To maintain a healthy nervous system, you need to give up unhealthy habits in your daily life.
Dr. Yatin Sagvekar, consultant neurologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India, shares important information about habits to avoid to maintain a healthy nervous system.
- Eating uncooked street food
While street food is tempting, uncooked or improperly prepared dishes can pose a serious health risk.
Dr. Yatin Sagvekar warns about Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic brain infection, commonly caused by eating foods such as undercooked vegetables, pork or unhygienic food.
This is the leading cause of preventable epilepsy, accounting for 30% of cases in areas where parasites are present.
Therefore, it is very important to follow food hygiene to protect the health of the nervous system.
- Ignoring persistent neurological symptoms
Dr. Sagvekar notes that seemingly simple symptoms such as recurring headaches, dizziness or numbness should not be ignored.
Because they can be signs of serious problems, from migraines, strokes to brain tumors.
Early detection and timely consultation with a neurologist will help prevent complications and ensure effective treatment.
For example, frequent dizziness can be related to vestibular disorders, while persistent numbness can be a sign of neurological disease.
- Self-medication
Using medication to treat neurological problems on your own is absolutely not recommended. Dr. Sagvekar warns that stopping medication or adjusting the dosage without consulting a doctor can have serious consequences.
For example, stroke survivors who stop their blood thinners without a doctor's guidance are at high risk of relapse.
Psychiatric medications need to be carefully monitored and adjusted, so always consult your doctor before changing any treatment.
- Substance abuse
Excessive use of coffee, alcohol, tobacco, or other stimulants can cause serious damage to the nervous system.
These substances can disrupt brain function, increase stress, anxiety, and even lead to long-term neurological problems. To protect the health of the nervous system, it is necessary to limit or avoid the use of these substances.
- Excess stress and anxiety
Prolonged stress and anxiety can have negative effects on the nervous system. High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) impair brain function and affect the nerves.
To protect your mental health, you should practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or engage in your favorite activities to reduce stress.