Hundreds of weight loss diets and exercise programs have been successful
for someone, somewhere. Almost all of them have major flaws that lead
to rebound weight gain in the long run. In my opinion, those with the
fewest flaws, and therefore the greatest chance for success, are the
Slow Carb Diet and the Paleo (Caveman) Diet.
It strikes me, however, that focusing on weight or fat is of secondary
importance to the role of the brain. Ignoring brain health is like
considering the body as a mindless blob that responds to chemical
stimuli from food all by itself. Nothing could be further from the
truth. The brain is the Great Wizard behind the curtain, in control of
everything from the get-go.
A Not So Radical Suggestion
Our brains shrink and lose function as we age, probably faster than they
should. Indeed, the growing incidence of Alzheimer's Disease, dementia,
and similar brain failures is a good indicator of sped-up brain
degeneration in modern times. This is NOT normal. Indeed, these
disorders are completely unknown in some societies, even in the face of
aging beyond 90 or even 100 years old.
It is abundantly clear that brain health has to do with diet. Our local
PBS station made a big deal of that point during a membership drive
recently, by hosting the brain expert, Dr. Daniel G. Amen, not too long
ago. Although his purpose for appearing was mainly promotional, what he
had to say about brain health was spot on.
The not so radical suggestion, based on all the information that I could
gather about brain health, is that diet is the key. Gee, where have you
heard that before?
The question is, which diet?
The Doctor Who Would Not Die
As dramatic as that sounds, it reflects the experience of Dr. Terry
Wahls. She suffered from multiple sclerosis that was accelerating to
total debilitation and an early death. She not only stopped the progress
of her MS, she reversed it -- by eating right for her brain.
The reason that Dr. Wahls' story caught my attention, and why I thought
it appropriate to talk about it regarding weight loss, is that it
provides the clearest evidence that I have ever seen for what we should
all be eating (and not eating) every day of our lives. Eating for brain
health is the key to everything.
Dr. Wahls' story is summarized in a video that is nothing short of
phenomenal. It is longer than the usual public video (almost 18
minutes), although it is worth watching in its entirety -- for
inspiration and for crucial advice about diet. Take a look for yourself
on her website (TerryWahls.com) and see what I mean.
It's All Paleo
Eating right for your brain IS eating right for your body. And what Dr.
Wahls discovered is essentially the power of a Paleo Diet, starting with
the brain.
There is really not much else that I can add to her experience and
advice. Oh, I might quibble with some of her explanations about
mitochondria and her focus on them. That's what we scientists do. The
bottom line, however, is results. Specifically, health results. Real
health results - not trumped up biochemical results like cholesterol
levels, hormone balance, or blood glucose spikes. These have limited
applications. The only results of any importance are good health, and
Dr. Wahls makes a clear case for what it takes to achieve it.
