2017, Deb Martin
Updated March, 2023
Alzheimer’s Disease is now the 3rd leading cause of death in North America (based on recent cadaver studies). It was once (and still is for most people) shrouded in mystery and thought to be untreatable and due to the extensive research and work of Dr. Dale Bredesen is now proven to be both preventable and treatable. In fact, a doctor from Tampa has written a book about reversing her husband’s near-severe Alzheimer’s using coconut oil: “What if there was a Cure?” by Dr. Mary Newport, published in 2013.
While today we know more about the multiple causes of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Mary Newport’s husband did make a clear turnaround, and coconut oil was at the core of it. Before coconut oil: He could no longer dress himself nor read a clock. After coconut oil he could do both those things and was interviewed on TV!
These questions bear answering: How do oils affect the brain? What makes coconut oil a potential brain healer? And what other Oil is Critical?
HOW OILS AFFECT THE BRAIN
ALZHEIMER’S is sometimes referred to as Type 3 Diabetes Alzheimer’s is now often referred to as Type 3 Diabetes, because it creates insulin resistance. It is directly linked to the type of fats you eat which construct the boundaries surrounding your brain cells…the membranes of the cells. The idea that insulin resistance was at the root of the problem in many Alzheimer’s’ brains first surfaced in Canada in 2005. We now understand that it is one of many sources of brain issues and diseases. And, it is a KEY one to understand!
Vegetable Oil Fats and Trans fats (damaged by heat during manufacturing processes or when used in cooking at high temperatures) are not properly permeable. BTW, this includes canola oil which is highly processed and includes toxic agents such as bleach and hexane gas. With non-permeable oils such as these, glucose cannot penetrate the cell. And since glucose is the normal cell food, this is a problem! This leads to a condition called Insulin Resistance. It is, however, a problem which can be solved by keytones. Keytones are a different source of fuel found in coconut oil.
Of course, this insulin resistance problem affects other systems, as referenced in last month’s article on the effects of oils in Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Attacks.
Insulin resistance in the brain is an “insult” to the brain, causing inflammation and cascading malfunctions. Nothing works right. The brain’s nightly cleanup crew, part of the Glymphatic System) cannot keep up with its work, and the dreaded amyloid plaque begins to build up. This plaque is part of the brain’s immune system–to protect the brain cells from harm. But with no lifestyle changes in diet, it will just keep building up. This leads to cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia and more brain diseases. Inflammation is not good. Cells starved for food is not good. Plaque buildup leads to disaster.
Let’s discover some of the root causes of the problem with oils, and then discover some of the best oils to consume!
“Vegetable Oil Conspiracy” Gave Saturated Fats a Bad Reputation
There was a misinformation campaign aggressively promoted by the vegetable oil industry in the 1970’s (some may argue it was earlier, ala post World War II). People saw enough commercials and read enough “heart-healthy” labels about vegetable oils to believe that oils such as Canola Oil were a good thing. (Don’t get me started…) This misinformation has caused significant damage to the health of America. It’s right up there with High Fructose Corn Syrup. (BTW, did you know the FDA recently approved a new description for High Fructos Corn Syrup? Get this: “Natural Sugar”. What?! Now you can’t believe the label unless it says “Organic Sugar”).
A Quick explanation of Saturated fats (the Good Guys):
“Saturated” means these oils have NO SEAT on their chemical “bus” for a free radical to sit down. They aren’t damaged during cooking, like vegetable oils are. Free radicals damage healthy cells. When you hear about (or smell) an oil which is rancid, it’s definitely filled-to-overflowing with free radicals. To some extent, you can minimize the damage of eating free-radical-laden oils by eating something with high antioxidants. I carry around cloves and raw Xocai chocolates for such occasions. These keep me healthy and younger both inside and all the way to my skin!
Coconut oil is a most amazing oil—unlike any other in its chemical structure with 9 different types of fatty acids and its unparalleled array of healing abilities. Butter and Ghee are also saturated fats.
What about the Omegas? Most people have heard about Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 oils (fatty acids). You probably recognize the term Omega 3 and know it is a “good” oil. You are right! But that is often the extent of most people’s knowledge. This is understandable; there is a lot to know about oil! When you finish this article (and next month’s completing installment), you will know WHAT to eat to protect your brain, and WHAT TO AVOID whenever possible. You already got the COCONUT OIL idea, didn’t you??? (and butter and ghee…)
OMEGA 3: The “Good Guys”for our Brain
Your body loves Omega 3 fatty acids, and your cell walls are made of a particular form of this oil, when it is available. This is the preferred oil for your cell walls! Omega 3 Oils keep your cells operating optimally for daily input (energy supplies) and outgo (waste management). There are 3 types of Omega 3 oils. ALA is found in plants and seeds (our favorite seed is Chia). Most known for their anti-inflammatory effects, they also thin the blood. The other two forms of Omega 3 are EPA & DHA. These are from fish, fish oils and marine sources.
FINDING OMEGA 3 in the SEA
SALMON: Salmon is a good source of a particular type of Omega 3 called DHA. The most nutritious source of Omega 3’s comes from WILD Caught Salmon and krill. Farm fishing involves too many disease promoting processes such as feeding the fish GMO corn, sprinkling the heavily-populated tanks with antibiotics, etc. (Note: We have heard that Whole Foods’ farmed salmon comes from a European source that uses superior processes…probably ocean-based rather than tanks).
A word about the new Frankenfish (aka AquAdvantage) – the DHA profile is not as favorable as the real salmon fish. I also has DNA from a poisonous eel and another cold-water fish, one chosen for its year-round growth cycle and the other for turning on a hormone in the salmon that allows the year-round growth. At least the salmon’s DNA is smashed together only with other fish and not with strange bacteria. Costco, Whole Foods, and Publix are among the retail outlets who will not sell this GMO animal. They are not playing with our genetics in this upcoming experiment on unsuspecting people.
KRILL OIL & Other Fish Oils: The krill is tiny shrimp-like creature which comes from the cold waters, e.g. Alaska. I have friends who swear by its virtues. I think they are correct! Your Grandma may have shoved a spoon of Cod Liver Oil down your throat. It was a good thing.
ALGAE: Tiny sea plants which come in several colors. Astaxanthin, for example, is red and comes from Hawaii. Spirulina is a most gorgeous color of blue. These algae are healthiest when harvested from more pristine waters, and algae is the originating source of DHA. It is eaten by the small fish which are eaten by the bigger fish, so it becomes more concentrated in a larger fish, such as the salmon.
WHY YOU NEED DHA DAILY:
At Lotus Blossom Clinic we carry a Metagenics EPA/DHA supplement and take it ourselves every day for our own brains. Omega 3 DHA is a powerhouse for cellular functions. For starters, during REM sleep is when electrical pathways form our long-term memories. That process requires DHA.
DHA is a PRIMARY NUTRITIONAL consideration for pregnant Moms, along with Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9). DHA is essential for the development of a healthy fetal brain (and heart). This is so true that if a mother is deficient in DHA for her developing fetus’ needs, her own brain is “mined” in order to provide the fetus what it needs. This actually causes brain shrinkage in the mother. If nature thinks DHA is that important for the creation of the next generation and survival of the species, guess what…it’s important for us at any age.
DHA is key in many science-based, food-healing protocols which involve the brain and ANY AUTOIMMUNE condition. It is front and center in the Alzheimers, Autism/ADD and other brain-function Food-Healing Protocols in Conquering Any Disease Food Healing System, in which we are certified instructors. Other protocols such as Terry Wahls, M.D.’s “Wahls Protocol” teach and promote DHA for healing the brain (and heart).
For radiant health and youthfulness, we DEFINITELY want to have at least 4 times as much Omega 3 as Omega 6 oils in our diet This is where it gets HARD in today’s world of processed foods and handy restaurants. Stay tuned for next month’s article, “The Dark Side of Oils you Consume”. And we are here to help you make better food choices. Give us a call at (239) 277-1399.
Stay Alert,
Dr. David and Deb Martín and Staff
(239) 277-1399
Serving the Greater Fort Myers area, including Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh, Bonita Springs & Naples
Note: We are not MD’s, nutritionists nor dieticians. We are trained in Conquering Any Disease, A High Phytochemical Food Healing System.