Published December 29, 2010

Is iodine causing your memory loss?

You probably already know that iodine is an essential nutrient. And you may know that there’s a high incidence of deficiency in the population. But did you know that an iodine deficiency may contribute to memory loss? It’s true. And a new study shows that simply taking iodine could solve the problem.

In this study, the researchers gave iodine to mildly iodine-deficient children. They found that the supplement improved their cognitive function. So a deficiency might prevent them from attaining their full intellectual potential.

Read More

Published December 23, 2010

Protect your brain with gingko biloba? Maybe not...

For years the herb gingko biloba has enjoyed the status as an effective way to prevent dementia, including Alzheimer’s. But in 2008 the Gingko Evaluation of Memory study changed all that. It was the largest, completely randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled study if its kind. And it found that people taking 120 mg of gingko biloba extract twice a day in no way reduced their chances of eventually developing dementia.

However, many experts criticized the study because it didn’t assess whether or not taking gingko biloba prevented normal memory loss. This is the normal decline in mental function that occurs in many people as they get older, but that does not lead to dementia. Nor did it determine whether or not taking gingko biloba slowed down the progression toward dementia in those doomed to get it.

Read More

Published December 22, 2010

Lower two major heart attack risk factors with one nutrient

You probably heard a lot about cholesterol as a risk factor for heart attacks. But cholesterol isn’t nearly as important as two other major risk factors. These risk factors are high levels of C reactive protein and high fibrinogen levels. Fortunately, you can help both of them with one powerful supplement.

C reactive protein is a strong marker for inflammation. And fibrinogen thickens your blood. It often becomes elevated with inflammation.

A study in the journal Renal Failure followed 36 patients on dialysis. The researchers assigned them to take carnitine (100 mg daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Those taking carnitine had lower C reactive protein levels and lower plasma fibrinogen levels.

Read More