| It consists of:
• One all-natural high-potency multiple vitamin and amino acid-chelated mineral complex (with digestive enzymes for better absorption)
• One broad-spectrum antioxidant formula (containing alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, ginkgo biloba, coenzyme-QlO, bilberry, L-glutathione, cysteine, soy isoflavones [genistein and daidzein], grapeseed extract, and green tea extract). Both taken twice daily with food. |
| Some smart nutrients you'd be wise to look into and look for, especially in combination supplements, are: Vitamin E, grapeseed extract, lipoic acid, NADH (coenzyme I), vitamin Bl (thiamin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12, folic acid, choline, L-carnitine, phenylalanine, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), DMAE (dimethylamino-ethanol), ginkgo biloba, goto kola, hupA (huperzine A), magnesium, pregnenolone, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and inositol. None of these brain-boosters will make you an Einstein, but they can help you remember where you put your car keys. |
| Because of this, antioxidant-rich foods and supplements such as ginkgo biloba, grapeseed extract, green tea extract, isoflavones, lutein, lycopene, are needed in our diets, and the sooner they are included the greater the long-term benefits. (See Chapter VEX)
14. Name That Alternative Therapy
Just as no one supplement fits all, no one alternative therapy is suited to everyone. Today, dozens of alternatives to conventional medicine are available, gaining in acceptance and evidencing remarkable results. (To locate a nutritionally oriented doctor or alternative practitioner, see section 342. |
| The most common doses for it are 400-1,000 IU vitamin E 1-3 times daily. And ginkgo biloba, 60 mg. 1-3 times daily can also help the circulation to your legs.
235. Menopause
Because of the risks that have recently been brought to light about estrogens, many women have been seeking other ways to relieve the discomforts of menopause. A good number of menopausal women have found that 200-400 IU vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) with selenium 1-3 times a day does indeed alleviate hot flashes. If you're at that time of life, MVP and a 50 mg. B complex twice a day also seem to help. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Be sure to find one that includes the basics for your brain: vitamins E, C, and selenium and ginkgo biloba.
L-carnitine: One 500-1000 mg. tablet daily on an empty stomach.
Magnesium: One 350-500 mg. tablet daily.
Pregnenolone: One or two 50 mg. capsules daily.
Melatonin: Take 1 mg. sublingual tablet (dissolve under the tongue) at bedtime. (If you wake up groggy, you may need to reduce your dose by breaking the tablet in half.)
Zinc: One 15-50 mg. capsule or tablet daily.
Coenzyme Q10: 30-100 mg. daily.
Anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disease in the world. |
John Boik
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 Flavonoids such as quercetin and those found in ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) are free radical scavengers that decrease the proliferation of rat lymphocytes in vitro in a dose-dependent manner (Pignol et al., 1988). These two actions may be related. Stimulated neutrophils and macrophages produce a marked and transient increase in oxygen consumption, called a respiratory burst (or chemiluminescent burst). This burst involves the production of superoxide (02*). |
Christian Ratsch
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 They often include an extract of ginkgo biloba L. [syn. Salisburia adi-antifolia Sm.] (Gingkoaceae) as well; it is said to stimulate the brain and to strengthen memory422 (Schmid and Schmoll 1994). But the main ingredient is (was) usually ma-huang (Ephedra sinica). Sometimes yohimbe bark or extract (Pausinystalia yohimba) may also be added (Saunders and Doblin 1996, 157). It is doubtful whether these herbal ecstasy preparations actually do induce psychoactive, not to mention empathogenic, experiences. Even when ephedrine is present, the dosages would typically be too small. |
Ronald L. Hoffman, M.D.
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 See the section at the end of this chapter for more on the nutritional aids. ginkgo biloba extract has also been shown to improve mental function in some cases.
Dozens of other possible treatments are under investigation. One study, by a group of researchers led by Dr. Victor Henderson of the University of Southern California at Los Angeles, has suggested that estrogen may protect women against Alzheimer's. The researchers found that postmenopausal women who were given estrogen replacement therapy were less likely to get Alzheimer's than those who didn't, and their symptoms were not as severe. |
| American researchers are beginning to take an interest in ginkgo biloba and have conducted several studies that show improvements in memory and attention in elderly patients, and short-term memory improvements in healthy younger people. In European research, 120-milligram tablets of 24 percent standardized extract are given two or three times a day for three to six months minimum. Side effects are rare, but do include occasional stomach upset and, more rarely, headache or dizziness. |
| Some striking research to support this has been done with a natural extract, from leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree, which increases blood flow in the brain and actually improves memory and attention in elderly patients as well as short-term memory in younger volunteers. Maintaining a healthy supply of blood to the brain is essential to normal mental function and may help prevent what we think of as age-related memory loss.
When blood flow to the brain is sharply reduced, usually through gradual degeneration of the blood vessels, some form of cerebrovascular disease is present. |
| Other therapies that sometimes help are the use of niacin, and the use of ginkgo biloba as a circulatory-enhancing agent. Even acupuncture can be helpful, which suggests a relationship to an imbalance of the autonomic nerves that control circulation in the inner ear. Sometimes an injection of a local anesthetic near the ear (called neural therapy in Germany) will cause tinnitus and dizziness to abate, possibly because it rebalances autonomic nerve activity.
There appear to be some nutritional components to tinnitus as well. |
James S. Gordon, M.D.
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 The liquid extract of the leaves of ginkgo biloba has been shown in many carefully controlled studies to improve circulation and mental functioning in the aged. Rehmannia, a widely used Chinese herb, is effective in regulating blood sugar in people with diabetes and hypoglycemia and in reducing the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Saint-John's-wort really does have the antidepressant qualities that herbalists have long attributed to it. Ginseng root is a good stimulant, an antidote to the effects of stress, and an immune enhancer. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Tyler, ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees on the planet, and for thousands of years, Chinese herbalists have used its leaves—which increase blood flow to the brain and to other parts of the body—to treat cerebral and cardiovascular problems. Dr.
Tyler recommends ginkgo in supplement form, which you can find in most health food stores, and says to follow dosage recommendations on the label. He says you will need to take ginkgo for one to three months before you see any improvement in memory loss.
!¦¦¦•
Homeopathy
Try one of the following 12C remedies twice daily, says Chris Meletis, N. |
| American Holistic Center/Chicago: magnesium/potassium aspartate capsules twice a day; 30 md-ligrams of coenzyme Q-10 three times a day; 1,000 mdligrams of vitamin C three times a day; 400 international units of vitamin E twice a day; 200 micrograms of selenium a day; 50 milligrams of vitamin B6 a day; 500 milligrams of carnitine three times a day; one capsule of the herb hawthorn berry three times a day; and one capsule of the herb ginkgo biloba three times a day. Some manufacturers combine ad of these dietary supplements into one capsule, according to Dr. |
Richard Leviton
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 In Germany, for example, one-third of all nonprescription drugs are herbal and ginkgo biloba (as a circulatory agent) leads the pack with annual sales of $280 million, followed by horse chestnut (for the blood) with $103 million. Herbal sales worldwide are expected to continue growing by 8% to 15% during the next five years, depending on the region.
• A survey released in March 1998 (conducted by Celestial Seasonings, a leading herbal tea manufacturer), announced that based on polling of 500 people, aged 35 to 54, 37% use herbal supplements. |
Nicola Reavley
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 Herbal medicines and Alzheimer's disease
Several studies have suggested that the herb, ginkgo biloba is beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In a study reported in the Journal ofthe American Medical Association in 1997, US researchers conducted a 52-week, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving mildly to severely demented outpatients with Alzheimer's disease or multi-infarct dementia. They used tests to assess the cognitive functioning of the patients and also included assessments by the caregivers of the patients as part of the outcome measurement. |
Christian Ratsch
See book keywords and concepts |
| Panax ginseng) ginkgo biloba L. Cola spp. Hydrocotyle sp. ? Centella asiatica Camellia sinensis
Myristica sp. ? (cf. Myristica fragrans)
The effects of this product are comparable to those of the first (disappointing).
The marketing of Herbal Ecstacy and similar products (Ultimate Euphoria, et cetera) is big business ($300 million in annual sales; lolly 1996). In the United States, this has resulted in an FDA investigation into the ingredients and the component that is typically the only one with any activity, namely the ephedrine-containing Ephedra extracts. |
Joseph Glenmullen, M.D.
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 The dosage of ginkgo biloba taken by the patients ranged from 60 to 240 milligrams a day. Although an herb may be safer than a prescription drug as an antidote, it is still covering up potentially serious side effects of Prozac-type antidepressants. If possible, stopping the antidepressant is preferable.
Should Children Be Taking These Drugs?
More than half a million children are on serotonin boosters, with the numbers growing rapidly. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |
 Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. ginkgo biloba. Lancet 1992; 340: 1136-39 [review].
Restless Legs Syndrome
1. Kanter AH. The effect of sclerotherapy on restless legs syndrome. Dermatol Surg 1995; 21: 328-32.
2. Mountifield JA. Restless leg syndrome relieved by cessation of cigarette smoking. Can Med Assoc ] 1985; 133:426.
3. Roberts HJ. Spontaneous leg cramps and "restless legs" due to diabetogenic hyperinsulinism: observations on 131 patients. / Am Geriatr Soc 1965; 13: 602-608.
4. Lutz EG. Restless legs, anxiety and caffeinism. / Clin Psychiatry 1978; 39: 693-98.
5. |
| Checklist for Macular Degeneration
Ranking
Nutritional Supplements
Herbs
Secondary
Lutein/zeaxanthin (p 308)
Bilberry (p. 396) ginkgo biloba (p. 427)
Other
Beta-Carotene
(p. 268) Selenium (p. 33 1) Vitamin C (p. 341) Vitamin E (p. 344) Zinc (p. 346)
Menopause
Menopause is the cessation of the monthly female menstrual cycle. Women who have not had a period for a year are considered postmenopausal. Most commonly, menopause takes place when a women is in her late 40s or early 50s. Women who have gone through menopause are no longer fertile. |
| While not a cure for this serious condition, ginkgo biloba (p. 427) extract (GBE) may improve memory and quality of life and slow progression in the early stages of the disease. In addition, three double-blind studies have shown that GBE is helpful for people in early stages of Alzheimer's disease, as well as the closely related multi-infarct dementia.30'31'32 People with other types of dementia, including problems due to poor blood flow to the brain, also respond to GBE. |
| Elecampane (p. 418) ginkgo biloba (p. 427) Licorice (p. 440) Lobelia (p. 442) Marshmallow (p. 444) Mullein (p. 446)
See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma (p, 5 14)
Atherosclerosis
(Hardening of the Arteries)
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a very common disease of the major blood vessels. It is characterized by fatty streaks along the vessel walls and deposits of cholesterol and calcium. Atherosclerosis of arteries supplying the heart is called coronary artery disease. |
| One uncontrolled study found that a standardized extract of bilberry could improve signs of retinal damage in some people with diabetic retinopathy.'06 ginkgo biloba (p. 427) extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy though research is at best very preliminary in this area. Other herbs that may help are fenugreek (p. 424) seeds (discussed as a source of fiber in Part 2: Dietary and Lifestyle Changes [p. 54]) and eleuthero (p. 419) (Siberian ginseng).
Two single-blind studies have found that aloe vera (p. |
| Garlic (p. 425) ginkgo biloba (p. 427)
See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Raynaud's Disease (p. 569)
Restless Legs Syndrome
An uncomfortable feeling of needing to move the legs is known as restless legs syndrome. Occasionally the condition may also involve the arms. It can cause sudden jerking motions of the legs and can also occur during sleep, leading to insomnia (p. 105). It is most common in middle-aged women, pregnant (p. 143) women, and people with severe kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis (p. 151), and nerve diseases (neuropathy). |
Gary Null
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 Brett makes the following recommendations: "When feverfew is taken with magnesium, in doses of 250 to 500 mg daily, and ginkgo biloba, most people notice a significant reduction in the number of migraines, even to the point of disappearance. This includes people who suffered daily. Many people come to me who have had no success with more conventional treatments. After starting them on feverfew and magnesium, they get a significant reduction in the number of headaches and the severity of pain. Even when they have headaches, they tend to be less frequent and less painful. |
John Heinerman
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 It also makes a superior ginkgo biloba product called Ginkolic. In addition, this company also markets one of the finest wheat grass/ barley grass powdered juice drinks in America; it is called Kyo-Green. All of these fine products are readily available at most health food stores, nutrition centers and herb shops. Of the many different forms of Kyolic available, I personally like Kyolic EPA and liquid Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract the best. I alternate between the two on a regular basis to keep my serum cholesterol and triglycerides down and my heart in good shape. |
Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D.
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 Ask your doctor about using the herb ginkgo biloba.
Allergy Elimination: For 4 to 6 weeks eliminate caffeine, chocolate, peanuts and peanut butter, and aged cheese from your diet. If as a result of this elimination your hands or feet feel less cold, one of the foods may be the cause of the problem. To find out which one, replace them one at a time.
CORNS
Water Therapy
Soak the feet in warm water for 15 minutes each day. Rub the softened tissue with a mild pumice stone.
FOOT ODOR Water Therapy
Wash and sponge your feet with apple cider vinegar each morning. Dry thoroughly. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
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| The most interesting of these studies demonstrated that ginkgo biloba extract was able to counteract one of the major changes in brain chemistry associated with aging - the reduction in the number of serotonin receptor sites.109 Typically, with aging there is a significant reduction in the number of serotonin receptor sites on brain cells. As a result, the elderly are more susceptible to depression, impaired mental function, insomnia, and sleep disturbances. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The most important supplements for strong blood vessels are the bioflavonoids, including grapeseed extract, rutin, hesperidin, ginkgo biloba, green tea and bilberry. Supplements important for healthy, "slippery" blood (follow dosage recommendations for daily vitamins in this book) include magnesium, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin E, selenium, N-acetyl cysteine, lysine and garlic.
If you have high levels of vitamin C, your risk of dying from a stroke may be half that of those with lower levels. |
Earl Mindell
See book keywords and concepts |
 Standardized ginkgo biloba, 60 mg., complex with DMAE
2-3 times daily Coenzyme-QlO 100 mg. complex; 1 capsule 2-3 times daily (See section 293 for drug, food, and nutrient interactions that can cause malabsorption and other problems.)
185. Athletes
Athletes have very demanding nutritional needs. The prime nutritional requirement for performance is energy, and high-energy—as opposed to quick-energy foods—should be eaten. If you're involved in action sports, you need a diet with more complex carbohydrates and protein than someone involved in a low-energy sport. |
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