by Lara McNeil, MS, RDN, CDN

Healthy Brains
Many of us don’t consider our metabolic health and its relationship to neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory conditions. These conditions range from Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis to Depression and “Brain Fog.” Metabolic irregularities can affect the ability for your cells to perform correctly, including the cells of your brain and neurological system.

Some metabolic alterations that can directly impact neurological health include:

Anemias – these are conditions effecting of the red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen around the body. Oxygen is a fuel source for cellular activities. Some anemias B12 can often resolve with dietary changes and supplementation. Others stem from inflammation, so the cause of inflammation needs to be identified.

Dysglycemias – Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism can also hinder energy supply to the cells. Insulin resistance and reactive hypoglycemia may lead to issues with memory, create mental fatigue/brain fog, and cause balance and coordination difficulties, along with other neurological manifestations.

Inflammation – General Inflammation leads to neuroinflammation by decreasing the function of the Blood-Brain Barrier. This condition can lead to cognitive decline, poor endurance, and even depression.

What can you do to improve your health if exposed to one of these neurodegenerative/neuro-inflammatory metabolic triggers?

Food-First Focus
Identify and Eliminate Food Triggers – A guided elimination diet will help you pinpoint food intolerances that may be causing inflammation.

Achieve Glycemic Control – Reduction in simple carbohydrates, high glycemic foods, is a must to avoid reactive hypoglycemia and insulin resistance that would likely worsen these conditions

Include Adequate Amounts of Essential Nutrients – Consuming a clean, whole-foods diet, including all the colorful phytonutrients, will get you on the right track to be sure you are consuming adequate and bio-available nutrition.

Other Modifiable Lifestyle Factors

• Reduction of Emotional and Environmental Stressors: Find ways to Stress Less
• Consider Toxins: What have you been exposed to in your home, work, and other environments?
• Include Regular Physical Activity: Getting exercise can reduce the risk for inflammation.
• Exercise your Mind Too: Problem-solving, take a class and work on mind-based puzzles.

All of these healthy lifestyle choices will help you have a healthier brain and better overall health since, after all, your mind is the control center of your body. Are you confused about where to start? Make an appointment with one of our Dietitian/Nutritionists. That said we also recommend you consult your doctor if you are experiencing any neurological symptoms.