Nutrient Deficiency Linked to Cognitive Decline
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 10, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
As you get older, your health focus usually shifts to more about your brain.
Sure, your heart, joints, and blood sugar are all important. But without a healthy brain, you’ll lose everything… including your independence.
The reality is, losing your memory might be a bigger threat than you ever imagined. More and more people are getting Alzheimer’s every day.
And now, researchers have linked this nutrient deficiency to cognitive decline.
Here’s everything you need to know.
I’m talking about vitamin B9… or as most people know this vitamin by the name folate.
A recent study in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health found that seniors with low levels of folate were at increased risk of dementia and death… from any cause.
In fact, people with low folate were 68 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and nearly three times more likely to die from any cause during the study period.
The researchers defined low folate as levels below 4.4 ng/ml.
Lacking certain nutrients is something you should pay more attention to as you age. See, many bodily processes slow down over time and moving nutrients from our food into our bodies is one of them.
Studies show that more than 20 percent of older folks are not getting enough folate, as well as a lot of other vitamins and minerals.
Folate has well-known functions in the brain that affects how nerve singles travel though the brain, which can have effects on thinking and memory.
Folate can also affect a molecule called homocysteine, which impacts many parts of the body, including brain health, DNA repair, and heart health. You can see how low folate can lead to an early death.
You can keep your brain in tip-top health by getting enough folate and following these suggestions as well.
- Get out and exercise every once and a while. Don’t try and by an Olympian, just get out and move your body a bit.
- Keep inflammation under control. Try berberine to keep inflammation in check and stay away from the oils that increase inflammation like corn, soy, and other vegetable oils.
- Herbs such as curcumin and bacopa work to decrease inflammation and act as powerful antioxidants.
- Creatine is an amino acid that is good for the brain and helps support energy production.
- Omega 3 fish oil is an essential fatty acid your brain needs to support its function and protect against oxidation.
P.S. A stunning study has shown that this simple factor could determine your dementia risk. Best of all? You can measure it at home. Find out what it is right here.
SOURCE:
BMJ. “Low Folate (Vitamin B9) May Be Linked to Heightened Dementia and Death Risks in Older People.” 3/15/2022. https://scitechdaily.com/low-folate-vitamin-b9-may-be-linked-to-heightened-dementia-and-death-risks-in-older-people/
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
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...