The Problem
Autism, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, ALS, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s are all neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases occur when neurons – or nerve cells – progressively lose their structure, function or die altogether. Without properly functioning neurons one’s body becomes unable to send proper signals throughout the nervous system.
As a geriatric nurse specializing in geriatrics, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementias and other cognitive impairments affecting seniors, the reality is that the tools of the trade relative to medical interventions are limited to a few medications that do a modest job of treating symptoms.
Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, only modestly effective medication to help manage “some” symptoms.
Breaking It Down
What’s With Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is called “functional food” because it is super rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Coconut oil is a saturated fat chock-full of health-promoting properties. Believe it or not, it can lower bad cholesterol, obesity, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
What Does Research Show?
For the last decade, substantial research by experts such as Dr. Richard Veech, Suzanne De La Monte, and Dr. George Cahill have linked neurodegenerative disorders to insufficient ATP production in the brains (ATP or adenosine triphosphate is the energy molecule). This lack of ATP leads to reduced brain activity, increased seizures and tremors, and eventually an inability to remember things like when to eat or how to get dressed.
Increasingly, medical professionals refer to Alzheimer’s disease as “Diabetes Type III.” Dr. Suzanne De La Monte claims that “Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease associated with impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in the brain.”
How is This Relevant?
Coconut oil is very rich in medium chain triglycerides, also known as MCT. Medium chain triglycerides are quickly metabolized by your body into ketones which are the only fuel source, other than glucose, for the brain. Because ketones do not need insulin and are not affected by insulin resistance, your brain can utilize them as a source of energy.
How Does Someone Enter The State Of Ketosis?
During Ketosis your body uses fat as a primary energy source – fat from your diet or fat stored in your body.
There are various misconceptions about ketones and ketosis. Many people believe that ketosis is a dangerous metabolic state that appears only in diabetics (known as metabolic ketoacidosis) or when you are in severe starvation.
Let me clarify. Ketosis from fasting is nothing like diabetic ketoacidosis, which involves exorbitant levels of ketones production (and is a serious medical condition).
Truthfully, entering a state of ketosis is perfectly natural for the human body.
In fact, ketosis is sometimes the preferred metabolic state. Science shows that running solely on sugars and carbohydrates places a tremendous burden on your pancreas, which can eventually lead to Type II Diabetes.
Is There Science Behind These Claims?
Yes. Folks with neurodegenerative diseases generally do not produce enough ATP (energy) in their brain because they cannot metabolize glucose normally.
To gain energy from carbohydrates your body needs to turn the carbohydrates into glucose. Your brain requires insulin for For glucose to enter your its’ cells.
Dr. George Cahill, Professor of Medicine at Harvard, says, “The one other substance your brain can use to produce ATP (energy) is a ketone.”
Ketones come from fats, rather than carbohydrates. Ketones supply the raw material for your mitochondria to produce ATP (energy), but most importantly, ketones do not require insulin to enter the cells and neurons. Thus, they are the ideal energy source for folks with Type III Diabetes.
Ketones are more efficient than glucose because they have more calories than glucose and again, do not require insulin to enter the cell. Therefore, ketones allow people who are insulin deficient or resistant to produce energy to power brain activity.
A study at the University of Cambridge concluded that a ketogenic diet enhanced physical and cognitive performance. The study also suggests that utilizing ketones may help treat conditions that involve metabolic abnormalities such as Alzheimer’s.
During starvation, ketones are the predominant fuel source for the brain, using ketones as more than two-thirds of its energy source.
Isn’t Fat Bad for Me?
Understandably, you might be asking, “Isn’t fat bad for me?” or “won’t a high-fat diet cause increased risk of heart attack or stroke?” No, it is now well established that this is a myth debunked by solid research.
86% of the fat in coconut oil is long and medium chain triglycerides. Therefore, coconut oil is easily transformed into ketones that become available energy.
Fats and proteins can become harmful when you add sugar to them, through a process called glycation. Amyloid proteins (implicated in Alzheimer’s disease) are side-products of glycation.
A Ketogenic diet – high fat, adequate protein and low carb – increases HDL (the “good” cholesterol), and decreases LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), triglycerides and overall cholesterol. Research shows that a Ketogenic diet actually improves your heart health and decreases your risk of stroke!
The Solution
To promote your body’s ability to use ketones, simply eat raw, cold-pressed, pure Coconut Oil. It is essential to use pure and unrefined coconut oil. It should remain solid at room temperature. Refining coconut oil, so it liquefies, strips it of its most essential healing compounds.
Suggested dosage: By consuming two tablespoons of Coconut Oil with each meal, a total of six tablespoons per day, (for an adult) your brain gains a powerful source of energy and potentially improved cognitive functions. If your bowels are negatively impacted, begin with one tablespoon three times daily, and work up from there.
Many seniors and caregivers report experiencing higher mental functions, revitalized memory and improved motor functions, mood and returned personality, sometimes almost immediately.
Others need more time to respond to this dietary therapy. In either case, the consistent intake of about six tablespoons of coconut oil per day should be maintained. If the dosage is inconsistent or halted symptoms will return and progress.
Although adapting to a new routine can be difficult the ability to improve brain function without drugs is revolutionary and exciting.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. This information is intended to show some recent research and for educational purposes only.
