Researchers found that people with more omega-3s had lower levels of beta-amyloid, a nasty protein that is believed to contribute to dementia. Just one gram of omega-3s lowered beta-amyloid levels by an impressive 20 to 30 percent.
by Dr. Alan Christianson —
Is there anything fresh fish and fish oil cannot do for health? I am beginning to think not, as I read studies like the one in the journal Neurology (neurology.org) that shows omega-3 fatty acids can lower your risk of dementia and brain deterioration.
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are complex brain diseases with no simple solution for prevention. If you are like me, you want to take every preventive measure you can. That is why I eat fresh fish and take fish oil.
Many people have expressed concerns about the overall high mercury toxicity present in fish. If you eat fish, try to choose options with lower levels of mercury. This can be semi-accomplished by bypassing the larger fish, such as shark and swordfish. Tuna has been a popular and convenient choice; however, many varieties have moderate levels of mercury, so I suggest eating no more than four to six ounces per week.
Lower levels of mercury are found in herring, pollock, salmon, sardines, shrimp and tilapia. Choose wild-caught fish whenever possible. (A good resource to learn how to make the safest seafood choices can be found at the Environmental Working Group website ewg.org/safefishlist.)
If fish is not your favorite food, or if you do not eat it several times each week, I recommend taking a high-quality fish oil supplement. Super EPA from Thorne Research provides 425 mg of EPA and 270 mg DHA in each capsule. This product provides an effective, easy and contaminant-free way to get therapeutic amounts of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for brain health.
Alan Christianson, N.M.D., has been practicing at Integrative Health in Scottsdale, Ariz., for more than 14 years. He is the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Thyroid Disease. 480-657-0003 or integrativehealthcare.com.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 32, Number 2, April/May 2013.
May 25, 2013
Alzheimer's and Dementia, April/May 2013 Issue, Brain, Chemical and Toxic Exposure, Food, Health, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements