We know the healthy habits we need to adopt to protect our heart, but certain lifestyle changes can keep our brain healthy and reduce the risk of age-related disorders such as dementia. Did you know? They include diet, exercise, and new studies make sure you are getting enough of this vitamin every day.Read on to find out more-and don’t miss these to ensure your health and the health of others A sure sign that you already had a COVID..
according to New research Published in Journal of Clinical NutritionLow vitamin D levels reduce the volume of the brain and increase the risk of dementia and stroke. Keeping vitamin D levels in a healthy range can prevent almost 20% of cases of dementia.
Researchers at the University of Australia analyzed health data from more than 290,000 people at the UK Biobank to measure vitamin D levels, gray matter, white matter, and the size of the hippocampus, which is part of the brain involved in executive function. Compared with brain imaging. Like memory.
Scientists have found that participants who take genetically high levels of vitamin D have a reduced risk of dementia, and that high levels of vitamins up to 50 nmol / L reduce the odds of dementia. did. After that, the effect was not so noticeable.
Scientists have long known the importance of vitamin D to overall health, including the immune system and bones. However, little research has been done on the effects of vitamins on the brain.
“Vitamin D is an increasingly recognized hormonal precursor with a wide range of effects, including brain health, but until now it has been very difficult to find out what would happen if vitamin D deficiency could be prevented. “I did,” said Elina Hyppönen of the study. First author. “Our study is the first study to investigate the effects of very low levels of vitamin D on the risk of dementia and stroke using powerful genetic analysis among large populations.”
She added: “In some situations where vitamin D deficiency is relatively common, our findings have a significant impact on the risk of dementia. In fact, in this UK population, increasing vitamin D is cognitive. Up to 17% of cases of dementia may have been avoided. Levels are in the normal range. “
Both low levels of vitamin D and dementia are not uncommon in the United States. It is estimated that 40% of Americans have inadequate levels of vitamins. And about 5.8 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia-related conditions, the number of which is expected to increase as the population ages.
“Dementia is a progressive and debilitating illness that can devastate individuals and families alike,” says Hyppönen. “If we can change this reality by making sure that none of us have a serious vitamin D deficiency, it will bring even more benefits and can change the health and well-being of thousands of people. “
“Most of us seem to be okay, but for those who for some reason can’t get enough vitamin D from the sun, diet changes alone may not be enough and supplements may be needed. . “
It is recommended that you have your doctor check your vitamin D levels every year. If your level is low, they may recommend supplements. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults are advised to take at least 600 IU of vitamin D daily between foods and supplements (although the number is somewhat controversial and some doctors. Believe that it should be increased). NIH states that the safe upper limit for vitamin D in adults is 4,000 IU per day.
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Micheál Martin
Michael Martin is a New York-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content is also published on Beachbody and Openfit. Eat This, Not That! He is a contributor to New York, Architectural Digest, and interviews.read more
