Ketogenic diets to help improve your memory
If you have noticed that your memory has not been the same as it used to be and it seems to be getting worse then it’s time to find ways to sharpen your memory. Changing your diet to include high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrates could help protect your brain and help prevent Alzheimer’s. This diet is known as the Ketogenic diet.
Why does it work?
Studies show that a high carb diet can significantly increase your risk of developing dementia and a high fat diet can decrease the risk. However you need to also keep in mind the effect of a high fat diet on your cholesterol and heart. The Ketogenic diet can help keep your brain healthy in a number of different ways. By following this diet it can help to trigger ketone production which works by converting your body from carb-burning mode to fat-burning mode, and this then triggers your body to produce ketones. Ketones are an important source of energy for your brain and it has been shown to help prevent brain atrophy and decrease symptoms of Alzheimer's. There may even be a chance that it could restore and renew neuron and nerve function where there is existing damage.
How does it work?
A Ketogenic diet improves your insulin sensitivity. This is important as the link between insulin sensitivity and Alzheimer's is very strong. In fact the disease is often referred to as Type 3 diabetes. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s is increased even if your blood sugar is only slightly increased. Diabetes and heart disease can also be factors in increasing your risk, as both are rooted in insulin resistance. Some studies show that the higher the glucose in your blood the faster the rate of cognitive decline. Studies have also shown that the greater your insulin resistance, the less sugar you will have in the key parts of your brain, and these areas typically align with the areas affected by Alzheimer's.
Ketogenic diets can also help to reduce free radical damage and lower inflammation in your brain. Ketones are an extremely superior fuel for your brain as they burn very well, and they also help to generate fewer reactive oxygen species and less free radical damage. There is a ketone called beta hydroxybutyrate which is also a major epigenetic player which stimulates major decreases in oxidative stress by decreasing NF-kB. What this does when you decrease NF-kB is it helps to reduce the inflammation and NADPH levels in your body, along with good changes in DNA expression that can help to improve the detoxification and antioxidant production within your body.
Remember though that the balance of glucose, fat and carbohydrates is very delicate and should be attempted under the guidance of a medical professional, nutritionist or naturopathic practitioner who are specialists in this field.
So if you are finding that your memory has been less than what it used to be, and you feel that there may be cause for concern, why not try giving the ketogenic diet a go and see if it can help to improve your memory and improve the health of your brain? Give us a call today to get you assessed and start you on your plan.