My Toxic Brain

I am an avid reader and researcher. Since my diagnosis with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in December I have been reading and watching everything I can get my hands on relating to cognitive decline. In my case, it is hereditary and my genetic testing supports my diagnosis, but I also have a lot of toxicity in my body and brain. How do I know this? Research.

You would have to be living under a rock to not be aware of all the glysophates, and pesticides that are in our food sources. Add to that the toxins that are in the products we use in our house, on our bodies and our water sources, it is truly amazing that everyone isn’t sick. Scientists believe that most cancers, ad other diseases including Alzheimer’s is caused by all of these toxins that we are exposed to. Even baby food has toxins in it. Based on the trajectory that we are headed, it is not a matter of if we will get cancer or Alzheimer’s but when. We can not trust our federal agencies to protect us, we have to protect ourselves.

This is much easier said than done, when we live in a society of modern conveniences. Our government tis more interested in taking funding from large corporations and protecting their interests than it’s citizens. I may not be able to prevent my demise from Alzheimer’s disease but I certainly can try to slow it down.

Here is how I plan on doing that:

  1. Download the app called “Think Dirty”. I scanned all the products I use in my house, and on my body and about 95% of them are toxin. I can’t afford to throw everything out, but as I need replacements, I will use the app to identify a healthier option for me and my loved ones. Although organic and non-GMO products are more expensive, I would rather spend my money on preventative care, than doctors appointments, surgeries, etc caused by these toxins. I have already had cancer once, and I hope to not get it again.
  2. Another great source to learn about the toxins you are exposed to is the Environmental Working Group website. They also have an app.
  3. Learn the risks about vaccinations, etc. Decide what is right for you and your family. Most of them have so many side effects, and many of them have metals and toxins in them. You can learn more about them at Learn the Risk.
  4. I have learned a lot about doing a detoxification of our bodies to remove the toxins from our system. You can find out more about detoxing from vaccines at Learn the Risk. I do a daily detox to remove the toxins and impurities from my system. There are many products you can use. The one I use 3 times a day before every meal is Ion Biome.
  5. Eliminate soda from my diet. Diet soda has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and soda with sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes. I drink 120 ounces of water a day. The water I drink at home is purified, but when I am out in a restaurant the quality of water I may receive is a crap shoot. I have to figure out a way around that (any ideas I would love to hear them). Also, I no longer drink bottled water due to the toxins in plastic and the water itself, and to protect the environment.
  6. In the past few years, I have really been focused on changing my diet and follow the MIND diet. (See the graphic below). I don’t drink the wine or eat fish because I don’t like them but I do eat the other foods on this graphic. I always try to focus on “eating the rainbow” which means several servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Not only do I feel much better, I have lost weight and my cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are much better. I am focused on eliminating processed foods and red meat. I wish I could become vegan but I think that it is to much of a stretch for me. However, I am proud of the changes I have made and feel it’s a significant accomplishment.
  7. Because we are exposed to so many toxic foods and products, it is imperative that we try to buy organic and non-GMO foods whenever possible. This is much easier said than done because they are often difficult to find and are expensive. My rationale for spending my money on quality products is that I am focused on prevention now, not medical expenses down the road. I waste my money on much more frivolous stuff than products that are not toxic.

If I do ALL of this I would like to think I will live a long and healthy life. That is probably not realistic but I can certainly try to slow down the progression of the disease, and hopefully prevent future occurrences of cancer. For me, it is important for me to fight this disease, rather than give into it. I am determined to be the first Alzheimer’s survivor.

What are you doing to modify your diet and live a healthier lifestyle? I would love to hear it and any suggestions you may have. Thanks for reading.

27 thoughts on “My Toxic Brain

  1. Thank you for this important post, Kelly. You are an inspiration! I am not familiar with everything you wrote about but am interested in the sources you mentioned. I am persuaded by the evidence for Intermittent Fasting and the Ketogenic way of eating as ways of healing inflammation in the body and brain. Although there are doubtless many factors contributing to AD, certainly including genetics, inflammation is now considered a major factor. I try to follow low-carb principles but find a strict Keto diet extremely difficult for me to adhere to; however, I am having more success adhering to Intermittent Fasting, which if done for at least 19 hours, not necessarily daily, induces autophagy, which is a potent way for the body and brain to heal itself.

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    1. Thank you Martha for reading my blog. I also have a difficult time adhering to a strict Keto diet, but I do try to eat as healthy as I can every day and also try to fast. Unfortunately, ALZ runs in my family and I carry the APOE4 genes but we all know that diet is key to longevity for everyone so it certainly cannot hurt for me to modify my lifestyle significantly (in my case)! I have been doing this for a few years now….hopefully it will buy me some time.

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  2. Glass water bottle options – Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water, 25.3 Oz Glass Bottle ,
    San Pellegrino 500 mL Glass Bottle Sparkling Natural Mineral Water,
    Mountain Valley Water Spring Glass,750 Ml
    Another skill you have to be proud of – writer
    Have you considered capturing all of your thoughts in one place such as a diary, book etc?. This would allow all of your research and hard work to live on forever.

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    1. Those are great suggestions, Dave. I tend to drink filtered water in a Yeti cup, vs using bottled water du to toxins, and to protect the environment. These water bottles are great options though when I am traveling etc. I do keep a diary using Day One on my iPad and include my blog posts in it. I have not thought about publishing it though. Although I am getting quite a few followers, perhaps that should be a consideration. Thank you!

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  3. Kelly,

    I am sorry to hear about your condition, but delighted to see that you are sharing your insights with a broader audience. I wish you all the best, and hope to glean more pearls of wisdom from your future posts.

    Pat

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    1. Hi Pat…..so nice to hear from you. I hope you are doing well. Pearls of wisdom, and Kelly probably don’t go together, but I am trying to help others with this condition by sharing my story and how I am handling it. I appreciate you reaching out and hope you stay in touch. I remember the time we worked together 20 years ago very fondly.

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