Neurologist warns against three common foods that could harm brain health

Dr Baibing Chen’s advice aligned with other neurologists and neurosurgeons who emphasised a balanced diet.

Mental fitness was just as important as physical health, according to neurologist Dr Baibing Chen, who cautioned that certain commonly consumed foods could pose severe neurological risks. In a video shared on TikTok and reported by the New York Post, Chen, who also serves as a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan, listed three specific food items that he personally avoided due to their links with neurotoxins and brain parasites.

“When it comes to protecting brain health, most people think of eating leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish,” he explained. “But some foods may do more harm than good, especially when they harbour dangerous neurotoxins or brain parasites.”

Tropical reef fish

Chen said he relished eating fish but deliberately avoided large tropical reef species such as barracuda, grouper, and amberjack. These predatory reef fish were known to accumulate ciguatoxin, a potent neurotoxin that, he noted, was heat-stable—meaning it could not be neutralised through cooking.

“Ciguatoxin is a potent neurotoxin. No matter how well the fish is cooked, it will not be destroyed,” he warned.

Ciguatera fish poisoning, caused by ciguatoxin, could trigger a range of alarming neurological symptoms, including tingling, dizziness, hallucinations, and reversed temperature sensations—where hot feels cold and vice versa. Chen added that in some cases, it could even cause chronic nerve damage. The condition was frequently misdiagnosed, he said, and incidences were reportedly on the rise across tropical regions.

As a precaution, he advised sticking to safer varieties of fish and avoiding the liver or roe of large reef species, which could carry concentrated levels of the toxin.

Damaged tin cans

The second food category Chen avoided was canned food from damaged tins. He urged the public to discard any tin cans that appeared bulging, cracked, or severely dented, due to the potential presence of botulinum toxin—an extremely lethal neurotoxin.

“These products could be contaminated with botulinum toxin,” he said. “It’s odourless and tasteless, and heating the food may not necessarily destroy it.”

The toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and even a minuscule amount can cause paralysis or death. While rare, botulism is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Chen emphasised: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Undercooked pork

Chen also warned against consuming undercooked pork, particularly from unregulated sources, due to the risk of contracting neurocysticercosis—a parasitic infection caused by tapeworm eggs that can lodge themselves in the human brain.

“It’s one of the leading causes of acquired epilepsy worldwide,” he stated.

He urged that pork be fully cooked to a safe internal temperature, especially for individuals with weakened immune systems, to prevent the ingestion of harmful parasites. Neurocysticercosis can result in severe neurological complications, including seizures, and may require long-term treatment.

In addition to dietary precautions, Chen shared four key lifestyle habits that he personally followed to maintain optimal brain function and memory, during an interview with CNBC.

He cautioned against over-reliance on navigation systems like GPS, stating they could weaken spatial memory over time.

Avoiding energy drinks

Chen warned that excessive consumption of energy drinks could lead to cardiovascular issues and neurological problems such as anxiety and insomnia.

Moderation in OTC medicines

He highlighted the risks of overusing over-the-counter medications, stating that drugs such as Pepto-Bismol, if used excessively, could result in dementia-like symptoms.

Monitoring zinc intake

High levels of zinc, he said, might lead to spinal cord injuries, further underscoring the need to avoid self-supplementation without guidance.

Chen’s advice aligned with other neurologists and neurosurgeons who emphasised a balanced diet, physical activity, and cognitive engagement as essential for long-term neurological health. Experts have also previously recommended dark chocolate, fish, and broccoli for their proven cognitive benefits.