For a long time, it was believed that too-high cholesterol was the cause of dangerous, artery-narrowing plaques. So, giving cholesterol-lowering statin-drugs were thought key in reducing these plaques. It was soon realized that people with low cholesterol levels were also having heart attacks. Clearly, something else was contributing to heart disease besides cholesterol. That’s when we learned that inflammation played a big role in why plaques develop as well. In the last year, cardiac researchers have pinned down another key piece of the heart disease puzzle. You’ll want to know more about it and how you can reduce your risk of heart […]
Manganese is an essential mineral needed in trace amounts by the human body. It’s involved in the production of energy, bone development, and the synthesis of collagen and protein. The mineral forms part of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme produced in the body that protects against oxidative stress and is necessary for life. Manganese Deficiencies May Cause Osteoporosis In addition to its vital role in the body’s antioxidant defense, manganese helps protect bones and joints. In the January 2012 issue of Frontiers of Bioscience, it was suggested that manganese deficiency, rather than calcium deficiency, could be the primary cause […]
At this time of year, I’m reminded to also ask my older patients how their mental health is doing. Older
Until recently, the majority of scientific research on blueberries has focused on the cognitive benefits of this fruit. Multiple studies have shown that blueberries slow age-related damage to brain cells and protect memory-associated brain regions from oxidant and inflammatory damage. The result is improvements in overall cognitive function. Researchers have uncovered new data showing that blueberries delay aging and promote longevity. In laboratory experiments, blueberries and their extracts have extended the life span in two different models of aging. Additionally, blueberries have been shown to fight DNA damage, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and even cancer. Rich in anthocyanins and pterostilbenes, […]
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 13 million people worldwide. Many of my patients fear this most common form of dementia, and with good reason. The disease is not completely understood, and it is not possible to predict who will fall victim. With treatment costs for Alzheimer’s topping 100 billion dollars in the United States alone, the medical community is eager to unlock the mysteries of this disease. In my review of recent studies on Alzheimer’s, I found plenty of promising news. A handful of studies show that your eating habits in middle age can have an effect on your Alzheimer’s risk. […]
I often see patients who assume that forgetfulness, dry skin, impaired memory and other symptoms are just part of getting older. They’re surprised when I suggest that the lack of essential fatty acids may be at the root of their problems. Most of my patients have heard of essential fatty acids, but many of them don’t know what they are or why they are important. Fatty acids make up the food group we normally call fats. Essential fatty acids are those you must get from your diet. They are necessary for life but cannot be made by your body. EFA’s […]
The great playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing “. As an Anti-Aging Medicine doctor, I couldn’t agree more. For you to stay healthy as you get older, you have to both take care of your physical health as well as your social and emotional health. You can retire from a job but you should never retire from life. That’s why, in honor of “National Active Aging Week” this November, I’d like to share with you the many health and social benefits of Active Ageing. I’ll also give […]
A new research has found that having a diet low in calories can reduce the aging process. The study conducted by the researchers at the Neuroscientists at NYU Langone Medical Center on female mice, has shown that calorie-reduced diets stop the normal rise and fall in activity levels of close to 900 different genes linked to aging and memory formation in the brain. Senior study investigator Stephen D. Ginsberg, said that their study showed how calorie restriction practically arrests gene expression levels involved in the aging phenotype-how some genes determine the behavior of mice, people, and other mammals as they get old. Ginsberg […]
Powerful Pain Relief, Cancer Defense, and Neuroprotection Growing concerns about the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks of common pain-relieving drugs are leading many health-conscious adults to avidly seek safe, effective ways of beating inflammation and pain. Exciting evidence suggests that delicious tart cherries offer powerful pain relief and may also safeguard against cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. Whether consumed fresh, frozen, or in canned or juiced forms, tart cherries are rich in nutritive compounds and powerful flavonoids. Flavonoids—colorful compounds found in many fruits and vegetables—are attracting growing attention for their antioxidative activity, free-radical scavenging capacity, and anticancer effects. A special class of […]
You probably know that a steady intake of food-based antioxidants is important to protecting your DNA