Scientists are finding more and more evidence that these conditions -- dementia, blood sugar, and insulin resistance -- are related. Some have even dubbed Alzheimer's disease "Type III Diabetes," or "Brain Specific Diabetes." This has profound implications for you as you age with multitude of preservative-laden, starchy foods everywhere and rates of obesity and related health conditions rising.
RESEARCH
The way scientists view diabetes and how it works is becoming more refined as research continues. The focus now is on insulin resistance in the body's cells. Cells need insulin to convert glucose into a useable form of energy for cell maintenance and to do their work. For various reasons, cells become insulin resistant, and then your blood sugar will rise.
Your pancreas makes more insulin when your blood sugar level rises and can become damaged if the added work continues.
It now appears that the neurons in your brain can become insulin resistant, and when they lose their ability to take in glucose, they can wither up and die from lack of nutrition. Researchers have identified toxic proteins known as ADDLs that remove the insulin receptors from the synapses (communication receptors) on the cells. This is harmful to learning and memory-making processes.
This destructive process is considered the third form of diabetes and it appears to be a solid contender for the cause of Alzheimer's disease.
What is undeniable at this point from research studies so far, is that having type II diabetes doubles your risk of having Alzheimer's as the years go by. You are 1.75 times more likely to suffer other forms of dementia as well.
TREATMENT
Diabetes and Diet
Type II Diabetes patients have to monitor their blood sugar because too much sugar (glucose) causes the pancreas to produce the extra insulin. The glucose can't be used by the insulin resistant cells (which also can't get the energy they need) and the high levels remaining in your blood cause blood vessel damage.
So you have a vicious cycle: the more sugary starchy foods you eat, the higher your blood sugar becomes, the harder your pancreas works, and the more damaged your circulatory system becomes. Toxins build up and your body cells become insulin resistant so they can't take in glucose for energy, and they also can't get other nutrition or oxygen from the blood because the circulatory pathways are becoming obstructed. That is why people with untreated diabetes have so many health problems.
Now imagine this happening in your brain. In the beginning you have these beautiful, healthy neurons with their numerous connections buzzing with communication and your blood flows through the circulatory pathways faithfully to bring nourishment to them. As time goes, circulation is compromised, toxins build up, and the neurons eventually become diseased or dead from lack of nutrition (and oxygen) with their connections frail, tangled, or nonexistent. Slowly the brain's activity becomes silent.
The standard recommended treatment for type III Diabetes will likely include the same or similar dietary changes that you would make for preventing or treating type II Diabetes. This would mean taking in a balanced diet of whole grains, proteins, and complex carbohydrates while eliminating simple starches and excess fat. It might mean limiting portion size and calorie restriction if you are overweight.
There is some evidence that you should also avoid nitrites. These substances are in bacon, processed meats, and cheeses. Some brands of beer have nitrites in them as well.
Exercise
Exercise speeds up your metabolism, lowers blood sugar, and helps you to lose weight. It also improves blood circulation to your brain. You should strive for 30 minutes of aerobic activity like walking or swimming three to five times a week.
Herbs
There hasn't been a medicine invented yet for brain specific diabetes. There may be one in the future, however, and it will likely contain compounds taken from the herb turmeric. Turmeric has been reported to help in these ways:
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Lower inflammation and development of plaque in blood vessels
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Lower blood sugar level
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Prevent or slow down insulin resistance
- Strengthen immune system
Turmeric is also showing promise in helping people with Alzheimer's disease as it promotes brain stem cell growth and repair. Other herbs or supplements that may be of some benefit with insulin resistance are cinnamon and resveratrol.
Finally
So, to protect your brain: eat a low calorie but nutritious diet, and exercise regularly. You should rarely eat processed, sugary, or starchy foods, or avoid entirely. Consider taking turmeric or another natural supplement daily, but you should realize that if you are taking a diabetes medication, the dosage may need to be adjusted. You should ask your primary health provider, such as Expresscare Plus, for specific healthcare recommendations.
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