Home Health Care Doral FL
Research on the role diet plays in the development and progression of dementia is ongoing. And just as those in the health care industry have varying opinions on the ideal diet, so too do they vary regarding the importance diet plays in the onset of dementia.
Linked to a Poor Diet
A study conducted at Merittorius University of Puebla in Mexico found that diabetes and poor diet were risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Rodents were fed a high fat, high sugar diet for several years. Not only did they develop diabetes, but inflammation and degeneration of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were also noted. These are two areas of the brain largely responsible for memory.
This study suggest what many have been touting for decades—what not to eat in order to maintain cognitive function. This list includes fats that are bad for you such as partially hydrogenated oils and food with added sugar. The way to avoid these is to steer clear of processed foods and eat foods as nature intended. A home health care provider can help with the selection and preparation of such foods.
Symptoms Reversed with Proper Nutrition
Studies are showing that a ketogenic diet can help stave off dementia and slow down its progression. A ketogenic diet is one that is low in carbohydrates, rich in healthy fats with a proportional amount of protein. This type of diet produces ketones, which have been shown in studies to be neuroprotective, meaning they defend your brain from degeneration. Brain cells can utilize ketones much more readily than sugar as a fuel source.
In this type of diet, protein is dived from high-quality, nutrient-dense sources such as grain-fed beef and wild-caught fish. Fatty fish high in Omega-3s such as salmon is an excellent choice. Non-starchy vegetables can be consumed in healthy quantities and fats such as olive oil, coconut oil and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are to be added to sustain energy levels. Fats to be avoided are vegetable oils and hydrogenated fats. Fruits are limited to those low in sugar such as berries. Grains, starchy carbohydrates and sweeteners of any kind are eliminated. If this diet is too restrictive, sometimes just adding olive oil or MCT to the diet can produce positive results.
Resources: Medicalespress.com/news/2015-05
www.alzheimers.net/alzheimers.parkinsons-rats.html
universityhealthnews.com/daily/memory/ketogenic-diet-shows-promising-results-for-all-dementia-stages
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Doral FL, contact the caring staff at Providence Healthcare Services. We provide services in all of Miami Dade county and the Upper Keys. Call today (305) 680-5349.
