by increasing the risk of stroke, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, if consumed in excess. Here are the drinks to avoid to maintain good brain...

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It is well documented that certain beverages have a negative effect on the brain by increasing the risk of stroke, memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, if consumed in excess. Here are the drinks to avoid to maintain good brain health.

 

Of the many drinks that people are likely to consume, some can affect certain cognitive functions and promote the development of brain-related diseases.

 

Sugary drinks

Whether it is artificial fruit juices, excessively sweetened drinks are a danger to the brain. Regular consumption of these sugar-rich drinks is associated with poorer short-term memory and damage to the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and spatial orientation. These characteristics are early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The consumption of sweetened drinks should be limited and fresh fruit or possibly freshly squeezed fruit without added sugar should be preferred to industrial fruit juice.

 

Industrial soups

Industrial soups in cartons are high in fat and sodium, i.e. salt. Excess sodium has harmful consequences for health, including high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for strokes, events that have serious consequences for the brain.  Do not eat industrial soup more than once or twice a week. Pay attention to the salt content on the label and choose homemade soups instead.

 

Too much coffee

Although coffee has many virtues, excesses should be avoided. Caffeine acts by blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain. This is a problem because adenosine plays a role in the production of energy by the cells and in protecting the brain against the effects of stress. Excess caffeine therefore increases the risk of anxiety, confusion, irritability and insomnia.

 

Energy drinks

People who fight fatigue by taking energy drinks frequently should be aware that they are not without health risks, especially for the brain. Regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to high blood pressure, one of the main risk factors for stroke. Their high levels of caffeine, taurine, guarana, ginseng and sugars have a negative effect on the body's physiology.  A study conducted by researchers points to an association between daily consumption of energy drinks and memory impairment, a decrease in brain volume and a reduction in the size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial for learning and memory.  Limit their consumption and avoid combining them with alcoholic drinks.

 

Alcohol : a neurotoxicant

Alcoholic beverages are a health hazard on several counts. Alcohol is a neurotoxicant. Alcohol affects nerve transmissions and causes a loss of memory, action and spatial orientation.

After two drinks, alcohol also increases the risk of a stroke. According to a study by the Karolinska Institute (Sweden), two glasses of alcohol per day increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke by a factor of 1.6.  According to a recent study conducted on thousands of people aged 43 on average, alcohol consumption, even at moderate levels, is associated with atrophy of the hippocampus, a marker of cognitive decline. And the higher the alcohol consumption, the more likely it was that dementia would occur.

Elom AKAKPO