Vitamins
C and E Won't Reduce Your Risk of Dementia Dr.
Joseph Mercola - Taking
vitamins C and E is not an effective method to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease. It has been suggested by researchers that the development of dementia,
caused by the progressive death of brain cells, may be influenced by
the formation of free radicals. As these free radicals are blocked
by antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, some believe that taking these
supplements may reduce the risk of developing this disease.
But, as shown by a new study of over 2,000 Japanese-American
men, this is not the case. The men, who were born in the early 1900s, were
questioned about their intake of supplements. There was no decrease in
risk of dementia among men who took both vitamin
C and E for short- or long-term periods as compared with those who took
no supplements. Taking the vitamins separately did not result in an association
either.
Dementia affects some five percent of Americans aged 65 years or older. Researchers say that further studies are needed to determine whether taking supplements long-term will influence the risk of dementia.
Earlier studies have provided convincing evidence of the importance of whole foods in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. It is likely that the antioxidant capacity of whole foods is one of the major mechanisms by which they are beneficial. However, relying on a supplement to provide this benefit is frequently a non-effective approach.
I have recently learned that one of the most potent influences on the creation of free radicals is excess iron. Iron is needed by one-third of the world as an essential nutrient, but for the other two-thirds it can be a toxic poison. So if you are a non-menstruating woman or an adult male, it is highly likely that iron is your enemy, not your friend, and should be avoided in any supplemental form.
Iron is also one of the strongest biological toxins because of its ability to react with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species. Excess iron will generate the most potent free radical in the body called hydroxyl radicals. Once these radicals get loose, they wreak pure havoc in the body and destroy everything in their path.
So one of the most effective strategies is proactive prevention. Rather than relying on having enough antioxidants on board to fight the free radicals, it makes much more sense to prevent the production of free radicals in the first place. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure that your iron levels are not elevated, as previous studies have shown that excess iron accumulation in the brain is a consistent observation in Alzheimer's disease. Avoid IRON COOKWARE, even seasoned, IRON gets into your bloodstream and brain.
Other preventive options follow:
* Exercise is a very potent way to ward off Alzheimer's.
Previous
research showed the odds of developing Alzheimer's
were nearly
quadrupled in people who were less active during
their leisure time
between the ages of 20 and 60 compared with their
peers. That is one of
the reasons why I have been exercising for the
last 34 years and, God
willing, hope to continue for another 50. * Getting
the mercury amalgams
out of your teeth is another effective strategy
along with avoiding
aluminum -- these are the classic recommendations.
* Following the
nutrition plan and eating plenty of fresh vegetables
with high folate
levels.
The key to treating Alzheimer's is to make
sure you never get it. So,
just how do you prevent Alzheimer's?
* Avoid and remove mercury from your diet (i.e.
FISH high up on food chain)
* Take adequate amounts of fish oil
* Avoid aluminum, as in antiperspirants, cookware,
etc.
*Exercise for 3-5 hours per week
* Eat 15-20 pounds of vegetables per week 2-3
lbs a day
* Avoid flu vaccinations
* Stay Active with your mind. Read and write.
Converse. Play chess.
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