THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022, DEMENTIA AND FOOD - CONTINUED

 THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022 - DEMENTIA AND FOOD -CONTINUED

Yesterday I started looking at 12 Foods That Cause Dementia 2021 - ReaDementia.  I got items 1 to 6, so today, foods 7 to 12!!!

7- Refined carbohydrates include grains that have been highly processed like white flour. These are known to have a high glycemic load and a high glycemic index which means that the body digests them fast causing a spike in insulin levels and blood sugar.

A high intake of refined carbs can impair intelligence and memory as well as increase dementia risk

“Whole carbs are minimally processed and contain the fiber found naturally in the food, while refined carbs have been processed more and have had the natural fiber removed or changed.

GOOD CARBS:

Quinoa. … 

Oats. ...

Buckwheat. ...

Bananas. ...

Sweet potatoes. ...

Beets. ...

Oranges. ...

Blueberries.

 

8. Foods with a Lot of Trans Fats
“Transfats refer to a kind of unsaturated fat that has harmful effects on brain health. The ones that occur naturally in animal products are not the problem. The issue lies with the industrially manufactured Trans fats called hydrogenated vegetable oils. (Karen - this includes some of my ‘favorites’ - like Canola Oil!! And Red Meat, and cheese!!! Pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fat in the American diet.  Ouch!!  I have avoided pizza for the last two months, but I crave it!!!) 

Research shows that taking too much of these oils leads to poorer memory, cognitive decline, lower brain volume, and risk of dementia. OUCH!!!

9.  Highly Processed Foods

“Highly processed foods feature among the foods that cause dementia because they are full of added fats, sugar, and salt. These include sweets, chips, store-bought sauces, ready-made meals, and instant noodles, etc.

They are usually low in nutrients and high in calories which can lead to weight gain and hurts the brain.

(Karen adds - I haven’t been making my own sauces.  So, I use tomato sauce and other sauces from the store.  My BBQ sauce lists ‘high fructose corn syrup’ as an ingredient!!  Definitely highly processed food!!!

 

10.  Foods with MSG;

“Monosodium glutamate or MSG is a food additive used to enhance flavor and preserve food.

It has been linked to dementia where it intensifies symptoms of the disease because it over-stimulates the nervous system. It is, therefore, important to read food labels when shopping to stay away from some of these ingredients that may affect your health negatively.

(Karen adds - I’m probably good on this one!!!)

11. Fish with mercury

“It is strange to see fish among the foods that cause dementia seeing that it is one of the recommended foods for brain health. While fish is good for your health, you must stay away from the ones that are loaded with high mercury levels because they can put you at risk of suffering from dementia.”

I’m not sure I can tell which fish have mercury!!

Here is a list I found:

• Tilefish (Gulf of Mexico) – Contains a whopping average of 219 micrograms of mercury.

• Shark – 151 micrograms of mercury

• Swordfish – 147 micrograms of mercury

• Mackerel King – 110 micrograms of mercury

• Orange Roughy – 80 micrograms of mercury

• Marlin – 69 micrograms of mercury

• Tuna (Bluefin, Bigeye, & Albacore) – 54 – 58 micrograms of mercury Tuna (Canned White Albacore) – 40 micrograms of mercury Tuna (Skipjack & Yellowfin) – 31 – 49 micrograms ...

• American Lobster – 47 micrograms of mercury

• Cod (Atlantic & Pacific) – 14 micrograms of mercury

• Mackerel Spanish (Atlantic & Pacific) – 8 – 13 micrograms of mercury

I don’t eat much fish (although it is generally suggested, and when I do it is probably highly processed like Fish Filets like normally cod with breading).  My research shows Alaskan Cod is okay!!!

 

12.  Margarine

“Margarine is one of the foods to avoid if you want a healthy brain because it is not only full of chemicals, but it is also highly processed.

 

“Researchers also state that diacetyl, one of its ingredients, is linked to dementia because it promotes beta-amyloid clumping, a protein that is one of the trademark features of dementia. Diacetyl is also known to increase the toxicity of the protein in the brain.

*****

Karen adds - some time back I ditched margarine and have generally used butter.  Okay, I am addicted to butter!!

 

I found some good factors to butter (although it is a high-fat food):

“In moderation, butter can be a healthy part of your diet. It’s rich in nutrients like bone-building calcium and contains compounds linked to lower chances of obesity. Butter can also be part of a low-carbohydrate diet, which may help people better maintain their weight or lose weight quicker than they would with a low-fat diet.”

 

It can help lower your chances of cancer.

It could help your eyes.

It can help strengthen your bones.

It can help make your skin healthier. 

 

*******

Okay - twelve foods that are linked to dementia - white flour, white sugar, highly processed food, red meats, alcohol, margarine, fish with mercury, and more.

 

Every time I read an article about food and dementia, health habits and dementia, and activities and dementia, I worry about getting dementia.  I’ve seen people with dementia and work in a facility that has dementia residents.  Yes, I am going to die someday.  If I had my way (and I don’t) I’d prefer a massive heart attack - boom - done.  But, I’ve seen folks lingering on, praying that God will take them, slowly deteriorating and slowly dying. I know I am going against the grain when I say maybe assisted suicide can help.  What do you think?

 

Karen

June 23, 2022