For every question, there’s an answer. And for every health concern, a natural approach. Here are some of your queries.
Is there really a natural cure for Alzheimer’s? I am fearful because my memory is so bad.
Many fear this dreaded illness because it is already in the top five diseases plaguing mankind today. Brain cells are killed slowly each day due to the buildup of amyloid, microscopic plaque concentrated in the area responsible for memory and mental functions. The problem begins when the plaque hardens.
Amyloid has a partner in crime, a blood protein called Apolipoprotein E. This can be traced to your family tree. Mega doses of zinc, according to Rudolph Emile Tanzi, (director, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School) may cause amyloid to become clumpy and glue-like. This is a warning.
How do you help prevent Alzheimer’s?
1) Reduce free radicals caused by pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol.
2) Avoid aluminum. While there might be a possible connection between Alzheimer’s and aluminum toxicity, it will not hurt to avoid using anything with aluminum—cooking pans, foods with additives and leavening agents, even water with aluminum.
3) Keep away from heavy metals. Mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, thallium and lead are suspects, too. An overload of these chemicals in the brain can cause problems with memory and brain function. Consider a detoxification program and/or chelation.
4) Take Vitamin E (5,000 mg). This mineral fights glutamic acid, which researchers know as a neurotransmitter released during a stroke.
5) Take Thiamin (5,000 mg). This fights amyloid and improves memory.
Visit your doctor and share your concerns.
I have been a vegetarian for three years. Could I be anemic?
If you have been consuming a lot of leafy greens and tree nuts, chances are you are not anemic. Vegetarians who rely heavily on carbohydrates like potatoes and root crops are most likely anemic.
Causes of anemia include nutritional deficiency/iron shortage in the blood (which leads to reduced hemoglobin) and shortage of folate or vitamin B12, copper and vitamin A.
When iron is low, the cells cannot transport much-needed oxygen to the body. So, low iron means low oxygen.
Symptoms of anemia include dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath and mild headaches. A simple blood test can determine if you have a problem. There are many types of anemia, and through a test, one can determine its particular type.
Take copper (2 mg), folic acid (400 mcg), iron (200-240 mg), vitamin B12 (6 mcg) for strict vegetarians.
How do I avoid the same fate as my father? He has a congestive heart condition. Also, heart disease is common in his family lineage.
The best of heart regimens can extend your life and probably save you from heart disease. Today, genetics accounts for only 30 percent, maybe even 20 percent of your propensity for developing a certain disease.
What to do:
- Trim the fat in the food you eat, especially pork and beef. Remove chicken skin, limit intake of fried foods.
- A high-fiber diet absorb fats and cholesterol that your body cannot use.
- Increase garlic, ginger and onion intake. Their chemical components combat blood platelet stickiness.
- Substitute red meat with fish. Fish oils are good for the heart.
- Increase intake of omega-3 rich foods like oily fish, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines. They help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Take supplements with magnesium (400 mg), selenium (50-200 mcg), vitamin E 100-400 iu.
- Exercise. Repeated exercise 25-30 minutes daily gives your heart a steady workout. You need to move. Through a physical workout, your body also produces more growth hormones to keep you youthful-looking.
This week’s affirmation: “My good wishes always come true.”
Love and light!
(Reference material: “Healing with Vitamins,” Prevention Magazine)
E-mail the columnist: [email protected]
