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Anti-aging Tip: Taking supplements and abstaining from alcohol
Taking the right
supplements
Some basic questions may be to ask yourself if
you eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables, and do you extra vitamin C
and E everyday? You may be interested to know that these efforts may
reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease?
There is growing
research evidence that some vitamins and antioxidants may actually
reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals who have a
lifetime usage pattern of consuming more antioxidants seem to be at a
lower risk of getting the disease than others who do not.
Also, it now seems
that people who are taking anti-inflammatory drugs like naprosyn and
ibuprofen are also less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Is it
wise to suggest to family members and friends that they need to start
ingesting handfuls of Motrin, vitamin E., or Aleve? Probably not.
But, a sensible recommendation may be to get plenty of fresh fruits
and vegetables in your diet, and take sensible vitamin supplements
(250 mg vitamin C twice a day and 100 to 400 international units of
vitamin E. everyday). As for whether you should consume regular doses
of naproxen and ibuprofen? The jury is still out on that one.
Researchers are continuing to look at the true protective effects of
the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.
Abstaining from
alcohol:
Alcohol has been
found to be directly toxic to the brain. Every time you drink enough
alcohol to feel good, you've probably destroyed several thousand brain
cells. If you do this over a lifetime, you may not be pleased with
what seems to be left over. Alcohol dementia syndrome is a very
devastating problem that is far from rare. You don't need to be
highly intoxicated to develop this physical/mental condition. Alcohol
is relaxing, and has been found to reduce the likelihood of developing
coronary artery disease when consumed in moderate amounts. However,
you may need to consider the potential risk to your mind and your
memory. The obvious solution is that you need to keep alcohol
consumption on the light side or you won't be at your very best at 90.
Information adapted from
Successful Aging by Mary O'Brien MD
Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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