“Nutrient Cocktail” Slows Brain Aging to a CRAWL
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 5, 2024
One moment you’re on top of the world, multitasking like a pro and keeping all the balls in the air.
Got to stop at the grocery store? No problem, you remember every item you need WITHOUT a list. Four appointments on the books this week? Piece of cake, you don’t miss a single one. Heck, you arrive EARLY for most of them.
But then suddenly it happens.
Maybe you forget where you parked your car at the mall. Or you run into an old friend from high school and can’t recall their name. And that’s when the worry sets in.
You wonder if you’re seeing the first signs of cognitive decline.
It’s natural to be concerned about your brain health as you age. But keeping your brain in tip-top shape might be easier than you ever imagined.
New research reveals that certain nutrients could be the key to a sharper mind as we age.
Scientists recently did some digging to find out if there’s a connection between what we eat and how our brains age.
They recruited 100 healthy volunteers between the ages of 65 and 75 and put them through a series of tests, including brain scans, memory exercises, and blood work.
That’s when things got REALLY interesting. The researchers found that the folks with brains that were aging more slowly had something surprising in common… a specific mix of nutrients in their blood.
This “brain-friendly” cocktail included fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that you might find in a typical Mediterranean-style diet. You know, the one with lots of fish, olive oil, and colorful veggies.
Now, we already knew eating this way had all kinds of health benefits, of course. But this study was one of the first to look at the link between nutrition and brain health from so many angles.
Instead of just asking participants what they ate and testing their memory the researchers went the extra mile by scanning their brains and analyzing their blood samples.
The results were pretty clear. Folks with the RIGHT balance of nutrients in their blood performed significantly better on cognitive tests and had healthier brain scans.
In other words, we might be able to slow brain aging down to a crawl just by eating the right foods!
So, what EXACTLY should you be munching on to keep your mind sharp? The study pinpointed several standout nutrients, including…
- essential fatty acids (found in foods like nuts and oily, cold-water fish),
- antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin (found in leafy greens),
- vitamin E (found in sunflower seeds, avocados, and salmon),
- and choline (which you can get from eggs and nuts).
The scientists plan on continuing to research the brain-food connection, including studies where they give volunteers specific supplements to see if it makes a difference in their cognitive abilities and brain health.
However, in the meantime, take a cue from the Mediterranean diet and swap out the potato chips for a handful of nuts or a colorful salad.
With the right fuel in your tank, you might just be able to keep your mind sharp as a tack for the rest of your days!
P.S. Discover nature’s brilliant secret for better brain health.
Source:
Christopher E. Zwilling, Jisheng Wu, Aron K. Barbey. Investigating nutrient biomarkers of healthy brain aging: a multimodal brain imaging study. npj Aging, 2024; 10 (1) [DOI: 10.1038 /s41514-024-00150-8]
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.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...