Dementia, a cognitive disorder that has the ability to interfere with a person’s daily life and activities, is affecting people worldwide. People suffering from dementia tend to experience loss of cognitive functioning like reasoning, remembering and thinking. However, according to the World Health Organisation, few lifestyle changes may help delay the progression of the disorder. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, consuming less alcohol, maintaining healthy blood pressure and avoiding tobacco intake are some of the factors that may help reduce risk of dementia, suggests the WHO. Your first meal of the day is an important one.According to an article published in Harvard Health Letter, eating breakfast regularly has been linked to a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Starting your day with a healthy meal can help replenish your blood sugar, which your body needs to power your muscles and brain.Thanks to low-carb fad diets, carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap. But carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories should come from carbohydrates. This is especially true if you exercise.Consuming the right kind of carbohydrates is important. Many people rely on the simple carbs found in sweets and processed foods. Instead, you should focus on eating the complex carbs found in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans. rotein is needed to help keep your body growing, maintained, and repaired. For example, the University of Rochester Medical Center reports that red blood cells die after about 120 days. Protein is also essential for building and repairing muscles, helping you enjoy the benefits of your workout. It can be a source of energy when carbohydrates are in short supply, but it’s not a major source of fuel during exercise.Whole grains have more staying power than refined grains because you digest them more slowly.Eating a healthy breakfast is especially important on days when exercise is on your agenda. Skipping breakfast can leave you feeling lightheaded or lethargic while you’re working out.Choosing the right kind of breakfast is crucial. Too many people rely on simple carbohydrates to start their day. A plain white bagel or doughnut won’t keep you feeling full for long.In an effort to combat dementia, the WHO also stressed avoiding dietary supplements like vitamins B and E.”While some people are unlucky and inherit a combination of genes that makes it highly likely they will develop dementia, many people have the opportunity to substantially reduce their risk by living a healthy lifestyle,” said the lead researcher of the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones.She further explained, “The WHO has looked at the available evidence and made recommendations that some lifestyle changes, in particular, increasing exercise before any cognitive symptoms are present, can reduce dementia risk.”In order to reduce the risk of this disorder, it is imperative to efficiently manage hypertension, weight, diabetes and also regulate unbalanced or unhealthy cholesterol levels. “The disease is a major cause of disability and dependency among older people and “can devastate the lives of affected individuals, their careers and families,” stressed the international health organization.According to WHO, the disease is also causing heavy economic toll which may rise to $2 trillion annually by 2030.
Tips To Maintain Healthy Diet:
Load Up On Fibre Content:
Loading up on fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains is a good way to ensure that your digestive health is in check as fibre adds bulk to the stool, further facilitating smooth bowel movement.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods:
Eggs, chicken, fish, meat, beans are some of the excellent sources of protein. Adding protein to diet may also help you lose extra kilos by keeping you full for a longer spell, further preventing you from bingeing on fattening foods.
Stay Hydrated:
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining a healthy diet. Consumption of fruits and vegetables that are rich in water content is a great way to stay hydrated. Cucumber is one such example.
