Ways To Prevent Alzheimer's Part 3

Today I'm talking about steps 5 & 6 to prevent Alzheimer's.
If you missed steps 1 & 2, click here.
If you missed steps 3 & 4, click here.

STEP 5: Brain Push-Ups

Yes, we are talking about real push ups, here. Exercise helps to increase the blood flow to the brain. When blood flows to the brain, new brain cells grow. It is important, however, to use the proper form while doing push-ups; no "girl" version! This means legs extended, shoulder width apart. Clench those buttock muscles and flex your abs, engaging your entire core. Dr. Fotuhi, guest doctor on the Dr. Oz show, believes that doing even 7 push ups a day can increase the blood flow to lower your risk of Alzheimer's. That's not too bad now, is it?


STEP 6: The Brain Diet

Diet is important in every aspect of your help, and brain/memory is no exception! Something I learned from Dr. Oz: As your belly grows, your brain shrinks. So keep that belly flat and keep your brain large and in charge! There are specific foods that have been known to help certain parts of the brain. Here are the "superfoods" for memory.

1. Elderberries: berries in general are good for brain health, as they provide antioxidants. Elderberries are especially good for brain health as they contain an ingredient called quercetin. Quercetin helps to boost your cell's mitochondria, which is considered the "powerhouse" within your cells. It also helps to reduce harmful inflammation in the cells. I have found it a bit challenging to find Elderberries at regular grocery stores. They do have syrups and jams in Elderberry form; I would check a specialty store (such as a Trader Joe's). I was surprised to find quite a good variety of Elderberry jam on Amazon as well. Doesn't get any easier than that!

2. Pecans: This is good news for me, as I LOVE pecans! Pecans are high in omega-3's, which are essential for a healthy brain. Pecans are the highest antioxidant tree nut and are ranked on the top 15 highest foods with antioxidants. Studies show that foods rich in omega 3's, such as pecans, can decrease the risk of neural degeneration dramatically.

3. Chicken Giblets or Clams: Yes, that's right. You know those innards of the chicken that you normally throw out? The liver, kidneys, heart...those are giblets, and they are a great source of Vitamin B12. It may sound disgusting, but it's said that they can actually be delicious if cooked right. Just 1 cup of giblets provides 228% of your daily B12.
Clams are known to be high in zinc and iron, which helps the brain to recall information. Not my personal fave...I may have to stick to the giblets. ;)

4. Vegetable Juice: It just goes without saying that vegetables are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. You can make your own or buy some from the store; if you buy some from the store, make sure you choose one that has no added sugar. It's wise to limit your juice intake to 8 oz. a day, to limit your sugars.

5. Beets: Beets have natural nitrates (along with cabbages and radishes); this helps to increase poor blood flow, which tends to become an issue with aging. If you're like me, you might be wondering how in the heck you eat a beet. I did not grow up eating beets, so I admit I'm not exactly sure what to do with them! However, I have learned the art of purees and hiding them in foods. Beets are one of those veggies that I've pureed and added into muffin batter or smoothies. It's a great way to get that "superfood" in your diet!

This concludes my 6 steps to preventing Alzheimer's. Like I said, it's not a "cure all" solution; if you are genetically predisposed to get it then you may just be out of luck. However, I do believe that you might be able to prolong it, and maybe in some instances prevent it, by establishing healthier lifestyle patterns now. Like I said, I'm not a doctor. But it makes sense to me that living healthier lifestyles can help us to avoid may ailments that could come our way.