How to fight off Alzheimer’s Disease

An estimated 5.3 million Americans and approximately 30 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s, a progressive, degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. These alarming statistics are on the rise and scientists have not yet found a cure. However, they have completed many studies to help us find ways to slow down and fight off the disease. Simple changes in your lifestyle, such as nutrition, exercise and keeping your mind active are essential in keeping this disease from taking over your life.

Staying fit with a daily routine of physical activities, such as walking, bowling or participating in a low impact aerobics class can help keep your muscles and your brain healthy. Going out for a 20 minute walk in the park 5 times a week can dramatically reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s and can also reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and prevent other diseases.

In addition to keeping physically active, it is important to keep your brain active as well. Engaging in activities such as reading a good book, sitting down with a crossword puzzle, playing a musical instrument, playing card games or taking a class to learn something new are great ideas. The more you think and use your brain, the healthier it becomes.

Staying socially interactive is very important. Having conversations and interacting with other people keeps your mind sharp and your spirits up. It is suggested that everyone should engage in activities with friends and family, get involved in your community or become a volunteer. Social interaction stimulates connections within brain cells allowing the healthy brain cells to remain healthy.

Changing your diet and getting the proper nutrition is very important. We need to incorporate a variety of fresh produce, whole grains, cold water fish, and nuts. All of these foods contain Anti-oxidants which keep your body healthy. Try to avoid full fat dairy products and reduce cholesterol by cutting down on red meat. Supplements are also a vital part of maintaining nutrition. Omega 3, vitamin B12 and folic acid are known to help improve your memory. Milk is high in vitamin B12 so be sure to drink at least 2 glasses per day to insure that you are getting enough.

In recent studies caffeine has been known to reduce the production of Beta Amyloid; the protein that causes the “plaque” like substance that is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This plaque substance is toxic to healthy brain cells. Drinking a cup of Tea or coffee and enjoying a piece of dark chocolate daily can help reduce the amount of plaque build up. The compounds found in Red wine called Polyphenols block the formation of the Beta Amyloid proteins. It is suggested that drinking 1-2 glasses of red wine per day may help fight off Alzheimer’s.

It is essential to get plenty of sleep. Studies have proven that during the hours that you are awake and alert Amyloid protein levels increase and drop when you are asleep. It is important to sleep restfully. If you have trouble sleeping try some relaxation methods before bed such as taking a bath, reading a book or listening to music. Deep breathing techniques may also help relax the body and reduce stress.

All of these factors in combination with not smoking, minimizing alcohol consumption, weight management, controlling diabetes, cholesterol levels and managing stress can protect you against Alzheimer’s. It is never too late to change your lifestyle and eating habits. Not only will it protect you against Alzheimer’s, but it will help keep other diseases away such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Make these simple changes to your lifestyle and put yourself on the right track to a healthy and happy life.

 

Perfect Health System

AlternativeMedicineFirst