Brain Food (Part 2)

Alzheimer’s  disease is not reversible, despite the studies of scientists, researchers and doctors have not yet found a cure, however there are some foods that thanks to their components and nutrients are helpful for the prevention of this disease. Below we will show some of those foods that can easily fit into your daily eating habits.

 
Green Tea

It has been identified that green tea helps reduce the chances of getting Alzheimer's. This was discovered during a study from the University of Leeds, where researchers discovered the antioxidants present in green tea may alter the shape of the beta amyloid cell and interact with a particular protein in the cells found in the brain  and prevent new bad cells from forming.

Citrus

Citrus fruits contain important antioxidants for your brain. Vitamin C helps prevent such accumulation of harmful substances in the brain tissue, which makes them highly recommended for diseases of the brain According to Dr. Christine von Arnim, University of Ulm in Germany, antioxidants help in Alzheimer prevention. Besides citrus other fruits such as papaya, guava, strawberry and kiwi are also abundant in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C.

Wine

Like green tea, it has been found that moderate amounts of red wine helps stop the death of cells in the brain, "It is important for increasing our understanding of the cause and progression of Alzheimer Disease.", says researcher principal, professor Nigel Hooper, School of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds.  It is suggest one glass of red wine in the evening is beneficial. Please note that the amount s ONE glass not one bottle. 

Coffee

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world, like citrus and green tea, coffee contains antioxidants that stimulate neural activity, while preventing brain death and memory loss. The Pan American Health Organization recommends consuming 3-4 cups of coffee per day (300-400mg of caffeine).

 
Chocolate

Dr Giovambattista Desideri L'Aquila, University of Italy, says chocolate is a food with greater ability to improve cognitive skills and prevents the onset of Alzheimer's and other brain diseases by improving blood flow to the brain neurons. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is the best choice. 1 ounce of dark chocolate is also recommended for diabetics as it is low in sugar and high in benefits.

Coconut oil

A study of Spring Hill Regional Hospital showed as coconut oil is beneficial to maintain healthy brain cells. Dr. Mary Newport tried to experiment with many products to combat Alzheimer’s.  In time she found with adding two tablespoons per day in the diet, that there was a noticeable “slow-down” of the progression of the disease. 

Fruits and Vegetables in dark tones

These fruits and vegetables the same way as the above foods have a high capacity for preventing Alzheimer. The most recommended vegetables include spinach, broccoli, red onions, beets and eggplants; the most recommended fruits include black grapes, dried plums, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and cherries. Some of the absolute most nutritious foods are watercress, kale and baby spinach.  By adding at least four servings of these fruit and vegetables to your daily diet, you will be able to help control weight, blood pressure, blood sugar as well as helpng to keep your brain healthy, active and well fed. 

If you have not read our article; Brain Food (part 1) you can read it here.

Brain Food

Alzheimer's is a disease that is characterized by the decline of intellectual functions such as memory and thinking impairment, personality changes, disorientation of time and space and a hard time processing clear thoughts and conversation. It is not known if Alzheimer’s is genetic or attributed to our surroundings, diet and other health issues but if you take control of your diet, these foods can help lower the chances of having Alzheimer’s or slow its progression. .

Here are some of the foods that you can easily include in your eating habits.

1. Leafy dark greens. At least one serving a day of kale, spinach, watercress, collard and/or mustard greens. These foods are high in folate and B9, which improves cognition and helps to reduces depression. 

2. Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts and kale contain folate and have cartenoids that lower homo-cysteine (an amino acid linked with cognitive impairment). 

3. Beans and legumes. These foods contain more folate, iron, magnesium and potassium that can help with general body function and neuron firing. They also contain choline, a B vitamin that boosts acetylcholine (a neuro transmitter critical for brain function). 

4. Whole grains. Good bets include quinoa, kammut and gluten-free oats (not bread and cereal) Try to cut processed white bread out of your diet as well as cookies, sugary carbohydrates, tortillas and chips.

5. Berries and cherries. These fruits contain anthocyanin that protects the brain from further damage caused by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and contain antioxidants and lots of vitamin C and E. The darker in color the better for you.

6. Pumpkin, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots and beets. These vegetables, if not overcooked, contain vitamin A, folate and iron that help with cognition. 

7. Omega 3s. People whose diets contain daily omega 3s have been shown to have 265% less risk of having brain lesions that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s compared with those 
who do not. These fatty acids help the brain to stay healthy. You can get your omega fatty acids from oily fish(such as salmon and sardines), flax seeds, olive oil (not safflower) or by taking a good quality Omega 3 supplements. One of the best seeds to add to your diet is chia, which is loaded with Omegas and protein.

8. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds contain zinc, choline and vitamin E. 

9. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts and pecans. All of these nuts contain omega-3s and omega-6s, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6 and magnesium. 

10. Cinnamon, curry, turmeric and cumin. Theses spices can all help to break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation of the brain which can cause memory issues. In addition to eating the foods listed above, you’ll want to decrease the risk of illnesses that can make your brain age such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.-heart disease.
By adding these foods into your daily diet, you may notice over-all better health. Remember, nothing happens over-night. Don’t think of it as a diet, think of incorporating healthy foods into your eating habits as a healthy lifestyle change.

Part Two of Brain Food will be coming soon.

Together , We Can Take Control of Diabetes

Diabetes is a growing epidemic in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Every year, this disease strikes more children than ever before and younger adults are developing Type 2 Diabetes. There are many causes of Diabetes Mellitus; most of it is attributed to poor food choices, lack of exercise and excess body weight. Making lifestyle changes before Diabetes affects you, especially for people with a history of Diabetes in their family, is extremely important.

There are many misconceptions about Diabetes and its causes and effects. It is not a disease that means you cannot eat any sugar nor “have any fun”…. What it does mean is that you need to control your blood glucose levels (blood sugar) by testing your blood daily (often multiple times) and taking your medications and eating well and exercising.  Diet and exercise is the key to a long and healthy life. Sadly, many Diabetics ignore the warnings and continue down a destructive path of denial.  Once you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, you’re chances of heart problems, kidney problems, skin and foot problems, chances of stroke and vision problems dramatically increase. Taking excellent care of your body, maintaining proper blood sugar levels and kidney functions will prolong your life. It is imperative that you drink plenty of water, cut out sugar, starches and high glycemic index foods plus see your doctor regularly. You should also have your eyes checked twice a year to prevent retina issues, cataracts and glaucoma. Daily foot checks are also important to make sure you have no cuts or foot ulcers which can lead to amputation if not taken care of immediately.

 If you have Diabetes Mellitus and have been experiencing complications,  there are new and innovative treatments available here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, including artificial pancreas and stem cell treatments that can extend your life. If you are interested in learning more, please send us an email or fill out our Contact Us for More Info form on the front page of our website. 

Don't Feed the Cancer

If you or anyone you are know are fighting cancer, one of the key things to know is that sugar feeds cancer cells. Glucose is to cancer what gasoline is to a car. It is what gives it strength and even if you have been through conventional cancer treatments, sugar can set you back and revive the cancer cells.

It’s not as simple as cutting out sugary soft drinks, or not eating ice cream or chocolate. It goes beyond the normal comfort foods to food items that you may not realize is chock full of sugar. Sugar is glucose and it is in many foods. You may think a potato is natural and good for you but potatoes contain starch and carbohydrates which when digested, turn into sugar in your blood stream and this is what cancer needs to thrive. Other foods such as bananas, pineapple, carrots and wheat bread all have high glycemic index levels and should be eaten in moderation or cut out of your diet completely. 

We advise that anyone who is dealing with cancer investigates what foods have medium to high glycemic levels and to avoid them as much as possible. There are many fruits and vegetables that have low glycemic index levels and supply loads of anti-oxidants, vitamins and nutrition. A good rule of thumb is to avoid white or light colored fruits and vegetables, with exception to cauliflower, onions and garlic. Try to incorporate more dark and green leafy vegetables. Watercress, fresh spinach, kale and Swiss chard are excellent greens, packed full of good stuff, which should be eaten daily. Fruits such as fresh berries, cherries, apples and grapefruit are all lower in sugar and exceptionally good for you. Try to buy certified organic fruits and vegetables when possible because you really don’t want to add pesticides to your new healthy lifestyle. Incorporating low glycemic foods into your daily diet and cutting out sugar will be your best defense against activating cancer cells.

One diet plan we recommend for cancer patients is the American Diabetes Association Diet. Since diabetics need to control their blood sugars and help to prevent heart disease, this diet also works great for people fighting cancer. The Diabetes Diet it is low in sugar, high in nutrients and filled with lean meat, fish and poultry. Another reason this diet is ideal, is that it focuses on small meals and healthy snacks spread out throughout the day. Remember, a well balanced and low sugar diet will help keep the cancer cells in starvation mode instead of attack mode. 

If you are interested in alternative cancer therapies, please check out our Biomedical Center website for more information.