Translate

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Brain Food


Alzheimer's is a disease that is characterized by the decline of intellectual functions such as memory and thinking impairment, personality changes, disorientation of time and space and a hard time processing clear thoughts and conversation. It is not known if Alzheimer’s is genetic or attributed to our surroundings, diet and other health issues but if you take control of your diet, these foods can help lower the chances of having Alzheimer’s or slow its progression. .
Here are some of the foods that you can easily include in your eating habits.



1. Leafy dark greens. At least one serving a day of kale, spinach, watercress, collard and/or mustard greens. These foods are high in folate and B9, which improves cognition and helps to reduces depression. 

2. Cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts and kale contain folate and have cartenoids that lower homo-cysteine (an amino acid linked with cognitive impairment). 



3. Beans and legumes. These foods contain more folate, iron, magnesium and potassium that can help with general body function and neuron firing. They also contain choline, a B vitamin that boosts acetylcholine (a neuro transmitter critical for brain function). 

4. Whole grains. Good bets include quinoa, kammut and gluten-free oats (not bread and cereal) Try to cut processed white bread out of your diet as well as cookies, sugary carbohydrates, tortillas and chips.

5. Berries and cherries. These fruits contain anthocyanin that protects the brain from further damage caused by free radicals. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and contain antioxidants and lots of vitamin C and E. The darker in color the better for you.

6. Pumpkin, squash, asparagus, tomatoes, carrots and beets. These vegetables, if not overcooked, contain vitamin A, folate and iron that help with cognition. 

7. Omega 3s. People whose diets contain daily omega 3s have been shown to have 265% less risk of having brain lesions that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s compared with those 
who do not. These fatty acids help the brain to stay healthy. You can get your omega fatty acids from oily fish(such as salmon and sardines), flax seeds, olive oil (not safflower) or by taking a good quality Omega 3 supplements. One of the best seeds to add to your diet is chia, which is loaded with Omegas and protein.



8. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds contain zinc, choline and vitamin E. 

9. Almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts and pecans. All of these nuts contain omega-3s and omega-6s, vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6 and magnesium. 

10. Cinnamon, curry, turmeric and cumin. Theses spices can all help to break up brain plaque and reduce inflammation of the brain which can cause memory issues. In addition to eating the foods listed above, you’ll want to decrease the risk of illnesses that can make your brain age such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.-heart disease.
By adding these foods into your daily diet, you may notice over-all better health. Remember, nothing happens over-night. Don’t think of it as a diet, think of incorporating healthy foods into your eating habits as a healthy lifestyle change.

Part Two of Brain Food will be coming soon.

Monday, July 7, 2014

Together , We Can Take Control of Diabetes


Diabetes is a growing epidemic in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Every year, this disease strikes more children than ever before and younger adults are developing Type 2 Diabetes. There are many causes of Diabetes Mellitus; most of it is attributed to poor food choices, lack of exercise and excess body weight. Making lifestyle changes before Diabetes affects you, especially for people with a history of Diabetes in their family, is extremely important.

There are many misconceptions about Diabetes and its causes and effects. It is not a disease that means you cannot eat any sugar nor “have any fun”…. What it does mean is that you need to control your blood glucose levels (blood sugar) by testing your blood daily (often multiple times) and taking your medications and eating well and exercising.  Diet and exercise is the key to a long and healthy life. Sadly, many Diabetics ignore the warnings and continue down a destructive path of denial.  Once you have been diagnosed with Diabetes, you’re chances of heart problems, kidney problems, skin and foot problems, chances of stroke and vision problems dramatically increase. Taking excellent care of your body, maintaining proper blood sugar levels and kidney functions will prolong your life. It is imperative that you drink plenty of water, cut out sugar, starches and high glycemic index foods plus see your doctor regularly. You should also have your eyes checked twice a year to prevent retina issues, cataracts and glaucoma. Daily foot checks are also important to make sure you have no cuts or foot ulcers which can lead to amputation if not taken care of immediately.


 If you have Diabetes Mellitus and have been experiencing complications,  there are new and innovative treatments available here in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, including artificial pancreas and stem cell treatments that can extend your life. If you are interested in learning more, please send us an email or fill out our Contact Us for More Info form on the front page of our website