Neuroscientist warns these 3 “healthy” drinks may actually be accelerating aging
When we think about aging, we often focus on skincare, exercise, and supplements. However, many of us overlook the fact that what we eat and drink can significantly contribute to premature aging. Some beverages, even those marketed as “healthy,” can actually accelerate aging from within by triggering inflammation, increasing stress levels, disrupting metabolism, and negatively affecting brain health.As neuroscientist Robert Lowe, who specialises in Alzheimer’s prevention, explains that certain drinks which when taken, fuel the aging process. If one is serious about protecting their brain health and body as we age, here are three drinks to avoid.
Beer
Many people see beer as a casual and harmless drink, more so it is termed as healthy sometimes, or that it contains antioxidants. But when it comes to aging, beer has two major problems. First, it contains alcohol, which is termed as inflammatory, and chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of premature aging, contributing to everything from wrinkles to memory loss to damaging of the cells over time, increasing the risk of cognitive decline. Second, beer raises level of uric acid in the body, a key driver of belly fat, which is why the term “beer belly” exists and it is actually backed by science. Belly fat is especially harmful because it produces inflammatory chemicals that damage the cells over time.This one may comes as surprise, especially for those who switched from sugary soda to diet soda, in an attempt to be healthier. While diet soda may contain little to no sugar or calories, as they claim, they are still harmful. Particularly, due to artificial sweeteners that mimic sweetness. In large French study, that involved over 100,000 people, followed a study for nine years, researchers found that those who consumed artificial sweeteners, like those that are found in diet soda, had a 69% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If the question is how, then diet soda which might contain artificial sweeteners is a major trigger of chronic inflammation, it can also disrupt gut health and glucose metabolism, which ae both essential to maintaining energy and immune function. If wondering why, Type 2 diabetes, is a major trigger of chronic inflammation, which speeds up aging in turn.
Energy drinks are everywhere, gyms, offices and even households now. Marketed as performance boosters, but many people do not realise that these drinks are double trouble when it comes to aging. Most energy drinks contain either high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners, both options spike blood sugar, raises insulin levels and adds to bodily inflammation. Over time, these spikes can lead to insulin resistance, fatigue and cellular damage, all of which are linked to aging and diseases. As Robert lowe points out, we have all seen what stress can do for our appearances, on stressful days we tend to look more tired, worn down or older, when the stress is chronic, it can deeply impact the way we age both externally and internally.
What can be their substitutes
Instead, opt for water, green tea, herbal infusions, or natural fruit-infused drinks that support hydration and reduce oxidative stress. These small, consistent choices can lead to big changes over time, help one to feel better, think clearer, and age more gracefully
