Darrell Miller asked:


It is becoming increasingly popular to take supplements containing herbs and vitamins for better memory and longer life. Not only are well known traditional remedies for specific aging problems being used, but there is a lot of investigation and research being carried out in Asia and Europe on the natural and herbal remedies of yesteryear.

There have been several new remedies suggested over recent years for short and longer term loss of memory, and most of these are also recommended to improve intelligence and mental capability. The so-called ’smart pill’ ginkgo biloba is a case in point, and this plant is under constant investigation with regard to its effect on Alzheimer’s sufferers.

KAVA KAVA

The number of different herbs and plants, and the type of chemicals they contain, is massive, including various nutrients, antioxidants, hormones, enzymes and amino acids. The list of herbs under investigation is almost unlimited, though you have to be careful with some of them. Kava kava, for instance, helps stress and anxiety, and has been shown to have a positive effect in suppressing the growth of cancer cells.

For other reasons, however, it is banned for sale in parts of Europe, including England, though the reasons for this are currently under review. It is commonly used throughout the Pacific for its soporific effect, but can cause skin and other problems if overused. Where it can be purchased, however, its use is thought to prevent the onset of some cancers including leukaemia.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

Another supplement that is contentious in its use is the Human Growth Hormone. This is used as a supplement in adults suffering from GH deficiency, and has been promoted as an anti-aging supplement. Whether or not it has this effect is still open to debate, though it certainly increases lean muscle mass and bone density in those with a deficiency. The first step in an anti-aging program should be to ensure that your GH level is as it should be.

GINKGO BILOBA

The real mind boosting herbs and supplements are those that claim to boost the memory, cure memory loss and treat Alzheimer’s disease. The queen of them all is probably ginkgo biloba, studies on which have provided evidence that it can be beneficial in improving the brain and memory function in early stage Alzheimer’s, and in age-related cognitive decline (ARCD). It is also believed to help in cases of certain types of glaucoma. These benefits might be due to the effect is has of increasing the circulation of the blood to the brain.

Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the central nervous system from the effects of aging, and protect the cardiovascular system through the destruction of free radicals in the blood. Free radicals can be responsible for mental deterioration and dementia in the elderly. Gingko biloba contains a number of different active antioxidants and chemicals that improve blood circulation to the brain.

COENZYME Q10

It is not only the ancient remedies that are being found to have a scientific reason for their effectiveness in treating specific conditions, and Coenzyme Q10 is one of the relatively newer additions to nature’s arsenal. This substance is contained in every cell in the body, and it has been found to provide protection to the brain from Parkinson’s disease and other conditions that cause degeneration of the brain cells. This can help to improve memory, and reduce the effects of aging, though it does not relieve any existing Parkinson’s symptoms.

Studies into the effects of Coenzyme Q10 are still under way, and it has been shown to be a strong antioxidant. It is also believed to reduce high blood pressure though this is still under review, and studies into the potential uses of the supplement are continuing.

BILBERRY

Although used extensively over the ages for a large number of ailments, bilberry is generally regarded by experts as being another strong antioxidant. In fact most supplements that have an anti-aging effect appear to be antioxidants. This is because aging is closely associated with the presence of free radicals in the blood, and even the traditional antioxidants vitamins C and E can have an anti-aging effect on the body.

Bilberry has been used for the treatment of arteriosclerosis and various eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts, and is commonly available. It contains flavonoids that can reduce the risk of blood clots, and hence of strokes and heart attacks. Although many of the medicinal properties claimed have yet to proved, bilberry is widely used as an herbal supplement.

PUMPKIN

Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, and it is considered by the Chinese to stimulate the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The effect of increased insulin levels is to reduce the sugar levels in the blood, and reduce oxidation damage to certain cells in the body. It is being regarded as a possible natural treatment for diabetes that should reduce sugar imbalances and therefore have an anti-aging effect.

DHA

DHA is dicosahexaenoic acid, otherwise known as DHA, and is found predominantly in fish oils. Trials are currently under way with this material on humans in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease where it appears to reduce the formation of plaques in the brain. DHA used be found in cattle and eggs, but this has reduced considerably due to cattle being taken off grass some time before slaughter and there is less DHA in factory eggs.

The synthetic supplement is synthesized from beet though is more expensive than the marine source. This supplement is also effective in those that suffer from heart disease.

There are many other natural supplements that have an anti-aging effect or that improve the memory. Most work by means of their antioxidant content, and there are new studies being carried out continually throughout the world. China is a rich source of such remedies, and as that country opens up more will be known about the scientific basis behind their pharmaceutical applications.

There is little doubt that the use of herbs and vitamins for better memory and longer life has a strong scientific basis, and that we still have a great deal to learn about the remedies used before the introduction of mass produced pharmaceuticals.

John Pen asked:


For many people, memory loss comes naturally with old age. While it may, therefore, be inevitable, there are vitamins and dietary supplements you can take to delay its onset or to recover from it. Reportedly a diet rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, polyphenol, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, Gingko biloba extract, ayurvedic herbs, and carotenoids, can significantly lessen the impact of memory loss in old age.

Examples of essential fatty acids are fish oils, and they are necessary in brain function. In fact, people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory problems, are found to have low levels of essential fatty acids.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant found in all tissues, including the brain. People who do not take Vitamin E regularly are likely to be prone to develop neurological and memory problems. Folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12 are also important in brain function. Memory loss, confusion, and dementia have been associated with low levels of these vitamins.

Polyphenol, found in the skin of red grapes, offers protection against brain-related problems, so this is one thing your diet must include. Get a load of Alpha-Lipoic Acid or ALA in your diet, too. The ALA is an antioxidant that is found effective against neurodegenerative diseases. Another antioxidant that protects the brain is coenzyme Q10.

The Gingko biloba extract has been proven to treat dementia in the elderly. It can improve brain function by stimulating blood flow towards the brain. Other herbs, such as the ashwaganda, holy basil, and the brahmi have favorable effects on the function of the brain. Sage, in particular, has been reportedly found effective in treating Alzheimer’s.

Other vitamins that can help with the treatment:

Recover From Memory Loss with Vitamins

For many people, memory loss comes naturally with old age. While it may, therefore, be inevitable, there are vitamins and dietary supplements you can take to delay its onset or to recover from it. Reportedly a diet rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12, polyphenol, alpha-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, Gingko biloba extract, ayurvedic herbs, and carotenoids, can significantly lessen the impact of memory loss in old age.

Examples of essential fatty acids are fish oils, and they are necessary in brain function. In fact, people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia and other memory problems, are found to have low levels of essential fatty acids.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant found in all tissues, including the brain. People who do not take Vitamin E regularly are likely to be prone to develop neurological and memory problems. Folate, and Vitamins B6 and B12 are also important in brain function. Memory loss, confusion, and dementia have been associated with low levels of these vitamins.

Polyphenol, found in the skin of red grapes, offers protection against brain-related problems, so this is one thing your diet must include. Get a load of Alpha-Lipoic Acid or ALA in your diet, too. The ALA is an antioxidant that is found effective against neurodegenerative diseases. Another antioxidant that protects the brain is coenzyme Q10.

The Gingko biloba extract has been proven to treat dementia in the elderly. It can improve brain function by stimulating blood flow towards the brain. Other herbs, such as the ashwaganda, holy basil, and the brahmi have favorable effects on the function of the brain. Sage, in particular, has been reportedly found effective in treating Alzheimer’s.

Other vitamins that can help with the treatment:

Memory Loss And vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is pyridoxine. Research shows that inadequate amount of Vitamin B6 in the body could possibly lead to memory loss.

In a certain study, a group of men were given 20 milligrams of Vitamin B6 every day for three months. After which, a memory test was given to them. The men who took Vitamin B6 regularly showed significant gains in terms of both long-term and short-term memory spans.

Vitamin B12 as a cure for Memory Loss

Just like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the functions of the brain as well.

Doctors indicate that the deficiency of Vitamin B12 could possibly lead to the development of neurological symptoms such as fatigue, disorientation, and memory loss.

Lack of Vitamin B12 in the body directly creates problems in the patient’s nervous system.

Helping Memory Loss with Anti-Oxidant Vitamins

Both Vitamins C and Vitamins E are known to be good antioxidants.

As such, they rid the body of all free radicals. Free radicals are the elements speeds up aging in a person. Without free radicals and other harmful elements in the body, the cells are preserved and renewed like they should. These two vitamins can keep brain cells healthy.

Last but not least of these vitamins and dietary supplements are carotenoids. Carotenoids, which give fruits and vegetables the characteristic red, orange and yellow colors, protect the body against oxidative damage.