In This Week's Issue:
Fish for a Healthy Brain
Here's more good news about the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and the vitamins found in fresh fruits and vegetables: seniors with high levels of these nutrients did better on tests of mental acuity and had less of the brain shrinkage that signals Alzheimer's disease. (If you want the opposite effect, the researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University said that their study suggests that the best route is to eat a lot of junk foods.) To arrive at their conclusions, the investigators measured levels of these nutrients in the blood of 104 seniors (average age, 87) participating in the study and found that vitamins B, C, D, E and omega-3s conferred the most benefits on the brain. In addition to the blood tests, 42 participants had MRIs to measure brain volume. Many previous studies of nutritional effects on the brain have been based primarily on food questionnaires, which yield less precise data. The researchers said that their findings need to be confirmed by further research.
My take? We know from clinical research that the Mediterranean diet appears to help protect against the mild cognitive impairment that can develop with age, and that this style of eating may also delay the transition from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The Mediterranean diet provides its benefits by moderating inflammation throughout the body, and inflammation in the brain precedes the changes in the central nervous system that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. My anti-inflammatory diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet in its emphasis on high quality fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, yogurt, fresh fish and on vegetable rather than animal protein, and I believe following an anti-inflammatory diet may be the most effective strategy to preserve brain health as we age.
Omega-3s for Memory
Dr. Weil's Condition Specific Memory Support Vitamin Pack is available exclusively in the DrWeil.com Marketplace. This formula provides ginkgo and DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that may help support and maintain healthy brain function. Purchase it now, or visit Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor for your free, personalized supplement recommendation.
Your Brain and Weight Loss
New research suggests that many weight problems are all in the head, but not in the way you might suppose. Two studies published in the December 27, 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation indicate that the poor dietary choices that have led to much of the obesity in the U.S. might damage brain cells around the hypothalamus, an area that helps regulate hunger and thirst, possibly causing you to feel hungry even though you've eaten more than enough. The damage appears to stem from inflammation promoted by high fat diets. Although we've known for some time that high fat diets can lead to inflammatory changes in the body, these changes were believed to take weeks or months to occur. However, the researchers who conducted the two studies are now reporting that changes in the brain due to inflammation can develop within as little time as 24 hours based on their studies with mice and rats. The same effects were seen on MRIs of the brains of obese humans. The investigators found that while initial brain changes due to high fat diets were only temporary, they become permanent with continued high fat eating.
Remember When... No?
As we age, we may become more forgetful. Help keep memories fresh with the information and tools on Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging. From brain-healthy recipes to challenging puzzles to in-depth articles, you can start protecting your brain today. Begin your 14-day free trial now.
Change Heart Disease Risk with Fruits, Vegetables
Even if you have a strong family history of heart disease, you may be able to change your personal risk with diet, a recent study suggests. An international team of researchers led by scientists at Canada's McMaster and McGill universities have found that the expression of the gene that is the strongest marker for heart disease can be modified by a diet that provides lots of fruit and raw vegetables. These findings come from an analysis of data on more than 27,000 adults of varied ethnicities including European, South Asian, Chinese, Latin American and Arab and the effect of their diets on a gene called 9p21. The investigators found that those with this gene who ate a diet composed mostly of raw vegetables, fruits and berries had a risk of heart attack that was similar to those whose genotype suggested a low risk of heart attack. The study was published in the October 2011 issue of the journal PLoS Medicine.
Dr. Weil's Heart Health Weekly
Is a healthy heart important to you? Then don't miss our weekly newsletter covering heart health. Get information on fitness, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to help prevent heart attacks, manage cholesterol levels, and promote a healthy cardiovascular system. Includes a heart healthy recipe.
Recipe: Hemp-Crusted Salmon With Chinese Broccoli
This is not your everyday salmon entrée. Not only is the wild salmon in this recipe enhanced by a crunchy coating of nutty hemp seeds, but it is also served atop a bed of lotus root and Chinese broccoli soaked in an exotic yuzu sauce. Dinner can be decadent without sabotaging your healthy New Year's resolutions!
Try this recipe today: Hemp-Crusted Salmon With Chinese Broccoli
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What's New
Jan. 24th, Mar 6th & 20th, 2012, Tucson, Arizona
Join Dr. Andrew Weil for an exclusive opportunity to delve into the research behind his new book Spontaneous Happiness. Dr. Weil offers advice on lifestyle, behavior, and dietary changes to help you assess your emotional wellness and build a personalized step-by-step plan to manage your moods. There will be a Q&A portion of these lectures giving you the opportunity to have your health and wellness questions answered by Dr. Weil himself! Miraval guests must reserve the lecture with reservations, and must book a three-night stay or more to attend (at prevailing rates). For more information and how to register: www.miravalresorts.com
Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series
Feb. 1st, 2012, Naples, Florida
Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series, at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples is pleased to announce Dr. Weil as the keynote on Wednesday, Feb. 1st, 2012 8:30-9:15 pm. For more information: www.naplestownhall.org
35th Annual Psychotherapy Network Symposium
March 22-25, 2012, Washington, DC
Dr. Weil will keynote at 35th Annual Psychotherapy Network Symposium, "Creating a New Wisdom" in Washington DC on Friday, March 23, at 12 noon. More information from Psychotherapy Networker.
9th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
April 15-18, 2012, Boston, Massachusetts
Expanding on the growing success of previous Nutrition and Health conferences, the 9th annual meeting, co-directed by Dr. Andrew Weil, will assemble an outstanding faculty of internationally-known scientific researchers, skilled clinicians, innovative chefs, and best-selling authors whose work focuses on the interface between nutrition and healthful living. This conference will provide essential information for health professionals who address issues of food and nutrition in their clinical practices, including the latest research findings, practical recommendations for clinical care, and challenging discussions of public policy. Registration information: www.nutritionandhealthconf.org
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