How Ultra-Processed Foods & Blood Sugar Spikes Could Be Harming Your Brain
Did you know that your diet could be increasing your risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia? Scientists now refer to Alzheimer’s as Type 3 Diabetes because of the strong link between blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, and cognitive decline.
Blood sugar spikes don’t just lead to weight gain or fatigue, they can literally change the way your brain functions over time. So what’s driving this issue?
The Culprit: Ultra-Processed Foods & Metabolic Dysfunction
Modern diets are filled with ultra-processed foods that wreak havoc on metabolic health. These include:
- Refined carbs (white bread, pastries, sugary cereals)
- Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower oil, safflower)
- Hidden sugars (flavored yogurts, sauces, even so-called “healthy” protein bars)
These foods cause rapid blood sugar spikes, inflammation, and insulin resistance, which not only increases your risk for diabetes but also impacts brain function.
Dr. Casey Means recently explained how good energy, mental clarity, and long-term brain health start with stable blood sugar. When your body experiences chronic spikes and crashes, it sets off a cascade of metabolic damage that can lead to early cognitive decline.
The Solution: Stabilizing Blood Sugar with Whole Foods
The best way to protect your brain and body is to ditch ultra-processed foods and focus on whole, nutrient-dense meals.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds
- High-Quality Proteins: Grass-fed beef, pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught fish
- Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Cruciferous veggies, leafy greens, colorful produce
- Slow-Digesting Carbs: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, legumes
- Pairing these foods with blood glucose monitoring can help you make informed choices about what fuels your body best.
Are You at Risk? If you struggle with:
- Brain fog
- Low energy
- Intense cravings
- Mood swings
… it’s time to take a deeper look at your blood sugar and metabolic health.
I’m now incorporating blood glucose monitoring into my practice to help clients identify hidden blood sugar imbalances and optimize their long-term health.
Want to learn more? Let’s chat.
