Most of us want to live a long fruitful life well into our retirement years. Good health for me would be described as unassisted mobility, sound cognitive skills and energy for my grandchildren. Memory loss seems to be an accepted trait with aging but an article written by Joshua Corn, CEO of Stop Aging Now, suggests three things we can do to change the way our brain functions in our senior years.
The article attracted me because there are three relatively simple things to shield the brain from memory loss. He lists alternative health solutions that he claims to be safe, effective and practical. In some regard it’s nothing new – healthy lifestyle is the best way of warding off cognitive decline or as he refers to it, “brain decay”.
- The Brain’s Fountain of Youth – “power of antioxidant CoQ10 is a primary player in energy production and the brain has high demands for cellular energy.” Mr. Corn’s research shows CoQ10 deficiency severely compromises brain function which leads to sluggish thinking and impaired memory. He quotes from a UCSD study that said proper levels of CoQ10 can slow brain deterioration by 44% and people with high levels have sharper acuity, better motor abilities and more mental energy. There is also a benefit to the heart and overall energy.
- The Omega-3 Fat Your Brain Craves – Unfortunately, this does not give me freedom to eat french fries. Corn says, to have optimal brain function Omega-3 fat DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is critical. What does this mean? Mr. Corn said as we age our brain lacks the ability to absorb DHA. The low levels are literally starving your brain, compromising its function and memory retention. Research shows that those suffering from cognitive decline have dramatically lower levels of DHA in their brains. He sites one study that shows a 60% decrease in cognitive decline in those who had a regular intake of DHA.
- One of the Most Powerful Brain Protectors – Curry Spice Tumeric. Did you know that India has the highest consumption rate of curry spice turmeric in the world? India also has one of the lowest rates of cognitive decline in the world, with a death rate 8 times lower than that of the U.S. So, what’s the connection, you may ask? Corn says the answer lies in a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, which is found in the root of the turmeric plant. One study shows that curcumin is one of the most powerful natural brain protection substances on the planet. It boosts antioxidant enzymes in the brain and slows neurodegeneration. Another study shows that cur-cumin memory and acts as a potent inflammation fighter. Who wouldn’t want that in their head?
Mr. Corn firmly believes that CoQ10, DHA and curcumin are the best tools available for your brain’s optimal function along with healthy eating, exercise and keeping your mind active. He advises not to just take the supplement. He provides some quick tips:
- CoQ10 – Many supplements contain “fake” CoQ10 synthesized from tobacco. Look for the words “transform” to make sure it’s natural CoQ10. Don’t take less than 100 mg per day.
- DHA – Lots of DHA supplements have too little DHA to be beneficial. 100mg is a good amount. His preference is plant-based DHA, so he doesn’t worry about pollutants like mercury.
- Curcumin – The good “stuff” in churchmen is curcuminoids. Look for a supplement that provides about 200mg per day and is standardized to 95% total curcuminoids for maximum benefit.
Our brain is one of the most vital parts of our body and this article by Joshua Corn points out the wisdom of researching ALL supplements to our diet. Though I’ve taken vitamins and supplements for different ailments on and off over time, I never realized that some things in a jar labeled “good” can actually be fake. Snake oil relived, I suppose.
Footnotes: Special Advertiser Supplement “3 Secrets to Shielding Your Brain fromMemory Loss”
Scientific References: https://www.alz.org/downloads/facts_figures_2012.pdf; http://www.na.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-medications-fact-sheet; Arch Neurol.2002;59, 1541-50; CNS Spectrums 2007 :12-8; J Nutr. 2008;138:12, 2510-2514; Arch Neurol. 2003 Jul; 60:940-6; Ann Neurol. 1997 Nov, 42: 776-82; Lipids. 1991 June 26:421-5; http://www.wordlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/alzheimers-dementia/by-country/Int Psychogeriatr. 2001; 13, 439-50; J Clin Pschopharmacol. 2008 Feb 28:110-3; Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Feb;37:289-305