Fasting is good for Alzheimer too
Researchers: Mini-Fast Prevents Alzheimer's
By Sylvia Booth Hubbard
But
most formal fasts usually last 24 hours. That's too long for most
people, who don't want to deprive themselves of food or experience
hunger pains for an entire day once a week or once a month.
Neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, author of "The Alzheimer's Diet," says that fasting can be much easier — a 12 or 14 hour period that takes place mainly when you are asleep. He suggests that you use the "early bird" technique to modify your diet.
"Some restaurants offer an 'early bird' special, where they offer special pricing early in the evening," he said. "But saving money isn't the only benefit. There may also be a brain-boosting effect associated with early dinners."
When the brain is deprived of carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy, the body produces substances called ketones, which can be used as an alternative energy source. Several studies have shown that ketones have a protective effect on brain cells and can actually improve memory in patients with mild cognitive disorder (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease.
When the body has no carbohydrates to burn for fuel, it produces substances called ketone bodies (causing a state called ketosis). Not eating for 12 hours can cause a mild state of ketosis in many people.
If you normally wake up at 6 in the morning, try to eat your last meal at 6 p.m. the night before, says Dr. Isaacson. "This means no late-night snacking!"
"Since there's evidence that ketosis may have anti-aging effects on the brain, trying this approach several days a week may be a reasonable option, as long as your physician approves," says Dr. Isaacson.
(courtesy: Newsmax Health)
Neurologist Dr. Richard Isaacson, author of "The Alzheimer's Diet," says that fasting can be much easier — a 12 or 14 hour period that takes place mainly when you are asleep. He suggests that you use the "early bird" technique to modify your diet.
"Some restaurants offer an 'early bird' special, where they offer special pricing early in the evening," he said. "But saving money isn't the only benefit. There may also be a brain-boosting effect associated with early dinners."
When the brain is deprived of carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy, the body produces substances called ketones, which can be used as an alternative energy source. Several studies have shown that ketones have a protective effect on brain cells and can actually improve memory in patients with mild cognitive disorder (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease.
When the body has no carbohydrates to burn for fuel, it produces substances called ketone bodies (causing a state called ketosis). Not eating for 12 hours can cause a mild state of ketosis in many people.
If you normally wake up at 6 in the morning, try to eat your last meal at 6 p.m. the night before, says Dr. Isaacson. "This means no late-night snacking!"
"Since there's evidence that ketosis may have anti-aging effects on the brain, trying this approach several days a week may be a reasonable option, as long as your physician approves," says Dr. Isaacson.
(courtesy: Newsmax Health)
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