Neurodegenerative Illnesses: 7 Tips to Prevent Them

Following a healthy diet, avoiding things that can be harmful to our bodies and exercising our brain can help prevent neurodegenerative illnesses.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Gilberto Adaulfo Sánchez Abreu.

Written by Elena Martínez Blasco

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Neurodegenerative illnesses are incurable. They gradually get worse. The best known are Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as Huntington’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

As has been noted, there is no cure for them yet. However, there are some things that you can do to prevent them. If you have a genetic tendency to suffer from them, we suggest you read on.

Here you’ll learn 7 natural tips to prevent or lessen the symptoms of neurodegenerative illnesses. They deal with proper diet and medicinal plants. We’ll also share some effective pieces of advice.

What Are Neurodegenerative Illnesses?

These diseases are serious health disorders. They affect some of the bodily functions. For example, they impair mobility, balance and speech. They even affect breathing and heart rate.

They have a strong genetic component. Nonetheless, some other factors such as the following could contribute to them:

• Accumulation of toxins in the body
• Reaction to some chemicals
• Viruses

In some cases, these diseases can also be caused by a psychological condition. For example, a person may have experienced an emotional shock a while before the illness shows up.

The gradual decline that the illness causes is very difficult for those who suffer from it. On the other hand, it also takes a toll on their friends and family.

Tips to Prevent These Illnesses

Now, we’ll give you 7 tips to prevent neurodegenerative illnesses or to improve their symptoms. Following this advice can bring better mobility to those who suffer from them.

1. Eliminate Heavy Metals

Neurodegenerative illnesses relate to, among other things, the presence of heavy metals in your body. This is especially true when it comes to your brain.

These metals enter your body in different ways:

• Eating large cold-water fish, like salmon, tuna or swordfish. It’s better to eat smaller cold-water fish (mackerel, sardines, anchovies). However, it’s even better to consume white fish.
• Contaminated air
• Pesticides in your foods and environment
• Broken items such as mercury thermometers or light bulbs
• Tap water from some places
• Some medicines
• Pots and pans that are made of heavy metals. Avoid aluminum cookware, for example.

2. Purify with Chlorella

Chlorella algae helps eliminate heavy metals and other toxins that can accumulate in your body. However, it only works if you are consistent with your treatments for at least 3 months.

Some specific supplements also include other effective ingredients such as garlic, cilantro and magnesium.

3. Use Your Brain

Activate your brain to prevent its decline. Don’t let it get sluggish.

When we start to notice symptoms such as memory problems or lack of concentration, we have to, more than ever, do exercises to work the brain. 

4. Eat Walnuts

Surely you have noticed the shape of a walnut. It shows us which organ it stimulates the most. Of course, we’re talking about the brain.

Walnuts have great nutritional value. This is because they are rich in vitamins and minerals. Besides, they’re a good source of essential fatty acids and fiber.

Moreover, they boast a high level of antioxidants preventing the oxidative deterioration of the brain.

5. Medicinal Teas

There are two medicinal plants that increase circulation and the oxygenation of the brain:

• Ginkgo biloba: It is very effective. Nevertheless, do not take it for more than two consecutive months.
• Centella: It is also known as gotu kola. You can take it continuously.

You can take these in tea. There are also capsules and tablets made from them.

6. Essential Oils

You may also want to try aromatherapy. This curative method is based on the use of quality essential oils. Its aim is to treat physical, mental and emotional health issues.

You can use the oils in aromatic diffusers. Another option is to use them in your house cleaning products. Besides, you can blend them into your body lotion.

Likewise, you can soak a cloth in them. Then put it next to your pillow. Now, you’re ready to relax while you sleep.

You can choose among the following oils:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Sandalwood
• Basil

7. Balance Your Bowel

Your bowel has a close relationship with the functions of your brain through the intestinal flora. As some studies have shown, those suffering from certain degenerative illnesses may have an altered flora.

In addition to having a balanced diet that includes foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and raw vinegar,you can take supplements with a probiotic base.

There are many types of probiotics. However, choose products that offer the highest amount of them in a variety of strains.

This simple remedy will improve your quality of life.