The brain is the ultimate mastermind of every one’s system. It is the centre of our nervous system. It is encased in a protective covering called the skull which safe guard’s it from any shock or injury. As all our actions are guided the brain that develops at a very young age, it becomes vital for parents to understand what is beneficial and what is harmful for the brain. We often forget to check the negative side of the coin i.e. young parents are quick to check up the “what to dos” but fail to study the “don’ts” while surveying what is best for their kids. This article focuses on those aspects and daily activities that may be harmful for the development of the brain. We must note that 90% of our brain develops till the age of 5 thus young parents must perform a thorough research and adopt healthy habits in their lifestyle. Certain major reasons for the stunted growth the brain are;

Child Development: 7 Ways You Are Slowing

Food habits

What we eat has a major impact on our daily life and bodily growth. Certain food products negatively damage the brain, leaving the child weak and incapable. Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, energy drinks that are known to boost strength and provide instant energy is just a myth to cover up the damage they actually render to the body. They not only damage the brain by interfering in the normal functioning of the body but also increase the chances of obesity and diabetes. It is surprising to know that refined carbs and high processed foods should be avoided rather parents should stress on homemade juice or better fibre laden fruits to promote healthy growth.

Sleep deprivation

It is scientifically acknowledged that sleeping is an essential step towards speedy growth. Therefore infants generally sleep for 12-15 hours a day. Parents must make a proper schedule and maintain a regular sleeping chart for their children. Sleep deprivation will make the child irritant and reduce his attention span which will indirectly affect his grasping power. Lack of sleep harms the memory too and eventually damages some nerves on a long term basis. Lack of sleep increases the stress level of the body and prevents the child from being responsive.

Loneliness

It is important for every parent to understand that social interaction and communication boost the strength of the brain and proportionately the child’s as well. At times parents fail to meet these criteria of upbringing due to busy schedules and lack of time but for the healthy growth of the child social meeting with the same age group is an unavoidable step. Children primarily learn through imitation from either their elders or their peer groups. Thus loneliness and isolation is the main reason of children being introvert in nature as they grow.

Avoid cold foods

It is believed after multiple researches that cold food damages the brain especially ice cream. These items narrow the brain vessels reducing the appropriate circulation of oxygenated blood in the body. To prevent this there is a sudden outflow of warm blood to the brain and this rapid changes i body temperature causes headaches in young and old. Parents often treat their children with ice-creams or frozen yogurt unaware that they are unknowingly causing their child pain. The common term to this condition is “brain freeze” which is the brain’s defence mechanism to hypothermia.

Screen exposure

We believe that children who start operating electronic gadgets have fast and more enhanced brain skills yet it is just a myth since apart from video games too much screen exposure harms the desired skills of the brain. I pads and mobiles may have educational material installed in them yet there is nothing that is better than practical teaching. It not only stunts the growth of the brain but also damages the eyes. Young children are seen wearing vision glasses and this proves that screen exposure from an early age is nothing fruitful.

Dehydration

It is a known fact that the human body is made up of 70% water in total. Thus any minor form of dehydration will also lead to multiple damages in the body. Be it dizziness, nausea or pale skin tone all are the result of dehydration. An incomplete supply of water to the brain not only hampers the function of the brain but also causes miscalculations and hallucinations by the brain. The best example of which is the desert mirage that the brain concocts due to lack of water in the body. Scientist believe that any individual can survive for a longer duration of time without food but dies much sooner if suffers from dehydration as the brain starts shutting down killing all the vital organs of the body.

Avoid salt

Too much salt in the child’s diet also damages the growth of the brain. It disturbs the speed of blood flow in the body and neurologist claim that such conditions impact the organizational skills, memory and the focusing power of children. Parents are therefore advised to avoid sprinkling salt over fruits and avoid the same as far as possible. A moderate diet is the best way to regulate the body and food items with too much sugar and salt disturb the natural working of the body.

Now it won’t be wrong to say that since our brain is the most sensitive organ in our body, it needs extra care and attention to bloom to its fullest. The aid provided by healthy diets and monitored daily activity ensures all round development of all be it young or adult.