DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a central role in brain health. As I have discussed before, one of the key factors that correlates levels of DHA to brain health and disease resistance is DHA’s ability to turn on the brains “growth hormone” called BDNF.
In this report, from the Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, researchers evaluated the level of DHA in red blood cells in a group of over 1500 men and women aged 67 ± 9 years who were dementia free . The study then measured the size of their brains, and evaluated their brains by doing MRI scans to look for small strokes. In addition, the subjects underwent a variety of cognitive assessments. Continue reading
If you follow my work, you know that I strongly advocate for making sure that your diet includes a hearty dose of omega-3 fats, the healthy ones we’ve replaced in our current diet with omega-6 fats. For me, one of the most important omega-3 fats is Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and that’s why fish oil or algae-derived DHA is so important.
For starters, DHA is a valuable anti-inflammatory, and you all know how dangerous inflammation is to our brains and our bodies. A recent study found that macrophages (a type of white blood cell) use DHA to produce maresins, which fight inflammation. Since our bodies encounter inflammation almost daily, it’s important to always make sure we’ve got enough omega-3 in our system to help our bodies quiet down these flare ups.
But the key reason that DHA has become such a darling of medical researchers lately is that it triggers the production of BDNF, meaning that it’s DHA which kickstarts the growth of new neurons in our brain, leading to improved memory. Continue reading
Ty sent me his story on Facebook, and after reading it, I knew I had to share it with you all. I’m impressed by his dedication to the LCHF lifestyle, and how he works to inspire and motivate others. – Dr. Perlmutter
In September 2013, I decided to finally transition to a low-carb/high-fat lifestyle (and also 100% free of grain and sugar) and since then I have lost 82 pounds. I have been reading and researching ketogenic diets for about 10 years, and have had much success in the past, but this time something just clicked. I no longer “treat” myself to low-carb grains, or fake sugars. I feel fabulous! My skin conditions have completely cleared up. My mental fog is gone. Intestinal distress, muscle cramps, and headaches are a thing of the past.