Laurie's Blogs.

Hey Laurie,

I just finished watching your 2 part canine dementia videos. It just so happens I am currently reading a really interesting book Called “Grain Brain” by Dr David Perlmutter. A neurologist who specializes in brain and movement disorders.

His focus is on diet…gluten free, low carb, low sugar, high in protein and “good fats”. He relates this to humans but many of the studies cited are animal. He makes a case for this diet assisting with alleviating many neurological disorders including anxiety, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.  I know as physio’s we cannot give nutrition advice but you have many vets as members and thought this might be of interest to them.

He also discusses how 20 min of aerobic ex for 5 days/wk is a potent anti-inflammatory, as well as proven to induce growth of new neurons in the brain. He goes on to say it also increases brain plasticity and the ability to build new networks in the brain and organize these new brain cells into function.

So much of what you spoke of is advocated in his book. Many of the same studies, human and animal are cited. It is a very easy read and he does a great job of explaining the physiology without your eyes glazing overJ

From a personal note I have a 12 y.o. yellow lab with epilepsy (diagnosed at 3 y.o.). He has been on a grain free diet for many years and seizures controlled (1-3/month) with a low dose of phenobarb. We started a walking program 2 years ago, 15 min 5-7 days/week. We supplement with swimming in the summer and doing stairs, back ups, side steps and stand ups on the couch on yucky days. He has been seizure free for 2 years with no increase in meds.

So though the anti-inflammatory benefits of going gluten free is not new, applying these concepts to brain health may be less well known, and of interest to your members.

NOW, if only I can give up my pasta and sweets….Ahhhh, that will be the challengeJ

Jeannie