This month, we explore the connection between Alzheimer's and diabetes and provide holistic self-care tips for improving your brain health.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Brain Health

Chronic, low-grade inflammation can become a silent killer, contributing to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and both type 2 and type 3 diabetes (also known as dementia diabetes).

Research also indicates that developing diabetes at an earlier age increases the risk of dementia. Heart health issues and elevated blood pressure are also linked to strokes, which can lead to dementia.

Additionally, excessively high blood sugar levels can cause hypoglycemia, memory loss, and dementia by damaging the hippocampus, the brain's memory center.  And, insulin resistance in the brain can lead to plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. 

As we explore the connection between diabetes and brain health, it's also essential to consider how household toxins can impact overall wellness and cognitive function.

The Surprising Link Between Household Toxins and Brain Health: A Guide for Diabetics

Managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond diet and glucose monitoring. It also involves being conscientious about the environment around you, including the everyday products you use in your home.

As we observe Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a campaign led by the Alzheimer’s Association to raise consciousness about Alzheimer's and overall brain health, it's the perfect time to reflect on how the choices we make everyday impact our cognitive well-being.

The Risk of Environmental Toxins

Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals found in everyday cleaning products can contribute to cognitive decline. For people living with diabetes, our brain health is already at risk due to high and low sugars and the ongoing silent chronic inflammation that results from higher than normal blood sugars over time.  Therefore minimizing your exposure to these toxins and other irritants is important.

Choosing Safer Household Products

Opting for natural cleaning products is a straightforward way to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Using plain ingredients for regular household cleaning tasks can significantly decrease the number of toxins in your environment.

Simple Recipe for a Natural All-Purpose Cleanser

Here’s an easy, effective recipe for a cleanser that you can use around your home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 10-15 drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon for their antimicrobial properties and natural pleasant scent)

Instructions:

• Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
• Add the essential oil.
• Shake well to mix.

Use this spray to clean countertops, appliances, and windows. For tougher grime, let the spray sit for a few minutes before wiping.

Using Just Water:

For everyday dusting or light cleaning, dampening a cloth with water is often sufficient. Water is effective for many cleaning tasks and completely eliminates the risk of chemical exposure.

Taking control of your environmental exposure is just as important as managing your diet and exercise. By making simple swaps to natural cleaners, like the vinegar-based recipe above, you can significantly reduce your exposure to brain-damaging toxins. Start today by assessing your cleaning supplies and taking a step towards a healthier, cleaner home that supports your overall diabetes management and brain health.

Switch to Natural Alternatives for a Healthier You

Discover natural, eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products like cleansers and more. Our dedicated team and supportive community will help you integrate these options seamlessly into your busy life.

Alongside these natural alternatives, learn self-care strategies that boost your mood and connect you with others for inspiration. Our holistic approach encompasses mindset, meals, movement, and more to support your diabetes journey comprehensively.

Start today and embark on a path to a healthier, happier life with people who truly care about you. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—let’s move forward together!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Ac., C.H., RDH
Dr. Holistic Studies, Dr. Acupuncture
Diabetes Wellness Strategist & Coach
Creator & CEO of Holistic Diabetes Solutions
8 X International Best-Selling Author

As a woman living with diabetes for over 30 years, Dr. Cheryl understands the journey firsthand. When she was diagnosed, she received the same outdated advice her grandmother was given for over four decades, who relied primarily on medication, suffered from deteriorating health and eventually lost her life to diabetes. Fueled by this experience, Dr. Cheryl was compelled to seek a better way. Through countless research studies and trials, she developed the winning holistic approach: the Diabetes Success System which merges traditional wisdom with today’s best holistic self-care practices.  It has revolutionized diabetes management by providing a trusted way to maintain consistent and predictable healthy blood sugar levels.  Join the thousands of people worldwide who have been empowered by Dr. Cheryl's approach and start living your healthiest life.

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PROFESSIONAL DISCLAIMER

The material and content contained in this platform is for overall general diabetes health and education information only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice or to be a substitution for professional medical recommendations, diagnosis or treatment. All specific medical questions or changes you make to your medication and/or lifestyle should be discussed and addressed with your primary healthcare provider. Having the right mindset, doing the right movements at the right times of day, and eating foods that help keep blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation manageable can dramatically reduce your risk of the all-too-common complications of Diabetes, increase your energy levels and have you feeling your best every day.