Copyright 2006 Frank Mangano

Although the jury is still out among doctors and scientists on the exact causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is little dispute about the findings in AD research that points toward high levels of aluminum and other metals in the brain of those with AD. In a nutshell, those who had AD had higher concentrations of metal in their post mortem brain tissue. It may not be the true cause, but healthy brains just don't seem to have it.

As a precaution against an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease you can look for ways to reduce the amount of aluminum and other metals (specifically mercury) from your diet and keep it from building up in your brain cells. Here are three simple ways:

1. Look at your cooking style. Get rid of aluminum pots and pans and reduce the amount you use aluminum foil in cooking. Heating aluminum allows it to get into foods being prepared with these types of pans. A good way to cook may be to get your self a good old-fashioned iron pan. They heat up quickly and maintain uniform temperature. The only rub-off effect is healthy doses of iron added to your food.

2. Talk to your dentist. Once a common practice, using metal fillings adds to the amount absorbed by the body. Amalgam fillings are a composite type of filling that is much safer, even if it is a bit more costly. If you are having old filings replaced, be sure to ask that no metal be used in your mouth.

3. Examine Your Fish Sources. Three to five servings of fish a week is ideal, but somewhat unrealistic for most American diets. That can of tuna fish at lunch, may not be the best choice even if you are counting that as one of your servings. Fish sources can vary in their nutritional value and especially in the way it is processed. For example, wild harvested fish (as opposed to those grown in fish hatcheries) is better because it is less likely to contain high levels of mercury.

Fish Oil is an excellent alternative to fresh fish for those who just don't like it or don't get enough. It is great for its antioxidant properties which attack free radicals. The essential fatty acids found in fish oil also support brain health. It is, however, important to look for pure sources of these essential fatty acids with lower risks for mercury. Much of how good a fish oil supplement is depends on the way the fish oil is processed. To get a truly accurate accounting of the manufacturing process you will need to contact the manufacturer. Not all of the important details can be found on the label.

Taking steps today to remove unhealthy amounts of metals from your body will help prevent Alzheimer's disease and increase your chances of staying mentally sharp well into old age. This is true even if you have a close relative with the disease. It you do nothing else to keep your mind and body healthy, make sure you get plenty of the vital essential fatty acids.