Ever find yourself reaching for that diet soda, a cold beer, or an energy drink and wonder what Drinks Messing With Your Noggin’ is really doing to you? Well, let’s dive into that.
Diet Sodas: The Zero-Calorie Myth
Alright, diet soda. Zero calories, zero sugar, sounds like a win, right? But hold on. These drinks are often packed with artificial sweeteners like aspartame. Here’s the kicker – these sweeteners are linked to diabetes, and guess what? Diabetes is sneaking around as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s, which some experts call “type 3 diabetes.” So, when you’re sipping that fizzy drink thinking you’re doing your waistline a favor, your brain might be paying the price.
Alcohol: Not Just a Hangover to Worry About
We all know that alcohol can lead to some embarrassing karaoke nights, but there’s more. Regular boozing can mess with your gut health – and there’s this whole thing about your gut being your second brain. Bad gut health equals bad brain health. Also, alcohol is rough on your liver, and a struggling liver can’t keep your brain in top shape. And here’s the real party pooper: alcohol messes with your sleep, and sleep is when your brain takes out the trash. No good sleep, no clean brain.
Energy Drinks: More Than Just a Buzz
Energy drinks, the go-to for that mid-afternoon slump, right? But it’s like a sugar bomb for your brain, minus any helpful stuff like fiber. Plus, many of these drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners. So while you’re getting that quick energy fix, you could be setting your brain up for a long-term problem.
So, What’s the Real Deal?
Here’s the thing. Diet soda, alcohol, and energy drinks aren’t just harmless pick-me-ups. They’ve got some sneaky side effects that can slowly creep up on your brain health. It’s like that one drawer in the kitchen that you keep shoving stuff into – eventually, it’s going to be a problem.
Swap It Out, Keep It Fun
Now, I’m not saying you’ve got to drink nothing but water (though, let’s be honest, it’s the MVP of drinks). But how about mixing it up with some herbal tea? Or some freshly squeezed juice with no added sugar? And remember, keeping your brain in tip-top shape isn’t just about what you drink. Throw in some regular exercise, a few more veggies, and good sleep, and you’re on your way to being a brain-health superhero.
Wrapping It Up With a Smile
So, next time you reach for a drink, remember: your brain’s the conductor of the family fun train! Don’t let Drinks Messing With Your Noggin derail the ride. Keep it chugging along with smart sips, folks! Cool dads know brain-health is a top skill.
References:
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- de la Monte, Suzanne M, and Jack R Wands. “Alzheimer’s disease is type 3 diabetes-evidence reviewed.” Journal of diabetes science and technology vol. 2,6 (2008): 1101-13. doi:10.1177/193229680800200619
- Gorky, Jonathan, and James Schwaber. “The role of the gut-brain axis in alcohol use disorders.” Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry vol. 65 (2016): 234-41. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.06.013
- Nguyen, Henry H, and Mark G Swain. “Avenues within the gut-liver-brain axis linking chronic liver disease and symptoms.” Frontiers in neuroscience vol. 17 1171253. 13 Jul. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1171253
- Heymann, Devorah et al. “The Association Between Alcohol Use and the Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Current Alzheimer research vol. 13,12 (2016): 1356-1362. doi:10.2174/1567205013666160603005035
- Kim, Soyoun, and Daeyeol Lee. “Prefrontal cortex and impulsive decision making.” Biological psychiatry vol. 69,12 (2011): 1140-6. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.07.005
- Spira, Adam P et al. “Impact of sleep on the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.” Current opinion in psychiatry vol. 27,6 (2014): 478-83. doi:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000106
- Berlanga-Acosta, Jorge et al. “Insulin Resistance at the Crossroad of Alzheimer Disease Pathology: A Review.” Frontiers in endocrinology vol. 11 560375. 5 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3389/fendo.2020.560375