Antioxidants & Alzheimer's

[Guest guest]

Antioxidants: & Alzheimer's JoAnn Guest Sep 02, 2005 20:17 PDT

 

 

" As researchers understand more about how we age, one thing has become

abundantly clear: One of the most significant reasons people age is our

cells’ increasing inability to fight off destructive oxygen free

radicals. ...Alzheimer’s patients suffer from higher than normal levels

of free radicals.

 

Recently, Canadian scientists discovered that some Alzheimer’s patient’s

brain tissue produced nearly 50% more free radicals than did controls.

 

Studies like this one lead investigators to conclude that there is great

promise for Alzheimer’s patients in the potential of antioxidants to

help reduce the inflammation and inadvertent cell death caused by the

body’s own immune system’s oxidative stress on cells. " (Lombard, ibid)

 

The fat-soluble antioxidants, in particular, are being looked at in this

regard, as they are able to better cross the blood-brain barrier and

enter the regions of the brain where they are most desperately needed.

 

The antioxidants that seem especially indicated are the following:

 

CoQ10, vitamin E, tocotrienols, carotenoids, alpha-lipoic acid,

n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), vitamin C and flavonoids/polyphenols such as

grape seed extract or fruit polyphenol extracts.

 

Ginkgo Biloba:

Decreased blood flow to the brain plays a major role in age-related

disorders. Ginkgo extracts have been shown to enhance both cerebral and

peripheral blood circulation, and also functions as a powerful

antioxidant.

 

Studies in Europe, as well as a recent study in the United States, have

shown ginkgo to be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

" Dr. Donald Brown, a naturopathic physician... points out that the human

brain has a higher proportion of " unsaturated fats " among brain cells

than anywhere else in the body.

 

It is, therefore, no wonder that ginkgo, which protects those fats from

free radical destruction (lipid peroxidation),

has proven itself effective in improving memory,

reducing the effects of head injury, improving concentration,

accelerating learning, increasing blood flow and oxygenation of tissues

throughout the body, improving the transmission of nerve signals, and

generally improving brain function... "

 

Soy Isoflavones:

There is evidence that the incidence of Alzheimer’s increases in women

as estrogen levels fall. Estrogen may play a protective role, but due to

the controversy surrounding estrogen replacement therapy, a good

alternative may be to supplement with non gmo soy foods and isoflavones

(non-gmo soy concentrates and genistein-rich extracts)

 

Other Nutrients:

There is evidence that B-Complex vitamin deficiencies, as well as zinc

deficiency may play a role as well.

 

And concern over aluminum toxicity highlights the importance of

" adequate intake " of magnesium, which can " decrease " the " absorption " of

aluminum.

 

Thus, it is very important that a broad spectrum multivitamin and

multimineral supplement be taken.

______________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html