Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is commonly viewed as a condition that begins and progresses within the brain. However, emerging research suggests that brain health is closely connected to what is happening throughout the rest of the body.
From a natural and root-cause perspective, factors such as chronic inflammation, metabolic health, nutrition, gut health, oxidative stress, heavy metals, brain blood supply, CO2 levels, and lifestyle may all play important roles in the environment that influences cognitive aging.
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut and brain are constantly communicating through what is known as the gut-brain axis. The trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive tract influence immune function, inflammation, metabolism, and even neurological signaling.
When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, it contributes to intestinal and systemic inflammation. Researchers are increasingly exploring how this inflammation may affect the brain and contribute to neuroinflammatory processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
This does not mean that poor gut health directly causes Alzheimer’s, but it highlights why
supporting a healthy gut is an important part of rebuilding neurotransmitters of the brain.
Metabolic Health Matters
The brain depends heavily on healthy metabolism and a steady supply of nutrients and energy. Research has identified connections between insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and processes involved in neurodegeneration.
Supporting healthy blood sugar, maintaining cardiovascular health, exercising regularly, and limiting excessive refined sugars and highly processed foods can therefore benefit much more than the waistline - they help support healthy cognitive aging.
Nourishing the Brain Naturally
Research is increasingly showing a relationship between the gut microbiome and metabolic health. The trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tract can influence inflammation, immune function, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity.
Changes in the gut microbiome have been observed in people with type 2 diabetes, and disruption of the intestinal barrier may contribute to inflammatory signaling throughout the body. This creates another potential connection between digestive health and metabolic dysfunction.
While research is still developing, supporting a diverse, healthy gut microbiome through fiber-rich whole foods, a nutrient-dense diet, and healthy lifestyle habits may be an important piece of a comprehensive approach to metabolic health.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
There is no single cause of Alzheimer’s disease and no one treatment that works for everyone. Genetics, nutrition, and age are important factors, but many modifiable aspects of health deserve attention as well.
A whole-body approach focuses on the foundations: healthy nutrition, gut health, metabolic balance, movement, quality sleep, stress management, and reducing unnecessary inflammatory burden.
References:
http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33169684/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7924846/
https://blog.bioticsresearch.com/5-ways-to-hack-your-brain-health
