Diabetes Doubles Alzheimer’s Risk

People with diabetes are at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke at an early age, but that’s not the only worry. Diabetes appears to dramatically increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia later in life, according to a new study conducted in Japan.

In the study, which included more than 1,000 men and women over age 60, researchers found that people with diabetes were twice as likely as the other study participants to develop Alzheimer’s disease within 15 years. They were also 1.75 times more likely to develop dementia of any kind. Similar studies were done in the 1990’s as well, that showed results of people with diabetes were at a greater risk of developing dementia in the future (based on a 15 year follow up).

Diabetes could contribute to dementia in several ways, which researchers are still sorting out. Insulin resistance, which causes high blood sugar and in some cases leads to type 2 diabetes, may interfere with the body’s ability to break down a protein (amyloid) that forms brain plaques that have been linked to Alzheimer’s. High blood sugar (glucose) also produces certain oxygen-containing molecules that can damage cells, in a process known as oxidative stress.

In addition, high blood sugar — along with high cholesterol — plays a role in the hardening and narrowing of arteries in the brain. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, can bring about vascular dementia, which occurs when artery blockages (including strokes) kill brain tissue. We must remain vigilant at monitoring our blood sugar levels as we get older.

The next step is to understand whether controlling blood sugar and reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes will also reduce dementia risk.

–> Read my Health Concern Article on Alzheimer’s Disease Here

Natural Chemical Found in Grapes May Protect Against Alzheimer’s

Research now suggests that by following a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet rather than a low-fat diet, newly diagnosed diabetic patients may postpone the need for drugs to control this disease, a study suggests.

After four years, only 44 percent of newly diagnosed diabetic patients on a Mediterranean diet versus 70 percent of those on a low-fat diet required drug therapy as well as diet to control their diabetes. Patients on the Mediterranean diet also showed greater improvement in some cardiovascular risk factors.

A Mediterranean diet includes lots of vegetables and whole grains with little red meat but with poultry and fish instead, where < 50 percent of calories were from complex carbohydrates and > 30 percent of calories were from fat, largely olive oil.

The study, by Dr Katherine Esposito (Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy) and colleagues, was published in the September 1, 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.

– William James

An optimist sees an opportunity in every calamity: a pessimist sees a calamity in every opportunity.

– Winston Churchill

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is the victory over self.

– Aristotle

Mediterranean Diet Best for Diabetes

Research now suggests that by following a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet rather than a low-fat diet, newly diagnosed diabetic patients may postpone the need for drugs to control this disease, a study suggests.

After four years, only 44 percent of newly diagnosed diabetic patients on a Mediterranean diet versus 70 percent of those on a low-fat diet required drug therapy as well as diet to control their diabetes. Patients on the Mediterranean diet also showed greater improvement in some cardiovascular risk factors.

A Mediterranean diet includes lots of vegetables and whole grains with little red meat but with poultry and fish instead, where < 50 percent of calories were from complex carbohydrates and > 30 percent of calories were from fat, largely olive oil.

The study, by Dr Katherine Esposito (Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy) and colleagues, was published in the September 1, 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

What You Should Know About Sugar

There are four classes of simple sugars. They include sucrose (table sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), honey, and malts. Obviously whole fruits are a healthy choice. Fruit juices, on the other hand, are like mainlining sugar; it’s too much sugar at one time. Think about it this way: you’d have a hard time eating ten apples, but you could easily drink a glass of apple juice, which may contain up to 10 “juiced” apples.

Too much sugar, no matter if it’s fruit juice, honey, maple syrup, fructose (fruit sugar), evaporated cane juice, brown sugar, or white table sugar is not a healthy choice. Sugar depletes the body of B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. Three ounces of sugar, in any form – sucrose (table sugar), honey, or fruit juice, results in a 50 percent reduction in white blood cell activity for up to five hours. Sugar lowers our immune function!

The average American consumes over 150 ounces of sugar a day. A can of Coke has 9-10 teaspoons of sugar. Sugar has a number of other extremely damaging effects on the human body.

TOO Much Sugar? Sugar Can …

  • Suppress the immune system.
  • Contribute to mood disorders (i.e. hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and concentration difficulties) especially in children.
  • Produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
  • Cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
  • Cause symptoms associated with ADHD, especially in children.
  • Reduce helpful high-density cholesterol (HDLs).
  • Promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
  • Cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
  • Contribute to kidney damage.
  • Increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
  • Lead to chromium deficiency.
  • Cause copper deficiency.
  • Interfere with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
  • Upset the body’s mineral balance.
  • Promote tooth decay.
  • Raise adrenaline levels in children.
  • Lead to periodontal disease.
  • Speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and gray hair.
  • Increase total cholesterol.
  • Contribute to weight gain and obesity.
  • Increase the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Contribute to diabetes.
  • Contribute to osteoporosis.
  • Increase systolic blood pressure.
  • Cause free-radical formation in the bloodstream.
  • Cause atherosclerosis.
  • Cause depression.
  • Increase the body’s fluid retention.
  • Cause hormonal imbalance.

Ok, I think I’ve made my point. An occasional sweet treat is acceptable and encouraged. Moderation is the key. There’s no reason to totally abstain (unless you’re fighting off an infection, have yeast overgrowth, or are battling diabetes); just go easy and limit your sweets.

Brown Sugar

It is often said that brown sugar is a healthier option than white sugar. But you can chalk that up to clever marketing. In reality, brown sugar is most often ordinary table sugar that is turned brown by the reintroduction of molasses. Normally, molasses is separated and removed when sugar is created from sugarcane plants.

In some cases, brown sugar — particularly when it is referred to as “raw sugar” — is merely sugar that has not been fully refined. But more often than not, manufacturers prefer to reintroduce molasses to fine white sugar — creating a mixture with about 5-10 percent molasses — because it allows them to better control the color and size of the crystals in the final product.

Because of its molasses content, brown sugar does contain certain minerals, most notably calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium (white sugar contains none of these). But since these minerals are present in only minuscule amounts, there is no real health benefit to using brown sugar.

Stevia

I recommend using the natural sweetener Stevia. Stevia is a South American herb that has been used as a sweetener by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay for hundreds of years. The leaves of the small, green Stevia rebaudiana plant have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar (a little goes a long way).

For more about Stevia, please see www.stevia.com.

You can find Stevia at any health food store. And while it may take time to get used to its taste, it won’t deplete your good bacteria (Splenda), increase your risk of cancer (Sweet ’N Low), or cause neurotoxicity (NutraSweet).

Essential Therapeutics Blood Pressure Lowering Supplements

Nutritional supplements may also be helpful in reducing elevated blood pressure. I recommend the Essential Therapeutics BP Support Formula 2-3 capsules twice a day and the Healthy Heart Formula
1-2 packs a day.