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Who Else Wants A Better Memory?

January 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

It’s a common assumption, that memory loss is just a part of growing older. Now, a recent study indicates magnesium deficiency in the brain may be a contributing factor.

In a prior post, we looked at the importance of magnesium for healthy living.  A new magnesium compound appears to boost the levels of this mineral in the brain, enhancing learning and memory functions.

Dr. Guosong Liu is a neuroscientist with the Center for Learning and Memory at Tsinghua University, located in Beijing, China. He led a study which looked at whether Magnesium-L-Threonate (MgT), could improve short-term and long-term memory in rats. The study’s findings showed MgT improved brain function in both young and aged rats.

In the following video, Dr. Liu discusses his research and its implications for improved memory in the brain. This video is courtesy of ihealthtube.com. If you’re having trouble viewing the video in your browser, please click on this link.

iHealthTube.com – Your Brain Needs More Magnesium

A clinical study of the potential of MgT in humans, is currently being conducted by Dr. Liu in California.

Dr Liu’s research is important because age-related brain health has become a global public health issue. For example, America’s population group of  people age 65 or older was 12.9% of its total population.  It’s estimated this segment of older Americans will grow to about 19% of total population by 2030.  For more information, see the Administration on Aging’s website at this link.

An article on the wellness site NewHope360.com, included the following quote from Dr. Liu:

“Half the population of the industrialized countries has a magnesium deficit, which increases with aging.  If normal or even higher levels of magnesium can be maintained, we may be able to significantly slow age-related loss of cognitive function and perhaps prevent or treat diseases that affect cognitive function.”

For more information on Dr. Liu’s research, check this link to WellnessResources.com.

The Bottom Line:  Dr. Liu’s research of the connection between magnesium levels and brain function has consumed the last 10 years of his life.  The world-wide aging of our population demands as many safe, alternative dietary supplements as possible, to help improve our quality of life.  Time will not wait for us to conduct the proper research.  The time is now.

What will you do when your memory fades?

It’s Your Life, Live Well!

twitt Who Else Wants A Better Memory?

Related posts:

  1. How Meditation May Save Your Brain!
  2. Can Exercise Protect Your Brain?
  3. How To Keep Your Brain Happy!
  4. 5 Ways Magnesium Helps You!
Filed Under: Anti-aging, Dietary Supplements, Memory & Brain Support, New Research Tagged With: , ,

Why Omega3s Are Essential For Your Health!

September 4, 2012 by 1 Comment

Have you taken your omega-3 supplement today?  If you have, good for you.  If you didn’t take any today or never have, you maybe missing a great opportunity for better health.

A substantial number of studies have supported the benefits of taking omega-3 supplements or eating fish.  The key is taking at least the minimum recommended daily amounts of EPA and DHA, which comprise omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s just a few of the proven health benefits:

  • Reduced risk of heart attack
  • Lower triglycerides levels
  • Reduced risk of stroke
  • Better eye health
  •  Slower hardening of the heart arteries
  • Healthy support for the brain

Amazingly, there are many other health benefits beyond these stated above. What are you waiting for?

According to Bruce Holub, Ph.D., there’s substantial evidence of the role omega-3s have on heart, eye and brain health.  Dr. Holub has done substantial research on omega-3s and is considered an expert.

In the following video, Dr. Holub explains his opinions regarding the health benefits of omega-3s.  This video is courtesy of ihealthtube.com.

Health Videos – Omega-3 Benefits Brain, Heart and Eye Health

I believe Dr. Holub makes a great case for adding omega-3s to your daily health regime.  However, eating fish and shellfish are another great way to meet your need for this important nutrient. But which fish should you eat or avoid?

What Are The Best Fish To Eat?

The issue of mercury contamination has always been of concern to consumers.  Some fish have probabilities for higher mercury levels than others.

WebMD.com has an excellent article on the role of eating fish to get some natural DHA and EPA into your diet.  Also, Dr. Earl Mindell author of the New Vitamin Bible, has some similar thoughts as well.  The lists below are a combination from both these sources on fish and shellfish, with lower levels of mercury you should eat:

  • Shrimp
  • Catfish
  • Pollock
  • Wild Salmon
  • Canned Light Tuna
  • Sardines
  • Tilapia
  • Clams
  • Oysters

However, these same two sources suggested consumer should avoid eating these fish, because of higher mercury levels:

  • Swordfish
  • Tilefish
  • King Mackerel
  • Shark
  • Fresh Tuna Steaks
  • Sea Bass
  • Halibut
  • Large Mouth Bass

Currently, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating two servings of fish each week.  According to the AHA, each serving should be approximately 3.5 ounces.  However, the WebMD.com article referred to earlier, indicated the FDA suggested up to 12 ounces would be acceptable.  Whatever amount you chose, EAT your Fish every week!

What’s The Amount Of Omega-3s To Take Daily?

The University Of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) has the following suggestions on its website:

“Dosing for fish supplements should be based on the amount of EPA and DHA, not on the total amount of fish oil.  Supplements vary in the amounts and ratios of EPA and DHA.  A common amount of omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil capsules is 0.18 grams (180 mg) of EPA and 0.12 grams (120) of DHA.”

However, in the same article, UMM made the following warning for adults:

“Do not take more than 3 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids from capsules without the supervision of a heath care provider, due to an increased risk of bleeding”

The Bottom Line:  There’s no magic bullet, which can guarantee your health.  However, through a combination of  nutrition, exercise, weight management, and proper supplementation, I believe you can achieve a healthier life.  Currently, I take one gram of omega-3 daily and will continue to consume that amount.

There’s a study released last week from the University Hospital of Ioannia in Greece, which claims its review of 20 studies appear to show no direct link between omega-3 consumption and  the reduction heart disease or death.  I’m reading this study and will let you know my thoughts as quickly as possible.

Until then, I’ll continue taking my omega-3 with full confidence it has positively affected my wellness. You have to reach your own decision, as to whether you want to add omega-3 to your health regime.

It’s your life, live well!

 

twitt Why Omega3s Are Essential For Your Health!

Related posts:

  1. What’s The Big Deal About Omega3s? (Part 3)
  2. What’s The Big Deal About Omega3s? (Part 2)
  3. What’s The Big Deal About Omega3s? (Part 5)
  4. What’s The Big Deal About Omega3s? (Part 4)
Filed Under: Anti-aging, Dietary Supplements, Memory & Brain Support, Omega 3s Tagged With: , , , , ,

Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 2)

June 27, 2012 by 1 Comment

In the prior post, Dr. Thomas E. Levy discussed  his opinion that  people with low vitamin C levels may experience health problems after some common dental procedures.

In this post, we’ll look at obtaining vitamin C from food sources and the intake of additional vitamin C through supplementation.  The goal being for you to develop a plan that’s right for you and your health objectives.

Have You Had Your Fruits and Vegetables Today?

According to the website The World’s Healthiest Foods, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables containing significant amounts of vitamin C.  Here’s a few of top fruits and vegetables featuring this important vitamin:

  • Bell Peppers;
  • Broccoli;
  • Lemons and Limes;
  • Strawberries;
  • Mustard Greens;
  • Papaya; and
  • Kale.

Their article regarding food sources of vitamin C, also has a “Nutrient Rating Chart” with information for various nutrient values for many of your favorite fruits and vegetables.  I’ll provide a link later in this post.

There’s general agreement among health experts, that it’s impossible to obtain a toxic effect from eating these natural sources of vitamin C.

However, the major issue is that the vast majority of Americans don’t come close to eating the minimum recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.  Survey after survey has borne out this tragic fact.

So, when I hear a health expert say all you need to do is eat a “balanced diet”, I shake my head in disbelief.  The sad fact is most Americans don’t even come close to this minimum intake.

What’s The Role of Vitamin C Supplements?

The National Academy of Sciences established Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for the many vitamins and minerals required for your body to properly function.  The current RDA for vitamin C are:

  • Females 19 years of age and older:  75mg daily;
  • Males 19 years of age and older:   90mg daily; and
  • A Tolerable Upper Intake Level for all Adults 19+ of:  2000mg daily.

Sounds simple enough doesn’t it?  The problem is that these RDA amounts were established in 1943 and haven’t been updated in many years.  How do figure out the right amount of daily vitamin C intake for you?

In the following video, Dr Levy discusses his experiences with patients receiving larger doses of vitamin C, both before and after dental procedures.  This video is provided courtesy of ihealthtube.com:

Health Videos – Supplementation Fights Disease

An important consideration of Dr. Levy’s opinion, is that he’s in favor of mega-doses of vitamin C.  For example, he advocates a daily dosage of 6 grams, which far exceeds the daily needs of health adults.  Remember the UL intake of 2000 mg mentioned earlier?  His higher amount may be acceptable for some people, with specific medical conditions under a doctor’s care.  However, don’t exceed the UL unless your doctor approves it.

My current daily intake of vitamin C is approximately 70 – 110 mg from food sources, and 180 mg from a multivitamin.

For more information on food sources of vitamin C, check this link to WH Foods.com.  Additional information on vitamin C supplements can be found at this link to the Linus Pauling Institute.

The Bottom Line:  It’s very easy to assume a glass of orange juice or consuming foods fortified with vitamin C, are enough to meet your daily requirement.  But are you sure?  Take a look at the sources I’ve provided you.  Talk it over with your doctor or other health professional.  Then develop your course of action.

It’s your life, live well!

(Affiliate Link)

twitt Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 2)

Related posts:

  1. Dental Toxins Plus Low Vitamin C Equals Trouble! (Part 1)
  2. The New Secret Of Vitamin C!
  3. Don’t take vitamin D without reading this! (Part 3)
  4. Is Inflammation A Threat To Your Health? (Part 2)
Filed Under: Antioxidants, Dietary Supplements, Mens Health, Vitamins, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,

Does Metabolic Syndrome Have You In Its Grasp? (Part 2)

December 13, 2011 by 44 Comments

In the previous post, we looked at the risk factors for developing Metabolic Syndrome, the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.  What can you do to prevent or reverse this silent danger to your health?

Dr. Todd Ferguson, a naturopathic doctor, has some great suggestions on action steps you can take right now.  He believes that 90% of Type 2 diabetes can be improved, or even cured by diet and lifestyle changes.  These changes can help improve Metabolic Syndrome as well.

Some of Dr. Ferguson’s suggestions include:

  • Make food choices having a low Glycemic Index, to lessen your blood sugar spikes;
  • Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, will help keep your blood sugar from fluctuating too much;
  • Eating whole grains, rather than foods containing refined grains;
  • Doing aerobic and weight training exercises; and
  • Taking fish oil, magnesium and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplements.

Check out this short video of Dr. Ferguson discussing all of his ideas:

Health Videos – Treating Metabolic Syndrome

Could there be any simpler steps to improving your wellness?

The Glycemic Index that Dr. Ferguson refers, indicates how different foods affect your blood sugar, as well as your insulin level.  The lower the index number, the less affect that food has for spiking your blood sugar level.  Any food with a Gylcemic Index of between 60 – 100, is considered high glycemic and should be avoided.

Two great sources of information on the Glycemic Index can be found at the following links: Harvard Medical  School and The World’s Healthiest Foods.

The Bottom Line:  Why take a chance on developing Metabolic Syndrome?  The answers are right in front of you.  Remember, Just about every friend or relative of mine with Type 2 diabetes died prematurely.  It’s my hope that you can avoid their fates.

It’s your life, live well!

twitt Does Metabolic Syndrome Have You In Its Grasp? (Part 2)

Related posts:

  1. Does Metabolic Syndrome Have You In Its Grasp? (Part 1)
  2. Can You Build Muscles To Prevent Diabetes?
  3. 5 Ways Magnesium Helps You!
  4. Eat Right For More Energy!
Filed Under: Dietary Supplements, Exercise/Fitness, Mens Health, Womens Health Tagged With: , ,

How To Get Rid Of A Cold!

November 12, 2011 by 280 Comments

It’s cold and flu season in America.  You know, those nasty little viruses lurking around for new victims.  Just imagine, how many opportunities you have to be the next person to suffer.

Dr. Issac Eliaz, an integrative medicine practitioner with over 25 years experience, has an interesting perspective about how you should handle a cold.

He believes that is you already have a cold, you should “let yourself be sick”.  That’s right, rather than getting an OTC medication which only relieves symptoms, just “let it be”.

Dr. Eliaz feels that you don’t allow yourself enough rest and live with too much stress, resulting in an overburdened immune system.  Resting a few days will allow your immune system to naturally adjust, resulting in a renewed body once the cold has passed.

Check out his video below, which includes ideas on how to prevent colds:

Health Videos – The Difference Between a Cold and Flu

The most intriguing idea from his video, is his belief in the power of organic medicinal mushrooms to strengthen your immune system.  Dr. Eliaz thinks these mushrooms can actually train your immune system to better defend you against colds and other illnesses.

The Bottom Line:  I believe there’s merit to Dr. Eliaz’s thoughts.  I’ve been around co-workers, friends, family, and members of the public, all  of whom continued to walk around spreading their colds to others.  Here’s a radical idea, just stay home if you have a cold.

Have you had your mushrooms today?

It’s your life, live well.

twitt How To Get Rid Of A Cold!

Related posts:

  1. Should You Skip The Flu Shot?
  2. Will You Beat The Flu?
  3. Can This Man Save You From Heart Disease? (Part 1)
  4. Eat Right For More Energy!
Filed Under: Dietary Supplements, Mens Health, Natural/Organic, Womens Health Tagged With: , , ,
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