Alzheimer’s and Diabetes…The Insulin Connection
As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer’s. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s dementia may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or cure Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And even now, it is the seventh leading cause of death and robs the memory of over half the population in their 80s. But what many of us do not realize is that, according to scientists, Alzheimer’s disease has a direct link to diabetes and is, in fact, now referred to as “Type 3 diabetes”.
Now, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, scientists are finding more evidence that could link Type 2 diabetes with Alzheimer’s disease. Diabetics have a higher risk of later developing Alzheimer’s that will ultimately cause brain damage and memory loss from high insulin levels and insulin resistance if not addressed. But, by allowing your body to heal from the damage caused by sugar levels, you can attain mood balance, better focus, increased energy level, and stave off age-related brain diseases including Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
So, what is the link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes? New research shows insulin resistance, usually caused by consuming too many carbs and sugar and not enough healthy fats and is a major factor that leads to a cascade of neurological damage and ultimately to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Inflammation ensues and creates a vicious cycle that ravages your brain. As the cerebral cortex atrophies the shrinkage becomes dramatically different from the cerebral cortex of a normal brain.
This inflammation occurs over and over again in every chronic disease and very dramatically in the aging brain and overall aging process. And even though these diseases are often thought of as product of aging, the grim reality is that Dementia and Alzheimer’s actually begins when you are younger, and then takes decades to develop and worsen. The good news is that cutting out the sugar and refined carbs and adding healthy fats to your diet can prevent, and even reverse, cognitive decline, pre-dementia and early dementia.
A healthy brain typically shrinks to some degree as we age, but does not lose massive amounts of neurons. However, in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease, over time, many neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and ultimately die and disrupt communication, metabolic activity, and cell regeneration. As the disease progresses, it affects areas in the cerebral cortex responsible for language, reasoning, and social behavior. Over time, a person with Alzheimer’s gradually loses his or her ability to live and function independently. Ultimately, the disease is fatal.
A second contributing factor can be toxicity. When people have high homocysteine they have a dramatically higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced when proteins are broken down. A high homocysteine level, also called hyperhomocysteinemia, can contribute to arterial damage and blood clots in your blood vessels and usually indicates a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate. Findings from epidemiological and demographical studies of Alzheimer patients suggest a decisive role for inorganic mercury in the origin of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institute of Health. Other factors such as other metals, inflammations, dietetic factors, vitamin deficiency, oxidative distress, and metabolic impairments may contribute to the disease, as well. Foods and herbs rich in B6 and B12, selenium, folic acid and zinc can dramatically improve toxicity levels. Kale, watercress, and cilantro, are all rich in these minerals, as well as the herb milk thistle.
Dementia can be reversed if caught early enough and if you can follow a few simple guidelines with regard to nutrition, exercise, stress management and become proactive to identify your nutritional deficiencies, toxicity levels, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation control. Out with the bad and in with the good.
Our bodies are designed to self-regulate and self-heal, as long as we do not bombard them with elements that make that impossible. Cognitive decline and memory loss can be prevented and even reversed. We simply have to be proactive. To quote George Carlin, “Never let the brain idle. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.”
Here are some herbs that may be beneficial:
Gymnema sylvestre
The Gymnema plant contains a number of compounds, such as glycosides and anthraquinones (a yellow crystalline ketone C14H8O2 often derived from anthracene). The bioactive constituent of Gymnema is gymnemic acid, and it is a sweetness inhibitor. The herb can reduce the appetite for sugar or “sweetness in the mouth”. The fact that Gymnema herbal tincture can also help to reduce blood sugar levels is believed to be one of the other reasons that it is a good weight management compound. Structurally, gymnemic acids are similar to glucose and behave in the intestine in a similar way. When these acids lock into intestinal receptors, they effectively lock out glucose.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo is one of the oldest plants used in herbal and natural medicine, as well as in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ginkgo Biloba benefits are now commonly used today for memory loss and degenerative diseases of the brain and central nervous system. Ginkgo is known to increase the circulation of blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.
Ginseng has been used to tone the lungs and spleen, nourishing vital fluids, building stamina and strength, and to rejuvenate the endocrine system. Additionally, it has been known to improve vision and hearing, normalize high blood sugar content, moderately reduce high blood pressure, raise low blood pressure, combat fatigue and protect against most types of stress. Also known as Oriental ginseng and Renshen, it is prized because it alone can strengthen the Original qi. When the original qi is invigorated the nervous system is calmer. It has been used along with other herbs in treating a variety of illnesses, including digestive troubles, Alzheimer’s, cancers and is thought to promote natural vitality and reduce fatigue. Much like the American Ginseng, it has been used for improving the immune system, circulatory system, and heart function.
Sage leaf extract is thought to be a stimulant that strengthens the brain and promotes wisdom. Since ancient times, it has had a reputation for slowing down the aging process and bringing long life. It also appears to be a memory strengthener, by helping to restore failing memory in the elderly and improving concentration in everyone who uses it.
Alzheimer’s and dementia occur a significant amount less in India than England – which is thought to be due to turmeric and its primary component; curcumin, and their antioxidant benefits. Turmeric is thought to block the formation of beta-amyloid, the plaques that hinder brain function in Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, curcumin has been stated as potentially ‘leading to a promising aid for Alzheimer’s disease.’
The high vitamin C and other antioxidants found in Holy Basil helps to protect the heart from free radicals while reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. Research from India’s Annamalai University found that the whole leaf extract significantly reduced lipid and protein oxidation. Oxidative stress is related to a number of disorders including cardiovascular disorders, aches and pains, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, liver issues and others. Since the 1990’s, Holy Basil extract’s ability to control blood glucose and operate as a good natural supplement is widely known.
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