BEYOND CODE: COUNTERINTUITIVE PRACTICES TO ENHANCE PROGRAMMER PERFORMANCE

Editor’s note (2025): I wrote this piece three years ago, when I was starting my journey as a programmer. It reflects the passion and curiosity that pushed me into this career. Today, I keep that same curiosity, but with a broader perspective.

I was for a long time looking for something that motivates me to be better, that I can enjoy and that I can take to have a good life quality; when I started to create my first web for a personal business, I realized that I found my passion and finally after a lot of time, I had something that I want for the rest of my life.

But during the process, the first step for me was to try to answer only one question…

THE QUESTION…

At that moment, I wondered how to learn programming in the most efficient way possible — balancing responsibilities with the ambition to accelerate my growth.

I was not looking for an easy way, but I was curious about which kind of light could the science offer on my way to becoming a programmer that can make me proud. I can say, that some of the things that I found in the process were mostly counterintuitive and although I know a lot of them, they are not easy to implement in our daily routine and I’m currently looking to make them part of my life.

This is the first part of my informal research. I’m looking for creating a series of articles that can cover all the topics that this question implies, but by now, I will start with the importance of having a healthy brain to have a better performance when you are solving problems, looking for being creative and why not, see the life with “better lens”.

DISCLAIMER…

This article was almost completely inspired by the book ‘Brain Wash’ by doctor David Perlmutter and a little bit of part in his other book ‘Bread Brain’ that I strongly recommend to you if you are interested in deepening the topics below. I want to say too that I’m not a doctor, and that all the recommendations that I’ll give you, can be implemented by your responsibility

THE BRAIN…

Will my brain work always efficiently if it doesn’t matter my habits? or the food that I’m consuming? or maybe my emotions? The reason for that question was that for almost one year, I was following a diet strictly keto and meditating every morning, and in perspective of my current situation, it was one of the bests years of my life. To avoid making the story long, I always felt like I was floating and that my productivity increased greatly.

The book “Brain Wash” by David Perlmutter explores how our modern lifestyle and environment can negatively impact our brain health. Perlmutter argues that our brains are under constant assault from various factors, including processed foods, lack of sleep, and excessive screen time.

Yeah, excessive screen time, and I’m assuming that if you are reading this, is because we both are in the same environment. But do not be alarmed, my purpose with this article is to give you some points to avoid that maybe could help you to have a healthy brain and consequently, a better performance.

Stop to eat processed food

The books “Brain Wash” and “Brain Bread” both discuss the damaging effects of processed foods on the brain. Processed foods often contain artificial ingredients and preservatives that can harm brain cells and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

In “Brain Wash,” author David Perlmutter explains that these artificial ingredients can interfere with the normal functioning of the brain and disrupt important processes like neurotransmitter signaling and inflammation. This can lead to cognitive decline and impair brain function.

And I want to stay focused on the keyword “Inflammation” because this is the principal concept that I think changed my life. Let’s start to say that when you have any part of you “inflamed”, it’s because there is a signal of alarm that you need to pay attention to. The problem today is that we ‘can’t see our brains and pitifully, most of us have some level of inflammation.

To maintain it simple, there is scientific evidence that processed food can inflame our brains, and in consequence, can negatively impact our problem-solving skills and intelligence.

One study published in the journal Neurology found that people who ate a diet high in processed foods had a lower overall cognitive performance than those who ate a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. This included a decline in problem-solving skills and memory.

Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a diet high in processed foods was associated with a decrease in brain volume and cognitive function, including problem-solving abilities.

I know, processed food is like the air, it’s always there. But if we learn about nutrition, it’ll feel like we live in another dimension, a better one.

The carbohydrates, the enemy that we love

David Perlmutter argues that a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to a condition called “brain inflammation,” which can damage brain cells and impair their function. But how carbohydrates can generate inflammation?

Carbohydrates are converted into sugar in the body, and when consumed in large amounts, they can lead to high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can trigger inflammation in the body and the brain. This inflammation can damage brain cells and impair their ability to function properly, leading to problems with memory, learning, and other cognitive abilities.

In addition to the potential for inflammation, a diet high in carbohydrates can also lead to weight gain and other health problems. Excess weight can put additional strain on the body and brain, further impairing their function.

Overall, Dr. Perlmutter argues that reducing carbohydrate intake and focusing on a diet rich in healthy fats and protein can help protect the brain and improve cognitive function.

I tried ketosis and it was a great experience, but please go with a professional.

The social media

The effects of social media on the brain are likely discussed as a negative influence on cognitive function and overall well-being. The constant influx of information, notifications, and stimuli from social media platforms can overload the brain, leading to a decrease in focus and attention span, as well as increased stress and anxiety.

Social media also has the potential to negatively impact mental health, as it can create unrealistic expectations and comparisons, and may contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The constant need to check for updates and engage with others on social media can also be addictive and can lead to a lack of face-to-face interactions and real-life connections.

In addition, the use of social media can affect the brain’s ability to process information and make decisions. The constant stream of information and the need to make quick judgments based on limited information can lead to a decrease in critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate sources and arguments objectively.

Overall, the book “Brain Wash” likely discusses the negative effects of social media on the brain and suggests ways to counteract these effects through mindfulness and other practices that promote mental and emotional well-being.

Sleep or not sleep?

Sleep is essential for the brain to rest, repair, and recharge, and without sufficient sleep, the brain can become impaired in its ability to perform various functions, such as learning, memory, and decision-making.

Sleep is also important for physical health, as it helps to regulate the immune system, metabolism, and hormones. It can also help to reduce the risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

In addition, sleep is essential for emotional well-being, as it can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and a decrease in overall happiness and satisfaction with life.

In the book “Brain Wash,” the importance of sleep is likely emphasized as a way to protect the brain from the negative effects of modern life and to promote overall health and well-being. The book may offer tips and advice for improving sleep quality and getting enough rest to support brain health.

Negative emotions

In the book “Brain Wash,” it is likely discussed that negative emotions can have a detrimental effect on cognitive performance, such as learning, memory, and problem-solving. Negative emotions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can lead to a decrease in focus and attention, as well as a decrease in the ability to process and retain information.

Negative emotions can also affect the brain’s ability to make decisions and think critically. They can lead to a decrease in flexibility and the ability to think outside of the box, and can make individuals more likely to rely on automatic and habitual responses, rather than considering new and creative solutions to problems.

Negative emotions can also have a negative impact on overall well-being, as they can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and isolation. They can also have physical effects, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones, which can lead to a variety of health problems over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Maybe there are some points that I forgot, but those are the things that really had a great impact on my life and that I’m committed to changing. This article was focused only on some things that you could avoid in order to have better cognitive performance, but I’m working on another one with specific solutions and actions that you can make in order to have a better brain. Thanks for getting here.

Daniel Carrera, full-stack developer