Cure Alzheimer’s Disease with These Foods in Your Diet

Alzheimer's -the forgetting phenomenon ESW

Have you always been a bit forgetful, careless, or clumsy? Or could you remember every single detail of a conversation decades ago but have trouble remembering your breakfast this morning? You could be displaying the early clinical signs of Alzheimer’s disease!

According to the data published by the US National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association, over 6 million people in the United States suffer from some degree of severity of this disease. 

Ranging from forgetting mundane events or conversations to the inability to conduct even the most basic tasks, the disease is not just debilitating, but sad!

Imagine how you would feel if you woke up one morning and just forgot how to tie your shoes or button up your shirt. 

Your memory is not a physical thing, but a result of your nerve synapses developing specific connections with each other. As your brain gradually diminishes in size, Alzheimer’s disease gradually causes the destruction of these connections. This disease is the most common cause of dementia in older people, especially those over 65. Although medication and therapy may help slow the disease progression, the debilitation that comes from it is all but unavoidable. Moreover, the side effects of the medications prescribed are an entirely different ball game. 

People think that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, such as diet and nutrition. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and being overweight can all lead to memory loss and are often affected by what you eat. 

Did you know that there are certain foods that could help you prevent and even cure Alzheimer’s? Good nutrition and eating a variety of healthy foods have been shown to lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease as you age.

Fortunately, there is a list of foods that you can incorporate into your diet that may help you cure Alzheimer’s disease! Let’s check them out.

Foods That Can Help You Cure Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain vegetable image  for Alzheimers

Diet therapy is an emerging concept for the prevention and treatment of the disease. On one hand, it protects you from ingesting too many harmful medications and enduring their side effects. On the other hand, the changes in diet affected via therapy can potentially help your body harbor healthy gut bacteria, which could lead to curing the disease or at least preventing it should you be predisposed. 

Though this list of foods has been recommended by the leading experts in the field of neuroscience to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, bear in mind that our list is in no way conclusive or exhaustive, however, based on the research conducted in the field, these foods will help you or your near and dear ones to combat this debilitating condition.

The MIND Diet

Studies claim that the Mediterranean Diet, (also known as the MIND diet) has shown much efficacy in enhancing brain function, and in turn, reducing the degeneration of the brain that is commonly expected with aging. 

Although more research to date has been focused on the physical aspects, such as improving your blood pressure, enhancing your physical activity, or raising your brain’s capacity to learn better (cognitive conditioning), the benefits of this diet on Alzheimer’s disease have shown great promise in the studies that have been conducted thus far. 

The following components of this diet have shown significant promise in helping prevent and slow down the degeneration of the brain for people predisposed to, or suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Spices like sage, cumin, and cinnamon not only taste great when used to season meals, but they also contain a lot of polyphenols, which are compounds that have numerous benefits for memory and brain health. Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin E, zinc, omega-3s, and choline, which help to slow cognitive decline.

Spices like these have the ability to eat away at brain plaque and reduce inflammation, thereby preventing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. Filling your spice rack with a variety of spices can liven up your meals significantly while also keeping your brain healthy. Snack on these seeds alone or sprinkle them on salads or mix them into desserts like pudding and muffins to benefit from improved brain health.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables for the Alzheimer

Green leafy vegetables such as collard, spinach, and cabbage, are rich sources of vitamin B. Vitamin B9, which is scientifically known as ‘Niacin’, is responsible for preserving memory. Several studies have concluded that a higher intake of vitamin B has shown a positive correlation between improved brain activity and memory retention.

Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables are high in B vitamins and carotenoids, which can lower homocysteine levels. The amino acids are linked to cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and dementia. Sautéing such cruciferous vegetables in garlic and olive oil, or incorporating them into smoothies, soups, and condiments can prove to be quite helpful. 

Moreover, green vegetables are also rich sources of macronutrients such as iron, which is essential for carrying adequate amounts of oxygen to the brain. 

The changes in the chemistry and anatomy of the brain that is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease sets in much before the signs and symptoms of the disease are seen. A proper diet of green leafy vegetables helps to slow down these changes, and helps prevent or cure the disease. 

If you have a familial tendency to develop Alzheimer’s disease, you must incorporate green vegetables into your diet early on. 

Other Vegetables

Vegetable bowl for Alzheimer wellness

Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and several macronutrients necessary for bodily functions. Research conducted in this field shows that a diet containing such vegetables help slow down neural decay. 

Furthermore, the diet also enhances the circulation of blood and other bodily fluids to carry nutrients more efficiently through to the brain. This prevents the brain from being deprived of oxygen, which is one of the primary causes of brain degeneration, especially in old age. Carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and a few tubers have shown significant promise as a suitable diet to prevent or at least slow down the process of degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Berries

Berries for Alzheimer great health

Berries are rich in natural flavonoids. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and cherries contain anthocyanin. As you age, there is a build-up of free radicals in your bloodstream that travels to various parts of the body. These toxins are responsible for tissue damage, and they can cause brain damage in the long run. 

Anthocyanin helps prevent these free radicals from building up rapidly in your system. By slowing down the damage to your brain, these berries can help you slow down or prevent you from experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease altogether.   

Fish

Fish plate for Alzheimer  patients

Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and several macronutrients necessary for bodily functions. Research conducted in this field shows that a diet containing such vegetables help slow down neural decay. 

Furthermore, the diet also enhances the circulation of blood and other bodily fluids to carry nutrients more efficiently through to the brain. This prevents the brain from being deprived of oxygen, which is one of the primary causes of brain degeneration, especially in old age. Carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and a few tubers have shown significant promise as a suitable diet to prevent or at least slow down the process of degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Nuts

Nuts platter for Alzheimer

Pecans, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and peanuts are high in healthy fats, magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins, all of which have been shown to improve cognition and prevent dementia. Women who are over the age of 70 and eat at least 5 servings of nuts per week have significantly better brain health than women of the same age who do not eat nuts altogether. Studies have also found that the anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in English walnuts can reduce brain cell inflammation, allowing for optimal brain health throughout the aging process. These are now at the forefront of research for dietary therapy to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Extra VIrgin Olive Oil

Virgin oil the best food for Alzheimer

Last but not least on our list is extra virgin olive oil!  Olive oil is a condiment made from grinding the fruits of olive trees. The oils produced by the tree are not just edible, but also healthy. Although most commonly used as salad dressings, they find equal efficacy as cooking oils. Olive oil is the staple cooking medium of the Mediterranean diet. It serves as the primary fat source. Olive oil is thought to be the main reason why the Mediterranean diet is good for your health. It has a high content of mono-unsaturated fats.

Several phenolic compounds such as oleic acid, oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, and oleocanthal are also found. Olive oil is sold and marketed under a numerous array of commercial grades. Each of these has different levels of mono-unsaturated fat and phenolic compounds. The oil is priced and sold based on things like the type of olive, the time of year it is picked, and the environment in which it grows. Virgin olive oil is produced only via mechanical extraction.

Other olive oils, on the other hand, go through a refining process that uses solvents and heat. This neutralizes the unpalatable tastes of generally poorer quality olives. This has been standardized by the International Olive Council, Trade Standard. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is considered of the highest quality. It has a much higher concentration of phenolic compounds and less than 0.8% free fatty acids, which is a requirement.

Foods that You Should Avoid In Case of Alzheimer’s

Now that you know what foods to eat to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s there are certain foods you must avoid should you or anyone close to you develop signs of the disease. These foods are believed to hasten the rate of cognitive degeneration in your brain with excessive consumption. 

Many foods that are common in the Western diet, like red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, and desserts, have been linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Although wine has been suggested by many authors as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to patients suffering from any form of neurological disease. 

Moreover, saturated fatty acids and high-calorie foods are also risk factors for Alzheimer’s. If you believe you or a loved one is at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, work with your doctor to develop a healthier diet and nutrition plan that will greatly reduce the risk.

Alzheimer's the untold story

Dementia and depression are the leading signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Although the young are relatively spared, the disease may nest silently within your genes, only to pop up the moment your brain and body start aging.

Consult a psychiatrist or a neurosurgeon as soon as you suspect you or a loved one has developed these signs and symptoms! If detected early, the disease progression can be slowed exponentially to prevent the symptoms from ever manifesting entirely. 

The list of foods that we have compiled may even gradually reverse the disease!

But before starting such a diet plan, make sure to get help and advice from a professional, and never try to treat yourself!

Have you come across patients suffering from Alzheimer’s? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Disclaimer: The author’s views are his or her own. The facts and opinions in the article have been taken from various articles and commentaries available in the online media, and Eastside Writers does not take any responsibility or obligation for them.

This website’s information is provided for educational purposes only; it is not meant to be a source of personalized medical advice. If you have any concerns about a medical problem, you should talk to your doctor or another experienced healthcare professional. Never dismiss or put off obtaining competent medical advice because of something you have read on this website. No goods are suggested or endorsed by Eastside Writers.

Note: Contact our writers at www.eastsidewriters.com  for writing Blogs/Articles on any niche. We have experts in various domains, from Technology to Finance and from Spirituality to Lifestyle and Entertainment.

This Post Has 11 Comments

Leave a Reply