Did you see this article written by Nina Lakhani which was published in the Guardian on Sunday 23rd of October. It discusses the increasing awareness that environmental chemicals are likely to play a role in the development of neurodegenerative conditions. It highlights just how little we know about the interaction between our brain and the many chemicals which we consume via our food, our cosmetics, around our homes and in our daily lives.

I have Cell Physiology and Advanced Neuroscience exams coming up in two weeks so I don’t have much spare time to add commentary but I thought I would suggest some Better Brain Habits you can implement to reduce your exposure to plastics and pesticides.

Chances are, you already do some of these things, or you know you should… this article is a timely reminder to highlight why we should take a bit of extra care to minimise exposure where we can.

  • reduce micro-plastic consumption
    • buy a reusable metal or glass water bottle – good for you and the environment
    • never put plastic containers in the microwave – transfer to ceramic or glass
    • use glass, metal or ceramic storage containers for food wherever possible, especially if storing acidic foods
    • if using plastic, wait for hot food food to cool down completely before putting into containers
    • to make this habit easy to maintain, consider investing in a set of food storage containers which are made of glass or stainless steel so you have options
  • Pesticides
    • wash all your fruit and vegetables with a vegetable wash or vinegar/water solution
      • save time by washing everything when you get home from the shops
    • Review this list of “the dirty dozen“. These are the fruits and vegetables that consistently have the heaviest pesticide residues – buy organic where you can afford or wash thoroughly.
    • minimise the use of garden chemicals around the home and where necessary, wear suitable protection, wash yourself and the area well and keep pets away

It is the little things we do each day which can ultimately help improve our brain health many years down the line.

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