Question
I heard Alzheimer’s is related to diabetes. I don’t have diabetes, why should I be concerned?
Answer
The same sugary, starchy diet that increases the risk of diabetes also increases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
In fact people with diabetes have a 65 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Sugary, starchy diets can be the brain’s demise
The pancreas releases insulin to lower high blood sugar caused by consuming sweets, starchy foods (pasta, potatoes, rice, corn, breads, pastries, etc.) sodas, juice, and sweet coffee drinks.
Beware insulin resistance
If one consumes too many of these foods regularly the body may overproduce insulin in order to cope with chronically high blood sugar. This eventually leads to insulin resistance in which the body’s cells refuse entry to insulin. In time insulin production can become exhausted and diminish.
Brain function depends on appropriate insulin
Scientists discovered the brain also produces insulin and is susceptible to the same imbalances caused by a sugary and starchy diet. Appropriate levels of insulin help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease.
Both low insulin and high insulin linked with Alzheimer’s
Both low insulin and insulin resistance promote the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and the tangling of tau proteins, two hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
They also cause inflammation and damage to the area of the brain associated with learning and memory.
Symptoms of poor brain insulin function
- Poor focus and concentration
- Worsening memory
- Mental sluggishness
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Lack of motivation
- Depression and/or anxiety
How to protect your brain
To maintain healthy levels of insulin in the brain eliminate sweets, sodas, and starchy foods from your diet. Eat more vegetables, exercise regularly, and get plenty of omega 3 fatty acids.
