Smoking Accelerates Shocking Brain Aging Symptom

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted January 28, 2024

You don’t need me to tell you our bodies change as we age.

Some of those changes occur on the outside where we can see them, such as graying hair, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

However, others are hidden inside, like the wear and tear on our joints or our intestines not absorbing nutrients as well as they once did.

But there’s one internal change many folks are SHOCKED to learn happens.

Somewhere in your 30s to 40s, it silently began. Your BRAIN started slowly shrinking as it lost neurons.

By 60, that shrink speeds up just a bit.

But as shocking as that sounds, it’s perfectly natural… as are some changes to things like memory and processing speed.

However, it’s a different story when brain shrinkage is ACCELERATED and SUBSTANTIAL.

That kind of “brain atrophy” is associated with significant cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. And one common habit, in particular, is STRONGLY associated with considerable brain volume loss.

Smoking is linked to the kind of brain changes we see with disorders like Alzheimer’s. Over time, it blocks the small blood vessels that feed oxygen to your oxygen-loving brain.

Fortunately, new research reveals that quitting your smoking habit now can prevent further accelerated brain tissue loss.

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that folks who smoke tend to have thinner gray matter throughout their brains than non-smokers.

And, of course, gray matter is where most of the brain cells that play vital roles in muscle control, memory, emotions, speech, decision-making, and self-control are located.

The findings help explain why smokers are at high risk for neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s.

But you don’t have to take brain shrinkage lying down. You can do a lot to support a healthier, heartier brain, starting with a good exercise program.

Then, consider some of these brain-boosting nutrients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Used by your body to build and maintain brain cell membranes.
• Vitamin B complex: Supports energy metabolism in brain cells
• Turmeric/Curcumin: Has anti-inflammatory effects that can protect brain tissues.
• Ginkgo biloba: Boosts blood flow to the brain
• Coenzyme Q10: Has antioxidant benefits that can shield neurons from damage

Keeping your body and mind active, beefing up your brain with supportive nutrients, and quitting smoking can put the brakes on brain shrink and preserve your cognitive function for many years to come.

P.S. STOP brain shrink with THIS snack hack!

Source:

Chang Y., et al., “Investigating the Relationship Between Smoking Behavior and Global Brain Volume,” 6 October 2023, Biological Psychiatry Global Open Science., DOI: 10.1016 /j.bpsgos. 2023.09.006

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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