This Common Habit is “KILLING” Your Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 15, 2023
You do IT daily.
In fact, multiple times and maybe for hours at a go.
After all, it’s only natural.
But disturbing new research reveals the longer you do this everyday “activity,” the more your risk for developing dementia rises.
It turns out sitting could be quietly killing your brain.
Scientists have uncovered troubling connections between being sedentary and cognitive decline later in life.
Now, new research reveals that the LESS time you spend moving, the greater your risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
The study published in the journal JAMA shows that being more sedentary, like sitting for long periods, raises your risk.
The scientists used step counter (accelerometer) data to discover that folks over 60 who spend more than 10 hours a day being inactive are at a higher risk of dementia compared with those who sit less.
This isn’t the first study to link sedentary behavior and brain health, of course. But, it answered one of the biggest questions that remained.
And that is, “How MUCH sitting (or time being sedentary) is bad?”
- 10 hours daily was associated with an 8 percent increase in dementia risk.
- 12 hours was linked with a 63 percent increase in dementia risk.
Our brains rely on regular movement to function at FULL capacity as we age.
So, for every hour you spend on your couch, you could be chipping away at your mental fitness in the future.
Scientists believe that reductions in brain blood flow might be behind the problem.
Plus, there’s also a well-known link between sitting and heart disease, which likely also plays a role in a higher risk for dementia.
Making an effort to sit less NOW can pay off with a sharper mind in the FUTURE.
The reality is our jobs, volunteer activities, or even watching a favorite show or movie may require us to sit for longer periods. So just be sure to get up and move every half an hour.
If you’re having trouble getting motivated or simply REMEMBERING to get up, a fitness tracker with a built-in movement reminder can help.
Don’t let your desk job or love of the couch today put your cognitive function at risk tomorrow.
And another thing…
Here’s what else we’ve covered this week in Living Well Daily…
5 Superfoods BLOW Away the Winter Blues
Battling the winter blues? Discover five mood-boosting “superfoods” to get you OVER this hump and INTO the holiday spirit.
Common Supplement Could Combat Long COVID
Finding solutions for “long COVID” symptoms like fatigue is challenging. But, research suggests a simple supplement could come to the rescue.
Most people walk into surgery without much prep. But if you have a surgery in your future, new research reveals how you can bounce back FAST.
Natural Fix Dials DOWN Pollution Damage
A new study reveals a simple solution to DIAL DOWN the damaging effects of pollution that may have been staring us in the face all along.
MAILBAG: Take a DEEP Breath with Natural COPD Solutions
It’s not easy to fix COPD-damaged lungs. But there IS a lot you can do to naturally improve lung function to breathe… AND feel… better fast.
“Fountain of Youth” Discovery REWINDS Age!
Disappointed by failed fountain-of-youth promises? Folks eating THIS for just six months had their biological clocks REWOUND!
IS YOUR Water Contaminated with PFAS? Find Out
It’s estimated that PFAS chemicals are in the blood of 97% of Americans. Find out if these toxins are in your water and lower your risk of exposure.
P.S. This overlooked health measurement could SAVE your life!
Source:
Cao Z, et Al., “Leucocyte telomere length, brain volume and risk of dementia: a prospective cohort study,” General Psychiatry 2023;36:e101120. doi: 10.1136 /gpsych-2023-101120
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: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...