May 2018 - eBrainHealth.com

Diet and Alzheimer’s: Vegetables

Grade: mostly good

As expected vegetables are good for you. Most colorful vegetables are low in carbohydrates (corn is an exception), while starchy vegetables can actually be a rich source of carbs. Because the body can readily convert the starches in potatoes and corn into glucose and cause a spike in glucose levels, they should be eaten sparingly.

For more information on why a glucose spike should be avoided click here.

The Glycemic Index was created to rate foods for their effect on glucose levels.

By tcbraintrust|2018-05-27T16:25:11+00:00May 27th, 2018|Causes and Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment|Comments Off

Diet and Alzheimer’s: Fruit

Grade: mixed

Generally speaking fruit is good for you, but when it comes to Alzheimer’s the sugar content of the fruit can tip the scales. Eat sparingly and avoid the sweetest ripest fruits.

By tcbraintrust|2018-05-16T06:00:22+00:00May 16th, 2018|Prevention and Treatment|Comments Off

Diet and Alzheimer’s: Carbs

Grade: mixed

Carbohydrates come in simple and complex form. Complex carbs are generally ok (e.g. most vegetables). Simple carbs (e.g. white rice, corn chips, pretzels) are quickly converted into sugar which is problematic.

For a more in depth article on carbs and glucose try this page from the American Diabetes Association.

By tcbraintrust|2018-05-15T08:13:33+00:00May 15th, 2018|Causes and Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment|Comments Off

Diet and Alzheimer’s: Sugar

Grade: F

Sugar should be avoided in the diet, especially added sugar. Sugar has 61 different names when listed as a food ingredient. For the complete list of names and a host of interesting facts about sugar visit Sugar Science: The Unsweetened Truth.

Alzheimer’s: Sugar increases insulin levels, which if chronically elevated leads to insulin resistance which is highly correlated with Alzheimer’s.

For a more in depth description of the effects on sugar on the brain see How Sugar and Insulin Damage the Brain.

By tcbraintrust|2018-05-15T08:10:18+00:00May 15th, 2018|Uncategorized|3 Comments