Our brains are precious and sensitive, and still largely a mystery.

Rates of brain health issues are rising. It is estimated that at least a third of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia cases can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle encompassing 5 factors. In fact those who adhere to all 5 of these factors have a 60% lower chance of developing dementia. These are:

Physical Activity.

Getting about 30 minutes of daily moderate activity such as a brisk walk, yoga, bike riding, weights. While 10,000 steps a day has been promoted by some people, studies have shown that 6-7,000 steps a day is a good amount of daily activity and is associated with the most benefit for effort output. Beyond that, there is less benefit (but not to be discouraged if enjoyed).

Not smoking.

This one is obvious.

Zero, to moderate alcohol consumption.

That doesn’t mean you need to drink alcohol if you don’t already. But if you do, it is best to keep it moderate, having alcohol-free days, and no more than 10 standard drinks a week. Nowadays, it is thought that the best amount of alcohol to consume is none at all.

High-quality diet.

A diet that involves a range of colourful fruits and vegetables, some protein whether plant or meat, dairy if tolerated, healthy fats. No matter what dietary pattern you feel called to, low levels of processed and junk foods are important. While a high fat diet shows some benefit for some neurological conditions such as epilepsy in children, the brain actually prefers to run on glucose, so fruit should not be feared, and most people will do better, and be able to sustain, a more Mediterranean-type diet. And the Med Diet is also associated with lower levels of dementia. A vegan or whole food plant-based diet is also associated with good brain health.

Cognitive activities.

This may include social activities, reading, card games, or puzzles. We can continue learning new things right into old age, and it is beneficial for our brain’s day to day health.

Viruses & Bacteria, Heavy Metals and our brain

There are other causes of brain issues that are emerging. They are viruses and bacteria. The recent wave of SARS-Cov-2 causing a post-viral effect of malaise, brain fog and even dementia, has brought light to the fact that viruses can cause neurological issues and diminish the brain’s capacity. Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex 1 & 2, Hepatitis C and others have all been implicated with Alzheimer’s Disease. And so have several bacteria.

Heavy metals such as mercury and other toxins are also associated with declining brain health, possibly due to oxidation. In fact, studies have shown that:

“patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit higher levels of brain mercury, blood mercury, and tissue mercury in some studies. The greatest exogenous sources of brain mercury come from dental amalgams.”

Perhaps the viruses feed on toxins and heavy metals?

Therefore keeping the immune system strong, taking herbs that support healthy immunity, and periodically doing some appropriate detoxing, as well as avoiding sources of toxins and heavy metals, may be beneficial in the long run to minimise the risks. This is an area I am working in, and Naturopathic and modern natural medicine has much to offer here.

This topic is big, and I have touched on a few aspects. Brain health issues are increasing and may also underlie issues we don’t usually associate with the brain, such as chronic fatigue. There is plenty we can do to be proactive about our brain health, and deeper levels of healing may also need to be addressed.