If you’re a new mother with a tiny baby in your arms, you’re probably not thinking about your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease several decades into the future. But you should, and there’s a simple thing you can do to lower that risk: breastfeed your baby. Researchers have discovered that breastfeeding has a significant impact on lowering a mother’s risk of Alzheimer’s. In fact, the more extended the breastfeeding period, the more significant the risk reduction.
How breastfeeding improves insulin tolerance
Pregnancy is known to impair insulin tolerance in mothers, increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have linked insulin resistance and diabetes to an increased likelihood of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, breastfeeding can help counteract this by increasing insulin sensitivity in the mother. This improved insulin tolerance may be attributable to the higher energy and nutrient requirements for milk production, leading to better pancreatic function and glucose tolerance.
Breastfeeding doesn’t just benefit your baby; it provides critical long-term benefits to your health and well-being. Breastfeeding is an easy way to kick-start your journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling life for both you and your little one.
Breastfeeding and hormone levels
Besides increasing insulin tolerance, another way breastfeeding might protect the brain from Alzheimer’s is by reducing the body’s supply of the hormone progesterone. High levels of progesterone may negatively impact a woman’s cognitive health as she ages. Conversely, lower levels of progesterone increase the brain’s sensitivity to estrogen. Estrogen is known to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain, which may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
When breastfeeding, the sustained drop in progesterone stimulates breast milk production and enhances estrogen’s protective effects on the brain. It’s worth noting that there are various types of estrogens, and not all have the same neuroprotective qualities. For example, the health benefits of hormone replacement therapy with synthetic estrogens have been controversial. However, more recent findings suggest that the natural estrogen produced during breastfeeding may provide a more effective defense against Alzheimer’s disease.
The research behind the benefits
A study of 81 British women found a direct correlation between breastfeeding duration and Alzheimer’s risk reduction. The research demonstrates that extender breastfeeding periods can significantly lower a woman’s chances of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
It’s important to note that while there’s solid evidence supporting the benefits of breastfeeding in reducing Alzheimer’s risk, this does not guarantee that breastfeeding alone will prevent Alzheimer’s entirely. Alzheimer’s disease is influenced by various factors, including genes, lifestyle, and other health issues, many of which are still not entirely understood. Despite this, breastfeeding is a recommended practice for mothers who can partake in it, not only for its potential Alzheimer’s protection but also for its numerous other health benefits for both mother and child.
Other benefits of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers a host of additional benefits for both mother and baby, including:
- Bonding: Breastfeeding creates a strong emotional bond between mother and baby, providing warmth, comfort, and soothing.
- Superior nutrition: Breast milk is perfectly tailored to meet all your baby’s nutritional needs, containing the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Immune system support: Colostrum, the first milk produced after birth, is packed with antibodies and immune-boosting proteins that help protect your baby from infections, allergies, and other health issues.
- Weight loss: Breastfeeding can help promote healthy postpartum weight loss by burning extra calories daily.
- Reduced risk of cancer: Research indicates that breastfeeding mothers may experience a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Postpartum depression relief: Some studies have suggested that breastfeeding may lower the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety, owing to the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin.
While breastfeeding isn’t the only way to bond with your baby or provide them with the nutrients they need, it’s worth considering the many long-lasting health benefits that breastfeeding may provide for both you and your baby. Remember, it’s never too early to start thinking about protecting your brain health, and breastfeeding might be an important step toward reducing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.
