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Just wanted to pass on some literature review impressions, which I get mostly from the National Library of Medicine website through a PubMed engine search (none of my posts on this thread are intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat, but merely to share potentially useful information).
There is some promising research toward the prevention of Alzheimer's, and it involves some fairly simple things, although conclusive proof is probably a few years away. Researchers and physicians seem to be talking more hopefully, but still tentatively.
Here's what I've found:
A good multi-vitamin, with at least 400 mcg. of Folic Acid, 200-800 I.Us of Vit. E, 500 mg of Vit. C, and all the other B Vitamins, minerals included.
In addition, a really pure fish oil, such as brands like "Nordic Naturals (see their website)," or "Eskimo 3." These brands of fish oil are not only consistently free of pollutants (mercury, etc.), but are processed to insure very little if any peroxidation, which long-chain Omega 3 acids are so vulnerable to.
Lastly, an herbal antioxidant, which are included in some multi-vitamin formulas in small amounts. The ones that have the most research seem to be Tumeric (curcumin) and Grape Seed Extract; neither seems required in high amounts. Tumeric appears to have contraindications for gall bladder stones and perhaps ulcers (although some studies show it heals one or both types of stomach ulcers). Herbal antioxidants such as these pass the blood-brain barrier easily, and provide all sorts of neuronal protection, not to mention benefits to the liver and heart. In other research, they also are anti-tumorigenic.
More mainstream doctors are aware of these benefits, but in a pinch you can consult with a licensed naturopath. www.naturopathic.org
A few blood tests can be the basis for a physician making recommendations to balance deficiencies and excesses so the average multi-vitamin can then be adequate; this is my impression in talking with my M.D. and Naturopath, who are so far willing to work with me at the same time . . .
Now if I can just get them to drink together . . . .
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Here are some links to the research data (reading the "results" and "conclusion" summaries toward the end of the abstract is the quickest way through the research jargon):
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As for brand names, "New Chapter" and "Jarrow" carry Curcumin (one of the primary active compounds in Tumeric), and both have a good reputation for quality control. The herbalist for "New Chapter" consults directly with Dr. Andrew Weil. Dr. Weil's website is also one of the best places to find quick summaries and physician recommendations. I've been taking the New Chapter product, and it seems, from the research, that only one to two capsules per day is needed for many of Tumeric's benefits. One a day would cost about 15.00 for a two month's supply.
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Thanks, w.c. We have Alzheimer's in my family (Mom in nursing home for 5 yrs. now) so I'm trying to do whatever I can to prevent the disease, which seems to have something of a genetic basis. Lots of E, Omega 3 fatty acids (flax seed oil), a good multi- and lots of C (6 grams or more) a day for years now. Hardly ever a cold and I usually have good energy/stamina. I'll be looking into some of the additional recommendations you've shared.
-------------------- "The Light shines on in darkness . . ." - John 1: 3 - Posts: 7539 | From: Wichita, KS | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Phil: Thanks, w.c. We have Alzheimer's in my family (Mom in nursing home for 5 yrs. now) so I'm trying to do whatever I can to prevent the disease, which seems to have something of a genetic basis. Lots of E, Omega 3 fatty acids (flax seed oil), a good multi- and lots of C (6 grams or more) a day for years now. Hardly ever a cold and I usually have good energy/stamina. I'll be looking into some of the additional recommendations you've shared.
Phil, and all, If you want to look into some other good supplements, Young Living has a lot to choose from (no fish oil tho). Also, I use the essential oils... diffuse them, and neither my husband nor I have had a cold or flu for about 3 yrs. I am a distrubutor of Y.L. products, so in case you want to order, please give them my member no.
Thanks, Katy
P.S. I use Carlson brand of Fish Oil, which is not contaminated with mercury, etc. My holistic Dr. also recommends that brand.
Just a note on Flaxseed Oil. It isn't a reliable way to get Omega 3's, particularly DHA. The reason for this, well-established in the research literature, is that most people don't convert ALA into DHA anywhere near the requirements for a proper Omega 3/6 balance. IOW, you may actually be exacerbating an excess of Omega 6, which is excess in most western diets, and by itself, a primary marker for inflammatory diseases.
There is a new vegetable source of DHA, derived from a plant source, but I'd check to see how they insure the delicacy of DHA is preserved from oixidation in their processing of the oil. "Nordic Naturals," in addition to carefully testing for pollutants (actually, an independent EPA investigator found that most brands accomplish this satisfactorily), uses a vacumm sealing method upon harvest of the fish, and then infuses the oil with liguid nitrogen to eliminate any peroxides.
The other problem with the vegetable source of pure DHA is the need to get some EPA as well. Experts on fatty acid metabolism recommend at least a 1/1 ratio, but say 2/1 (EPA/DHA) is optimal. There is a Omega 3 fatty acid panel that can be ordered through
This panel will check for the status of Omega 3, 6, and 9, and arachidonic acid levels, one of the primary markers for brain tissue inflammation, and then make the appropriate recommendations. It is, unfortunately, not covered by insurance as of yet, and costs around 200 dollars.
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None of this is to say Flaxoil isn't beneficial, as endothelial lesions to cells of the heart appear to heal in response to its use. But so far, many naturopaths are recommending it in combination with fish oil because of that limited conversion of ALA to DHA. Here are some encouragements regarding flax:
After reading through these and other articles, finding equivocal data, and since I'm not a vegetarian, soy has been off the menu for a long time. The occasional use of soy sauce, yes, but there are other ways to gain soy's benefits without having to consume it. It seems vegetarians are more challenged just in having to find a protein source.
quote:Originally posted by Phil: Thanks, w.c. We have Alzheimer's in my family (Mom in nursing home for 5 yrs. now) so I'm trying to do whatever I can to prevent the disease, which seems to have something of a genetic basis. Lots of E, Omega 3 fatty acids (flax seed oil), a good multi- and lots of C (6 grams or more) a day for years now. Hardly ever a cold and I usually have good energy/stamina. I'll be looking into some of the additional recommendations you've shared.
Phil,
I am a big believe in water, and have several books about it. My favorite, and one of the most popular is "Your Body's Many Cries For Water", by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. He says "you are not sick, you are thirsty!" He says that dehydration is a cause of alzheimers. A very informative and eye opening book, I think.
Re: your points. I have that book you mention about water and the subclinical dehydration this physician speaks of. My experience, and in talking to naturapths, is that there is some real validity to it, but also a caution; namely, that too much water over a long period of time i.e, drinking when we're not actually thirsty, can deplete the body of minerals and other nutrients, and put stress on the kidneys.
About Carlson brand. I used to take it, but have so far not confirmed they control for fatty acid peroxidation along with pollutants.
I've been using Young Living Essential Oils for about 5 years now, and use them on acupoints and in AM and PM before bed.
The studies above seem to suggest that soy poses few problems for human consumption, assuming that other dietary and risk factors are accounted for. The general caution one study gives is based on the need for more research.
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w.c., not to mention all the other studies which show health benefits of soy consumption. As with so many other kinds of foods, however, it seems that moderation is needed, and even that does no good if one is allergic to soy, as so many are.
See this link for a good summary of some of the health benefits of soy. A google search on "health benefits of soy" will also bring up lots of results.
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Re. water, I drink plenty of coffee every day so I'm sure I'm OK (tee hee -- waits for rotten tomatoes ).
Seriously, I get my 8 glasses or so, but don't force it; what's been more helpful is more body awareness which includes consciousness of thirst. I believe the body generally tells us what it needs and this is reflected in thirst and various appetites (if we don't screw it up too much with junk food, that is).
-------------------- "The Light shines on in darkness . . ." - John 1: 3 - Posts: 7539 | From: Wichita, KS | Registered: Aug 2001
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Actually, the The Brightspot for Health which is right around the corner from my home has been saying this for years. With orthomolecular medicine as their specialty, they tend to emphasize eliminating allergenic foods and eating whole foods. They've also recently gotten on the Atkins bandwagaon, though not 100%.
-------------------- "The Light shines on in darkness . . ." - John 1: 3 - Posts: 7539 | From: Wichita, KS | Registered: Aug 2001
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Awwwk, you guys. I have been in a depression, and can't eat.. loss of appetite, and my soy protein in the morning is one of my main sources of nourishment these days... now you say soy is bad, and I didn't have it this morning.. not blaming you. didn't feel like having it, anyway.
About water.. yes I usually listen to my body and can tell how much water I need on any given day. I think I need more water than most people. Now my husband drinks very little water. I'm afraid he's going to dry up.
I don't distribute YLiving Essential Oils, but a healer I've worked with over the years recommended them. As I said, putting the oils on ear acupoints, and just smelling them before bedtime helps to relax.
As for soy, as Phil suggests, moderation. But the benefits of soy, as I understand it, can be gained from other sources that aren't as controversial as far as side effects go. So I guess it depends upon how much of it you eat, and for what reason. If you're a vegan, then getting protein is hard to accomplish otherwise, but possible, some say.
You might check out Chinese medicine. Women going through menopause have reported significant benefits from herbal prescriptions without having to use soy. Be sure to consult a licensed practitioner, if this applies and appeals to you.
I took the test (takes about 10 min. -- very thorough) and came out 46.8 yrs (I'm 53.5). It gives a nice summary of what you're doing right at the end, and gives you the option of getting more info on areas where you can improve.
Very interesting!
-------------------- "The Light shines on in darkness . . ." - John 1: 3 - Posts: 7539 | From: Wichita, KS | Registered: Aug 2001
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What a drag. I was actually subtracting years til I had to put in the cancer diagnosis (and I'm 15 years cancer-free), then it added over 15+ years. Sheesh..lol.
Terri
-------------------- Unto thee O Lord, do I lift up my soul.--Psalm 25:1 Posts: 609 | From: Oklahoma | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Phil: What's your Real Age?
Thanks for that link, Phil. Very interesting. I am 60 and my real age turned out to be 54. I'm going to do it over though. Some things I don't think I answered correctly, and I even cheated a little. :-)
. Shalom Place
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