One of the best things you can do for your brain and for your future health is to feed your brain the nutrients it desperately needs. When you feed your brain only what you most desire, fast food, baked goods and other nutritionally deficient foodstuffs, you fail to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the brain. The brain requires specific nutrients for the regeneration of brain tissue and maintenance, as well as foods and substances that positively impact neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers.
Eat foods high in antioxidants. Eating foods that are rich in antioxidants is a main feature in eliminating free radicals that negatively impact neuronal health, in addition to benefiting the body as a whole. When putting together a dementia/Alzheimer’s prevention diet, the largest portion of your daily food intake should include a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. To maximize brain protection, make every effort to heighten your antioxidant intake by eating more salads and drinking fresh juice made from vegetables and greens.
Focus on good fats. Good fats are a major ingredient in preventing and reversing the process of neuronal dysfunction. One of the best protections you can offer your brain is to avoid trans fats and saturated fat, as these not only cause inflammation but produce free radicals as well. Increase your intake of omega 3 rich oils and choose vegetarian protein sources as an alternate choice to further lower inflammation.
Boost your seafood intake. Fish like mackerel, salmon and sardines contain essential omega 3.
Eliminate white sugar and flour. White sugar intake and white flour products spike blood glucose, raise inflammation and triglyceride levels and are completely devoid of any nutrient value.
Consume higher levels of DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid, sourced from omega 3 fatty acids, is reported to significantly lower risk factors for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Take in more phosphorous in your diet. Our thoughts and emotions require specific nutritional elements, which travel via pathways in the brain. One of these is phosphorus, a necessary compound for the production of lecithin in the body and brain. Lecithin is akin to fuel for the brain and found in all cells of the body. The type of phosphorus needed by the brain is found in flesh food, such as meat, fish, fish roe, egg yolk, and dairy products.
Ensure Vitamin D intake. During all stages of our life, the brain calls upon vitamin D. Research shows that taking in adequate amounts of vitamin D throughout one’s life will go a long way towards warding off cognitive deterioration, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The best sources of vitamin D are exposure to direct sunlight, and supplementing with fish oil or supplemental vitamin D.
Dr. Michelle Honda is a top expert and practitioner of natural and preventative medicine and brings her knowledge to Alzheimer’s Disease with practical information about the disease and its management using alternative and nutritional protocols in her new book Reverse Alzheimer’s Disease Naturally.
Michelle Honda, Ph.D., D.Sc., is a practitioner of natural and preventative medicine and uses a health care format that supports the body’s ability to defend and heal itself, looking at the whole body–not just the symptom or current issue. In addition to earning her doctorate, she holds an advanced degree in nutrition (RNCP), is a Master Herbalist and an IIPA Certified Iridologist. She helps clients with allergies, acid reflux and ulcers, cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart and circulation problems, all women issues and men’s health, gut dysbiosis (Crohn’s, colitis, IBS), skin disorders, children’s health, weight loss and much more. She has done numerous speaking engagements and interviews. Dr. Honda resides in Ontario, Canada.
