There is strong scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia are a form of diabetes of the brain, often referred to as Type III diabetes. We know that reversing insulin resistance can lead to improvements in cognitive health.
How Insulin & High Blood Sugar Levels Damage the Brain
Excess circulating insulin and high blood sugar levels can be damaging to the brain in two ways:
- Free radical production. Glucose metabolism produces an estimated 6-50x as many free radicals as fat metabolism. Free radicals oxidize cells which leads to increased brain plaque formation.
- High blood sugar and high insulin swings the glucose levels up and then drops blood sugar down. The low after every high decrease brain energy and lowers our blood-brain barrier defenses which allow toxins into the brain that would not otherwise get in. Drops in brain energy also prompt excitotoxic brain cell damage and potential brain cell death.
Steps to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is a slowly progressing disease and starts when we are young! There’s no time like now to change your trajectory by taking better care of your health.
Here are some simple steps to fit into your life:
- Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar is REALLY BAD for you. And we are not just talking obvious white sugar here, but everything that turns into sugar in your body: grains, flour products, chips, french fries, popcorn, pretzels, pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, cereal, pizza, pasta, baked goods, candy, sandwiches (bread), wraps, tacos, sushi, fruit smoothies, granola, granola bars, and even some protein bars. And the list goes on!
- Know your fats! Know the fats that will literally poison your cells found in fast foods, fried and barbecued foods, salad dressings, dips and sauces, coffee creamers, baked goods, packaged foods, and more. Support good brain function with healthy fats from wild-caught fish, seeds and nuts, avocado, coconut products, eggs, butter, fish oil, and MCT oil.
- Keep your brain active. The old phrase “use it or lose it” is very applicable when it comes to our mental health. The more we use our brains, the more we stay sharp. Mental activities such as reading, chess, Sudoku, brainteasers, brain-training video games, crossword puzzles, and Neurofeedback (check out our NFB program) help to stimulate the brain. The brain loves to learn!
- Keep trim and fit. There is a strong link between obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. The higher your body fat, the higher your risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Exercise also increases BDNF, a factor that stimulates the growth of new brain cells. Pick an exercise you enjoy, but also consider some of the best exercises for brain enhancement: dancing, ball games, juggling, and ping pong!
Implementing just these few action steps can save your brain from many harms. Just do it and do it now, no matter what age you are! We are here to help you implement healthy nutrition and action plan. Please call for a free assessment and find out how we can help you change your life for the better! Call: 262 251 2929