Ginkgo Biloba 60mg - 60 V-Caps

Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko biloba is the oldest known tree species on earth with an estimated age of more than 200 million years. A gingko tree can live up to 1000 years. The medicinal seeds are found only in the inedible fruit of the female trees. Gingko is the most frequently recommended medicinal herb in Europe. It makes sense that the oldest known tree is used for concerns that become more prevalent as we age.

Gingko is used to increase blood flow to the whole body but especially to the brain and extremities. The active components are flavone glycosides, potent antioxidant molecules. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage. Gingko's antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to vessels all over the body, including those in the brain. It has anti-aging properties because as an antioxidant it protects the body against environmental pollutants other substances that lead to aging.

Gingko increases circulation by making the blood flow freely, thus enhancing oxygen delivery to and waste removal from cells. Gingko may also improve the communication between brain and nerve cells. Gingko is used by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including: senile dementia, Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo, impotence, cold hands and feet and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). Students have also used it as a memory enhancer.

Gingko is commonly purchased as encapsulated herb or tincture. Gingko products should be standardized as an assurance of the amount of active compounds they contain. Gingko can be found in combination products for memory, eye health, cardiovascular health and sexual functioning. These trees are widely cultivated for their leaves and seeds so there is no concern with the ecological impact of gingko use. Interestingly they are also planted in cities because they can tolerate the harsh urban environment.

Gingko contains components that have blood-thinning properties. Gingko supplements should be used with caution by individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure and individuals on blood thinning medication, including aspirin, or anti-hypertensives. For the same reason, gingko supplements should be discontinued prior to surgery or dental work. Gingko can alter the effectiveness of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of anti-depressant.

Memory Improvement

Memory lapses affect everyone at some point in time. They are frustrating and can become worrisome if one thinks that their memory capacity is decreasing.

Although the brain and nervous system is somewhat protected from factors which can invade other body cells, its segregation also makes it prone to the build-up of toxins and other harmful agents.

Because it contains a significant amount of fat, fat-soluble toxins like heavy metals, and environmental chemicals, like DDT, can concentrate in the brain leading to poor memory. Poor diet hampers memory because the brain is an extremely vital area that has high metabolic requirements.

The brain uses only the sugar, glucose, for energy. Fluctuating blood sugar is not conducive to optimal brain functioning and memory. Fats, amino acids and vitamins must also be in abundant supply for nervous system functioning. The brain and nerve sheaths are made of fats that are deficient in the standard North American diet. This results in compromised nerve conduction and brain cell communication, which can compromise memory. Stress and emotional upset impact on memory by depleting neurotransmitters and leading to a build up of damaging agents called free radicals. Free radicals have been associated with the degeneration of the brain.

If memory changes are a concern please see a health professional. Memory change can be a sign of depression, arteriosclerosis or other degenerative brain conditions. The side effect of some medications can lead to memory lapses. Included in this are diuretics and anti-depressants.

The brain develops by leaps and bounds during fetal life and childhood as neural patterns are laid and areas of the brain mature. As we age, declines in brain function are widely accepted as "normal" but there are many preventative and natural therapies one can use to maximize brainpower and memory.

As they say, "if you don't use it you will lose it." Keeping mentally busy and learning new things has been found to sustain brain functioning. Regular exercise and deep breathing increases circulation to the brain. Make time in your schedule for enjoyable activity and sufficient rest. Have regular sleep pattern because fatigue greatly contributes to memory lapses

Undergo regular detoxification, under the guidance of a health professional, to rid the body of toxins. Drink 2L of filtered water daily to help to flush toxins from the system. Essential fatty acids stabilize the nerve sheath. Flax, pumpkin and sunflower seed oils should be a daily addition to the diet. Fish also contain essential fatty acids but are usually contaminated with heavy metals.

Saturated fats from animal sources, margarine and shortening interfere with the use of essential fatty acids and should be avoided. Consume foods that are high in lecithin and B vitamins including green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast and soy products. Eat more fibre and protein, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar.