1. Gluten
The brain runs on sugar. More specifically, the brain runs on carbohydrates. However, many of the foods that we choose to consume in order to meet our needs for carbohydrates are also full of gluten.
Gluten is a protein molecule found in wheat, rye, barley, kamut, and spelt. This protein binds to the small intestinal wall and can cause immune and digestive system disorders.
Gluten can also cause a disorder called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), which affects the body by causing an inflammatory disorder in the brain and nervous system.
Studies have shown that this disorder can cause damage to the entire nervous system including the spine and brain. According to studies, gluten plays an important part in the development of psychiatric disorders.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
We have been hearing for years that artificial sweeteners are just as bad for us as sugar, but according to some new studies, sugar replacements can be just as harmful to your mental health as they are to your physical health.
Aspartame for example, is a sweetener that contains aspartic acid – a chemical that over-stimulates brain cells. When combined with chemicals like methanol, and phenylalanine (which are also found in artificial sweeteners) the chemical compound can cause tumors in the brain.
3. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG is essentially a concentrated salt that is added to savory foods to enhance their flavor. Even though this additive will make your food test better, it is actually a concentrated excitotoxin that forces the brain to produce dopamine in excessive amounts.
Additionally, excitotoxins have been associated to brain damage and other neurological diseases including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. MSG can be found in all processed foods, even the ones so-called “healthy” foods. These unhealthy foods for the brain include: BBQ sauce, salad dressing, canned soups and bullion cubs.
4. Refined Sugar
Refined sugar reigns as king when it comes to unhealthy foods for the brain (or any other part of the body). Besides being a significant cause for obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, refined sugar is also very bad for the brain.
Refined sugars suppress brain derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a very important growth hormone for the brain. BDNF is responsible for creating new connections between neurons in the brain, and is crucial for memory function. Studies have proven that there is a link between low BDNF levels and the consumption of sugar. Low BDFN levels have also been linked to mental health issues such as depression and schizophrenia.
5. Fluoride
It may come as a surprise to hear that the water you have been drinking for years could actually be doing you more harm than good. Fluoride is a chemical that is added to drinking water to help get rid of impurities.
Even though fluoride eliminates some impurities in drinking water, it has also been linked to lower IQ scores, according to studies conducted by The Fluoride Action Network (FAN). FAN also stated that 34 studies now relate fluoride to lower IQ levels in humans, and other studies connect it to learning and memory impairment, fetal brain damage, and altered neurobehavioral function.
It can be hard to avoid these five unhealthy foods for your brain, however, with some practice and determination, you can cut them out of your diet.
