IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: today is research from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases that demonstrates inflammation in your body drives the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.

MAKING CHANGES: Reducing inflammation requires a few lifestyle changes that also support your neurological system, immune system and overall health

FACT OR FICTION: Acid rain affects the environment and the environment affects your health.

In The News

Research from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases has demonstrated a connection between inflammation and the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings were based on a series of laboratory experiments and provide insights into the mechanisms believed to hold the answers to how dementia, and particularly Alzheimer’s disease, develops.

SOURCE: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/12/171220131656.htm

Daily Health Tip

Inflammation is not only responsible for the development of dementia, but also associated with heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart attack.

Making Changes

Start with these strategies to protect your health and reduce inflammation:

1. Consider using a quality probiotic and prebiotic supplement - the first to add a diverse microbiome to your gut and the second to feed them.
2. Reduce or eliminate your sugar intake, smoking and alcohol consumption as each negatively affects your gut bacteria, your immune system and your heart health.
3. Increase the amount of non-carbohydrate fiber you eat daily as it feeds your good bacteria and found in vegetables.
4. Reduce the amount of carbohydrates you eat each day as these foods metabolize into sugar in your body.
5. Get 8 hours of sleep a night. When exhausted, your brain does not function as well. You will have more problems with focus and with the ability to think through problems. In fact, when tired, your brain functions as if you have been drinking alcohol with reduced reaction time and processing speed.
6. Get 20 to 30 minutes of sunshine each day. Sun is a great way for your body to manufacture vitamin D, but it also affects your brain and your mood. If you can’t get outside, use a light bulb in the house designed for people with seasonal affective disorder. All of us benefit by being in the sun!
7. Exercise every day. Whether you are walking after lunch and dinner or working out for an hour at the gym, get some exercise. Your digestive system works better, your arteries will be healthier and your mood better too.
8. Drink enough water to stay hydrated. Your urine should be light straw color. If it’s darker then you aren’t drinking enough and if it’s lighter you are drinking too much.
9. Find what works best for your stress reduction. Some people practice yoga, others just exercise and others find that prayer helps to relieve their stress of everyday living. However you choose to manage stress, it’s important that YOU manage stress and not that the stress in your life manages you.

Daily Affirmation

Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What else can I do to optimize the functioning of my body?
2. What changes can I make to my workout routines to achieve greater fitness?
3. How does stress affect my body's ability to respond efficiently?

Fact or Fiction?

It’s in the news, but what is it? Acid rain is any type of precipitation - including hail and snow! - that has high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. Most of it is because of human activities, including burning fossil fuels through coal-burning power plants, factories and cars. There are significant ecological effects to our lakes, streams, wetlands and other water areas. Acid rain makes the waters on the ear acidic, which causes them to absorb aluminum. This aluminum creeps into the soil and creates a toxic environment for all water animals and fish. We eat those animals and develop illnesses from toxins they carry.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team