"Brain Drain" Myth Is FINALLY Put to Bed?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 18, 2023
Adults typically fall into one of two groups.
You either grew up with parents insisting that too much screen time would “rot your brain.” Or you WERE the parent imparting that sage “brain drain” wisdom to your kids. (Or both.)
For those of us of a certain age, television was the culprit. But the internet (and the computers, tablets, and smartphones that get you there) has taken over as the villain in this story.
Well now, a group of really smart folks say we’ve got it all wrong.
In fact, they say, the internet may be precisely what the doctor ordered.
And they can prove it.
Brain Benefits of Being Online
It turns out that using the internet is GOOD for your brain.
That’s the finding of a new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The researchers followed 18,154 adults ages 50–65 for 8–17 years. And when they crunched the numbers on how many volunteers reported regular internet use and those who got dementia, the results were shocking.
Folks who regularly used the internet were HALF as likely to have developed dementia as those who didn’t.
The likely reason for the connection is that the internet encourages engagement.
This helps us develop and maintain what’s called “cognitive reserve.” It boils down to the brain’s resilience in the face of age-related changes or brain damage from disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Researchers point out that the internet is often something you actively participate in. You don’t just sit and consume it (like television).
And engagement is the recipe for a healthy brain as you age!
This was an observational, self-reported study, of course. So we still need to do more research to fully understand the link.
But everything we’ve seen so far lets the internet off the hook. (The jury is still out on television, but it’s not looking good.)
Tip for Even MORE Brain Support
Actively taking part in the world helps keep your brain healthy. And now we know that INCLUDES engaging with the internet.
For even MORE brain support, give these guidelines a try…
- Eat a diet high in healthy proteins and low-sugar vegetables.
- Avoid processed foods and foods with too much sugar and vegetable oils. These increase inflammation in the body, which is deadly to your brain.
- Keep your blood sugar under control. Blood sugar and brain health are closely linked. If you need extra help to bring your numbers into line, try a supplement containing chromium or berberine.
- Eat good fats. The best fats you can put in your body are omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil. Not only does your brain need these oils, but fish oils also help tamp down runaway inflammation.
- Exercise. There’s not a single thing that is better for your brain than exercise. Get out and move your body every day.
P.S. Scientists use a simple test to identify when someone might be headed down the dark road to dementia. CLICK HERE to get all the details about this quick brain health quiz (including how to try it yourself!)
Source:
“Internet usage and the prospective risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study” 3 May 2023, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18394
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.
View More Free Articles
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...
Is Your Heart Older Than YOU?
Maybe you feel young for your age. Good energy, decent sleep, eating your veggies. But what if I told you your heart might be a decade older than the rest of you? That’s exactly what researchers at Northwestern University found in a new study published in JAMA Cardiology. The average American woman’s heart is about...