Supplements, Alcohol And Anti Aging

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 Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist