Brain is a very vital part of our body and like other parts of the body, it also needs attention and care to a great extent. However, brain surgery, brain tumour, stroke (paralysis) and ‘sudden amnesia’ though have been often discussed upon, on the big screen and also TV serials, yet the knowledge about the same remains limited, shared Dr Amit Srivastav, senior consultant, neurology, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
A major awareness for brain health is the need of the hour, especially in times of Covid-19 crisis. Our food habits and lifestyle play a key role in the functioning of our brain. Simultaneously, it is also important to enlighten ourselves about the initial symptoms of neurological problems so that early treatment can be initiated.
Here’s what you should know.
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Brain health with brain food
There is a famous proverb “you are what you eat”. Specifically, this proverb goes well when it comes to our brain . Increasing daily intake of dry fruits is never enough, as per the assumptions of people. One needs to consume antioxidants-rich foods like grapes, blue berries, sweet potatoes, green vegetables, fish etc, that help in the development of the brain at a sustainable rate. It is because 60 per cent of brain is made of fat, and adding omega 3 fatty acids to your diet can help in the development of brain cells.
Exercise Regularly
Brain health is as important as physical health. Regular exercise helps in maintaining blood pressure and good circulation which is an integral ingredient for proper functioning of the brain. Engaging in yoga and meditation also boost functioning of brain.
Physical health and brain
Almost every disease or physical ailment affects our brain health largely, suffering from hypertension or diabetes can majorly affect our brain health, mentioned Dr Srivastav.
“Since blood pressure plays a key role in these two diseases, our blood travels through our blood vessels to the brain, and lower or high BP can result in stroke, brain haemorrhage etc. Take proper medication and keep checking your BP,” he said.
There are some neurological diseases people need to know more about
Parkinson’s disease
It is kind of a degenerative disorder. It’s symptoms appear at a gradual pace and progress over the years.
• Tremors or/and stiffness
• Slurring, or speech changes
• Stooped posture, small steps and imbalance
Parkinson’s patient needs to continue their treatment throughout and will be put on medication or else it may result to rapid worsening. This disease is highly unavoidable and should be initiated at an early stage to slower progression.
Alzheimer’s disease
Repeatedly forgetting recent events in daily life is an initial symptom. It is one of a type of dementia which starts insidiously and progress slowly. Early detection can retard the pace of the disease.
Brain tumour
Generally an abnormal growth of brain cells which starts creating pressure on brain with the growth of its number and size, and pops up in the form of headache with repeated episodes of vomiting; neurological deficits and seizures.
Covid and Neurological problems
Covid pandemic should also be included in the light of brain health as well. Dr Sahil Kohli, consultant, neurology, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram added one should be cautious about symptoms related to brain at such times.
Loss of taste and smell
The term used for losing sense of taste is dysguseia and loss of taste is called anosmia.
Headache
Headache can be an initial symptom and covid infection may worsen headaches due to anxiety/fear.