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One of the most heartbreaking and frightening conditions that people may face is Alzheimer’s disease. 

Although most people associate Alzheimer’s with old age, that’s not entirely accurate.  It can begin in the brain 30 years before symptoms appear, and the characteristic amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients have been detected in young adult brains.

As we age, our brain weight drops—up to 10 percent by age 80.  In addition, blood flow to the brain diminishes, neurons and connections die and nerve functions slow down—all leading to reduced thinking and memory.

But on the plus side, the human brain has great reserve capacity and our brain cells can not only regenerate, but they can grow new dendrites (finger-like connections to other cells that form little electrical “pathways” for brain function)!

One disease, many causes

Although people tend to think of Alzheimer’s as a mystery, there are a number of distinct causes and contributing factors that include the following:

Free radicals

Excessive formation of free radicals is literally toxic to your brain cells. 

Genetics

Three forms of a gene called APOE plus certain other genes (known as SORL1, CLU, CR1, PICALM and TREM2) have been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s. 

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure

Heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure are all linked to Alzheimer’s.

Decreased blood flow to the brain from these conditions is associated with the formation of the classic plaques and tangles that disrupt brain activity in Alzheimer’s. 

Stress

The neurotransmitter glutamate is released when you are stressed.  The right amount of glutamate helps your brain function properly, but too much (which occurs when you are chronically stressed) is harmful to your brain cells. 

Type 2 diabetes

Your brain needs glucose to function properly, and when there is impaired glucose function with Type 2 diabetes, it can damage brain cells.  Also, high blood sugar causes inflammation which is harmful to brain cells.

Chlamydia infection

This type of bacteria has been found in the brains of people who died of Alzheimer’s.

H. pylori infection

1. pylori in the stomach may block the absorption of vitamin B12, and since B12 is crucial to proper brain function, H. pylori can play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Similarly, the use of proton pump inhibitors is also linked to Alzheimer’s.  These medications reduce your stomach’s production of acid which in turn impairs your ability to assimilate B12.

Herpes simplex virus HSV-1

The herpes simplex virus HSV-1 (the virus that causes cold sores) has been found to cause brain inflammation.

Nitrates in food

Researchers at Brown University have suggested that nitrates and nitrosamines damage your DNA and destroy brain cells.  They may also trigger the liver to produce toxins that destroy brain cells.

Nitrates are found in processed meats like ham, bacon, lunch meat, hot dogs and sausage.

Aluminum

For more than 30 years, it has been observed that high levels of aluminum have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

Studies have shown that people who use aluminum cookware and use aluminum-containing antiperspirants have a higher risk for Alzheimer’s.  Plus aluminum is used in vaccines, and since they are injected, the aluminum gets into the bloodstream and from there has easy access to the brain.

Aspartame

Aspartame (Equal and NutraSweet) has been linked to Alzheimer’s as well as a variety of other neurological conditions.

And the latest discovery—an unhealthy gut microbiome!

Recent research by Swiss and Italian scientists has shown a connection between an unhealthy, imbalanced gut microbiome and the development of amyloid plaques in the brain. 

Fight back at Alzheimer’s!

Here are 9 Sharp Brain Strategies that can help prevent, slow or in some cases even reverse cognitive decline:

Sharp Brain Strategy #1- Omega-3 essential fatty acids

A deficiency of Omega-3 EFAs makes it impossible for your cell membranes to perform their vital functions, and your brain is heavily dependent on the Omega-3 EFA Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

But our typical diets are severely lacking Omega-3 EFAs, so daily supplementation with these nutrients is essential! 

Pharmaceutical-grade VitalMega-3 fish oil formula can ensure you have healthful levels of these crucial fats.

VitalMega-3 provides an impressive 1,200 mg of Omega-3s in every daily two-capsule serving, including 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA.

Sharp Brain Strategy #2- Antioxidants

Your brain cells are very vulnerable to free radical damage, so the protection of antioxidants is critical. 

Having a diet rich in fresh, real foods including fruits and vegetables is a must here. 

Sharp Brain Strategy #3- Regular exercise

Exercise helps nourish brain cells, improves memory, reduces stress and improves mood.

The Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation states that regular exercise cuts your risk of Alzheimer’s in HALF!

Sharp Brain Strategy #4- Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for brain and cardiovascular health, but it’s also a very common deficiency, especially this time of year in the northern hemisphere where sunlight is limited and our bodies can’t make the Vitamin D we need.

But a top-notch Vitamin D formula like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B can help ensure you have health-supporting levels of this crucial nutrient 365 days a year. 

Optimum DK Formula provides a therapeutic 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D3, plus its partners Vitamins K1 and K2 for optimal absorbency and effectiveness.

Sharp Brain Strategy #5- Get quality sleep

Deep sleep and dreaming are important to supporting your brain and body functions.

Most adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

Sharp Brain Strategy #6- Reduce stress

Try exercise, yoga, prayer, meditation, music, massage, deep breathing, and acupuncture.  Do whatever works for you.

Sharp Brain Strategy #7- Carefully weigh vaccines

Carefully weigh the risks and benefits of vaccines, and if you choose to vaccinate, read the package insert in its entirety prior to injection.  Neurotoxic heavy metals such as aluminum and mercury are frequently used as adjuvants. 

Sharp Brain Strategy #8- Naturally treat acid reflux and ulcers

If you have ulcers or acid reflux and take acid reducers, in addition to a plethora of other side effects, you are also increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s with every purple pill.

But there are other, safer answers!

Digestizol Max can help pave the way for smooth, comfortable digestion and less reflux.  Digestizol Max is a complete digestive enzyme formula that works alongside your body’s own enzyme resources to completely break down all your foods and leave you feeling great after meals!

Plus GastroBeCalm Blend is a natural remedy that can help ease occasional heartburn.  And the mastic gum in this outstanding herbal formula can actually help kill H. pylori—the bacteria that causes ulcers!

Sharp Brain Strategy #9- Restore a healthier gut microbiome

If you suspect your gut microbiome may be on the unhealthy side (and if constipation, gas, bloating and/or repeated infections are your regular companions, trust me, it’s a given), then our outstanding brand-new Super Shield Plus Probiotic Formula can help turn that around for you!

Super Shield Plus provides a whopping 20 billion CFUs and 15 potent probiotic strains to help turn around the most challenged of guts and support a healthier microbiome balance.

And if your gut is already in good shape, then original Super Shield Probiotic Formula can help make sure it stays that way!

Now you are armed with effective strategies to help decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s and support sharp thinking and memory throughout your lifetime!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia