The Issue:
I’ve written previously about how excess dietary fructose can set up the conditions for diabetes, obesity and fatty liver. But, until recently, our understanding of how fructose affects the brain has been fairly limited. The study, out of UCLA, is the first to show how a diet high in fructose can actually damage the brain.
The Study:
The researchers fed rats a fructose solution as drinking water and a diet deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six weeks, and then tested their ability to remember their way out of a maze. When compared to the control group, the rats deficient in Omega-3’s showed significant impairment in their cognitive abilities, struggling to remember their way out of the maze. The researchers noted that these effects were further exacerbated by the fructose intake.
Now for the good news, a second group of rats was fed a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed oil & DHA, in addition to the high fructose solution. After the six week period, this group was able to navigate the maze better and faster than the rats in the non omega-3 group. It was concluded that DHA actually has a protective effect against fructose’s effects on the brain.
Note: The fructose used in this study was ‘fructose syrup’ - a common additive to soft drinks, processed foods, and condiments.
The Mechanism:
Insulin is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, and can trigger neurological processes that are important for learning and memory. The study indicated that consuming fructose in large amounts could block insulin’s ability to regulate how your brain cells store and use sugar for energy needed to fuel thoughts and emotions.
The Solution:
Here are five practical tips for restoring metabolic function:
Avoid processed foods, high in sugar & excessive fructose.I’ve written previously about how excess dietary fructose can set up the conditions for diabetes, obesity and fatty liver. But, until recently, our understanding of how fructose affects the brain has been fairly limited. The study, out of UCLA, is the first to show how a diet high in fructose can actually damage the brain.
The Study:
The researchers fed rats a fructose solution as drinking water and a diet deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six weeks, and then tested their ability to remember their way out of a maze. When compared to the control group, the rats deficient in Omega-3’s showed significant impairment in their cognitive abilities, struggling to remember their way out of the maze. The researchers noted that these effects were further exacerbated by the fructose intake.
Now for the good news, a second group of rats was fed a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in the form of flaxseed oil & DHA, in addition to the high fructose solution. After the six week period, this group was able to navigate the maze better and faster than the rats in the non omega-3 group. It was concluded that DHA actually has a protective effect against fructose’s effects on the brain.
Note: The fructose used in this study was ‘fructose syrup’ - a common additive to soft drinks, processed foods, and condiments.
The Mechanism:
Insulin is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier, and can trigger neurological processes that are important for learning and memory. The study indicated that consuming fructose in large amounts could block insulin’s ability to regulate how your brain cells store and use sugar for energy needed to fuel thoughts and emotions.
The Solution:
Here are five practical tips for restoring metabolic function:
Ensure your diet is adequately fortified with omega-3 fatty acids either in their natural or supplemental form.
Get adequate sleep – Melatonin assists your body in properly regulating insulin.
Exercise – in particular strength training assists with the restoration of insulin sensitivity.
Meditate – managing stress is key in the battle with body-fat.
The Source:
Agrawal, R., & Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2012). ‘Metabolic syndrome’ in the brain: deficiency in omega-3 fatty acid exacerbates dysfunctions in insulin receptor signalling and cognition. The Journal of Physiology, 590(10), 2485-2499.
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