Our environment is a complex system that can have a significant impact on our overall health, but we often live our day-to-day lives without giving it much thought. So, when it comes to the air you breathe or the food you eat, have you ever wondered how it might be impacting your brain?
The brain is an extraordinarily complex organ, and its health relies on the health of your body.
“Brain health cannot be maintained unless we’re maintaining our overall body health,” said George Bobustuc, MD, a neurologist at Endeavor Health Neurosciences Institute’s Advanced Neurosciences Center. “The brain is the permanent and ultimate mirror of the health of all our organs.”
When you consider the brain-body relationship, the impact of environmental factors on our brain health becomes even more complex.
“We should expand how we think about environmental factors — and one major way we interact with our environment is through our diets,” said Dr. Bobustuc.
The gut-brain connection
Believe it or not, your gut plays a crucial role in brain health. Normal gut bacteria help maintain brain health, while some gut flora disruptions are correlated with certain brain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease and stroke. Taking a quality probiotic can help you maintain a healthy gut flora.
“Health risks to the heart or blood vessels — such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation or atherosclerosis — become risk factors for the brain via stroke or dementia,” said Dr. Bobustuc. This is why maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels plays a crucial role in both brain and body health.
Additionally, spiking your blood glucose with high glycemic index (GI) foods can lead to impulsive eating by causing dysregulated appetite pathways in the brain. This can lead to obesity and diabetes. Diabetes impacts the brain by increasing the risk of stroke, memory impairment and dementia.
Mitigating environmental risk factors
Can your physical environment pose a risk to your brain health?
“Yes,” said Dr. Bobustuc. “Particularly exposure to long-term air pollution, certain chemicals, and heavy metals.”
Air pollution can have a direct impact on brain health. Both viruses and pollutants can actually access the brain through the nose, causing certain brain diseases.
“In fact, the runny nose some people experience as part of their allergies has been proven to protect against developing certain brain tumors,” said Dr. Bobustuc.
Dr. Bobustuc also brings up a more complex issue: nanoplastics. Since 2021, a growing body of evidence shows how nanoplastics — tiny particles of plastic — can access the brain both through the blood brain barrier and nose. Nanoplastics have a correlation to Alzheimer’s dementia and stroke.
“We could see our next healthcare challenge becomes pollution-driven brain and organ disease,” said Dr. Bobustuc. “We need to be good custodians of the earth and our environment.”
Exposure to common viruses
One thing that’s almost impossible to avoid in our day-to-day environment are viruses. As you age, exposure to certain common viruses can correlate with a higher risk of developing certain types of dementia as your aging immune system cannot clear those viruses as quickly.
“Be mindful of how your brain and body change with age and consider adding some targeted supplements to your daily routine — especially B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium and magnesium,” said Dr. Bobustuc. “Discuss with your doctor first.”
Boost your brain health today
While environmental factors do impact our brain health, making healthy lifestyle changes can make a significant impact in mitigating many risks to brain health.
“Many risk factors for brain health are modifiable,” said Dr. Bobustuc. “Stay active — both physically and mentally — eat well, avoid smoking and alcohol, manage stress, and improve your sleep quality.”
Related Articles
