4 YEARS AND 11 MONTHS WITH NO MEDICATION OR INSULIN INJECTIONS AS A TYPE 1 DIABETIC
This month I wanted to change things up a little. Instead of the typical focus on my journey managing T1D without medication, I thought it was a good time for a 2nd guest blog post from my wife!
I’m very proud of Amanda as she has been following her ambitions to become a registered health coach. I also commend her for finding the time to accomplish her goals while still managing to raise two young children. Definitely not easy days.
While this post isn’t exactly focused on T1D, the below tips all can help lower blood sugars.
The topic discussed below are 5 Tips for Optimal Brain Health:
1. Exercise
People who exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes 4-5 times per week), lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Physical activity stimulates blood flow and memory. It also activates chemical changes in the brain that elevate mood, stimulate thinking and enhance learning. There is some evidence that engaging in more complicated exercise such as dancing or sports is more beneficial to the brain than more simple forms such as walking.
2. Eat a clean diet
Focus on home cooked clean ingredients full of fresh vegetables and fruits with as much color and variety as possible. Foods high in Omega 3’s are great for brain health also such as wild salmon, cod liver oil, walnuts, chia and flax seeds. Try to minimize eating anything that comes from a can or box.
The brain may only account for up to 2% of a person’s weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body’s energy at a rate that is ten times faster than the rest of the body per gram of tissue. Feed your brain and body right and make every calorie work for you to prevent disease rather than promote it.
3. Social Connection
A rich network of friends provides support, reduces stress, fights depression and enhances intellectual stimulation. Quality and variety of social relationships are more important than the quantity of a person’s social network. If you are looking for like-minded people in your area try volunteering, meetup.com or look for events on social media that interest you to find your tribe. Fulfilling relationships and feeling like you have a purpose in life combats cognitive decline.
4. Mental Stimulation
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise for your brain to promote new brain cell growth. Learn a new skill such as speaking a new language or playing musical instruments or develop a new hobby by taking classes to fight off mental decline.
5. Sleep
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep improves your mood, immune system and energizes you. It may also reduce buildup of beta-amyloid plaque which is an abnormal protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. To improve sleep quality try to reduce stress by practicing meditation, limit screen time at night or try to use a calming essential oil such as lavender to promote relaxation before bed.
The tips listed above also help prevent other diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, depression and obesity. A healthy brain = a healthy body!
For a free 50 minute health coaching consultation, visit www.livingwellwithamanda.com or e-mail [email protected].
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