Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are two radically different diseases with one common thread: the incidence of both among the general U.S. population is increasing every year, and despite millions of dollars being pumped into research, there is as  yet no cure in sight for either chronic disease.

 According to many natural health experts there are a few simple ways that anyone can decrease her risk of developing both  Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, as well as improving her overall physical and mental health:

Get regular exercise – Exercise is as good for your brain as it is your body. Following a regular and sensible physical exercise program keeps your weight down, removing a huge risk factor for diabetes. Researchers believe that exercising your mind (by doing crossword puzzles, reading challenging books, or even perhaps playing those video games designed to build your IQ) makes your brain less susceptible to developing the lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Watch your Diet – Limiting your daily caloric intake and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables helps ward off diabetes and is just plain good for you in general. Research has shown, however, that getting plenty of high-quality omega-3 in your diet (primarily from fish, especially salmon) can help guard against both Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Wild blueberries, which have high anthocyanin and antioxidant content, have been demonstrated to have the power to guard against neurological disease. Many schools of thought feel that more exotic fruits such as acai and gojy berries may have even more potential.

Get the metal out – Many scientists are concerned that the use of copper piping in homes is contributing to the increase in both Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes cases. One study revealed that people with a high intake of both copper and fatty foods lose cognitive function at over three times the normal rate. The copper in drinking water is inorganic and your body processes it differently than the copper you consume through the food you eat. Inorganic copper is more toxic, and trace amounts in drinking water significantly increased Alzheimer’s-associated symptoms in the animals in one study. Researchers are suggesting that copper piping should be replaced regularly and that people also avoid getting mercury fillings (or have existing ones removed) and avoid anti-perspirant products that contain aluminum.