As the Baby Boomers approach retirement age, there is a whole lot more interest in the subject of aging or, more to the point, ways of slowing down the aging process.
A number of studies have been published recently that indicate that there are in fact close connections between lifestyle and aging. This should not come as a surprise. As most of us can expect to live longer, the consequences of our youthful indiscretions may become more obvious as we get to the golden years.
Although the subject is not yet fully explored, we know now that there are links between calorie restriction and memory improvement – even at an advanced age. Clinical tests involving intense memorization have shown that participants with the highest calorie- and fat restriction performed up to 20 percent better than their counterparts who consumed highly caloric and fatty foods. The cognitive functions of the human brain seem especially afflicted by poor eating habits. Conversely, this would suggest that the mind benefits from sound nutrition, just like the body does.
Quite possibly, our cognitive abilities, especially our memory, may be influenced by the flow of insulin as well as inflammation from food-induced toxins. The hope is that, if a correlation between memory and insulin flow can be demonstrated, we may be able to identify a physiological base for the health of the mind.
Admittedly, none of these studies have produced yet enough compelling evidence that there is indeed a direct causal relationship between the food we eat and our mental capacities – neither at old age nor at any other stage in life. However, animal experimentation has shown that calorie restriction can play a positive role in disease prevention and also longevity. These findings are not necessarily applicable to people, partly because humans have more complex cognitive capacities than animals – and so the causes for decline may be more complicated.
What we can say with some confidence is this: Even moderately elevated blood sugar levels may adversely affect our cognitive functions, especially as we age. Some researchers have suggested that people with severely elevated blood glucose levels, such as type 2 diabetes patients, run a disproportionately higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss later in life. The reasoning is that high levels of blood sugar may cause a reduction of blood flow to the brain. More specifically, blood sugar appears to be responsible for “sticky clumps” of protein, which keep blood from reaching the brain, thereby causing progressive and sometimes irreversible damage The results can be severe memory loss and worse.
Based on studies like these and a growing acceptance among the experts of a connection between physical health and mental health, we can better understand how interwoven seemingly separate aspects of our wellbeing are.
This is something important to consider for our approach to health care. Traditionally, we respond to health problems mostly “re-actively,” that is after they have occurred. Taking “pro-active” measures would be wiser. Instead of fixing the damage as much as possible, pro-active health care is focused on prevention.
This may sound easier than it can be done. Taking care of our health is a complex task. It involves more than the treatment of aches and pains. We need to be more concerned with nutrition, exercise, avoidance of alcohol- and drug abuse and also our mental, emotional and social health. If we are negligent in one area, we will inevitably have to face consequences in others. It’s all part of one big project – the health of the entire person.
Especially since we can expect to live longer now, it is important that we take care of our health needs from early on. One of my professors used to say: “Good health always begins now.” Wherever you are in life, whatever your health status may be, this is the right time for taking care of yourself.
Timi Gustafson is the author of “The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun®.” Find more tips for a healthy lifestyle in her book, which is available at www.amazon.com and on her blog at http://www.timigustafson.com. You can also follow Timi’s tweets on twitter.com/TimiGustafsonRD