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Neurosurgeon with 25 years of experience shares 4 common habits slowly damaging your brain: ‘Diets high in sugars and…’

Our brains work nonstop, controlling memory, focus, and emotions. Neurosurgeon reveals 4 habits that quietly harm your brain and shares tips to keep it healthy.

Published on: Oct 19, 2025 01:30 pm IST
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Our brains work tirelessly every day, controlling everything from memory and focus to emotions and decision-making. Yet, many of us unknowingly engage in habits that can harm this vital organ over time.

High sugar diets linked to inflammation and brain ageing, expert warns. (Freepik)

Dr Richard Veyna, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 25 years of experience, shares in his September 11 Instagram post 4 common practices that could damage your brain and shares tips on how to protect and maintain its health. (Also read: Neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience says ‘poor sleep is even worse than alcohol’; shares 3 simple tips to fix it )

Dr Veyna highlights four common daily practices that can negatively impact brain health:

1. Poor sleep

"Chronic sleep deprivation reduces your brain's ability to repair itself," explains Dr Veyna. Without adequate rest, the brain cannot effectively flush out toxins or consolidate memories, which can affect overall cognitive function.

"Long-term stress raises cortisol levels, which can damage brain cells," warns Dr Veyna. Managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, or even short breaks during the day can help protect brain health.

Dr. Veyna warns that poor sleep, lack of exercise, and chronic stress harm brain health. (Google Gemini)

4. Ultra-processed diets

"Diets high in sugars and refined carbohydrates will greatly increase inflammation and accelerate brain ageing," he says. Opting for whole foods and balanced nutrition can help reduce inflammation and support long-term cognitive function.

According to Dr Veyna, being mindful of these habits and making small, consistent changes can go a long way in preserving brain health and ensuring cognitive longevity.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri

Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.

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Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
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