Sugars and the brain

A diet low in carbohydrates and higher in fat will restore the function of genes essential for mental performance.

Just because a gene is present in our DNA doesn’t mean anything. In order to express it, our body must be able to read it – that is, make proteins based on it. A number of so-called epigenetic processes influence whether the reading occurs, and one of the most important of these is called histone acetylation.

Histones are the proteins on which the double helix of DNA is wound in the nucleus of our cells, like thread on a spool. In order for a gene to be read, the corresponding stretch of DNA must first be unwound from the histone coil. But to do this, the histone protein must undergo a chemical reaction called acetylation.

And it is this process that is disrupted in people who suffer from a disability called Kabuki syndrome. Although the cause is genetic, a gene that is essential for the proper functioning of epigenetic processes – in particular the aforementioned histone acetylation – is disrupted. The consequence is a slowdown in the formation of new nerve cells, memory impairment and mental disability.

Ketogenic diet stimulates neuron production

Until now, this disease was considered incurable, but when scientists in one study began feeding a group of mice with a similar problem called. Despite the damage to the genes, normal epigenetic processes were restored, neurons began to grow, and memory and other mental processes improved significantly in the affected mice.

However, this research brings hope not only to people with Kabuki syndrome, but basically to all of us. Almost every person faces a decline in mental abilities with advancing age, which is caused by epigenetic processes. A measurable decline in brain performance occurs after the age of thirty.

And a diet high in sugars is one of the factors that influence the activity of our genes quite significantly. Therefore, if we can limit our excessive carbohydrate intake, the intensity of negative epigenetic processes will be reduced, which will positively affect our brain performance and, in fact, our overall health.

Brain sharpens herbs and movement

However, epigenetic processes related to mental performance can be influenced not only by diet but also by other factors. In particular, regular exercise is important – after thirty it is not so obvious, but in seniors who have played sports regularly all their lives, the difference in mental performance is unnoticeable.

Herbs and nutrients with epigenetic action can also be of great help. Scientifically confirmed in this regard are, for example, the effectiveness of Baikal coneflower, rosemary or EGCG (a substance contained in green tea).