飲酒會降低神經發生，即大腦中產生新神經元的過程。

Neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons in the brain, is essential for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing memory, and supporting overall mental health.

作者：塞巴斯蒂安·曼斯菲爾德

January 22nd, 2025

From - U.S. Gov Connect

酒精攝取減少神經發生的七大原因



Neurogenesis, the process of generating new neurons in the brain, is essential for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing memory, and supporting overall mental health. However, alcohol consumption has been shown to negatively impact this crucial process. Here are the top 7 ways that alcohol intake can hinder neurogenesis.

1. Disruption of Neurotrophic Factors

Alcohol consumption can diminish the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein vital for the survival and growth of neurons. BDNF is crucial for neurogenesis; when it decreases due to alcohol consumption, the brain's ability to produce new neurons is significantly impaired.

2. Increased Oxidative Stress

酒精會導致氧化壓力增加，從而損傷神經元細胞。酒精攝取產生的過度自由基會阻礙大腦的修復機制，使新神經元的形成和存活變得困難。

3. Impaired Stem Cell Function

Alcohol disrupts the normal functioning of neural stem cells located in the hippocampus, an area of the brain essential for learning and memory. These stem cells need a conducive environment to multiply and differentiate into neurons; alcohol impedes this process, resulting in reduced neurogenesis.

4. 腦結構改變

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in the brain, such as hippocampal atrophy. This shrinkage of the hippocampus is directly correlated with a reduction in neurogenesis, as the environment required for new neuron growth becomes compromised.

5. 腦部炎症

飲酒會導致神經炎症，損傷腦細胞並抑制新神經元的生長。飲酒會增加發炎細胞因子的水平，而這些細胞因子會抑制神經發生並損害認知功能。

6. Hormonal Imbalance

Alcohol can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in hormonal imbalances that affect neurogenesis. Elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can hinder the brain's capacity for generating new neurons and impair mental resilience.

7. 行為和生活方式的影響

Alcohol often leads to poor lifestyle choices, such as inadequate nutrition and lack of exercise, both of which are vital for supporting neurogenesis. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and regular physical activity are essential for promoting brain health, and alcohol consumption can detract from these positive behaviors.

了解這些機制對於認識到適度飲酒的重要性至關重要。重視大腦健康可以創造有利於神經發生的良好環境，進而增強認知功能和整體健康。