Don't Be Brain Dead With Age

Our brains are affected by the same processes that contribute to overall aging, so how well we have taken care of ourselves throughout our lives affects not only our general health, but also our mental function. The brain is a ravenous consumer of glucose and oxygen, both of which are supplied by the blood. If your heart is weakened by years of inactivity or if your arteries are clogged with cholesterol, then your memory and mental functioning will be impaired. To counteract aging of the brain, I recommend supplementing with the herb Ginkgo biloba.

Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids, potent antioxidants that help protect your brain cells from free-radical damage. Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and has been shown to be helpful in combating memory loss, improving mental function, and alleviating depression, dizziness, ringing in the ears and headaches. The recommended dosage is 120-160 mg per day to be taken in three divided doses. You will probably need to give Ginkgo biloba at least six months to start seeing results.

Another herb to use to improve mental function is ginseng. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which improves the body's ability to adapt to a broad range of physical and biochemical conditions and stressors. Ginseng normalizes a wide range of body functions, improves immune response, and increases physical and mental energy and stamina. The recommended dose of ginseng is 500 – 600 mg of a liquid extract or 1 to 2 grams of the dried root. After you've taken it daily for two or three weeks, take a two-week break before starting up again.

Heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, senility, and Alzheimer's disease all share a single hormonal deficiency: low blood levels of DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone that is produced by your adrenal glands. DHEA, often called the "mother hormone," is considered a precursor hormone, because the body uses it to make other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

DHEA has been shown in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies to have restorative and revitalizing effects. Unfortunately, natural DHEA levels decline dramatically with age. By age 70, your DHEA levels will likely be less than 30% of what they were at their peak in your 20s. And low blood levels of DHEA have been associated with many degenerative conditions.

DHEA is available without a prescription. I recommend that both men and women take between 25 and 50 mg of U.S. pharmaceutical-grade DHEA daily.