Turning the Tide.

• Author: Larson, Chad
• Position: Alzheimer's disease prevention

More than 5,000,000 Americans have Alzheimer's disease, which is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. today. In 2020, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia cost the nation an estimated $305,000,000,000.

With heightened health concerns haunting us seemingly more today than ever before, proactive health measures and disease prevention are vital topics. Let us look at how we can turn the tide on these grueling statistics by reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Ketoflex 12/3. Neurological specialist Dale Bredesen details this diet as the optimal one for brain health in The End of Alzheimer's: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age. Ketoflex incorporates ketosis, the process in which the liver produces specific chemicals called ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone) by breaking down fat. This occurs when you are running low on carbohydrates, your body's first source of energy.

Ketoflex is versatile enough to be suitable for vegetarians or omnivores. However, it largely is plant-based, with an emphasis on vegetables, both cooked and uncooked, especially nonstarchy ones. Some fish, poultry, and lean beef are fine, but should be consumed as side dishes, not a main course. Ideally, you would limit your consumption of meat to just a few ounces per day.

The 12/3 part of Ketoflex 12/3 refers to fasting times. Fasting is a highly effective way to induce ketosis, improve insulin sensitivity, and thereby enhance cognition. The 12 refers to 12 hours between the end of dinner and the next day's first meal or snack. The 3 refers to three hours as a minimum time between the end of dinner and bedtime.

Stress reduction. According to the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, those that are prone to psychological distress have a higher risk of memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and...