Could junk food be a leading cause of dementia? Researchers are starting to find links between insulin resistance in the brain and the formation of plaques. In fact, scientists increasingly believe that Alzheimer’s is so closely tied to type 2 diabetes that they are calling it type 3 diabetes, or “brain diabetes”.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by the consumption of high glycaemic foods, especially those loaded with sugar, fat, and refined carbohydrates. Over time, the consumption of high glycaemic foods increases overall blood sugar to the point where your body becomes so used to the extra insulin in the bloodstream, it requires more and more to have any effect.
Recent research has shown that insulin is so important to the brain’s functioning that it manufactures its own supply. Insulin keeps the brain’s blood vessels healthy and also aids neurons in absorbing the sugar they need to function. This allows the neurons to change in response to learning, transmitting messages, and laying down new memories. However, if insulin levels keep shooting up after meals, insulin resistance kicks in. As a result, the relationship between the neurons and insulin breaks down and the brain suffers damage.
The good news is, controlling your consumption of high glycaemic and processed foods could help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s – It’s about cutting out the canned, frozen, fat, sugar and salt riddled foods, and instead taking in more of the fresh fruits and vegetables in their natural state.
Take time to think before you eat.
Karen 🙂
Karen Tyrell, CDP, CPCA
Personalized Dementia Solutions
Personalized Dementia Solutions
