Although there is no cure for dementia, the effects of dementia could possibly be reversed if diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages. Much of the treatment has to do with diet.
The elderly are the most vulnerable to this disease as they have a greater risk of being malnourished or lacking certain essential vitamins and nutrients. Therefore, diet plays a major role as this is the foundation for which our body builds its defenses against viruses, ailments and degenerative diseases. In addition, it is imperative that an accurate diagnosis of this disease is made before any medications are prescribed.
The following are the top five dietary guidelines that will help dementia patients keep their symptoms under control or at bay.
1) Low Fat, High Fiber - Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Reduce or eliminate saturated fats from daily meals, but also ensure that you are receiving adequate essential fatty acids, especially the omega-3s. Incorporate a good dietary regimen with an emphasis on a high-fiber diet that stresses fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, pressed oils, millet, brown rice, oat bran, whole grains, fish and low-fat foods.
2) No Processed Food - Any food that comes in a box really can't be considered food. In addition, foods such as hot dogs and sausages are really processed foods. These are very bad for the body. Instead, implement the benefits of foods that actually resemble their 'natural" state. Organic foods contain live enzymes that are very beneficial to the body. Furthermore, it is important to implement foods high in antioxidants into your diet. These include zinc, selenium, carotene and flavonoids. There is a simple saying to help you remember; live food - Live body, dead food - dead body.
3) Brain Power - It is very important for the neurotransmitters in our brains to be fed. This can be done by incorporating foods that contain Acetyl-choline. Foods that contain this beneficial element include beans, liver, whole grains, foods rich in chlorophyll, soy, lecithin and egg yolks.
4) Pump It Up! " As a rule, have a good amount of protein for breakfast such as a soy smoothie or whey protein smoothie, which can include lecithin and ground flaxseed. Have a high protein lunch such as a salad and a tuna or salmon sandwich to provide mental acuity. To relax and fall into a deep sleep, have a high-carb dinner. Spaghetti (made from brown rice grains) with ground turkey and a low-sodium sauce would be most ideal.
5) Explore - A diet with a caloric intake of 1500 to 2000 calories a day is perfect. There is no need to become bored either, choose your foods from a broad cross section of choices such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. In addition, taking a high potency multi-vitamin every day will ensure you do not become deficient in any nutritional needs.
The elderly are the most vulnerable to this disease as they have a greater risk of being malnourished or lacking certain essential vitamins and nutrients. Therefore, diet plays a major role as this is the foundation for which our body builds its defenses against viruses, ailments and degenerative diseases. In addition, it is imperative that an accurate diagnosis of this disease is made before any medications are prescribed.
The following are the top five dietary guidelines that will help dementia patients keep their symptoms under control or at bay.
1) Low Fat, High Fiber - Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Reduce or eliminate saturated fats from daily meals, but also ensure that you are receiving adequate essential fatty acids, especially the omega-3s. Incorporate a good dietary regimen with an emphasis on a high-fiber diet that stresses fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, seeds, nuts, pressed oils, millet, brown rice, oat bran, whole grains, fish and low-fat foods.
2) No Processed Food - Any food that comes in a box really can't be considered food. In addition, foods such as hot dogs and sausages are really processed foods. These are very bad for the body. Instead, implement the benefits of foods that actually resemble their 'natural" state. Organic foods contain live enzymes that are very beneficial to the body. Furthermore, it is important to implement foods high in antioxidants into your diet. These include zinc, selenium, carotene and flavonoids. There is a simple saying to help you remember; live food - Live body, dead food - dead body.
3) Brain Power - It is very important for the neurotransmitters in our brains to be fed. This can be done by incorporating foods that contain Acetyl-choline. Foods that contain this beneficial element include beans, liver, whole grains, foods rich in chlorophyll, soy, lecithin and egg yolks.
4) Pump It Up! " As a rule, have a good amount of protein for breakfast such as a soy smoothie or whey protein smoothie, which can include lecithin and ground flaxseed. Have a high protein lunch such as a salad and a tuna or salmon sandwich to provide mental acuity. To relax and fall into a deep sleep, have a high-carb dinner. Spaghetti (made from brown rice grains) with ground turkey and a low-sodium sauce would be most ideal.
5) Explore - A diet with a caloric intake of 1500 to 2000 calories a day is perfect. There is no need to become bored either, choose your foods from a broad cross section of choices such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. In addition, taking a high potency multi-vitamin every day will ensure you do not become deficient in any nutritional needs.
About the Author:
Esther Dacanay is a highly regarded writer and editor for various websites and magazines. She is a featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her knowledge about Dementia Causes and Statistics of Vascular Dementia on Clivir.
