Aluminum, a possible cause to Alzheimer's
Aging is a fundamental aspect of life, and while it brings with it wisdom and experience, it can also cause distressing changes. As we age, we all aspire to maintain our quality of life, connect with others meaningfully, and keep our minds sharp. Unfortunately, the increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, has left many people feeling worried and anxious. The good news is that with adequate care and attention, many of these issues can be mitigated or even prevented. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are some of the steps we can take to maintain our cognitive function well into our golden years.
As research on Alzheimer's disease progresses, more and more hypotheses are being developed regarding what causes this devastating illness. Many factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet are considered important contributors to the development of this condition. However, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the impact of heavy metal toxicity. Many toxic metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum have been shown to have a direct impact on neurological functions, which could be a factor in Alzheimer's disease. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, understanding all of the potential factors behind the disease can help us develop preventative measures and treatments for those affected.
Understanding Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent forms of dementia. It begins with seemingly innocuous signs such as forgetfulness and absent-mindedness, but as it progresses, it can lead to devastating cognitive impairment. The hardest part of Alzheimer's is watching a loved one slowly lose control of their memories, thoughts, and even their ability to communicate. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that there are ways to manage the disease and support those who suffer from it, such as seeking medical attention early on and providing emotional and physical support to individuals who may be affected. While there may be no cure for Alzheimer's, there is still reason for hope and optimism in the constant pursuit of new insights into the illness.
There are a plethora of factors that can contribute to mental downregulation, but are heavy metals one of them? While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, there is evidence to suggest that exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can disrupt brain function and lead to cognitive impairment. These metals can accumulate in the body over time, often from occupational exposure or consuming contaminated food and water. While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between heavy metal exposure and mental health, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to minimize exposure.
Sources of Aluminum Exposure
As environmental awareness continues to grow, people are becoming increasingly mindful of the many ways that everyday activities can lead to contact with hazardous chemicals and substances. While research has explored numerous sources of exposure, aluminum is one metal whose presence can be found in many unsuspecting places. Whether you’re nervously snacking on foods marked as “aluminum-free” or stocking up on aluminum cookware for your kitchen, it’s essential to understand how this resource impacts our daily lives—and why exposure matters.
Aluminum can be found in various sources, such as...
- Unfiltered water such as tap water
- Foods prepared with unfiltered tap water, making this metal ubiquitous to find in nearly every food product we touch. This includes foods that are baked in factories, canned foods, boxed food, sauces, etc.
- Table, bleached or kosher salt due to the fact that aluminum is utilized as an anti-caking agent.
- Antiperspirants, which unlike deodorants that lessen an odor from the sweat glands, antiperspirants block our nerves to permit sweating.
- Vaccinations, utilized as an adjuvant.
- Products that contain baking powder or baking soda, for as mentioned above, aluminum is used as an anti-caking agent.
- Antacids, for aluminum, have been shown to relieve acidity.
- Chelating agents like zeolite or clay.
- Aluminum pans or aluminum foil.
- Aluminum cans for soft drinks
- Cosmetics, for aluminum, gives off that shimmer in them.
Aluminum Toxicity
Aluminum is all around us. From the pots and pans we cook with to the antiperspirant we use every morning, it permeates nearly every aspect of our lives. But are we aware of the potential dangers of aluminum toxicity? This slow-building condition can cause a host of symptoms, such as headaches, dry skin, and digestive issues. While these may not seem like cause for concern, over time, they can lead to more serious conditions such as anemia, liver dysfunction, and even Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Impact of Aluminum on Essential Minerals
Aluminum has been found to be a formidable antagonist when it comes to essential minerals in our bodies. This metal has the potential to do harm by replacing important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are all necessary for nerve health, energy production, pH balance, and overall neurological well-being.
What makes aluminum so detrimental is that it can mimic these crucial minerals in terms of weight and characteristics, which makes it easy for the body to mistake it for its healthier counterparts. The result is that we are unable to utilize the minerals we need, which can lead to a variety of health complications. To learn more about ionic mimicry, click here!
The Connection Between Aluminum and Nervous System Regulation
In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand how our bodies interact with what we consume. When it comes to the nervous system, three minerals reign supreme in keeping our bodies functionally sound: aluminum, dopamine, and serotonin. Research has shown that aluminum, a commonly found mineral, can potentially inhibit electrical charges between nerve cells, leading to an overall reduction in the nervous system’s ability to function. Additionally, it has been observed that aluminum can also prevent our nerve cells from uptaking essential neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, resulting in further hindrances to the nervous system’s efficacy. As we continue to discover new aspects of our body’s functioning, it is crucial to remain informed and adapt our habits accordingly.
Our bodies are complex systems that require careful maintenance to function properly. Without proper elimination pathways, such as those in the kidneys and liver, we run the risk of developing a myriad of health issues. Recent studies suggest that individuals with poor elimination pathways may even be at a higher risk for developing neurological disorders, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. These conditions may arise due to the body's difficulty in regulating blood sugar levels and metabolic disorders. In effect, without proper detoxification methods, we may be robbed of our ability to feel happiness, calmness, and stimulation of energy, all crucial components of leading a healthy and fulfilling life.
Alzheimer's as Type 3 Diabetes
There's more to Alzheimer's than meets the eye. You might be surprised to know that it's been dubbed as Type 3 diabetes by some. The reason behind this? Many patients have had blood sugar issues before their diagnosis. It's been discovered that elevated blood sugar levels affect the brain's functional connectivity - this connects brain regions that share functional properties and brain matter. As a result, it can lead to the brain's atrophy. It's definitely not a term you'd expect to hear in relation to Alzheimer's, but it's one worth knowing about.
The Role of Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc in Blood Sugar Balance
Calcium and magnesium are two essential nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining blood sugar balance. Calcium is responsible for the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which is essential in regulating blood sugar levels. Magnesium, on the other hand, regulates how much glucose enters into the cells. So, both nutrients must be present in the body to maintain a healthy blood sugar balance. Interestingly enough, there is also a specific calcium to magnesium ratio that we look at when reviewing a hair tissue test. This ratio can give us an idea of a person's overall nutritional health and their risk for developing blood sugar imbalances.
But it's not just calcium and magnesium that have an impact on blood sugar levels. Zinc has also been shown to affect blood sugar by stabilizing insulin hexamers, which are our stored insulin, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. Maintaining healthy levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in our diets is vital for maintaining optimal blood sugar balance. With this knowledge, we can make informed decisions about what we eat and ensure proper nutrient intake to keep our bodies healthy.
Detoxing from Aluminum
To detox aluminum effectively, it is best to balance your minerals and follow a protocol. Our team of consultants can provide access to this protocol when you order a hair tissue mineral analysis here. Don't hesitate to reach out!
To wrap up, the potential link between aluminum exposure and Alzheimer's disease emphasizes the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and making mindful choices about the products we use every day. From the water we drink to the cosmetics we apply, being aware of our aluminum intake is crucial. Moreover, understanding how essential minerals interact with heavy metals and impact our neurological health can offer insights into safeguarding our well-being. Balancing these minerals and adopting detoxification measures may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's. However, it's important to note that further research is required to fully establish these connections. Meanwhile, taking measures to minimize exposure to potential toxins, maintaining a balanced diet, and looking after our bodies can only bring positive effects to our overall well-being.
Barbara Madimenos
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Integrative Health Coach