All activity – passive and active – is important for staving off Alzheimer’s
Continued…… Read Part 1 here.
Start Early
The earlier you start prevention, the better. By the same token, it’s never too late – and the best move you can make is to head to the best pharmacy of all – your local fruit and vegetable shop – and load up on fresh produce.
If you don’t like fruit and vegetables, try juicing them. Mix a little bit of cabbage, apple, carrot, and celery to create a fairly palatable combination. If the flavour is still a problem, dilute it by half with water. Commit to drinking just a port wine glass of this juice daily for 14 days.
Most clients who start on this juice come back and say they can’t believe how well they feel, they look better, and their skin, vision and digestion have improved. Although they may hate the juice initially, they eventually reach the point where they look forward to it every day and really enjoy it – and if they stop because they go on holidays, for example, they quickly feel the (negative) effects.
Blueberries with their high anthocyanin and antioxidant content appear to offer protection against Alzheimer’s, so if you love them eat them in abundance, or blend them into a smoothie.
One thing to be aware of: if you take blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin, you must avoid leafy greens because the vitamin K that helps prevent Alzheimer’s can also counter the action of the medication, as it promotes blood clotting. Small quantities of leafy greens may be acceptable, but consult your healthcare professional to be safe. This is a perfect example of where the collegial focus of orthodox medicine and natural medicine can work so well. Western medicine prescribes the Warfarin, which works fantastically and saves lives every day. The naturopath or nutritionist understands the complexity of the drug and can formulate a diet to ensure nutrient-rich foods still come into the body, although not necessarily as leafy greens.
Supplement Substitute?
Many clients tell me they don’t need to eat fruit and vegetables because they take nutritional supplements. Supplements may be important for some conditions – be guided by a professional – but they should always be regarded as complementary to a healthy and highly varied diet, not a replacement. Mother Nature knew what she was doing, for all the nutrients present in food are in balance. It isn’t possible to replicate this in a tablet.
Eating a healthy diet does not mean you have to become vegetarian or vegan. It’s a matter of replacing processed foods with fresh, unprocessed whole foods – and this includes meat and fish. The latter is particularly important for its highly protective omega 3 essential fatty acids.
Exercise
Get that oxygen flowing to the brain by taking a brisk 15 to 20 minute walk every day.
All activity – passive and active – is important for staving off Alzheimer’s: the saying ‘use it or lose it’ was never more apt when it comes to mental function. Continue to acquire new skills for your work and your personal interests. Challenge yourself to try new activities, and also experiment with new ways of doing everyday activities to avoid settling into a comfortable rut. Learn a language; do crosswords, board games and puzzles such as Sodoku; paint, draw, write, play a musical instrument; travel; enjoy an active social life interacting with lots of different people. Brain Gym exercises are also beneficial (www.braingym.com.au).
The key message is: don’t wait, start moving into prevention now. Even if you do develop Alzheimer’s, eating well and exercising will slow its progress
Sandi Rogers D.Ed
President, Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
Sandi Rogers is a qualified Medical Herbalist, Naturopath, Reflexognosist, Lecturer, Massage Therapist, and Founder & Chief Executive Officer of the National College of Traditional Medicine. She naturally takes a wholistic approach to healing.
Boasting an impressive educational background, Sandi has a Masters in Education and Training, more than a dozen diplomas in natural therapies and is currently studying for her Doctoral Degree.
Having published many papers and authored books on complementary medicine, Sandi is also in demand on the corporate speaking circuit with engagements both nationally and internationally.
