Did you know that in the 1970s researchers were already
making the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum? Research studies
published in Science in 1973 and Brain in 1976 described how brain of
people who had died of Alzheimer’s disease had much more aluminum than those
who died of other causes.
We are all exposed to aluminum in drinking water and
researchers in the UK have found Alzheimer’s cases are 50% more frequent in
counties with high aluminum in their drinking water and Canadian studies have suggested
a three-fold increase of Alzheimer’s cases related to high aluminum in drinking
water.
Although the issue is still controversial, in 2011 the
following statement was published in the International
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease:
“There is growing
evidence for a link between aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease, and between other
metals and Alzheimer’s disease…it is widely accepted that aluminum is a recognized
neurotoxin, and that it could cause cognitive deficiency and dementia when it
enters the brain and may have various adverse effects on the central nervous
system.”
Five Ways for You to
Avoid Aluminum Exposure
1. Avoid Aluminum in
processed foods
Aluminum may be present in baking powder, organ meats,
shellfish, shredded cheese and frozen pizza, single serve salt packets, single
serve creamer packets, pickles, relish. For a more extensive list of aluminum
in foods, see:
Want and easier way to avoid aluminum and other toxins in
food? Use the Environmental Working Group’s Food Scores website or App while
you’re shopping:
2. Avoid Aluminum in Cookware
and Food Containers
Avoid beverages in aluminum cans and other canned goods.
Avoid using aluminum foil or at least do not allow the foil to come in contact
with acidic foods (lemon, tomato sauce, vinegar, marinades and dressings).
3. Check your Medicine and
Vitamin Cabinet
Many over the counter medicines and low quality vitamins have aluminum in their
colorings and coatings or in their active compounds, such as Antacids.
Anti-perspirants, lotions, cosmetics and sunscreen may also contain aluminum.
4. Know your Drinking Water
Check your town or city annual water report to see where aluminum ranks under contaminant levels or start by requesting a report from your state. here's the link to get started in Massachusetts:
4. Boost your Body’s Elimination
of Aluminum
Help your liver detoxify heavy metals with Vital Nutrients’ DeTox Formula, 2-3
capsules twice a day. Keep cleansed metals and other toxins from your liver on
their “way out” and prevent them from being reabsorbed in your colon with Integrative Therapeutics’ Blue Heron formula,
3-4 capsules with a full glass of water before bed. Both products are available at Advanced Health & Wellness and our online store.
Resource: Power
Foods for the Brain, Chapter 2, Dr. Neal D. Barnard, MD