From: inteligencialtda
The intricate connection between diet, overall health, and brain function is a growing area of consensus among neuroscientists. Beyond general metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, what we consume significantly impacts our cognitive capabilities and can influence the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s [01:02:00], [01:10:00].
Diet’s Influence on Brain Health
A person’s diet directly impacts their brain function. Physical activity and a balanced diet are equally beneficial for both metabolic health and the brain, as these two systems are constantly interacting [01:07:00], [01:25:00]. Improving metabolic health often leads to improved brain function [01:27:00].
The Impact of High-Calorie and High-Fructose Diets
Studies, including doctoral research, have explored the relationship between high-calorie, high-fat, and high-fructose diets (specifically high-fructose corn syrup used in sodas, not natural fruit fructose) and brain health [01:35:00]. Fructose, when hyper-concentrated in products like soft drinks, is significantly detrimental to the central nervous system and the brain [01:44:00].
Poor diets can lead to a rise in glucose and lipids (like LDL fat and triglycerides) in the body [01:28:00]. This often results in insulin resistance, a condition where cells no longer properly respond to insulin, hindering their ability to capture glucose [01:40:00]. While brain neurons don’t directly depend on insulin for glucose uptake, the brain does contain insulin, which is vital for memory, focus, attention, and overall cognitive enhancement [01:34:00], [01:09:00]. Therefore, improving peripheral insulin utilization also positively impacts its central use [01:37:00].
The connection between mind, brain, and body is undeniable [01:45:00]. Even short-term exposure to unhealthy diets can cause noticeable damage; for instance, a study published in The Journal of Neuroscience showed that just four days of consuming a high-calorie coffee (akin to a milkshake) was sufficient to impair memory storage in otherwise healthy students [01:25:00].
Alzheimer’s Disease and Lifestyle Factors
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and the most severe form of dementia, characterized by the accelerated death of neurons in the brain [01:19:00], [01:42:00].
Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s:
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress is a major risk factor for both depression and heart problems, and it actively kills neurons, including those that produce dopamine [01:52:00], [01:55:00].
- Pesticides: Certain pesticides have been identified as a significant problem in the development of Alzheimer’s [02:05:00].
- Type 2 Diabetes: Patients with type 2 diabetes, often developed due to poor dietary and lifestyle habits that lead to insulin resistance, are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s [02:11:00], [02:25:00].
- Alzheimer’s is associated with the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which release toxic beta-amyloid peptides, leading to neuronal death [02:28:00]. The initial symptoms often include mood problems like depression, appearing before memory loss, due to neuron death in regions associated with mood and anxiety [02:40:00]. Early detection remains a significant challenge [02:28:00].
Prevention and Treatment
Currently, there are no “disease-modifying drugs” that can reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s; existing medications can only slow its evolution [02:37:00], [02:44:00]. However, lifestyle interventions show promise:
- Physical Activity: Research indicates that muscle contraction during physical activity releases a hormone called irisin, which enters the brain and protects against the toxic effects of beta-amyloid peptides [02:44:00], [02:50:00]. Physical exercise is a powerful preventative and supportive treatment for Alzheimer’s [02:44:00].
- Cognitive Engagement: The brain functions like a muscle; the more it is used and engaged in diverse activities, the more protected it becomes [02:11:00]. Learning a second language, for example, can halve the chances of developing Alzheimer’s by training the brain to form new connections [02:27:00]. Conversely, engaging in highly repetitive work throughout life, like some nuns who read the same stories and prayers daily, shows a higher propensity for the disease, as it does not offer varied cognitive protection [02:37:00]. To maintain good cognitive health, it is advisable to study different subjects and open the “fan” of knowledge [02:42:00].