How Does What We Eat Affect Our Brains - 1449 Words

How does what we eat affect our brains? The brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body. A vast number of factors can lead to huge changes in the functionality of the human brain, in a multitude of unexpected and intriguing ways. Despite the, much needed, increase in related research over the past few decades, the exact mechanism of action of many dietary nutrients still remains unknown or unexplained, the subject of concern to many. Effects are caused by excesses or deficiencies in certain chemicals, and can manifest themselves in various ways - current understanding suggests a myriad of ways in which dietary chemicals affect the brain. Many have the potential to alter the presence of various chemical signalling agents, and†¦show more content†¦This contains near toxic vitamin A levels, which can induce huge effects upon the brain and body alike. The negative effects caused by vitamin A are known as hypervitaminosis A. Vitamin A has effects ranging from altered metabolism of other vitamins, changing their absorption and processing by the body, to causing blurry vision. With these, huge effects on the brain are also ushered in. A common symptom of excessive vitamin A is increased pressure inside the skull. This then results in numerous consequences for the brain, including swollen optic nerves which affect vision. This can also lead to seizures. Part of the reason for the relatively high intensity and long lasting brain effects of vitamin A is the fact it is, unlike many other vitamins, fat soluble, meaning it will not dissolve in water. This means that it does not leave the body in urine, as with many other toxins. Instead, the liver takes the role of removing it from the body. This is often slower than removal via the kidneys, and can result in issues if excessive quantities are consumed along with other toxins such as alcohols. There are a wide range of chemicals related to vitamin A, known as retinoids, which are also found naturally in the body, being produced by metabolism - the biochemical reactions necessary for life. The levels of these products can be increased via ingesting excessive amounts of vitamin A. The exact