Episode Summary

Blood sugar balance isn’t just about diabetes—it’s about how the brain gets the steady fuel it needs to function well. In this episode, we explore why glucose regulation is especially important for individuals with Down syndrome, how metabolic differences increase vulnerability to blood sugar swings, and what that means for brain health across the lifespan.

We break down the science in simple terms, including why the brain—despite being only ~2% of body weight—uses about 20% of the body’s glucose at rest, and how unstable blood sugar may contribute to fatigue, focus challenges, mood changes, and long-term metabolic and cognitive risk.

You’ll also learn what current research actually supports, including screening recommendations for diabetes and Alzheimer-type dementia, and why early metabolic monitoring matters even before a diagnosis is present.

Finally, we share practical, low-risk lifestyle strategies with emerging evidence—such as consistent movement, post-meal walking, meal timing, and food pairing—to help support steadier energy and more stable blood sugar day to day. We also touch on supplements and diet trends, clarifying what’s promising, what’s experimental, and what requires careful medical oversight.

Key takeaway: Supporting blood sugar balance is about providing steady brain fuel (not restriction) and small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference for long-term metabolic and brain health.

For additional resources: www.downforgreens.co

In today’s episode, we share the “why” behind Down For Health—how it began, who it’s for, and the mission that drives everything we do.

At the center of this story is Nick, my brother. He is an actor, songwriter, martial artist, and a source of constant joy, resilience, and inspiration. Nick is the reason Down For Health exists.

We created this platform to support the Down syndrome community through:

• Accessible health education that empowers parents and caregivers
• Community support so no family has to navigate health questions alone
• Improved health outcomes through functional, evidence-informed guidance

Our purpose is simple: help individuals with Down syndrome thrive by giving families the tools, knowledge, and confidence they deserve.

Join us as we share the origins, mission, and vision of Down For Health.

Episode Summary

Seed oils are often labeled “pro‑inflammatory,” yet many studies show they can lower heart‑disease risk when they replace saturated fat. In this episode, we cut through the confusion, examining how seed oils, omega‑3s, and oil processing influence inflammation, cardiometabolic health, and overall well‑being for individuals with Down syndrome.

What You’ll Learn

🌱 Seed‑Oil Basics

• What counts as a seed oil (soybean, canola, sunflower, flax, sesame, more)
• How saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats differ

Cardio‑Metabolic Benefits

• 19 % drop in coronary events when soybean or canola oil replaces saturated fat (Mozaffarian et al., 2010)
• Flaxseed, canola, and sesame oils improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and oxidative balance

Inflammation & Omega Ratios

• Linoleic‑rich seed oils are largely inflammation‑neutral (Petersen et al., 2025)
• Omega‑3 sources (flaxseed, fish oil) reliably reduce CRP and IL‑6 and curb atherosclerosis risk

Processing Matters

• Refined, bleached, deodorized (RBD) oils lose antioxidants and may form oxidative by‑products
• Cold‑pressed, unrefined oils retain polyphenols and show neutral or anti‑inflammatory effects

Practical Tips for Families

• Swap butter or palm oil for cold‑pressed avocado, olive, or flaxseed oil
• Read labels—look for “cold‑pressed,” “unrefined,” “virgin,” and avoid “RBD”
• Prioritize omega‑3 intake via SMASH fish (salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring) or quality supplements
• Store delicate oils in dark bottles; refrigerate flax, hemp, walnut after opening

Key Takeaway

Seed oils, when minimally processed and used to replace saturated fats, offer clear cardiometabolic benefits and are not inherently inflammatory. Prioritizing quality oils and boosting omega‑3s gives the Down syndrome community added protection against chronic inflammation.

Sources:

K. Petersen, Mark Messina, Brent Flickinger (2025). Health Implications of Linoleic Acid and Seed Oil Intake.Nutrition Today

Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Lívia Fornari Laurindo, Victória Dogani Rodrigues, Jéssica da Silva Camarinha Oliveira, Beatriz Leme Boaro, and 8 more (2025). Evaluating the effects of seed oils on lipid profile, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and glycemic control of diabetic and dyslipidemic patients: a systematic review of clinical studies. Frontiers in Nutrition

J. DiNicolantonio, J. O’Keefe (2018). Importance of maintaining a low omega–6/omega–3 ratio for reducing inflammation. Open Heart

Somaia A Al-Madhagy, Naglaa S. Ashmawy, Ayat-Allah Mamdouh, O. Eldahshan, Mohamed A. Farag(2023). A comprehensive review of the health benefits of flaxseed oil in relation to its chemical composition and comparison with other omega-3-rich oils.European Journal of Medical Research

D. Mozaffarian, R. Micha, Sarah K. Wallace (2010). Effects on Coronary Heart Disease of Increasing Polyunsaturated Fat in Place of Saturated Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS Medicine