Healthy Aging… It’s Your Birthright!

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Americans are living longer than they did two decades ago, but death rates from illnesses related to obesity, diabetes and kidney disease, as well as neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise.

elderly-exerciseA study recently published in the Neurology journal says the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to rise from 5 million to 13.8 million by 2050.
One’s chances of dementia double every five years after age 65; one of every two Americans older than 85 is afflicted with Alzheimer’s. It is shaping up to be the health and budget crisis of the 21st Century. But, the problem can be addressed by choosing a better diet, smaller food portions, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and better management of stress.
These are the hard cold facts about the state of health of Americans and yet there is so much hope with all that can be done preventatively. Diet is a very significant factor in the progression of these diseases.
Last month, I went wild for coconut.  This month I want to promote Chia seeds in support of our detoxification efforts with our spring time cleansing. This superfood will help to keep the bowels moving as well as providing strong antioxidants and supporting the detox pathways. If you refer to the March newsletter you will find the recipes to make your own coconut yogurt, milk and kefir.
In adding chia seeds to your mixture you can make a delicious chia pudding with berries and a little honey to sweeten. Remember… coconut’s medium chain fatty acids feed the brain, as does avocado, hemp hearts and flax. With dementia and Alzheimer’s on the horizon threatening to burden health care, we all want to take strong preventative action now! If it runs in your family, know that there is a prevention. Once the disease progresses, it is difficult to turn around.
Dementia and Alzheimers Prevention Protocol:
  • Balance Omega 6 and Omega 3 ratio (1.5-4/1),
  • Get Vitamin D levels above 50mg/ml,
  • Take antioxidant vitamin/mineral supplements (low copper and iron),
  • Detoxify,
  • Eat a low carbohydrate diet and Mediterranean Diet high in vegetables,
  • Low Level Laser Therapy to the brain,
  • Avoid brain trauma,
  • Exercise (interval training is most effective),
  • Do not smoke!
  • Minimize television,
  • Do crossword puzzles,
  • Consume Medium Chain Saturated Triglycerides (coconut oil, 1 Tbs./meal),
  • Don’t retire!