Top Five Dietary Guidelines to Help Manage Symptoms of Dementia
While there is no known cure for Dementia, the effects of this disease can be reversed if it is diagnosed in its earliest stage. Diet and nutrition play a major role in the treatment of this disease.
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.
Here are the top five dietary guidelines to ward off the effects of this debilitating disease.
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) Don’t Be Refined! – Avoid refined, processed food. Food that comes in a box cannot be considered food. It is most likely processed. Also, all hot dogs and sausages are considered processed. Instead, invest in food that more closely resembles food in its most natural state. Organic, fresh foods are nutrient-dense and contain lots of beneficial, live enzymes. Eat a diet high in antioxidants such as carotenes, falvonoids, zinc and selenium. Remember, dead food, dead bodies ” live food, live bodies.
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) Many Choices – You do not have to bored with your food either. There are many, many choices from each section that can keep your taste buds tantalized. Just be sure to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish into a 1500 or 2000 calorie diet daily. In addition, to avoid the potential for nutrient deficiency, incorporate the use of a high potency multi-vitamin.

