3 Drinks To Avoid At All Costs Because ‘They’re Harming Your Brain’: Alcohol, More

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is toxic to brain cells. It can shrink brain tissue over time, especially in areas related to memory, decision-making, and emotional control (like the frontal lobe and hippocampus).

Love says, “Earlier research showed that alcohol may reduce heart disease; now we know alcohol greatly impairs brain function.” He lists that this beverage impairs memory and sleep and hurts your gut bacteria (what’s good for your gut is good for your brain).

2. Soda

Most sodas are loaded with added sugars, particularly high-fructose corn syrup. Excess sugar intake is linked to impaired memory and learning ability over time.

Love elaborates on this and says this drink is “high in sugar, and there’s no fiber.” What happens is “when you eat a lot of sugar” but without the fiber, it spikes your blood glucose and insulin, which leads to inflammation. “Inflammation damages the brain and the body.” He also adds that inflammation not only makes you look older in the long run but is also a primary risk factor in Alzheimer's disease. Before you reach for diet soda, Love warns that this option is “even worse. Exposure to artificial sweeteners increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by 69%.”

3. Tap water

Tap water is generally safe in many developed countries, but in some cases, it can be harmful to brain health due to contaminants.

“Tap water actually contains a very damaging chemical for your brain called fluoride. There are large studies out of China that show children exposed to fluoride have lower IQs than children not exposed to fluoride.”

While low levels of fluoride help prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure has been linked in some studies to lower IQ in children. This remains controversial, and most experts consider regulated fluoride levels to be safe. To reduce risks, many people use certified water filters or drink bottled spring water.