Have you ever found yourself reaching for that extra cookie or sneaking in a piece of chocolate after a long day? You’re not alone. From childhood, many of us are conditioned to crave sugar. Whether it’s the promise of a sugary treat for good behavior or the allure of colorful cereal boxes with cartoon characters, our relationship with sugar often starts at a young age. I remember eagerly anticipating dessert after finishing my vegetables, a habit ingrained since childhood. As adults, breaking free from this pattern can be challenging. Understanding the intricate relationship between blood sugar, diabetes, and dementia can be the first step in breaking those patterns.
Recent research has highlighted a compelling link between elevated blood sugar levels and the development of cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s has been coined by researchers as Type 3 Diabetes because the insulin resistance and deficiency are generally confined to the brain. While diabetes at any age is a major risk factor for dementia, the earlier one develops diabetes the higher risk there is for developing dementia later in life.
Midlife presents a pivotal moment for shaping our cognitive destiny. Maintaining optimal cholesterol and blood sugar levels in our thirties and forties may serve as a protective shield against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in later years.
So, how can we nurture our brains and safeguard against cognitive decline? Embracing a lifestyle that champions balanced blood sugar levels is paramount. This entails nourishing our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing restorative sleep.
It may be even more difficult for those with Alzheimer’s because there are other reasons they crave sweets. Some Alzheimer’s patients have reduced taste and smell which makes food taste bland – sweet foods and intense flavors can make up for that. For those with anxiety or depression, eating sugar boosts feel-good chemicals for a short period (but make mood swings worse in the long run). Some medications may even enhance cravings.
An organic, ketogenic diet is one of the best ways to control blood sugar. This past Wednesday in my 4-part Workshop Series on Reversing Alzheimer’s, I dove into “Implementing a Ketogenic Diet for Cognitive Improvement.” If you’d like to learn more, register here to watch the replay.
I’ll also be speaking more on diabetes and cognitive health in the free Reversing Diabetes 2.0 Summit.
Solcere doctor, Rachel Heussner provides these 10 tips for mastering blood sugar control in a recent blog post.
- Pair Carbs with Fiber, Protein, and Fat
- Engage in Physical Activity After Meals
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Avoid Carbs on an Empty Stomach
- Opt for a High-Protein Breakfast
- Keep Protein and Healthy Fat Snacks Handy
- Build Muscle
- Be Mindful of Alcohol Consumption
- Utilize Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
- Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep
Sometimes we just want to treat ourselves to something sweet. At Marama we are always creating something delicious for the residents that allows them to have a treat and stay in ketosis. Recently we celebrated a resident birthday with a cinnamon cheesecake that was as healthy as it was delicious and beautiful.
It’s amazing how delicious low sugar desserts are and they help satisfy that craving. Here’s a recipe for one of my personal favorites, 4-ingredient keto peanut butter cups.
Think twice before you reach for that next sweet treat. Your current and future cognition will thank you and life will be that much sweeter.
Warmly,
Dr. Heather Sandison
P.S. – I’m speaking on diabetes’ impact on brain health in the Reversing Diabetes 2.0 Summit starting May 7. If you’d like to learn how to identify insulin resistance in the brain and the importance of early detection to prevent cognitive decline, plus strategies for prevention and treatment, register for the free today!
P.P.S. – Don’t forget that there are only 2 days left to receive $2500 off your monthly fee for an entire year at Marama – a $30,000 savings!* Apply before April 30 and you or your loved one can live in a supportive environment that will help you master your blood sugar and everything else to reverse cognitive decline.
