There is research showing there might be some connection between the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease. Is it good news? Let us dig in to learn more. But first, what is Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Brain deterioration can destroy your brain in the worst ways, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is known to affect your brain by eliminating all your cognitive capabilities. It affects your memory, resulting in not being able to conduct the most simple tasks.
There are plaque developments in our brain and nerve cells being disconnected from each other, which causes this disease.
Diet And Alzheimer’s Disease
Before we get into the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease, let us focus on how diet affects our brain in the first place.
Although our brain functions by itself, it carries out many chemical reactions in its different parts. Yet, diet does affect it because, in the end, we are what we eat.
Studies suggest if we alter our diet it can make positive changes in our brain. Thus, it can be proven a healthy and nutritious diet can slow down Alzheimer’s disease.
What Kind Of Diet?
You see, what we eat and consume can affect our brain in drastic ways as the components that fuel our bodies are present in what we consume. There are oxidants and many other types of nutrients in food that may help slow down or end some of the effects or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus potentially granting you a longer life.
There are several diets like the Mediterranean diet and others that are said to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Then, there is the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease. The ketogenic diet is said to improve symptoms of the disease itself. How? Let us learn all about it. But first, let us understand what is the keto diet to get a better understanding.
What Is A Ketogenic Diet?
A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate protein diet that activates a state in the body called ketosis. When our body enters ketosis, it begins to cut fat and encourage weight loss and a healthy body.
This is not the only purpose of the ketogenic diet; yes, it promotes weight loss. This diet originated to help patients with several brain issues, health conditions such as seizures, etc.
You would be stunned to hear, but this Insta worthy diet originated for patients suffering from brain issues rather than weight loss. So is it an excellent choice for battling Alzheimer’s disease? Let us discuss it.
The Ketogenic Diet And Alzheimer’s Disease!
To be sure the keto diet helps with this brain disease, there has to be a scientific explanation because people are searching for a cure. Let us provide you with a reasonable scientific basis.
Do you remember earlier we told you how Alzheimer’s disease causes these amniotic plaques in our brain? Well, surprise, it is not the only thing it does. It also impairs and disturbs our metabolism. The only thing you can do from getting further deterioration is to try to reduce the damage these issues give you.
Studies have suggested that a high good fat ketogenic diet might help when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. How?
When our body falls into the state of ketosis, it generates something called ketones. These ketones help with the glucose issue that surfaces in this brain disease. A ketogenic diet can also help with these amniotic plaques’ build-up, the first and most significant reason for brain damage.
To understand the relationship between the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease, let us get into some details.
Our Brain And Ketones
Where do these ketones come from when we are on a ketogenic diet? They come from our liver when it cuts down fatty acids or any fat in our body. Our brain is fond of ketones; it uses these components to fuel itself. This is why a ketogenic diet has been successful in helping with a lot of brain diseases since the 1920s.
Yes, carbs do have glucose that is needed for our body for fuel, and in the keto diet we cut most of the glucose out. But, did you know our body is capable of making a little glucose for our brain? This whole process is called gluconeogenesis. So to put things in context, you do not have to worry about energy for your brain because our body makes a better type when on the ketogenic diet.
The first reasoning behind a diet being a supporter for our brain functions is the brain chemicals we need to make sure that it is working fine. It all comes from food, and there is no other way.
Glucose can deteriorate the condition of your brain in Alzheimer’s disease. But, ketones can stabilize it in various ways. They do not enhance our energy production, but they are responsible for connecting and repairing nerve cells damaged by the amniotic plaque. Ketones are also accountable for reducing brain inflammation which is a factor that contributes to the elements resulting in Alzheimer’s disease.
If we look at it in a bigger picture, it is a win-win situation because there are many potentials and no downside to this diet.
Glucose And The Brain
We need glucose to survive as it gives us the energy to live. But, things are a little different when Alzheimer’s disease hits. One of the most significant symptoms of this brain disease is insulin resistance. Our brain does not allow any glucose to help it with the energy; it starts to shut itself down.
This is why people with this brain dysfunction are most likely to have diabetes. This is because our brain becomes unstable to regulate the amount of glucose. When our brain does not accept glucose, it will not have the energy to maintain memory or process information shortly before it shuts down completely.
Before any of this happens, you have to find a way to fuel your brain, and what is better than ketones? Healthy proteins can penetrate your brain to provide it with the energy it needs for functioning. Why not?
Our Gut And Keto
The relation between the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease is unreal. It feels as if this diet was made to improve brain dysfunction. Let us tell you about one other fantastic thing controlled by the keto diet. Another symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is the gut fungi. Yes, a fungus that lives in our gut promotes brain distinction, and the keto diet helps to get rid of it.
Yes, there is plenty of healthy microbes in our gut. Mostly it is for us the wrong kind. That sort of bacteria can do a lot of damage, especially to our brain. A healthy ketogenic diet is said to be helpful in controlling bacteria like these.
Starting The Keto Diet
Most people have asked about the right time to start a keto diet. It is when you see the signs or your doctor diagnosed you with brain damage.
If you ask us, it is better to start with it during the earliest stages. This is because this is the time when your brain is still young with the disease, and it is still trying to process it. The sooner we make it suitable, the sooner and better the condition can be reduced.
If you want to make things right at home with a bit of help, you should start the keto diet when you first experience the signs of your brain weakening, such as memory loss.
What Kind Of Foods Is Good To Consume For Brain Health?
Let us lighten the mood a bit and talk about food. There are certain foods you can consume on the keto diet which are great for brain health. Let me tell you about them.
1. Salmon
Our brain contains omega three acid, it is a vital component for our brain, but our body cannot produce this acid type. This is why our body has to get it from foreign entities. Not only that, but our body grows low on omega-three from time to time, and we need a source to replenish it.
Salmon is one of the finest and richest sources of omega-three and other healthy fats. The best part about salmon is that it is also keto-friendly. It is high in good fats, low on carbs, and rich in protein.
2. Eggs
Choline is a component that was discovered very recently. It is known to promote healthier brain function. How do you ask? It handles the active memory and regulates other processes in our brain.
Not only that, choline is also responsible for regulating and maintaining the functions of our life. Remember, we need a healthy liver for a healthy brain as it produces glucose and ketones.
If you want to have choline in your diet, then there is no food better than eggs, and yes they are also keto-friendly.The best part about eggs is they are not keto-friendly but also a good source of other vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins are also essential in maintaining a healthy mental and physical condition as they lower depression levels and help us put less pressure on our brains.
3. Coconut
Well, not the coconut itself; coconut oil or MCT oil is another keto-friendly food option that helps with improving the health of our brain.
MCT has broken down chains of healthy fats that our body. This component is used to ease our memory. It helps with memory loss and also with impaired judgment abilities.
One other fantastic thing about MCT or coconut oil is that it can be used in various ways such as in salad dressings and what not which is great when on the keto diet.
4. Tumeric
The last and the most fantastic thing is turmeric. Yes, turmeric. Tumeric is more than just another spice. It has a curcumin component with various medicinal properties.
The best thing it does is generate a brain-supporting hormone called BDNF. But not only that, curcumin is also one of the best antioxidants you can use to help with your brain and other aspects of how your brain works.
This component in our brain is also known to help with any inflammation in our body, whether it is our brain or any other body part.
This is why turmeric is more than just a spice and is used as a medicine in various Asian countries.
Apart from some of these foods, you can always rely on essential ketogenic foods such as nuts, avocado, greens, etc. All these foods contain healthy fats, which are excellent for our brain health and our body. The best part about the relationship between the ketogenic diet and Alzheimer’s disease is you can enjoy proper meals while minding your health.
Conclusion
Our brain is a tricky machine that requires immense care. But with proper attention and choices, we can free ourselves from several issues, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The best thing we can do to prevent it or slow it down is changes to our diet. The ketogenic diet is by far the best diet you can imagine for your brain. The best part about opting for this diet is you can test to find what is best for you and your body.
So what are you waiting for? Opt for the path that leads you to health. Choose the keto diet today!
Remember the wide range of delicious things you can cook up for yourself and consume while following this diet.
Any questions? Please feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Kwidzin
Thanks for sharing this very interesting article here. To be honest with you, when it comes to diets, i have never been a big believer in them. Ive always been of the Three Square Meals a day Philosophy. However, it has been interestin g to read up on just what other benefits diets like this can have on people other than just weight losss.
Joseph
Many factors go into living a healthy lifestyle. Depending on many factors certain manners of eating can help a person maintain ideal body weight.