The all-too-common and rising-in-numbers Alzheimer\u2019s Disease is often referred to as Type 3 Diabetes. Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (AD) is associated with 50-80% of reported memory loss in people ages 65 and older. It affects the way you think and your behavior. We used to just see AD in our elders, however now it is not uncommon to see people diagnosed with AD fall in a much younger age range, 40-50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the earlier stages, AD affects how we learn. Then it may show up as forgetfulness and disorientation. Then mood and behavior changes rear their ugly heads. Personalities change along the way. Families are often forgotten. Ultimately those afflicted lose their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Could this horrific decline be prevented? We\u2019ll explore that possibility in a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alzheimer\u2019s\u2019 disease and blood sugar levels are intimately related. And the kicker, it doesn\u2019t need to be a super high level of sugar dysfunction to seal one\u2019s fate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Evidence demonstrates that Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD) is not just genetic in nature. But may be directly related to defects in the brain\u2019s ability to metabolize glucose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One\u2019s risk for AD can be identified using 3D images of metabolic activity in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In one study, the images showed similarities among those who have the Apo E4 gene (a genetic predisposition for AD) and those who had fasting blood glucose (BG) levels in the high-normal range. Mind you, these folks did not have the gene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still under the radar levels. There were no *H\u2019s* on their lab reports. Seriously. Levels that were not even high enough to be classified as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG), which is 100-125 mg\/dl. On average, the non-Apo E4 wielding high-fasting-BG folks had levels in the mid-90s. This is still considered normal in medical circles! Yikes!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have to add\u2026the data did not include resting Insulin levels. I am positive this number would have indicated a state of hyperinsulinemia and resultant insulin resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If fasting blood glucose is a concern for you, as it really should be\u2026here are 3 ways you can curb your risk. And if you know you are a carrier for the Apo E4 gene, I strongly urge you to start ASAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise to a moderate intensity a minimum of 5 days per week. <\/strong> 20-30 minutes is all you need if it\u2019s intense enough. When you\u2019re exercising at this level, the body first turns to the readily available glucose (in your blood) to supply the muscles with energy. Then when that isn\u2019t enough to keep up with demand, it taps into stored glucose (glycogen, predominantly from muscles). This decreases the circulating blood glucose, therefore the amount filtering through the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And it brings on a more tone appearance AND gives off some feel good body-made chemicals that blow any man-made ones out of the water. Win-win if you ask me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wrangle your stressors.<\/strong> It doesn\u2019t matter the source of your stress. And let\u2019s just be real, most of our modern First World stress is mental and emotional. It registers all the same, the body doesn\u2019t know the difference. Stress is stress. And it is constant. The all day, every day kind of constant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excessive stress causes blood sugar levels to rise. It\u2019s a survival mechanism. And a double whammy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First the stress raises cortisol which in turn raises blood sugar level. You know so you can have enough circulating glucose to fuel muscles as you try to outrun that tiger, because that is how we are wired. (Tiger need not be present\u2026financial or marital troubles could be your \u201ctiger\u201d.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n In response the body releases more insulin to meet the heightened blood glucose levels. But that isn\u2019t effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The double part of the whammy is that cortisol inhibits insulin\u2019s effectiveness. The long and short of it is the higher blood glucose cannot be ushered into the cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lowering your carbohydrate intake will have the biggest impact on obtaining and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. <\/strong> If you don\u2019t put it in, it\u2019s not going to be registered on any blood test. Here\u2019s another \u201cno matter the source\u201d situation\u2026your body doesn\u2019t care where the carbs come from. Every carb turns into glucose as it is metabolized. A carb is a carb. So make them count! Eat sources of carbs that bring nourishing micronutrients\u2026and slather them in healing fats while you\u2019re at it. Vegetables were made as a vehicle for fat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How low is low enough?<\/em> I want to see it so low your body goes into a state of nutritional ketosis. Therefore\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding of the relationship between AD and fasting blood glucose gives us an opportunity to prevent a very debilitating disease. Folks I talk to fear losing their mental faculties more than their physical abilities\u2026I am right there with them. I don\u2019t want to forget my kids, breaks my heart thinking about it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going keto will mitigate the risk from high blood glucose levels. End of story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember those with a high-normal range level of fasting blood glucose have similar brain metabolic activity of those who carry the Apo E4 gene. Do you know if you\u2019re a carrier? I don\u2019t and I\u2019m not waiting to find out. Neither should you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And quite frankly, if you\u2019re already on the Diabetes spectrum (Metabolic Syndrome, or diagnosed pre-diabetic to full-blown disease) switching from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to a Well-Formulated Ketogenic Diet (WFKD) is a huge step in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re an Apo E4 carrier AND have any blood glucose issues\u2026please take my advice to heart and take action. Today.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Combining a WFKD, regular intense exercise and decreasing stressors can help prevent and potentially improve Alzheimer\u2019s-related symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please share this blog with your circle of influence\u2026you never know who needs to know this information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1\/ https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/28049395<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nSecond order of risk-decreasing business\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The third and absolute biggest bang for your risk-decreasing buck\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Go Keto<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stack the deck in your favor\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n