Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#1

Post by chanux » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 2:42 PM UTC

I have seen some good ideas on this topic here and there, buried in several HN comment threads. But I thought it'll be better off being a separate topic, aggregating everything good/bad for our precious brains.

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#2

Post by helveticaman » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 3:34 PM UTC

Mercury is really bad for your brain. It inhibits myelin production, which is the mechanism by which people learn and develop skills. Mercury is found in all aquatic animals, which is why I stay away from all of them.

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#3

Post by chanux » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 3:38 PM UTC

This one is less obvious and I read it on a random magazine.

Covering head to toe when you are sleeping is bad for your brain. The reason is that it'll increase CO2 concentration in your breathing air.

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#4

Post by harscoat » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:03 PM UTC

exercise is good for your brain as already linked on HN http://singularityhub.com/2010/08/05/exercise-boosts-your-br...

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#5

Post by ddemchuk » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:06 PM UTC

Social News sites have permanently fucked most people's brains up

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#6

Post by pohl » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:08 PM UTC

Novelty is good for your brain. But then repitition (a.k.a. "practice") can be too. Caveat: practice makes permanent -- not perfect. Malpractice makes malperfect.

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#7

Post by talbina » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:12 PM UTC

Loving friends and family and caring for people is good for your brain.

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#8

Post by talbina » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:13 PM UTC

In Lebanon, they think Cheese slows your brain down, while Zataar speeds it up.

This is Zataar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Za%27atar

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#9

Post by chanux » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:15 PM UTC

I read this article a while back and found it interesting.

22 ways to overclock your brain - http://ririanproject.com/2006/11/03/22-ways-to-overclok-your...

Re: Ask HN: List everything you know that is good/bad for our brains.

#10

Post by arethuza » Sat, Aug 07, 2010, 4:15 PM UTC

helveticaman wrote: post #2

Mercury is really bad for your brain. It inhibits myelin production, which is the mechanism by which people learn and develop skills. Mercury is found in all aquatic animals, which is why I stay away from all of them.

But the fatty acids in fish are good for your brain:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2002/oct/25/society.science