Tag Archives: dementia

Boost Your Brain With These 7 Foods

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Dementia is a prevalent, devastating condition that has been on the rise in recent years. Approximately 5.5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s alone, and over 47.5 million people suffer with dementia worldwide. What’s more, is that people are getting dementia earlier than ever before, even affecting people in their 40’s. So, what can you do to help protect your brain against this destructive disease? Aside from exercising regularly and avoiding smoking, you can help give your brain power by making the right food choices. In our last post, we checked out some of the worst foods for your brain, now let’s take a look at some of the best:

  1. Leafy green veggies are known for all kinds of health wonders, one of which is protecting the brain and promoting cognitive function as the brain ages. Lutein, a natural dark green pigment is one of the key veggie components responsible for boosting brain health.
  2. Red wine – While we know that drinking too much alcohol can lead to a myriad of diseases, according to the Memory Foundation, drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol (specifically red wine) may reduce the risk of developing dementia by nearly 40%. Red wine is rich in antioxidants, specifically resveratrol, which is responsible for maintaining and protecting the health of your hippocampus, as well as helping to prevent blood vessel damage.
  3. Whole grains – help release a steady stream glucose (your body’s energy source) into the bloodstream and directly to the brain, which can help keep you alert and stave off mental fogginess for the long run.
  4. Fish, nuts and seeds are all rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, namely DHA and EPA. Low levels of both of these forms of fatty acids have been linked to Alzheimer’s, as well as other conditions such as certain types of heart disease. So aim to get a couple servings of fish weekly, and plenty of nuts and seeds for snacks in between.
  5. Berries and certain fruits contain anthocyanins, the natural pigment of purple, dark red and dark blue fruits and veggies. Anthocyanins also happen to be powerful and protective antioxidant compounds that linked with brain (and body) health. They work to combat oxidative stress, in turn protecting the brain against degenerative disease.
  6. Coffee – While you may have heard some conflicting health-based arguments about coffee over the years, it certainly has its pros when it comes to health. Coffee is rich in helpful antioxidants that help protect the brain. Another pro to coffee is that caffeine plays with your neurotransmitters in an oddly beneficial way. It works to suppress adenosine in the brain, which leaves you more energetic and less lethargic, while simultaneously triggering the release of serotonin to boost your mood. Studies have shown that coffee can help promote better brain functioning.
  7. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)– While margarine isn’t so hot for the brain, polyunsaturated fatty oils like EVOO are just what the doctor ordered for brain health. Olive oil also contains natural anti-inflammatory properties that help combat disease.

There you have it! Some of the best and worst foods for your brain. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the grocery store! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

Decrease Your Risk of Dementia by Avoiding These 7 Foods

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Dementia, one of the most devastating conditions to hit families, is on the rise in recent years. The number of people affected by the condition worldwide has spiked to 47.5 million people, according to the World Health Organization. What’s more, is that people are getting dementia earlier than ever before. Decades ago, ‘early onset dementia’ meant those in their 60’s were beginning to develop dementia. Now it could mean people as young as their 40’s are seeing signs of the disease. So, what can be done to help lower your risk? There are many factors such as genetic predisposition that you cannot control, but one that is in your power to change is your diet. Certain foods have been linked to increased dementia risk, while others have shown promise in helping to stave off the disease. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at 6 of the worst foods for your brain:

  1. Processed cheese – Highly processed foods are never fabulous for your body, but some are worse than others (especially when it comes to your brain). While real cheese may help raise helpful gluthathione levels which can be beneficial for the brain, processed cheese, on the other hand may have the opposite effect. Products such as cheese whiz appear to raise levels of certain proteins to the body that have been linked with Alzheimer’s.
  2. Processed meat – Similarly, processed meats have long been linked to many illnesses such as colorectal cancer, and dementia is no exception. Processed, smoked, and cured meats contain high levels of nitrosamines which can lead to a fatty liver and too many toxins in the brain. Try to consume your meat as close to organic as possible to steer clear of the risks associated with the processed variety. Beer also contains high levels of nitrates and should be consumed in moderation.
  3. Microwave popcorn and margarine both contain diacetyl, a toxic chemical compound used in simulated butter that can cause chronic lung problems and has been linked to other conditions such as cancer and dementia.
  4. White foods – White breads, sugar and pastas are responsible for spiking insulin levels in the body which in turn, sends toxins to the brain. Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s are highly linked, so it makes sense that the same foods negatively impact both conditions.
  5. Eating too much beef raises the iron levels in your brain, which can increase your risk of developing dementia disorders. Even though iron is essential, too little or too much can be bad news. Excess iron contributes to oxidative stress, which can be especially hard on the brain. Aside from that, red meat promotes inflammation within the body (and brain) which can also contribute to dementia.
  6. Fructose – For the same reason as white foods, fructose is also bad for the brain as it throws the body’s insulin levels out of whack.Stay tuned next, for 5 of the best foods for your brain! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

 

 

 

OTC Sleeping Aids – the Eye-Opening Facts Behind Them

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otc sleep

It is fairly common for people who have chronic insomnia to find trouble sleeping. Such individuals often seek the aid of sleeping pills in order to get a good night’s sleep. These sleeping aids are easily available over the counter (OTC) without having to show a doctor’s prescription, however not all of these should be consumed unless prescribed.

While these OTC sleeping drugs can potentially be effective in the short-run, they are not necessarily good in the long-run. Rather, according to a study, OTC sleeping aids can increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Here, let’s take a look at what the study has found.

Higher Risk of Dementia From Taking Anticholinergics

Many anticholinergics like Nytol, Sleepinal, antidepressants like Sinequan and anti-allergy drugs including Benadryl and Piriton are found to cause a high risk of dementia among patients. These drugs are said to have blocking effects on the nervous system including the brain. Their use increases the likelihood of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s like symptoms if taken for a long period of time i.e. amounting to several years.

Risk of Dementia Remains Long After You Stop Taking the Drugs

While these anticholinergic type drugs have always been seen to have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, urinary problems, and breathing problems – this study proved that these drugs can have far more severe effects like dementia and brain damage. Even if you stop taking these OTC sleeping aids, the risk of dementia remains for quite some time.

Higher the Cumulative Dose, Higher the Risk of Dementia

Once you start taking OTC sleeping pills regularly, the dose tolerance builds up and increases. As a result, people often double and triple their dose. While, this may effectively sort out your insomnia, you are in fact playing Russian roulette with your life. This is because according to the findings of the study, the more drugs you take, the more exposed you are to them which leads to a higher risk of developing dementia.

Regardless of the findings of the study, it does not mean that you should stop your therapy. Rather, you should make an appointment with your health care providers and discuss with them the OTC drugs you are taking so that they can see for themselves if you really need anticholinergic drugs and thereby properly guide you on the ideal dose. The good thing is that you do not even have to go out to have a conversation with an expert as help is available in the form of telemedicine. So get in touch with us today!