​​​​A healthy gut is essential for long-term functional integrated health and prevention of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Learn more about the connection between gut health and cognitive wellness in the guide below.

Links Between Gut Health & Alzheimer’s

What Is the Microbiome?

The microbiome is essential to gastrointestinal (GI) health. The stomach and intestines contain trillions of beneficial organisms. The community of fungi, bacteria, and viruses that live in your gut is called a “microbiome.”

The health of your body’s microorganisms affects your overall health and has an impact on a host of medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and colorectal cancer. The foods you eat, the medicines you consume, and stress affect the health of the microbiome in your gut. If unhealthy bacteria proliferate, health issues, including cognitive decline, may result.

How Are GI Health & Alzheimer’s Connected?

The hippocampus, the area in the brain associated with memory, is a particular focus of decline in Alzheimer’s patients. When the growth of new brain cells ceases, cognition starts to decline. Functional integrated health approaches to managing patient care seek to rejuvenate cognitive ability with multiple therapies, including moderate exercise and consumption of healthy fats and vegetables.

Which Dietary Habits Lower Alzheimer’s Risk?

The Mediterranean diet helps to reduce inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s. Fatty acids found in olive oil, fish, and nuts as well as fruits and vegetables—foods eaten in the countries of the Mediterranean like Greece and Italy—have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Lowering the amount of gluten and grains in the diet and increasing vegetable and probiotic fiber content may help prevent leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability. Other conditions aided by reduced consumption of gluten and grains include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and a host of other health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

On dietary plans recommended by functional health experts, patients consume less sugar, fewer carbohydrates, and fewer trans fatty acids, such as those found in margarine and shortening. Anti-inflammatory diets that nourish the microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

To help keep your brain healthy, nourish the microbiome. For assistance in achieving your health goals, consult RevitaLife in St. Louis, MO. Their functional integrated health services include IV nutrition, family functional medicine, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medical weight loss. Their goal is to promote proactive strategies to reduce age-related and chronic diseases with customized treatment plans for every patient. Call (314) 475-3126 to make an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their weight loss services.