Sugar and Your Brain: Is Alzheimer’s Disease Actually Type 3 Diabetes?

It starves your brain, tangles and twists vital cells, and for decades it has been misrepresented as an untreatable, genetically determined disease. Alzheimer's disease is the 6^th leading cause of death in North America¹. The truth, however, is that this devastating illness shares a strong link with another sickness that wreaks havoc on millions of individuals in North America — Diabetes.

We all know that individuals affected by Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes have a notable resistance to insulin. Type 1 is caused by the body's inability to produce insulin, and Type 2 is caused by the deterioration of the body's insulin receptors and associated with the consumption of too much refined carbohydrate like processed grains and sugar.  But when studies began to appear in 2005 that revealed a shocking correlation between insulin and brain cell deterioration, major breaks were made around Alzheimer's prevention[i]. Health practitioners became curious about a critical question — could Alzheimer's disease simply be Type 3 Diabetes?

Alzheimer's disease has long been perceived as mysterious and inevitable. 5.3 million individuals suffer every year from the disease that appears to be untreatable[ii]. But, if this illness is associated with insulin resistance, this simply isn't the case.

We already know that diabetics are at least twice as likely to experience dementia[iii].  The cells of your brain can become insulin-resistant just like other cells in the body.  What was once considered a mysterious accumulation of beta amyloid plaques characteristic in the Alzheimer brain is now associated with the same lack of insulin that negatively affects cognition[iv].

Where there is knowledge about underlying causes there is the opportunity for prevention. Research that surfaced around problems with insulin and brain cell death offered health practitioners a way to identify useful prevention tactics that help restore the brain's cell function[v].

Your Brain on Carbohydrates

Most people know that a diet high in carbohydrates indicates a relationship to serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. What we haven't always known is the serious affect sugar has on our brain health. When you eat carbohydrates, which break down into sugar in the body, your blood sugar levels sky-rocket[vi]. High blood sugar levels also create inflammation, further causing your brain's health to weaken. Over time, a diet high in sugar translates into the accelerated death of supple, healthy brain cells[vii].

Studies have shown that brain cells shrink and become tangled from high blood sugar levels over time[viii]. This means that your sugar intake could be drastically affecting long-term brain health, inherently increasing the likelihood of developing lesions in the brain, which are linked to the deadly disease process we call Alzheimer's.

The good news is that the brain is very resilient. A handful of well-researched, holistic prevention tools have been shown to restore damaged brain cells, and return a dying brain to its fully functioning state[ix]. 

How do I decrease my risk for Type 3 Diabetes?

Coconut Oil

Many think it an unusual treatment, but it's the leading preventative tool in cognitive health. It doesn't take years or even months — coconut oil takes action on the brain after just one 40 ml dose[x]. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are the primary fat found in coconut oil, and they are powerful in rapidly helping to boost brain metabolism and thereby increasing cognitive functioning. Recent, insightful research has shown that patients experienced significant neurological healing after 4-6 weeks of using the oil in their nutritional plans[xi].  

Coconut oil is also a valuable source of fuel for the brain. When brain cells have undergone metabolic deterioration associated with insulin resistance, they can no longer accept glucose, the brain's main fuel source. However, coconut oil is rich in the medium chain fatty acids that break down into ketones in the liver, an alternative fuel for the brain that is as efficient as glucose.

Using coconut oil has been shown to control or even reverse the progression of what has been recently reported as Type 3 diabetes[xii]. Try using extra virgin coconut oil in your cooking, baking, or your morning smoothies to receive exceptional cognitive benefits.

A Maximized Diet

Compelling reports have shown that the nutrition plan offered to individuals seeking Type 2 Diabetes prevention is one of the same plans offered to those looking to decrease their risk of Alzheimer's disease. This dietary prevention plan includes foods that are low in sugar and high in healthy fats, which creates a rich, healing environment for the brain. Your brain will thrive when you load up on friendly fats and decrease your carbohydrate intake[xiii]. Fats that are optimal for the promotion of plasticity in your brain include olive oil, avocados, salmon, and almonds. Even small increments of good fats can make a lasting difference on your brain's health, so implement them into your diet today – and every day!

The Best Carbs – Fruits and Veggies

Modern day Western culture has consumes voluminous quantities of processed carbohydrates and so-called 'whole grains.' As a result, health practitioners are finding strong links between these foods we eat and suboptimal brain health, which makes it imperative for you to adjust your carbohydrate intake. Fruits and vegetables that promote cell growth, are less inflammatory and acidic than are starchy carbs, and, with the exception of a few higher-sugar fruits, they are lower in sugar are ideal for preventing Type III diabetes[xiv]. Maximize your dishes with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, kale, spinach, avocados, and other dark colored fruits and vegetables for peak cognitive functioning[xv].

Beta Carotene and Vitamin C

Of course a diet low in sugar, plentiful in good fats, and rich in dark colored vegetables is ideal for the health of your brain[xvi]. Increasing your intake of antioxidants has also proven to be beneficial in nurturing and optimizing neural functioning. Research has shown that Vitamin C and Beta Carotene, found in foods like lemons, grapefruits, kale, and bell peppers, aids in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases[xvii]. Excessive free radical production can create a dangerous atmosphere in the brain (making it rancid!), and antioxidants are a strong combatant against these brain-damaging agents. Increase your intake of antioxidants through fresh fruits and vegetables, or organic health supplements.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic research has shown that over time, the body's resistance to outflow from the brain can cause normal pressure hydrocephalus and toxic metabolic edema, which in turn causes the brain to break down[xviii]. This means that a decrease in normal fluid functioning without an increase in brain volume causes the brain to stop functioning. Naturally, in the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease (and any other cognitive disorder), schedule regular chiropractic appointments, and maintain a body system that is functioning at its highest potential.

Knowledge is Power

Recent research around neural deterioration and insulin resistance has been groundbreaking. The most notable, and curious, point is evidence that the disease could in fact, be preventable[xix]. Alzheimer's disease may no longer be a murky, genetically defined illness, if brain-healthy lifestyle choices are created and maintained. 

source: GreenMedInfo

How Coconut Oil May Rescue The Brain From Alzheimer's Disease

by Sayer Ji | Green Med Info

Image: greenmedinfo.com

A promising new study soon to be published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease titled, "Coconut Oil Attenuates the Effects of Amyloid-β on Cortical Neurons In Vitro."[i]  The study lends fresh experimental support to an accumulating body of anecdotal reports that coconut oil may alleviate and/or regress cognitive deficits associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's.

Medical researchers from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada, undertook a pilot study to investigate the effects of coconut oil supplementation directly on cortical neurons treated with amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in vitro.  Aβ peptide is the main component of certain deposits found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease believed to contribute to the disease.

The researchers noted that a recent clinical trial, which we reported on in our article MCT Fats Found in Coconut Oil Boost Brain Function in Only One Dose, reported significant improvements in Alzheimer's disease patients after 45 and 90 days of treatment with medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil.  They pointed out that this trial led to the marketing of the FDA-approved 'medical food' caprylidene (trade name Axona), but that the public has shown greater interest in coconut oil itself as a potential therapy, owing to its far greater affordability and availability.

The researchers sought to test the hypothesis that coconut oil is beneficial for neurodegenerative conditions using a cell model.  Live rat neurons were exposed to various combinations of Aβ peptide and coconut oil, with the result that Aβ peptide reduced survival of neurons and coconut protected against this Aβ-induced reduction in survival time.  The researchers noted that coconut treated Aβ cultured neurons appeared "healthier," and that coconut oil "rescued" Aβ-treated neurons from mitochondrial damage caused by their toxicity.  The researchers observed coconut oil preventing Aβ-induced changes in mitochondrial size and circularity. These findings have great significance, as mitochondria function is often compromised in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

According to the researchers, "The rationale for using coconut oil as a potential AD [Alzheimer's Disease] therapy is related to the possibility that it could be metabolized to ketone bodies that would provide an alternative energy source for neurons, and thus compensate for mitochondrial dysfunction."  The researchers proposed that ketone bodies formed as a byproduct of coconut oil metabolism may offset Aβ-induced impairment of mitochondrial function and thus energy metabolism.  Considering that the medium chain triglyceride found in coconut known as caprylic acid does cross the blood-brain barrier, and has recently been found to have anti-convulsant, in addition to, ketogenic effects, coconut oil likely does have a neuroprotective effect.[ii]

Continue reading at greenmedinfo.com

Spending Time in the Hospital May Increase Dementia Risk

(CBS News) CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook and CBS News contributor Dr. Holly Phillips discussed on "CBS This Morning: Saturday" the major medical stories of the week.

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a disturbing aftereffect of time spent in an intensive care unit. Patients are going into the hospital for treatment of a physical illness and coming out with dementia, even when they had no evidence of it before.

ICU patients often leave with dementia, study shows

Image: Sanford Myers, The Tennessean

The study shows that 75 percent of patients are leaving with cognitive impairment. According to LaPook, one of the most "shocking" parts of this study is that many of the impacted patients are in their 30s and 40s.

LaPook said that hospitals are getting very "aggressive" in their attempt to combat this problem.

"They are decreasing sedation, which can increase delirium," he said. "They're getting people up and around, so if you're lying in bed, that can increase a change in your mental status. They're having people walk up and down the ICU, even dragging their ventilators behind them with a physical therapist there to help them."

LaPook also explained that hospitals are trying to create a defined day and night cycle so that patients can identify what time of day it is.

It's not just the hospitals that can help; there are steps that can be taken by family members to assist their loved ones in the ICU. LaPook said to bring patients their comforts of home, such as eyeglasses and hearing aides, and to remind them of the time of day or even what day it is.

Also, a new report about hormone replacement therapy for women in menopause was released by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The group followed almost 30,000 women starting in 1993. They found that in many cases the possible benefits of hormones are outweighed by increased risks of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and dementia.

"This is a very, very big study, very clear findings, and now they followed these results for a good 10, 11 years. So the message is very clear," said Phillips. "We've also changed our thinking about menopause. You know, menopause isn't an illness, right? It's a normal part of the lifecycle, so you don't need to necessarily throw medications at it."

There are some other options besides hormone therapy for women dealing with menopause complications, including basic exercise.

"Some women have had good luck with herbal supplements and changing their diet, and for very few women, hormonal replacement used in extremely low dosages for a short time is prescribed," said Phillips. "But bar none, the best thing you can do is exercise. Aerobic exercise in the morning cuts down hot flashes during the day, increases your concentration and helps you sleep better."

For Dr. Jon LaPook and Dr. Holly Phillips' full roundup on this week's medical stories, watch the video in the player above.

Source: www.cbsnews.com

Man Reverses Alzheimers Symptoms Using Coconut Oil

Some of Steve Newport’s symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease reversed, thanks to the unlikely treatment prescribed by his wife, Dr. Mary Newport, a physician who runs a neonatology ward at a Tampa, Fla., hospital.

Did you know coconut oil can also be used to kill Candida?

photo from www.undergroundhealthreporter.com

Dr. Newport added coconut oil to her husband Steve’s diet. Just two weeks later, he took the Alzheimer’s clock test again and demonstrated stunning improvement.

“I thought at the time, was it just good luck? Was it a lot of prayer? Was it the coconut oil?” she said. “And I thought, well, we’re going to keep the coconut oil going.”

Sources:  Raw For Beauty

http://tv.greenmedinfo.com

6 health boosts from pomegranates

Pomegranate flavored drinks and treats seem to be a big hit, but where did all the hype come from?  It turns out this strange looking fruit has powerful effects when eaten.

Heart health:  Pomegranate helps maintain normal blood flow to the heart.  Its antioxidant qualities reduce harmful cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.

Immune health:  The abundant antioxidants in pomegranates are believed to strengthen the immune system.

Skin health:  Pomegranate is credited with giving skin a more healthy appearance and also eases skin inflammation.

Protect against illness:  The antioxidants in pomegranates remove free radicals that cause tissue damage in the body but is also believed to have antiviral effects as well.  There are also claims that pomegranate can be useful for treating minor illnesses like a soar throat.

Prevent Alzheimer's:  Pomegranate may reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Prevent Cancer:  This wonder fruit is loaded with antioxidants called flavoring which may help counteract cancer agents in the body.

Read more about pomegranates http://ezinearticles.com/?12-Pomegranate-Health-Benefits&id=886982

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Super spices you need in your life!

Garlic and Onions:  These contain phytochemicals that break down fat in the body.  They also break down LDL cholesterol, raise HDL(good) cholesterol.  They even eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protect against heart disease!  Quercetin found in onions is a strong anticancer and the allicin found in garlic fights several types of cancers as well.

Turmeric:  This spice has more beta carotene than any other source.  Beta carotene is an antioxidant that helps protect the liver against free radical damage.  Turmeric also allows your liver heal while it helps the body metabolize fat by reducing the rate of fat storage in liver cells.  Several studies have shown that turmeric protects against brain damage, including diseases like alzheimer's and parkinson's.  Turmeric also has astounding anti cancer effects!

Cinnamon:  Research from the USDA showed that 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with a meal helps to metabolize sugar up to 20 times more effective!  Limiting the amount of sugar in the blood can help to curb excess fat storage and thus help to avoid other various weight-related illnesses.  The fact that it balances sugar levels also makes cinnamon useful for stabilizing mood and energy levels.





Chilies:  These delicious peppers can add a kick to any meal but did you know they also kick your metabolism into gear?  Chilies also lessen pain and inflammation in the body.  A cancer research study conducted in 2006 concluded that the capsaicin in chilis helped stop the spread of prostate cancer.

If you want to read more about these spices natural weight loss properties:

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-5-fat-burning-spices.html

Remember that when adding some flavor to your next dish, you can add some years to your life also.

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Can Coconut Oil Cure Alzheimers?

Can Coconut Oil Cure Alzheimers? -

Coconut Oil is also know to help in Parkinson's - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) - Epilepsy - Dementia - Schizophrenia and even Autism! The studies are growing and the more we look into the properties of food the more we find that we can actually find natural cures instead of medicine!

Oxford University - Has made a stronger form 10x the strength.

CBN News Reports On Some Major Findings: