Fed processed red meat is associated with a greater chance of developing dementia, according to a recent study. Alexander Spatari through Getty Images
When we look at ways to maintain brain health, we can think of habits such as completing puzzles and memory games. But eating a nutritious diet? Probably not so much. However, research shows that it really should be close to your list.
A recent study published in the journal Neurologyfound that nutrition, processed red meat, is associated with a greater chance of developing dementia or experiencing cognitive decline. The study is joining previous studies that emphasize the risks of eating processed meats, which are also associated with cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The study of neurology followed 133 771 people who did not diagnose dementia when the study began; The participants were traced to 43 years and recorded their eating habits every two to four years. During the survey period, 11 173 people were diagnosed with dementia.
The participants were categorized by how much red meat they ate, with the “low” being less than 0.1 servings per day, with the “environment” between 0.1 and 0.24 servings per day and the “high” being 0.25 or more portions a day. Typical servicing of processed red meat is 3 ounces, according to a press release.
Compared to the “low” group, people with the most large consumption of processed red meat a day had a 13% more chance of developing dementia. Hot dogs, sausage, salami, bologna and bacon were categorized as processed red meat by the authors of the study.
Researchers also examined the objective cognitive function that refers to the memory and ability of a person to solve problems and found that participants in the study in the high group had reduced cognitive abilities and faster brain aging than those in the low group.
All this is quite dark. Deli Meat Sandwiches are a regular top lunch for many, and eggs and bacon are also common. All the hope is not lost, although the exchange of processed red meat can now help reduce the risk of dementia with advancing age. The study found that eating fish, nuts or legumes instead of processed red meat could reduce the risk of dementia by approximately 20%.
Dr. Dylan Wint, director of the Cleveland clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, said the findings of this study are in line with other studies that suggest that people should limit the intake of red meat for their brain health. (WINT is not related to the study.)
“Most of the dietary recommendations about reducing the risk of dementia speak of an attempt to limit your total amount of red meat intake,” Win said. “So, for example, the diet of the mind that was developed at Rush University … [suggests] No more than four servings per week of red meat. “Wint recommends this particular diet to its patients.
The diet of mind is pulled from two other diets. One is a dash diet that aims to help manage high blood pressure and enhance heart health. The other is the Mediterranean diet, which is usually low in saturated fat, salt and refined carbohydrates and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and maintain brain health.
Dr. Andy Liu, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Duke Medical School, is inclined to recommend the Mediterranean diet to his patients, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive problems.
“The Mediterranean diet falls very well with what they outlined in [Neurology journal] Study – you know, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables, “says Liu, who was not related to the new study.
There are a number of ways in which processed red meat can harm the brain.
Experts say there are a number of theories about how processed red meat can potentially damage the body or brain, with the right mechanism depending on the person.
“There are thought that saturated fats that have higher concentrations in red meat are not a great thing about the body or the brain,” Wint explained.
It is believed that production methods for processed meat are also harmful, Wint noted. “Processed meats include preservatives that look quite bad for the brain and body – more special nitrites,” he said. “And then the bacteria that are in our gut because they work on red meat and saturated fat, they also potentially produce toxic by -products.”
Overall, processed red meat is difficult for the body, Liu said, saying that this could cause “a lot of damage”.
“There are many of what we call free radicals, which can be harmful not only to cells but also to DNA,” he said.
It doesn’t mean you can’t ever Having redesigned red meat, Liu said, but you may want to reduce how much you eat.
You do not need to get rid of your diet from all processed red meat, such as hot dogs and bacon, but it is a good idea to cut yourself because of the health of your brain. Maryna Terletska by Getty Images
A healthy diet, along with exercise and cognitive challenges, is important for your brain health.
According to Liu, when people enter his office and ask what they can do for their cognitive health, he tells them that their diet plays a huge role. This concept is clear not only in a recent study of neurology, but also in various other studies. A diet that is low in processed red meat and high in foods such as poultry, fish, legumes, fruits and nuts is a good place to start.
But getting proper nutrition is not the only way to ensure brain health. “I would say that intervention # 1 is probably a physical exercise,” Win said.
“Every doctor wants you to exercise, but in terms of brain health, we know that there are small molecules that help improve brain health,” Liu said. “More substantially, there is a growth factor that is released when we exercise, and there is another small molecule that is released, which helps people concentrate or focus even more.” This may be the reason why you have easier time to focus on work after going for a walk for lunch or finishing a morning yoga class.
Win said he would also combine exercises with other activities because “our brains are really made to move and explore.”
“We want to exercise to move and want to have a lot of social or mental [or] Intellectual activity for carrying out this research and discovery, “he said.
This may include learning a new language, cooking a new dish or planting a new garden, Liu explained. “These are brand new things about the brain and body that will engage different parts of the brain,” he said.
It is also important to manage conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes while receiving a sufficiently high quality sleep. Poor sleep puts you at an increased risk of many health problems, including dementia.
If you notice cognitive changes, talk to a doctor.
If you notice changes in memory, learning, or some aspect of your knowledge, it is important to see a doctor early than later, said Liu, citing dementia as an example of a condition that needs attention as soon as possible.
“The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease and in fact we have therapies that change the biology of the disease course,” he said. But if people wait too long to seek medical attention, therapies will not work.
“Our view is very useful,” Liu explained. “Even if we see nothing, we tell them to come back and we will continue to watch them, which is much more fascinated. And then we can take action if we notice changes.”
Win noted that it is a doctor’s job to help you feel and function as long as possible. Seeing a doctor about the concerns of knowledge (or any concern about this) will only help you live an optimal life.