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Tribune News Service

Brain health is important at any age. To maintain it, you have to be mindful of what you consume.
“There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviours, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease, also may reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline,” the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website.
Subjective cognitive decline occurs when there are frequent memory problems. There are steps you can take to keep your brain healthy. Some of them include changing eating and drinking habits that are harmful to brain health.
Experts spoke out about some of the worst habits for your cognitive function. Here are three of them.

Cutting all carbs
If you’re watching your waistline, you may believe it makes sense to eliminate all carbohydrates. However, it’s not a good idea.
How the brain works and how to keep it healthier for longer
“Carbohydrates are starches and sugars that supply most of the fuel to our body, including our brain. It’s the type and quality of carbohydrates eaten that make a big difference,” wrote Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre dietitian Liz Weinandy.
“Focus on complex carbs, meaning ones that are high in fibre and in their natural form – think 100 per cent whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables,” she said. “They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
“These nutrients not only fuel the brain, they also protect brain cells against damage from free radicals released from pollution, stress and just being alive.”

Multitasking as you eat
Your habit of watching your favourite show at dinner could negatively impact your body and brain.
A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that watching television as you eat can lead you not to pay attention to fullness cues. Doing so can lead to overeating.
Try mindful eating – and enjoy a better relationship with food
“We tend to eat more mindlessly in front of the TV,” Cleveland Clinic psychologist Susan Albers, in the US state of Ohio, said. “We also don’t taste and experience the food as much because we’re distracted.”
Drinking too much alcohol
An occasional adult beverage is fine, but to protect brain health, you’ll want to keep it at the recommended limit.


“Drinking more than the recommended one to two drinks per day can affect your brain’s ability to function at its best,” said Melissa Mitri, a US dietitian nutritionist based in Connecticut.
“Too much alcohol over time can affect the levels of neurotransmitters in your body, which are chemical messengers that help your brain cells to communicate.”
Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.


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Don’t cut carbs, don’t drink too much and don’t turn on the TV while you eat, say experts, these habits aren’t good for your brain. Photo: Shutterstock

Liz Weinandy is an Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre registered dietitian. Photo: Ohio State University

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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Food & Drink


The same healthy diet behaviours that reduce your chances of getting cancer, diabetes or heart disease can also lower the risk of cognitive decline
Don’t ditch carbs, but do eat the right ones, nutritionists say; eat mindfully instead of having TV dinners, psychologists say; and drink alcohol in moderation



To head off the risk of cognitive decline as you age, stick to three simple rules about diet, eating and drinking, say health experts.


How to age well

Disease

Healthy eating