15 strange things that can literally rewire your brain

“We know that when you learn something, the synapses in your brain get bigger,” says professor of neuroscience, Dr Matthew Dalva. In his latest research, Dr Dalva used new microscope technology to observe how tiny clumps of proteins move around in synapses; this is neuroplasticity – your brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life. Dr Dalva points to findings that indicate that neuroplasticity can develop in beneficial ways when you’re learning a new language, for example – and harmful behaviours such as addiction can alter the brain in negative ways.

Don’t miss these memory exercises proven to keep your brain sharp.

The more we rely on our devices to recall information, the more we need them – it’s called ‘cognitive offloading’. In one study, participants who previously used the Internet to gain information were significantly more likely to revert to Google for subsequent questions than those who tapped into their own memory. “Our research shows that as we use the Internet to support and extend our memory we become more reliant on it. Whereas before we might have tried to recall something on our own, now we don’t bother,” says study author Dr Benjamin Storm.

What happens to the brains of astronauts after weeks or months of space travel? Researchers examined brains of astronauts before and after short and extended stays at the International Space Station and found that the brain shifted upward in the skull and visual centres in the brain were compromised – to the point where astronauts’ vision suffered after returning to Earth. But it only happened during extended missions; astronauts who spent only two weeks in space didn’t experience the same changes.

Here’s everything you need to know about space probes.

Scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder found that alcohol consumption may cause long-term changes to the structure of white matter and grey matter in the brain. Of note, marijuana did not cause such changes in the study.

There are many things psychologists wish we knew about depression, including the fact that depression is a disease of the brain just as arthritis is a disease of the joints. A study published in the journal Nature documented changes in the brain’s white matter among people with depression. Disruptions in the brain’s white matter have been linked to problems with emotional processing and thinking.

Fasting has been around for eons, and the intermittent fasting craze has many touting its phenomenal physical and mental benefits. “Fasting can change the brain in many ways,” says PhD candidate, Benjamin Hardy, author of the upcoming Willpower Doesn’t Work: discover the Hidden Keys to Success. “It increases your number of brain cells and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that interacts with neurons in the parts of the brain that regulate memory, learning and higher cognitive function,” he says. Low levels of BDNF are linked to Alzheimer’s, memory loss and cognitive impairment.

Learn 7 proven intermittent fasting benefits.

Most parents are all too aware that Fortnite – the latest tween and teen gaming obsession – is seriously addictive. “Excessive gaming also can do some of the same things to the brain that caffeine or cocaine does,” Hardy says. “Playing causes the brain to release tons of [the brain chemical] dopamine – which is very rewarding,” he says. And fairly soon, the brain will become accustomed and need more for the same effect, he warns.

However, the news on how gaming affects our brains isn’t all bad. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that playing video games can boost the efficiency of brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills. And a new study indicates that when people between the ages of 55 to 75 played 3D-platform video games such Super Mario 64 for 30 minutes a day, five days a week, they increased brain function and grey matter in the hippocampus. (Grey matter is responsible for memory, seeing, hearing, plus more.)

Thinking of taking a ballroom dancing class or even learning how to knit? “Learning new things, in general, rewires our brains which is why children’s brains are so adaptive,” Hardy says. “Adult brains are fluid and adaptive too, but adults don’t put themselves in new and novel situations as much as children.”

Check out these memory exercises proven to keep your brain sharp.

Learning to speak in a foreign tongue will change your brain for the better, but how you learn matters: “Sitting at home with flashcards is different from being in Mexico and trying to speak Spanish to natives,” Hardy says. “The more immediate the feedback, the faster you will learn the language, and conversations provide immediate feedback.”

The foods we put in our bodies definitely rewire our brain. “Healthy, high-quality fats such as avocado are best for brain plasticity, while sugars and processed carbs create inflammation in the brain,” Hardy says.

Find out how to ripen avocados in just 2 minutes here.