PROTECT YOUR BRAIN: New Research Reveals How to Lower Your Risk of 3 Major Brain Diseases

A groundbreaking study by Mass General Brigham researchers has identified 17 modifiable risk factors shared between brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.

What caught my attention? The study revealed that high blood pressure and kidney disease have the BIGGEST impact on these three brain conditions.

Important health connection many miss:

• Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease

• These conditions damage kidney filtering units and blood vessels over time

• Even daily habits like consuming carbonated beverages and energy drinks have been linked to kidney stones

As a personal trainer and holistic sports nutritional consultant, I've seen firsthand how these conditions are largely preventable and often reversible through lifestyle modifications. Plant-nourishing nutrition plans have proven particularly effective in addressing these issues - something that isn't emphasized enough in conventional approaches.

The study identified these 17 modifiable risk factors (i.e., those that can be altered through lifestyle and behavioral changes) shared amongst stroke, dementia, and/or late-life depression:

1. Blood Pressure

2. Kidney Disease / Kidney Function

3. Fasting Plasma Glucose

4. Total Cholesterol

5. Alcohol Use

6. Diet

7. Body Mass Index

8. Hearing Loss

9. Pain

10. Physical Activity

11. Leisure Time Cognitive Activity

12. Purpose in Life

13. Depressive Symptoms

14. Sleep

15. Smoking

16. Social Engagement

17. Stress

Taking action on ANY of these 17 risk factors can reduce your risk for ALL THREE brain conditions. Small changes can have profound impacts on your long-term brain health.