Dr. Heather Sandison, a renowned naturopathic doctor, is revolutionizing brain health with her innovative approach to neurocognitive medicine. As the founder of Solcere Health Clinic and Marama, Dr. Sandison has dedicated her career to optimizing brain function and aiding those with cognitive decline in returning to independent living. Her latest book, “Reversing Alzheimer‘s,” encapsulates her extensive research over the past 15 years and offers practical advice for enhancing memory and cognitive function.
Dr. Sandison's journey in brain health began with a commitment to understanding the complex workings of the brain, which, despite constituting only 2% of the body's weight, demands over 20% of its energy expenditure daily. With five years of experience as a medical director at a residential memory care facility, Dr. Sandison has seen firsthand the impact of dietary choices on brain health. She strongly advocates for raising carb-consciousness as a means to protect and preserve brain function.
At the heart of Dr. Sandison's recommendations is the strategic reduction of carbohydrate intake. She advises swapping out carb-heavy foods for lower-carb alternatives to mitigate potential harm to the brain. One practical tip she shares is to consume high-fat, high-protein foods first in a meal, reserving higher carb options for later. This approach can help stabilize blood sugar levels and avoid spikes that may negatively affect cognitive performance. For instance, eating a higher carb fruit following a high-fat, high-protein snack can minimize blood sugar fluctuations.
Dr. Sandison suggests aiming for a healthy daily carb intake of around 130 grams, which constitutes roughly 25% of calories in a standard 2,000 calorie diet. By becoming more aware of daily carb consumption, individuals can better manage their intake and potentially enhance their brain health and cognitive longevity.
Solcere Health Clinic, founded by Dr. Sandison, serves as a hub for brain optimization, offering patients insights into dietary and lifestyle changes that promote cognitive well-being. Meanwhile, at Marama, the first residential memory care facility of its kind, Dr. Sandison works tirelessly to help residents regain independence through personalized care and innovative therapies.