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KEEPING ACTIVE FOR BETTER COGNITION: Sharpening the mind, Feeling better with ginkgo biloba

 

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

 

“Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function.”

ACCORDING to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70% of the global burden of neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions affect lowand middle-income countries. Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death in the world with nine million deaths annually.

Stroke, migraine, dementia, meningitis and epilepsy are the top five contributors of neurological disabilities globally, with an increase in ageing populations, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease becoming more significant.

MSU Medical Centre’s medical director and consultant neurosurgeon Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris explains, “The brain is a unique organ with three important functions that affect our lives which are, (i) sensory interpretation and movement control; (ii) cognitive, mental and emotional integrity; and (iii) behaviour and social execution.” 

 

Prof Dr Badrisyah Idris

Brain health is becoming an important concept in healthy living which encompasses the ability of the brain to rewire during the life in response to changes in experience and environment. A healthy brain is capable of slowing down cognitive decline and combating any injury or diseases of the brain. There are a number of things that we can make a habit of to maintain our brain health.

Regular physical activity can benefit the brain by optimising brain blood flow and reducing loss of brain cells during ageing. Those who exercise regularly can enjoy healthy cognitive abilities and have a lower risk of developing dementia. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular risks of getting a stroke.

Some studies have found that regular exercise increases the level of protein that promotes growth and maintenance of brain cells. Having an active lifestyle such as taking the stairs and participating in sports or physical activities such as brisk walking or aerobic training can have a positive impact on brain health.

Quality sleep is important for brain healing and restoration of mental function. Sleep makes our thinking processes sharp and focused with better decision-making. Seven to eight hours of sleep gives the brain adequate time to clear abnormal proteins that accelerate dementia. Several lifestyle measures can be adopted to ensure no alteration in sleep patterns such as increasing time in the sunlight, consistent sleep routines and gaining knowledge about the effects of medications.

Even though the brain is only 2% of the body weight, it consumes 20% of energy requirements. Without the right energy and nutrients, the brain will start losing its function. Food which is rich with antioxidants (compounds that have a protective effect on the brain), fibre, unsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), B vitamins and an adequate amount of complex carbohydrates are important to maintain a healthy brain. A diet rich in processed foods, salt and refined sugars can increase inflammation and free radicals in our body that can have negative impacts on brain health.

Cognitive stimulation by learning new skills or knowledge maintain good brain health with the formation of new circuits between brain cells. Challenging the brain increases its cognitive reserve by creating an adequate backup system. With more reserves, the brain can become more resistant to changes that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Education and learning enhance the cognitive reserve which makes the brain less susceptible to the effects of age and brain-related changes.

Depression and anxiety can be detrimental to brain health with their effects on mood and emotion. These conditions lead to slow thinking, memory and concentration difficulties. Social connectivity helps get rid of depression and anxiety. Socialising helps the brain to expand its cognitive reserve. Engaging in conversation trains the brain to increase attention and concentration and helps social judgement. It is important to stay connected with friends and family to maintain healthy brain function. - Star2 

 

Sharpening the mind 

Various nutrients and vitamins are known to boost brainpower and help people reach their full potential.

 

LIVING in a fast-paced environment, you may find yourself juggling multiple tasks at the same time and having a constant drive to maintain momentum. The ever-increasing demands can really take a toll on you, both physically and mentally, leaving you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or emotionally drained. If you find yourself having moments of spacey or fuzzy thoughts, you are most likely experiencing brain fog.

Brain fog has become more common than ever before as a result of hectic lifestyles. Also known as mental fatigue, it is not a medical condition but rather a cognitive dysfunction involving an inability to focus, poor concentration, forgetfulness, confusion, irritability, headaches, etc.

Brain fog can come and go over a period of time, commonly triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, or medications. More than just a nuisance, these challenges can damper your mental clarity and interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks at varying degrees. If left unaddressed, it can snowball into chronic fatigue which ultimately leads to burnout.

Nootropics are known to help boost brainpower so you can perform at your fullest potential, whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a working professional striving to excel at your duties or a senior looking to preserve your grey matter.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. It supports cellular energy production to fuel your brain for better focus and concentration. As an antioxidant, it helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. It supports the formation of myelin sheath which protects* the nerve cells, ensuring fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. It is also required to produce mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin.

Phosphatidylserine is an essential building block of cell membranes, with high concentrations in the nerve cells of the brain. It increases the production of acetylcholine, an abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays an important role in alertness, learning and memory.

Together, these nutrients work synergistically to give you an extra boost to get you through the busy day.

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth.

■ For more information, call 1800 183 288. 

Gear up

 

 

Feeling better with ginkgo biloba 

 

THE ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China that has been historically associated to have traditional medicinal properties that help reduce memory loss, aid respiratory difficulties and improve circulation. Sometimes known as the maidenhair tree, it is often described as a ‘living fossil tree’ due to its ancient taxonomic origins dating to prehistoric times.

In more recent years, ginkgo extract has been discussed as a prescription to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety as well as to improve cognitive function related to mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. According to Herbs and Botanical Supplements: Principles and Concepts by Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease, the extract has been approved as a treatment for dementia in countries such as Germany.

According to Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Effect of Ginkgo biloba Extract Against AD and Other Neurological Disorders published by Neurotherapeutics, ginkgo is linked with improved cerebral blood flow which may be beneficial in reducing fatigue and absent-mindedness. In addition, ginkgo biloba was also shown to have neuroprotective effects through several in-depth clinical studies.

In a research titled Ginkgo biloba special extract EGB 761® in generalised anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with anxious mood: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published by Journal of Psychiatric Research, individuals with a generalised anxiety disorder who had participated in the study were found to experience improved anxiety relief when compared to the group who had taken a placebo.

Ginkgo biloba has also been linked with improving several cognitive functions that are associated with Alzheimer’s Disease, as reported by The Efficacy of Ginkgo biloba on Cognitive Function in Alzheimer Disease published in Neurological Review reports.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia by the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests further evidence for the soothing effects of ginkgo biloba in cases of dementia. Within its intent-to-treat analysis, researchers found that the participants who were given ginkgo biloba extract scored substantially lower on the commonly used Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale.

Overall, ginkgo biloba extracts can be a strong consideration when faced with issues pertaining to certain brain conditions and blood flow.

■ For more information, call 03-7490 2138. 

  Nature's Way, Ginkgo, 120 Vegan Capsules

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When you have insufficient magnesium, mineral for relaxation; Clearing up your brain fog

A lack of this important mineral could be causing you health problems without you even knowing it.

When you have insufficient magnesium, mineral for relaxation; Clearing up your brain fog

A lack of this important mineral could be causing you health problems without you even knowing it.

As magnesium regulates neurotransmitters in the body, a lack of it can cause symptoms ranging from brain fog and anxiety to insomnia and migraines. — AFP

 

In the human body, magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral.

It plays a role in over 300 physiological processes.

Many metabolic processes require this nutrient, as well as many other bodily functions, including the production of energy and building of proteins.

Without it, your body cannot function properly.

Unfortunately, the lack of magnesium is one of the most widespread deficiencies in our society today.

This deficiency can drastically affect your health as it has been linked with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, palpitations, and even sleep disorders.

How magnesium helps

If you have difficulty meeting your magnesium needs through food, or if you have a deficiency, then taking a magnesium supplement may be helpful.

Here are some of its benefits:

> Reduce blood pressure

Magnesium supplements may help reduce blood pressure levels.

A review of 34 studies concluded that taking around 350mg per day of magnesium for an average of three months significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (the top number for blood pressure readings) by 2mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 1.78mmHg.

> Improve sleep

It has been shown that magnesium supplements can greatly improve sleep in people with low magnesium levels.

A review of three studies among older adults found that supplementing with 320-720mg of magnesium daily for up to eight weeks decreased the time it took them to fall asleep and increased total sleep time, compared with a placebo.

> May help improve mood

Depression has been linked to low levels of magnesium, leading researchers to study whether supplementing with this mineral could help treat this condition.

A six-week randomised controlled trial including participants with depression found that 500mg of magnesium daily alleviated anxiety and depressive symptoms in as little as two weeks.

> Help with blood sugar management

Magnesium is crucial to insulin and glucose metabolism.

Type 2 diabetics, who have high blood sugar, are also prone to magnesium deficiency.

The reason for this is because high blood sugars and insulin levels can cause you to lose more of this nutrient through your urine.

Taking magnesium supplements may help improve insulin resistance – a metabolic disorder in which your cells don’t respond to insulin properly.

In a review of 25 studies, people with or at risk for type 2 diabetes who took 250-600mg of magnesium per day for up to 24 weeks experienced significant reductions in fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels, compared with the placebo group.

> Reduce heart disease risk

There is a link between low magnesium levels and an increased risk of heart disease.

Perhaps low levels of this mineral have a negative effect on blood sugar and blood pressure, which are two risk factors for heart disease.

Recent reviews of 28 studies found that taking magnesium supplements decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels and fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

> May improve migraine

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to migraines – a painful condition characterised by intense, recurrent headaches.

A 12-week study found that taking a daily magnesium supplement containing 600mg resulted in 42% fewer migraine attacks, coupled with less intense attacks.

A lack of magnesium

 

You may experience muscle cramps more frequently if you lack magnesium as it plays an important role in muscle movement. — FilepicYou may experience muscle cramps more frequently if you lack magnesium as it plays an important role in muscle movement. — Filepic

If your body lacks enough magnesium, you may experience the following conditions:

> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation

Magnesium actually softens stools by drawing water into the bowels, which helps support healthy defecation.

When stools become too hard, they move through the colon more slowly and become problematic.

Moreover, magnesium regulates muscle contractions in the intestines, which is why constipation is often caused by a magnesium deficiency.

This is why magnesium can be very helpful in relieving discomfort and cramping related to IBS or other similar conditions.

> Mood disorders

Magnesium regulates the balance of neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters govern many processes in our bodies, including motivation, sleep and focus.

In particular, magnesium is important for the production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

Not having adequate amounts of GABA may result in ADD/ADHD (attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), anxiety, irritability and general mood imbalances.

> Poor cognitive processing

It is possible that you have a magnesium deficiency if you frequently suffer from brain fog, poor concentration or memory problems.

In every cell of the body, there are structures called mitochondria, which produce the energy that the body needs to function.

Mitochondria rely heavily on magnesium for energy production.

Therefore, a deficiency can hamper your brain performance.

> Heart arrhythmia

The heart is a muscle that constantly contracts inside our bodies without needing to be consciously controlled.

A large amount of magnesium is required for the heart to contract properly, just as it is for other muscles.

It is believed that this is due to the fact that magnesium regulates calcium and potassium concentrations in the muscle tissues.

If you notice that your heart beats irregularly, you may want to look into magnesium supplements.

> Insomnia

Your sleep may be affected if you don’t have enough magnesium to produce adequate amounts of GABA.

Despite the fact that there are other nutrients that play a part in GABA production, magnesium is an essential nutrient for sleep quality.

With magnesium supplements, your sleep quality may improve.

> Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

Conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic pain are related to tension carried in the body.

It is possible that this tension is purely physical, but it can also be aggravated by emotional stress.

Anxiety, anger and worry are all emotions that contribute to physical tension.

These chronic tensions eventually lead to pain.

Magnesium supplements may have a calming effect on the mind and body, while resulting in the soothing and relaxation of the muscles.

> Chronic migraines

Chronic migraine sufferers have been found to have lower levels of magnesium in their bodies.

Magnesium’s key role in regulating neurotransmitter production could influence the occurrence of migraines.

> Tingling and numbness

Because of its role in healthy nerve transmission, magnesium deficiency may play a role in numbness and tingling sensations in the body.

> Cramping and muscle spasms

Magnesium is important for proper nerve transmissions, so it also plays a vital role in muscle contraction.

When magnesium is depleted, muscle contractions can become weak and uncoordinated, leading to involuntary spasms and painful cramps.

> Fatigue

Magnesium supports the adrenal glands, which play a major role in producing energy.

Magnesium can be a powerful energy booster, especially if you have chronic fatigue.

If you are deficient in magnesium, increasing your intake will improve your energy levels drastically.

Consuming enough magnesium

While magnesium is found in many foods, particularly nuts, legumes and whole grains, supplements may be beneficial to those with low magnesium intake.

It isn’t always easy to choose a magnesium supplement from the wide variety of forms and dosages available.

Though magnesium is easily obtained through diet alone – 400-420mg for men and 320-360mg for women – our modern diets often don’t include enough magnesium-rich foods.

If you can’t get enough magnesium through your diet, consider taking a supplement.

Recommended doses of magnesium supplements are 200-400mg per day, which means that a supplement can supply you with the full daily recommended intake and more.

The Food and Nutrition Board of the US Institute of Medicine has determined a tolerable upper limit of 350mg per day for supplemental magnesium.

You are unlikely to experience any digestive side effects if you consume supplements below this level.

Some types of magnesium supplements can be absorbed more easily by your body than others.

These include:

Magnesium chloride

Magnesium citrate

Magnesium aspartate

Magnesium taurate

Magnesium malate

Magnesium lactate

Supplements can be delivered in a variety of forms, such as tablets, gummies, powders and liquids.

In terms of absorption, the deli-very system makes little difference, provided you choose a form that is well-absorbed, such as magnesium citrate, so choose whichever form that is most convenient for you.

In summary

Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of your body.

It has been reported that adequate magnesium intake reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other conditions.

If your diet does not provide enough of this important nutrient, you can take a supplement.

It is unlikely that there will be any side effects with doses below 350mg a day.

When selecting a supplement, choose one that contains a form of magnesium that is easily absorbed, such as magnesium citrate.

Always discuss with your doctor or nutritionist the right type of supplements and the dosage required before you buy your supplements.

Datuk Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, and a functional medicine practitioner. For further information, email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information. 

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Mineral for relaxation

 

The fourth most abundant minerals in the body, magnesium is naturally present in many foods.

 

THE hectic pace of daily living and pressures of juggling a demanding job, family and social life can leave you physically and emotionally drained.

At some point in your life, you may experience tight muscles and anxious or disrupted sleep at night.

These issues often come and go but if they persist for long periods, your body may be missing out on one of the most essential minerals – magnesium.

Are you getting enough magnesium?

Despite its role in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body, magnesium remains one of the most overlooked minerals.

Modern life robs you of magnesium. Stress is a big magnesium thief, in addition to your woeful magnesium-deficient diets.

Magnesium deficiency can cause a range of symptoms such as:

– Irritability

– Headaches

– Muscle tension

– Sleeping problems

– High blood pressure – Fatigue

– Irregular heartbeat – Weakened immunity

Why magnesium matters

Magnesium is highly associated with stress levels. Stress increases magnesium loss and can lead to a deficiency, and in turn, magnesium deficiency enhances the body’s susceptibility to stress, resulting in a vicious circle.

The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, magnesium is naturally present in many foods such as whole grains, leafy vegetables, beans, seeds and nuts. Yet, magnesium deficiency is relatively common. Modern diets tend to be high in processed and refined foods which contain scant amounts of this mineral.

Excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, ageing, intense physical activities, certain medical conditions and prescription medications can also deplete your body of magnesium.

How does magnesium help?

Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral that relaxes tight, tense and stiff body parts or even moods.

> Fights anxiety: Magnesium helps lower levels of stress-causing cortisol naturally. The mineral also helps lift mood by raising levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin.

> Relieves headaches:

Headaches are more likely to occur when you are stressed. Magnesium has been widely used to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of headache or migraine attacks.

> Improves sleep quality: Magnesium increases the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain which is responsible for calming the nervous system and encouraging sleep. Healthy magnesium levels help improve sleep quality and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep.

> Relieves muscle tension: When your body is stressed, your muscles tense up. As a superb relaxation mineral, magnesium relaxes your muscles and controls their contractions. Increasing magnesium in the body is a great way to reduce twitches, spasms, tremors and muscle cramps.

> Regulates blood pressure and heartbeat: Chronic stress, if left untreated, can also lead to higher blood pressure and palpitations. Getting enough magnesium may help regulate your blood pressure and heartbeat. It aids in blood vessel relaxation and keeps your heart rhythm steady.

> Increases energy levels: A prolonged stress response can drain your energy. Magnesium is required for energy production. It generates energy by activating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the fundamental unit of energy within the body’s cells.

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth.

For more information, call 1800 183 288. 

 

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Magnesium: The Relaxation Mineral - VitaHealth Malaysia

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Clearing up your brain fog

HAVING trouble recalling things, taking longer than usual to complete simple tasks, feeling mentally fatigued, easily distracted or confused?

If any of these sounds familiar, you are most likely dealing with brain fog. It feels like having a constant cloud over your brain that keeps you from thinking straight.

Also known as mental fatigue, brain fog is not a medical condition but rather a cognitive dysfunction involving:

> Inability to focus

> Poor concentration

> Forgetfulness

> Confusion

> Irritability

> Headaches

Brain fog can come and go over a period of time, commonly triggered by stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies or medications.

More than just a nuisance, these challenges can damper your mental clarity and interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks to varying degrees.

If left unaddressed, it can snowball into chronic fatigue which ultimately leads to burnout.

How to sharpen your mind

Sharpen your mind with nootropics or “smart pills”, which have been gaining popularity in today’s competitive society.

They can help boost your brainpower so you can perform at your fullest potential, whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a working professional striving to excel at your duties or a senior looking to preserve your grey matter.

Acetyl-l-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. It supports cellular energy production to fuel your brain for better focus and concentration.

As an antioxidant, it helps protect the brain cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system.

It supports the formation of myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells, ensuring the fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. It is also required to produce mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin.

Often called simply PS, phosphatidylserine is an essential building block of cell

membranes, with high concentrations in the nerve cells of the brain.

It increases the production of acetylcholine, an abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays important role in alertness, learning and memory.

Together, these nutrients work synergistically to give you an extra boost to get you through the busy day.

This informational article is brought to you by Vitahealth.

For enquiries, call 1800 183 288. 

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