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Alzheimer’s Epidemic: Lifestyle Habits That Lead to Dementia

The Dr. Hyman Show

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The Impact of Diet on Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Diet plays a crucial role in brain health and cognitive function, particularly through the use of ketogenic diets, which can enhance metabolic flexibility and promote fat burning. A plant-forward ketogenic diet, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, can lead to various benefits, including improved fuel metabolism, detoxification, and reduced oxidative stress. Eliminating processed foods, which are harmful, is essential in achieving these benefits. Both ketogenic and well-structured vegan diets can support brain health when done correctly. Ancestral diets, marked by variability in food intake, suggest that metabolic flexibility—alternating between different dietary patterns—may be beneficial for brain function. For individuals with cognitive impairment, a temporary ketogenic diet of three to six months may provide healing advantages. However, long-term adherence to ketosis is challenging, necessitating healthy food choices when not in ketosis. The overarching recommendation is to prioritize whole, organic foods while avoiding processed items. While the interplay of dietary fat, vegan diets, and brain health is complex, concerns arise regarding the long-term effects of low-fat vegan diets, particularly in relation to insulin resistance over time. More research is needed to explore these dietary impacts comprehensively.

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