The bad news is out and hard to ignore. Evidence is growing that links obesity and executive dysfunction in the brain and this refers not just to reduced mental functioning but to scary conditions that none of us want to end our dying days with such as Alzheimer’s dementia ^[1].

So, what is executive functioning and why do we need it? Well, with a name like ‘executive’ it clearly tells you that it is that part of the mind that takes charge of most things. In more scientific terms, executive functioning refers to your mental abilities that control and regulate other abilities and behaviors such as the ability to organize thoughts and activities, manage time, prioritize tasks, make decisions and work towards goals. In a nutshell our executive functioning enables us to think and act normally!

Teachers in schools often talk about the executive functioning of children in relation to their learning abilities. If you are worried about your child’s executive functioning, or your own for that matter, then I suggest you view the following link to get a brief overview on symptoms relating to executive function (you may have to copy and paste it into your url). See your doctor if you are at all concerned.

http://www.schoolbehavior.com/conditions_edfoverview2.htm

Now the good news is if you are carrying a few extra kilos of fat, it appears you will be able to delay the decline of mental functioning caused by excessive levels of fat tissue and even improve current mental functioning if you comply with the following:

· Manage blood pressure & actively avoid weight gain as you age. Why? Some research indicates that controlling mid-life high blood pressure and abdominal obesity may be strategies to reduce mental decline with age ^[2].

· Exercise and increase physical activity in general. Research^[3] states that regular voluntary physical exercise and exercise training can favorably influence brain plasticity (ie the ability for the brain to change in a positive way) and the decline in mental functioning with aging and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s dementia.

· Ensure an adequate intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acid. Research ^[4] says that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of chronic disease.

o Rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include: salmon, flax seeds and walnuts

o Other sources include soy beans, tofu, virgin olive oil, winter squash, halibut, scallops, prawns and to a lesser extent tuna & kidney & navy beans

NOTE: Frying damages the omega-3s so do not fry your fish or the olive oil. Use the oil in dressings instead.

1. ^[1] 1. Gunstad, J., Paul, R.H., Cohen, R. A., Tate, D. F., Spitznagel, M. B., & Gordon, E. (2007). Elevated body mass index is associated with executive dysfunction in otherwise healthy adults. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 48(1), 57-61 ↩
2. ^[2] 2. Wolf, P. A., Beiser, A., Elias, Merrill, F., Au, R., Ramachandran, S., & Seshadri, S. (2007) Current Alzheimer Research, 4 (2), 111-116 ↩
3. ^[3] 3. Dishman, R. K., Berthoud, H-R., Booth, F. W., Cotman, C. W. Edgerton, V. R., Fleshner, M. R., Gandevia, S.C. et al. (2006). Neurobiology of exercise. Obesity, 14, 345-356. ↩
4. ^[4] 4. Nutrition & Food Science; September 2007, Vol. 37 Issue: Number 5 p306-312, 7p. ↩

Related posts:

1. Preventing Obesity in Children (& adults)

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Soft drinks and cordial have also been linked to depression and stress which is another good reason, apart from whittling away your waist, to delete them from your daily diet.

Over the last few decades during my practice as both a dietitian and psychologist I have noticed that there appeared to be a definite link between a person’s sugar intake and their mood, general irritability and ability to cope and manage stress. I have listened to people regularly report better concentration, clearer thinking, more energy, greater happiness and well-being, and better stress management and coping after they have removed sugar from their diets, and I have often observed the changes they reported.

Confirming the patterns I have witnessed when people take sugar out of their diets, is a study just released in January 2010 that has identified a strong link between soft drink consumption and mental health problems in adults.

The study was conducted in South Australia. Of 4741 participants recruited for the study, 12.5% reported drinking more than ½ litre of soft drink daily! Analysis showed that high levels of soft drink consumption were positively associated with depression, stress-related problems, suicidal ideation, psychological distress and a current medical condition. There was, however, no positive association with anxiety. The study showed that those who drank more than ½ litre of soft drink daily had a whopping 60% greater risk of having these mental health conditions.

So, it is not good news for soft drink manufacturers, or for soft drink “users”. Not only does it add to your fat deposits, it impacts negatively on your mental health!

A thought: In view of the obesity epidemic scourging the planet, and research showing the link between soft drink and mental illness, perhaps we would be better off only being able to purchase these food on prescription from the doctor!

What do you think?

Resource:

Shi, Z., Tayor, A.W., Wittert, G., Goldney, R. & Gill, T.K. (2010). Soft drink consumption and mental health among adults in Australia. Public Health Nutr. (15), 1-7.

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