Prevent Alzheimer’s, improve Depression, Anxiety, and Brain Fog: The Food's Power | Episode 17 of 18

Summary

In this episode of the Glucose Goddess Show, biochemist Justin Chusp delves into the crucial connection between glucose levels and brain health. He shares insights on how glucose spikes can lead to brain fog, irritability, and mental health issues, and highlights the impact of glucose on Alzheimer's disease. Justin offers practical tips to maintain steady glucose levels, such as having a savory breakfast, eating veggies first, avoiding sugar on an empty stomach, and moving after meals. The episode emphasizes the importance of diet in enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The primary goal is to maintain and improve brain health as we age, rather than letting it deteriorate, which often happens without conscious effort.
• 🍽 The way we eat has a significant impact on our brain function, affecting our daily mood, personality, and mental health.
• 🌟 The speaker's personal journey with mental health issues led them to discover the importance of glucose stability for brain health.
• 💉 High glucose spikes can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and dissociation, and can exacerbate existing conditions.
• 🧩 Brain fog is a term used to describe symptoms of impaired cognitive function, and it's linked to glucose spikes that affect neuron communication speed.
• 📉 Steady glucose levels are crucial for optimal brain function, memory, and attention, as demonstrated by studies on breakfast choices and cognitive performance.
• 🍬 Glucose spikes, especially from sweet breakfasts, can lead to short-term pleasure followed by negative impacts on neurons and potential brain fog.
• 🤬 Glucose levels influence personality and irritability; low glucose levels are associated with increased aggression and irritability in relationships.
• 🌿 Incorporating glucose hacks into daily life can improve relationships and reduce irritability, as experienced by many parents.
• 🔄 Glucose instability can lead to neurotransmitter imbalances, affecting mood and potentially causing personality changes and irritability.
• 🧬 Emerging research shows a strong connection between glucose levels, insulin resistance, and mental health, including the risk of developing major depression.
• 👣 Lifestyle and diet can significantly impact mental health, and stabilizing glucose levels provides a solid foundation for addressing mental health issues.
• 📈 High glucose levels in midlife are linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, suggesting a metabolic connection.
• 🚫 Alzheimer's disease, sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes, shows signs of insulin resistance in the brain, similar to type 2 diabetes.
• 🍰 Eating sugar on an empty stomach can cause rapid glucose spikes, so it's better to consume it as dessert after a meal to mitigate the spike.
• 🥦 Starting meals with a plate of vegetables can help prevent large glucose spikes by slowing the absorption of glucose from the rest of the meal.
• 🚶‍♂️ Engaging in physical activity after eating can help manage glucose levels and support overall brain health.
• 📚 The speaker provides 10 glucose hacks in a free PDF to help maintain steady glucose levels and promote brain health.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the 'glucose goddess show' presented by Justin chusp?

The main objective of the 'glucose goddess show' is to help people understand the relationship between food, glucose, and brain health, with the aim of improving mental well-being and preventing cognitive decline as we age.

Why did Justin chusp become passionate about studying the brain and glucose?

Justin chusp became passionate about studying the brain and glucose due to her own struggles with mental health issues in her early 20s, including depression, anxiety, dissociation, and panic attacks.

What is the term 'brain fog' and what symptoms does it include?

Brain fog is a term used to describe a set of symptoms where a person's brain does not function as it should, including feeling like the brain is not working properly, experiencing unclear vision, feeling detached, having memory issues, and difficulty focusing.

How does the type of breakfast you eat affect your cognitive performance throughout the day?

According to a study mentioned in the script, having a breakfast that causes a significant spike in glucose levels can negatively impact memory, attention, and cognitive tests, whereas a breakfast that maintains steady glucose levels can result in better brain function.

What is the relationship between glucose spikes and the speed of information transfer between brain cells?

The script references a study that found glucose spikes can slow down the speed of information transfer between brain cells, known as nerve conduction velocity, which can lead to symptoms similar to brain fog.

What impact can glucose levels have on a person's mood and irritability?

The script discusses a study that found people with steady glucose levels were less irritated by their partners, while those with variable glucose levels and frequent low moments were more irritable and aggressive.

How can glucose spikes potentially affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain?

Glucose spikes can lead to lower levels of tyrosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining a balanced mood. This suggests that glucose spikes might impact mood stability and increase irritability.

What is the connection between glucose levels and mental health issues like depression and anxiety?

The script explains that glucose spikes can increase inflammation in the body and brain, which can lead to symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also mentions that stabilizing glucose levels can be a foundational step in improving mental health.

What is the link between Alzheimer's disease and glucose or insulin levels?

The script suggests that Alzheimer's disease is sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes or diabetes of the brain because of the observed insulin resistance, inflammation, and glycation in the brains of those with Alzheimer's, and the increased risk of developing Alzheimer's for people with type 2 diabetes.

What are some of the glucose hacks recommended by Justin chusp for brain health?

Justin chusp recommends several glucose hacks for brain health, including having a savory breakfast, starting meals with a plate of vegetables, not eating sugar on an empty stomach, and engaging in physical activity after eating.

How can glucose spikes potentially affect a person's relationships with others?

The script indicates that glucose spikes can lead to irritability and personality changes, which can negatively affect a person's relationships with others, such as within a marriage.

What is the potential impact of glucose spikes on the development of Alzheimer's disease later in life?

The script cites a study that found individuals with high glucose levels in midlife had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, suggesting that maintaining steady glucose levels can be beneficial for long-term brain health.