Natural Health Blog | Optimum Health Vitamins

Insulin Resistance Associated with Memory Impairment and Risk of Alzheimer's

Written by John Biggs BSc, NCP, OHP | Mon, Aug 31, 2015 @ 06:43 PM

INSULIN RESISTANCE CAN DRAMATICALLY AFFECT THE BRAIN!

 

An Iowa State University study recently assessed 150 late middle-aged participants, average age 60, who due to factors such as family history were at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. The results indicated that insulin resistance was increased in parts of the brain most affected in Alzheimers, and that greater insulin resistance in the brain was significantly associated with poorer memory performance in testing of both immediate and delayed recall. Hence, insulin resistance is not only relevant for a person's future, but also impacts present brain function, (not to mention the rest of the body!)

So, if you find yourself "blanking" on something you should know, or forgetting what you just walked into a room for a bit too often, one of the things to question is your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

To explain, when our blood sugar rises, our body produces insulin to push the glucose into our tissues, where it can either be metabolized for energy, or stored. Yet, when we spike our blood sugar levels on an ongoing basis, (particularly with too much starch and sugar, and especially accompanied by a lack of exercise or activity), our overused insulin storage mechanism starts to get worn out. Since the message to push food energy into our cells is not working as well, the body responds by producing even more insulin, and a vicious cycle is set in motion. If the resistance to insulin's message gets high enough, you can't get fuel into your cells for energy, and this is particularly relevant in the brain, because if our brain cells can't produce energy they initially malfunction, and if it happens for long enough they die! 

Another aspect of insulin resistance that often gets ignored is that it is very inflammatory. Combine high insulin with unhealthy levels of stress, and you have a perfect conditions for an "inflammation party"...not good! Because what does inflammation do? It further suppresses your ability to use oxygen and produce energy properly, and puts your brain "on the blink"!

It's part of what we at Optimum Health have been telling our customers for decades....too much starch and sugar, and resulting high levels of insulin are one the major scourges on the health of the North American population, and can have immediate ramifications!

I still remember being at a seminar with Ron Rosedale M.D. in the 1990's where this was all explained to me, and I realized what a big deal having excess insulin is! Conversely, the more sensitive to insulin's message we are the less we need to get the job done.  

This is why I came up with our original formula for improving insulin sensitivity called Glucotrim, our new formula called Opti-GlucoBalance, and our Opti-Slim Garcinia formula. Alone, or in combination these formulas, by several different mechanisms, lower/balance blood sugar, improve how effectively your insulin works, and in the process reduce inflammation, balance your energy, and so can positively impact brain performance. 

>As the skyrocketing rates of Alzheimer's, and other nervous system disorders that have become rampant reflect balancing blood sugar and insulin is becoming increasingly critical! Stay tuned for more specific info on the above blood sugar formulas next time!

Be Well!,

John

 

 

 

 

Sources


sciencedaily.com


Auriel A. Willette, Barbara B. Bendlin, Erika J. Starks, Alex C. Birdsill, Sterling C. Johnson, Bradley T. Christian, Ozioma C. Okonkwo, Asenath La Rue, Bruce P. Hermann, Rebecca L. Koscik, Erin M. Jonaitis, Mark A. Sager, Sanjay Asthana. Association of Insulin Resistance With Cerebral Glucose Uptake in Late Middle–Aged Adults at Risk for Alzheimer Disease. JAMA Neurology, 2015; DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.0613
 

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.