Could Your Dinner Be Harming Your Brain? (Serious Risk!)

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 14, 2025

Most of us think about food in terms of flavor, satisfaction, and, occasionally, our waistlines.

But new research suggests what’s on your plate could have serious long-term consequences—especially for your brain.

A study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston found that eating processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausages, is linked to an increased risk of dementia. And the more processed meat people ate the greater the risk.

That’s right—your morning bacon, lunchtime deli sandwich, or backyard barbecue staple could take a toll on your brain.

And with dementia rates skyrocketing, it’s time to take a hard look at what’s fueling this crisis…
Researchers analyzed data on over 133,000 volunteers for up to 43 years, tracking their eating habits and cognitive health.

What they found was alarming:

• Participants who ate the most processed meats had a 13 percent higher risk of developing dementia than those who ate the least.
• They were also 14 percent more likely to experience subjective cognitive decline, meaning they noticed memory and thinking problems before full-blown dementia set in.

Processed meats contain nitrates, nitrites, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—compounds linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage.

These substances can harm your brain cells by triggering inflammation, increasing oxidative stress (which damages neurons), and disrupting blood flow to the brain, accelerating cognitive decline.

Over time, these effects contribute to dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.

But it wasn’t all bad news. Unprocessed red meats, like fresh beef, lamb, and pork, didn’t have the same risk.

In other words, it’s not about banning meat from your diet—it’s about choosing your sources wisely.

While some nutritionists push plant-based alternatives, I prefer a more balanced approach. Meat—When it’s fresh, high-quality, and properly sourced, meat is packed with essential nutrients that support overall health, including brain function!

If you want to protect your brain AND still enjoy meat, consider these swaps:

• Trade processed meats for lean, organic, and grass-fed options. High-quality beef, lamb, and poultry provide vital protein and nutrients without the added chemicals and preservatives in processed meats.
• Eat more wild-caught fish. Fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3s and actively fight inflammation and support brain health.
• Incorporate non-meat protein sources. Beans, lentils, and nuts offer additional brain-boosting nutrients while reducing harmful compounds in processed meats and plant-based alternatives.

One of the most eye-opening findings in this study? Swapping just ONE daily serving of processed meats for a healthier protein significantly lowered dementia risk:

• Fish was associated with a 28 percent lower risk
• Nuts and legumes were linked to a 19 percent lower risk
• The chicken was associated with a 16 percent lower risk

It’s clear that small dietary changes can have a massive impact on brain health.

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Source:

Yuhan Li, Yanping Li, Xiao Gu, Yuxi Liu, Danyue Dong, Jae Hee Kang, et al., Long-Term Intake of Red Meat in Relation to Dementia Risk and Cognitive Function in US Adults, Neurology, February 11, 2025, Issue 104 (3)

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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