While cholesterol has been vilified as something that should be as low as possible to prevent heart disease, it's actually a crucial component of good health!  Many know cholesterol is found in your bloodstream. But did you also know, it’s also in every cell in your body and is necessary for the production of cell membranes, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help you digest fat?  

        

         Especially for your brain function, cholesterol plays an important role in the formation of memories and is vital for healthy neurological function. As noted by neurologist and author of Brain Maker, Dr. David Perlmutter, “a quarter of all the cholesterol in your body is found in your brain, where it performs the function of an antioxidant”.  A number of studies have demonstrated that, contrary to popular belief, “higher cholesterol levels are associated with better brain health", according to Dr. Perlmutter. 


         According to senior research scientist Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D., “insufficient fat and cholesterol in your brain plays a crucial role in the Alzheimer's disease process”.  She detailed this finding in her 2009 paper called "APOE-4: The clue to why low-fat diet and statins may cause Alzheimer’s."  Additionally, a number of studies have demonstrated the importance of higher cholesterol for the prevention of Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, in 2014 a study in JAMA Neurology investigated the impact of cholesterol levels on the deposition of beta-amyloid plaque in the brains of 74 seniors with a mean age of 78.  Here, the researchers found that “higher levels of HDL and lower levels of LDL were associated with a reduced risk for amyloid plaque deposits in the brain, and these findings were independent of age and presence of the APOE4 gene”.  Study co-author Dr. Charles DeCarli, a professor of neurology at UC Davis and director of the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center, commented on the results:  "If you have an LDL above 100 or an HDL that is less than 40 … you want to make sure that you're getting those numbers into alignment. You have to get the HDL up and the LDL down.”


                  One of the most striking studies called “Relative intake of macronutrients impacts risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia” published in June 2012 on pubmed.gov revealed the effects of a high-fat/low-carb versus high-carb diet on brain health. The study found that high-carb diets increase your risk of dementia by a whopping 89%, while high-fat diets lower it by 44%.  According to the authors, "A dietary pattern with relatively high caloric intake from carbohydrates and low caloric intake from fat and proteins may increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia in elderly persons."


         Be aware that just eating more fat is not the way go to about it, you got to reduce the carbs substantially as well. If not, you will create havoc with your health! Dr. Mercola, in his new book, KetoFast: Rejuvenate Your Health with a Step-by-Step Guide to Timing Your Ketogenic Meals, explains the ins and outs of implementing this kind of diet, and its many health benefits.  In it, he also explains why cycling through stages of feast and famine, as opposed to continuously remaining in nutritional ketosis, is so important.


         Even most recently, is an outstanding Alzheimer’s protocol gaining lots of success by Dr. Dale Bredesen, it’s called ReCODE.  It’s one of the most comprehensive assessments of Alzheimer's risk. The program ReCODE evaluates 150 factors known to contribute to the disease. This protocol also identifies your disease subtype or combination of subtypes so that an effective treatment protocol can be devised.  His book, The End of Alzheimer's: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline, describes the complete protocol.  You will also find a list of suggested screening tests and the recommended ranges for each test, along with some of Bredesen's treatment suggestions and actual patient success stories.  If you're concerned about Alzheimer's, I highly recommend getting a copy of Bredesen's book. You can also find some of the program details in his 2014 case paper, which you can download for free online at aging-us.com  called Reversal of Cognitive Decline: A novel therapeutic program.


           Here is a very brief list of some of the lifestyle recommendations suggested by Dr. Bredesen: Eat real food, ideally organic. Replace refined carbs with healthy fats. Keep your fasting insulin levels below 3. Optimize your omega-3 level.  Restore your gut flora. Practice time-restricted eating also known as intermittent fasting.  Move and exercise consistently throughout your day. Optimize your magnesium levels. Optimize your vitamin D (ideally through sensible sun exposure), and add Curcumin supplementation. These are just a few!  There are plenty more suggestions in the book!!


         If you are concerned about protecting or restoring your brain function, I suggest following up with the lifestyle improvements and getting the books listed previously. If considering starting a low carb diet and increasing your healthy fat intake, visit this site called, dietdoctor.com  It’s evidence-based, developed by MDs, and will have answers to your many questions. This site has invaluable information.  Considering watching the Intermittent Fasting / Keto for the ‘beginners’ section.  And a side note, the recipes are delicious. Contact us! We are here to help you reach your health goals!   Resources: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/1791528  Mercola.com, or DrPermutter.com

 

 


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