"Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet for brain health"

Dr. Nigar Ahmadova pointed out that neurological diseases are recognized as leading causes of disability and death worldwide.

Stating that scientists are searching for new and more effective intervention methods due to the dynamic progression of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), schizophrenia, and multiple sclerosis (MS), Dr. Ahmadova said, “The idea that food is the most important factor in human health is nothing new. 

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, drew attention to the importance of diet in maintaining health with his quote, ‘Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.’ Today, scientists also emphasize the importance of nutrition in preventing many diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders,” she said.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Specialist Dr. Ahmadova stated that diet has positive effects on the course of diseases and continued as follows:

“An increasing body of evidence shows that following a Mediterranean diet plays a critical role in the pathogenesis (the set of changes that occur in an organism during the origin and development of a disease) of various neurological diseases. Chronic inflammation and free radical damage are concepts that hold a very important position in neuroscience today. The presented data reveal that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, medicinal herbs, spices, and legumes—which are sources of anti-inflammatory elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, essential minerals, and probiotics—helps prevent the risk of neurological diseases. 

Cerebrovascular diseases (cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage) are among the diseases neurologists encounter most frequently in the emergency room. Ischemic stroke is a disease that can cause death all over the world and in our country, increases the burden on the individual and society with the sequelae it leaves behind, yet it is a preventable disease. Vascular risk factors addressed to prevent ischemic stroke have been known for many years. 

However, data show that these factors are not controlled well enough. Nutrition is one of the most important topics in vascular risk management for ischemic stroke. A study conducted in the United States (REGARDs) has shown that high-fat fried foods, processed foods, and sugary drinks increase the risk of stroke. Restricting salt intake is important for both hypertension and secondary prevention of stroke. A salt consumption of 2.5 grams/day is recommended in the diet. Patients with high cardiovascular risk following a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of stroke.”

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PATIENTS

Neurologist Ahmadova stated that she recommends the Mediterranean diet to her patients. Regarding why she recommends the Mediterranean diet, Ahmadova said the following:

“The Mediterranean diet is a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, where the ratio of monounsaturated fat to saturated fat is high, and olive oil or other vegetable oils (such as hazelnut oil) are preferred. In this diet, increasing weekly fish consumption and reducing the consumption of red meat and meat products are encouraged. While moderate consumption of milk and dairy products is recommended, it is requested to stay away from cola, energy drinks, ready-made sweet coffees, and drinks containing sweeteners. 

In addition to this Mediterranean diet, I recommend that my patients take brisk walks at least 3 days a week if possible to protect against neurological diseases and for general health. For a healthy brain, we must take good care of our intestines, which are called the second brain, and pay attention to our food and drinks. 

In other words, the way to protect our brain health passes through our stomach and is determined in our intestines. Everyone can change their own microbiota and therefore the direction of their health through their dietary choices. They can build their own shields against neurological diseases.”

News Source: İHA