Introduction
Eating habits can have a major impact on your overall health, and this is especially true when it comes to dementia. Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While there is no cure for dementia, there are certain dietary habits that can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. Dietitians have identified certain eating habits that should be avoided in order to reduce the risk of dementia. In this article, we will discuss the eating habits to avoid for dementia, according to dietitians. We will also provide some tips on how to make healthier dietary choices that can help reduce the risk of dementia.
Eating Habits to Avoid for Dementia, Say Dietitians — Eat This Not That
Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Dietitians recommend avoiding certain eating habits to help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
1. Eating Too Much Processed Food
Processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, which can increase the risk of developing dementia. Eating too much processed food can also lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for dementia. Dietitians recommend avoiding processed foods and opting for fresh, whole foods instead.
2. Eating Too Much Red Meat
Eating too much red meat can increase the risk of developing dementia. Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can increase inflammation in the body and lead to cognitive decline. Dietitians recommend limiting red meat consumption and opting for leaner proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins.
3. Eating Too Much Refined Sugar
Refined sugar is found in many processed foods and can increase the risk of developing dementia. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for dementia. Dietitians recommend avoiding processed foods and opting for natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead.
4. Eating Too Much Salt
Eating too much salt can increase the risk of developing dementia. Salt can increase inflammation in the body and lead to cognitive decline. Dietitians recommend limiting salt intake and opting for herbs and spices to flavor food instead.
5. Not Eating Enough Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also help maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing the risk of dementia. Dietitians recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Conclusion
Eating habits can have a significant impact on the risk of developing dementia. Dietitians recommend avoiding processed foods, red meat, refined sugar, and salt, and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables to help reduce the risk of dementia. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be some of the most devastating diagnoses to receive for you and your loved ones. And although these things can’t be completely reversed, there are many ways to help slow them down, including how much movement you get, how much you drink and smoke, and your daily diet.
“Anti-inflammatory eating styles have shown the most promise for combatting dementia,” says Morgyn Clair, MS, RDN, author at Fit Healthy Momma. The most commonly studied diets for this are the Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets.”
While anti-inflammatory diets have been known to help fight dementia and other cognitive-related decline, there are many inflammatory foods and ways of eating that can cause lasting damage.
Continue reading to learn more about the foods to avoid for dementia, and for more healthy eating tips check out The 5 Best Breakfast Habits for Dementia.
One of the best things you can do to help protect your brain health is to limit the amount of saturated and trans fats you’re consuming on a daily basis.
“Fried foods, pastries, and baked goods are often full of both saturated and trans fats, and research suggests that consistent intake of these types of foods can contribute to an increase in disease risk, including the risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and member of our expert medical board.
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Goodson also mentions that a helpful eating guideline to follow is making sure your diet is full of “colorful foods.”
“Foods rich in colors like fruits and vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! These foods help keep the immune system strong,” says Goodson. “In fact, the MIND Diet, (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) says to fill your diet with all vegetables, specifically the green leafy ones and berries to help prevent dementia and loss of brain function as you age.”
Speaking of the MIND diet, one of the pillars of this way of eating is limiting your consumption of excess and added sugar.
“It is a relatively flexible diet, stating some foods are necessary only on a weekly basis, making it somewhat easy to follow,” says Clair. “It’s not a strict diet but more of a suggestion of habits that have proven to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.”
In fact, recent research has shown that those with higher blood sugar levels may have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Lowering your intake of added sugar and going for natural sugars like fruit can help your brain health over time.
While moderate amounts of alcohol have been found to have very little effect on your overall cognitive health, heavy consumption of alcohol can negatively impact your brain. One study published in Nutrients found that heavy wine consumption had “neurotoxic” effects and therefore increased the risk of dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, heavy alcohol consumption over time can decrease your brain’s white matter, as well as the important vitamins your brain needs for memory retention.