Jami Dulaney MD Plant Based Wellness Podcast Episode 173-with Dr. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai

Welcome and thank you for listening.  Are your legs strong?  Do nutritional cheat days really matter?  Today my guest Drs Ayesha and Dean Sherzai discuss these things and more.  They call themselves TeamSherzai because they are co directors of the Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University.  After being frustrated with the traditional pharmacologic model of treating dementia, they discovered the best treatment and prevention was founded on nutrition and healthy living. They coauthored a book called The Alzheimer's Solution that discusses the pillars of dementia prevention that include nutrition, exercise, mindfulness and sleep.  We discuss such myths as cheat days, intermittent fasting followed by a poor diet as well as much more. 

Our brains require a great deal of energy to function daily.  This means that blood flow to the brain is extremely important.  Limiting that flow by a systemic blood pressure that is too low, and disease of the arteries feeding the brain can result in cognitive decline.  One way to ensure good nutrient supply to the brain is to exercise daily and build strong legs.  Having strong muscular legs will generate the blood flow needed to perfuse the brain as well as growth factors to promote neuron or brain cell growth and maintenance.  Team Sherzai are believers in good habit development with regards to exercise and nutrition.  It is also important to get these good exercise and nutrition habits developed at a young age in order to prevent decline that can begin in your twenties.  Remember, if we are not growing we are declining.  

Check out their website at Teamsherzai.com and their book The Alzheimer's Solution for a reference on the prevention of dementia. Please visit my website at doctordulaney.com to find out how our practice is aimed at reversing lifestyle diseases through plant based nutrition and exercise.  Email me at jami@doctordulaney.com. with questions.  Thank you for listening.