Friday, January 29, 2010

How Seniors Use Herbs to Improve Health

How Seniors Use Herbs to Improve Health By Karl Edmunds

If you are over 50 years old, you may not be ready to admit you are a "senior" or "baby boomer" but it is very likely you have experienced those strange moments when you forget little things that used to never slip past you. Or you notice that memory loss impacts you with more frequency during the day.

Time, poor diet, lack of essential vitamins, little or no exercise all contribute to the real experience we call aging and the illness and diseases that goes along with it.

What seniors must get clear about is that these health concerns are not absolutely assured for everyone. There are proven ways to slow and in some cases stop several of these negative health processes. The obvious steps are staying fit, getting the right supplements to offset your diet deficiencies and engaging in activities that keep your mind stimulated such as puzzles and games.

Most seniors are striving to minimize the use and costs associated with using prescription drugs as the cure all for many of these aging issues. Start the process by trying to incorporate natural alternatives into your diet.

Some of the nutritional supplements that help to improve mental clarity and body functioning all through your life are:

Vitamin B6: This power vitamin helps manage the synthesis and production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. It helps improve sleep, moods, appetite and helps reduce stress. Vitamin E: Serving as a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E protects brain cells and the myelin sheath against the damage caused by free radicals. In your diet, be sure to include nuts like walnuts, eggs, seeds, green vegetables, and whole grains.

There are numerous herbs and plants that may be considered as well. Among the most popular herbs, consider the following:

Garlic: This herb is broadly used as a seasoning and demonstrated its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure naturally in many cases. • Ginseng: This herb is noted to improve mental and/or physical performance while increasing energy levels. • Echinacea: A recognized herbal remedy for colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. • Aloe Vera: Widely known for skin applications such as treatment for sunburn, minor burns, or abrasions. • Licorice: Considered an antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment for the gastrointestinal tract. • Bacopa: This herb is known for its value in cognitive impairment; • Ginkgo Biloba: Known for it use in memory improvement, Ginkgo is one of the most researched herbs. It is commonly used to improve blood flow to the brain resulting in better focus, mental clarity and endurance.

While numerous cultures around the world have cultivated and used herbs to promote and improve healthy mind and body, each person tends to respond in different ways. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist and inquire about potential negative reactions to medications you may be taking before jumping into an active herb regiment

Herbs and nutritional supplements are just one dimension of a healthy approach to age related issues. Eating right, good exercise, developing hobbies, cultivating strong relationships, drinking plenty of water and minimizing smoking and alcohol are all part of a successful approach to health.

For more than 20 years, Karl Edmunds has been a nationally recognized author within the business and management consulting industry. As a senior, he now engages his curiosity and observations about life to write about key issues of importance to the growing community of seniors (Boomers), and the value of living life to the fullest every single day. Give me your comments and get the most relevant news and information for seniors at http://ekaboomers.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Edmunds http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Seniors-Use-Herbs-to-Improve-Health&id=3643776

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