Everyone believes
dementia is only an “old folks disease”. But is that right? Actually dementia
can occur at any age. So why does it have this aging label? Perhaps because a
weakened immune system and development of dementia are very closely tied! And
most autoimmune diseases develop over a lifetime of making poor diet choices.
Autoimmune
diseases often run in families, and 75% of those affected are women. African
Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans also have an increased risk.
An
autoimmune disease develops when your immune system, which normally defends
your body against disease, decides your healthy cells are foreign and starts to
attack them. Depending on the type, an autoimmune disease can affect one or
many different areas of the body.
WHAT DOES AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
HAVE TO DO WITH MY MEMORY?
Well, in a recent joint epidemiology research study of more than 100,000 participants, the same neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles were found in these participants post-mortem as in those who suffered from Alzheimer's disease.
In other words, there is a definite "genetic overlap between Alzheimer's Disease and immune-mediated diseases such as Diabetes" and that "immune system processes influence Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and progression".
In other words, there is a definite "genetic overlap between Alzheimer's Disease and immune-mediated diseases such as Diabetes" and that "immune system processes influence Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and progression".
These
findings strongly suggest that immune system processes influence Alzheimer's
Disease pathogenesis and progression.
PREVENTATIVE STEPS ARE KEY
The most important
thing we can do is avoid inflammation before it starts to affect the immune
system. Wouldn’t you rather feel healthy and strong versus rundown and sick?
Here are 7 tips to get you started:
#1 Gluten – You hear a lot of controversy that gluten sensitivity or intolerance is
all hype. However, research continues to indicate that it is problematic for
our digestive system and our brain. Gluten
is a protein found in wheat, spelt, oats, barley and rye. Historically these grains
were processed very differently, and the inflammatory nature of gluten more
gentle; however, today’s processed grains are highly inflammatory and a key
contributor to immune problems. And unfortunately, foods containing gluten are eaten
at nearly every mealtime by most Americans.
#2 Sugar - Sugar dysregulation, or insulin
resistance, is one of the most common causes of digestive issues,
wreaking havoc on the immune system and potentially triggering autoimmune
disease. The more sugars and refined carbohydrates you consume, the faster your
blood sugar rises.
In response, your body pumps out large amounts of
insulin to help move the sugar into cells, promoting fat storage, high blood
pressure, and increased cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
Blood sugar imbalances also contribute to leaky
gut syndrome, a perforation in the lining of the digestive tract whereby food
particles can leech into the bloodstream and cause severe inflammation.
Constantly spiking blood insulin levels creates a
chronic condition and adds to an already weakened immunity and inability to
regulate our blood insulin levels.
#3 Dairy - The milk protein casein, found
in all dairy products, can inflame the digestive tract. And for a large
percentage of adults, the dairy sugar lactose can also cause digestive
inflammation. Once we are no longer babies we lack intestinal lactase which is
required to digest lactose.
Either can trigger autoimmune disease – and most of us are
completely unaware this inflammation is happening. Therefore, look for symptoms
of gas, bloating, and constipation as an indication that it is best to
completely remove dairy from your diet.
#4 Hydrolyzed Oils - Autoimmune
diseases are aggravated by consumption of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Vegetable
oils are hydrogenated, meaning they are treated with hydrogen simply to prolong
shelf life in processed foods.
Numerous research studies have proven that eating a diet filled with these processed foods is directly linked to numerous illnesses, including heart disease and strokes.
Numerous research studies have proven that eating a diet filled with these processed foods is directly linked to numerous illnesses, including heart disease and strokes.
#5 Stress – Although clearly not a nutritional issue, one cannot overlook the importance of stress. And often stress can be tied to what we eat . . . oooooh those comfort foods!
Constant or chronic stress reduces the effectiveness of cortisol in regulating our inflammatory response, causing our immune system to become insensitive to cortisol’s regulatory effect.
Constant or chronic stress reduces the effectiveness of cortisol in regulating our inflammatory response, causing our immune system to become insensitive to cortisol’s regulatory effect.
KEEPING YOUR BRAIN HEALTHY IS THE ANSWER
As much as we hate to hear it, your food choices today will determine how healthy your memory will be tomorrow. As early as in your 40's you can start to see your focus and thinking start to slip.
A quick stop at McDonald's or ordering a pizza tonight may seem innocent enough. But those decisions, compounded week after week, will decide your future!
kmdeanda@yahoo.com
602-529-6450
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