Nature’s “Clean-Up Crew” DODGES Dementia

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 1, 2024

Scientists may have stumbled upon a surprising ally in the battle against Alzheimer’s.

Recent research has shed light on a potent substance that could hold the key to preserving brain function and staving off the devastating effects of this neurodegenerative disorder.

Even better, this powerful Alzheimer’s “fix” is found in some delicious, easy-to-find foods.

The new animal study focused on a process called mitophagy, which is essential for maintaining healthy brain function. It’s the brain’s way of gathering up and removing weak and damaged mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells.

In patients with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, this process is often impaired. This leads to an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria that can contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Urolithin A is a substance found in pomegranates, strawberries, and walnuts.

The researchers discovered that this natural compound has the remarkable ability to help restore the brain’s mitophagy process, essentially jumpstarting the “cerebral garbage trucks” responsible for clearing away toxic buildup.

By stimulating the removal of damaged mitochondria, urolithin A could potentially slow down or even prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The results of the study are exciting, to say the least. Mice treated with long-term doses of urolithin A exhibited significant improvements in learning, memory, and sense of smell—all areas typically affected by Alzheimer’s.

Now, to be clear, urolithin A is not a magic bullet for preventing Alzheimer’s, of course. Instead, it could become one powerful component of a comprehensive approach to supporting long-term brain health.

In addition to incorporating foods rich in urolithin A into your diet, there are several other steps you can take to support your brain’s natural cleaning processes:

1. Exercise regularly: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the removal of toxins and waste products.
2. Get enough sleep: During sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system kicks into high gear, flushing out harmful substances accumulated throughout the day.
3. Manage stress: Chronic stress can impair the brain’s ability to clean itself effectively. Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
4. Challenge your mind: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as learning a new language or solving puzzles, can help keep your brain sharp and promote the formation of new neural connections.

When we adopt a proactive approach to brain health, which includes a balance of the above, we can harness the power of natural compounds like urolithin A to keep our minds sharp and resilient well into our golden years.

P.S. If you want to keep your brain as sharp as a tack, one of the BEST places to start is right outside your front door. CLICK HERE for details on this brilliant solution.

Source:

Yujun Hou, Xixia Chu, Jae-Hyeon Park, et al., Urolithin A improves Alzheimer’s disease cognition and restores mitophagy and lysosomal functions, Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 16 May 2024

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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