Scientists are gaining greater insights into Alzheimer’s disease every day. It’s a devastating disease that is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Most doctors understand this disease as untreatable and genetically-based. However, Alzheimer’s has a strong link with another illness that impacts approximately 40 million Americans: diabetes.
Individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have considerable resistance to insulin. Type 1 is caused by the body’s inability to produce insulin, and Type 2 is caused by the deterioration of the body’s insulin receptors and is associated with the consumption of too many refined carbohydrates like processed grains and sugar.
However, studies in 2005 and later began to discover correlations between insulin and brain cell deterioration. This led researchers down another new, promising path toward Alzheimer’s prevention. Is Alzheimer’s a form of diabetes? Researchers are asking that question.
Over 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s. We know that diabetics are at least twice as likely to develop dementia. The cells of your brain can become insulin-resistant just like other cells in the body. The accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques characteristic in the Alzheimer’s brain may now be linked with the same lack of insulin that negatively affects cognition.
Finding the true underlying causes of disease is a huge step toward developing treatment and prevention. With Alzheimer’s especially prevention is crucial. Current research suggests that addressing the problems surrounding insulin and brain cell death may be a useful prevention method to help restore and retain the brain’s cell function.
The effect of carbohydrates on your brain
We all know that a diet high in carbohydrates is associated with serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. When you consume carbohydrates, they break down into sugar in the body, and your blood sugar levels increase dramatically. High blood sugar levels also create inflammation, further causing your brain’s health to weaken. Over time, a diet high in sugar can lead increased levels of brain cell deaths.
Studies show that brain cells shrink and become tangled from high blood sugar levels over time. This means that your sugar intake likely impacts long-term brain health, inherently increasing the likelihood of developing lesions in the brain. These are associated with Alzheimer’s.
By acting now to reduce white, processed carbohydrates and sugar in your diet, you can begin to restore damaged brain cells.
Reducing your risks
1. An optimized diet
Compelling reports have shown that the nutrition plan offered to individuals seeking Type 2 Diabetes prevention is one of the same plans offered to those looking to decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This dietary prevention plan includes foods that are low in sugar and high in healthy fats, which creates a rich, healing environment for the brain. Your brain will thrive when you load up on friendly fats and decrease your carbohydrate intake. Fats that are optimal include olive oil, avocados, salmon, and almonds.
2. Beta carotene and vitamin C
A diet low in sugar, plentiful in good fats, and rich in dark-colored vegetables is ideal for the health of your brain. Increasing your intake of antioxidants has also proven to be beneficial in nurturing and optimizing neural functioning. Research shows that vitamin C and beta-carotene aid in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Excessive free radical production can create a dangerous atmosphere in the brain, and antioxidants are a strong combatant against these brain-damaging agents. Increase your intake of antioxidants through fresh fruits and vegetables, or organic health supplements.
3, Get your carbs from fruits and vegetables
Our Western diet is replete with processed carbohydrates and sugar. Fruits and vegetables that promote cell growth are less inflammatory and acidic than starchy carbs, and, with the exception of a few higher-sugar fruits, they are lower in sugar and are ideal for preventing insulin resistance. Maximize your dishes with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kale, spinach, avocados, and other dark-colored fruits and vegetables for peak cognitive functioning.
4. Coconut oil
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are the primary fat found in coconut oil, and they are powerful in helping to boost brain metabolism and thereby increase cognitive function. Recent research shows that participants experienced significant neurological healing after 4-6 weeks of using the oil in their diets.
Coconut oil is also a valuable source of fuel for the brain. When brain cells have undergone metabolic deterioration associated with insulin resistance, they can no longer accept glucose, the brain’s main fuel source. However, coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids that break down into ketones in the liver, an alternative fuel for the brain that is as efficient as glucose.
Final thoughts
Recent research into insulin resistance and brain cell degradation has opened up new pathways to understanding Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s may be preventable by choosing a healthier diet and lifestyle. Eliminate white, processed carbohydrates and sugar from your life and add healthy fats and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables. Just what the doctor ordered!