Studies point to the idea you might be able to reduce the possibility of dementia by avoiding foods that can compromise our gut bacteria and weaken your memory and focus.
It’s important to avoid or cut down on five things “to fight inflammation and promote brain health, sharp thinking and good decision-making.”
Added sugars
Although the brain needs glucose — a form of sugar — to fuel cellular activities, too much could cause memory impairments and reduce the plasticity of the part of the brain that controls memory.
Fried foods
When it comes to brain health, fried foods are a “less is more” dish. These guilty pleasures cause inflammation that can damage the blood vessels that supply the brain with blood. Another study that year found that people who consumed more fried foods were more likely to develop depression in their lifetime.
High-GI carbs
Bread and pasta might not be sweet, but your body processes them much the same way it does sugar. A 2018 study in Spain questioned more than 15,000 people to determine which carbs were linked to depression.
Carbohydrates such as whole grains and foods high in fiber were classified “better quality” and were ranked low on the glycemic index, which measures how fast foods convert to glucose during digestion. The quicker the conversion, the higher its GI ranking.
Alcohol
The British Medical Journal reported that people who drank no alcohol or who consumed more than 14 drinks per week had a higher risk of dementia compared to those who drank alcohol in moderation.
Nitrates
Bacon, sausage and salami contain nitrates, which is used as a preservative and color enhancers in deli slices.
In a March 2020 study, researcher at Johns Hopkins Medical School found nitrates could alter gut bacteria in a way that causes bipolar disorder.