Supplements for Brain Health Support Series Week 38 Ginkgo Biloba

Welcome to the Brain Health Support Series where each week we will bring you one scientifically studied nutritional supplement to help support brain function including stress and mood elevation. Follow me on Facebook to see more posts: https://www.facebook.com/innerhealthblog/

This week we are looking at: Ginkgo Biloba

One insidious way mood and stress affect your body and brain is by depleting essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes just when you need those most. Stress consumes excessive key vitamins and minerals and, if you don’t replace them with the right foods and supplements, stress, anxiety and mood swings can worsen.

The production of stress hormones and neurotransmitters consume a big chunk of these nutrients’ reserves and because stress largely shuts down the digestive system, less of them get absorbed from the food you eat. Consequently, your supply of anti-stress vitamins and minerals is decreased … and your tolerance to stress is lowered.

Many bad habits that people gravitate to when they’re stressed and anxious, like alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sugar, and recreational drugs, also deplete ital nutrients and unfortunately, so do many prescription drugs. Ironically, this includes anti-anxiety medications!

How can you stop this downward spiral? You can start by eating a diet rich in the right vitamins and minerals as a first step, and then supplement with quality, high-purity supplements that will top-up any deficiencies.

The following nutritional supplementation information purported to help support stress, anxiety, and other cognitive issues is based on my own research online through articles, medical papers, and online seminar events. You are welcome to do your own research.

Ginkgo Biloba 

Long used as a treatment for dementia, ginkgo biloba is a commonly taken remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and well known for its benefits. It's thought that ginkgo biloba might help improve cognitive function in part by stimulating circulation and promoting blood flow to the brain.

Although research on ginkgo biloba has yielded mixed results, there's some evidence that this herb may enhance cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.3?

Furthermore, a research review published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2015 suggests that a ginkgo biloba extract called EGb761 may be especially helpful in slowing decline in cognition among patients experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms in addition to cognitive impairment and dementia.4?

A core feature of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms include depression and other non-cognitive disturbances.

-Source: https://www.verywellmind.com/best-herbs-and-spices-for-brain-health-4047818

Ginkgo Biloba - The Longevity Herb

This article was authored by Klaus Ferlow, HMH (Honorary Master Herbalist), innovator, lecturer, researcher, writer, founder Ferlow Botanical Enterprises Ltd, Vancouver, B.C. manufacturing/distributing organic toxin-free medicinal herbal and personal care products to professional health & wellness practitioners in Canada and parts of USA since 1993.

Think you have lost a little spring in your step? What about a little bounce in your brain? As long as you don't have any serious medical problems, exercising and eating right will ward off some of the physical signs of aging. Mental fitness is much more difficult to maintain - unless you know the secrets of the ginkgo.

One way ginkgo increases longevity is by helping your body get rid of cell-destroying free radicals (cancer cells we all have in our bloodstream). The extract from the ginkgo tree is a "free radical scavenger" or natural antioxidant. It inactivates free radicals, protects the genetic material in cells, and helps slow down aging. Let's investigate what ginkgo can do for you:

Ginkgo Fights Aging

First, it widens your blood vessels so more blood can get through. Scientists have isolated a group of compounds called "flavonoids" in ginkgo extract. These flavonoids force the blood vessels to relax, which allows them to carry more blood.

Second, it also makes the blood vessels sticky by keeping platelets separated. Platelets normally help blood clot by clumping together at the site of a cut or scrape. The clotting is triggered by a substance called platelet activating factor, or PAF. While PAF is a good thing to have in your body when you have an injury, it can also cause the platelets to clump within your blood vessels.

Normally, there it is not enough clumping to cause a problem. But if you already have reduced blood flow, this platelet clumping can gum up the works even further. Ginkgo makes the platelets keep their distance by blocking PAF. Doctors often prescribe blood thinning drugs for people as they get older (to avoid thickening of the blood you need to drink enough fluid every day which many elderly don't), but by blocking PAF, ginkgo acts as a natural blood thinner.

Third, ginkgo keeps the bad cholesterol "LDL" from clumping up on blood vessel walls, keeping the veins and arteries wide open for maximum blood flow.

 Boost Brain Power

Like any other part of the body, the brain needs adequate blood flow, or it can't function properly. Unfortunately, your body has a hard time sending the brain all the blood it needs as you get older. Imagine the drain pipe from your kitchen sink. Over time, water begins to drain through the pipe a little slower and it happens in everybody's kitchen. If you pour a little drain opener down the sink, the water starts to flow fasters. That's exactly what ginkgo can do for blood flow to your brain!

Clinical studies show that extract of the ginkgo tree can increase blood flow to the brain. What's more, the older you are, the better ginkgo appears to work. One study found that blood flow to the brain was increased by about 20% for people ages 30 to 50, but for people ages 50 - 70, the increase was 70%!

More blood flow means more brain power and better short-term memory. It specially means protection against what doctors call "cerebral insufficiency" or dementia. Many people, especially women have some degree of dementia in their later years.

The 12 symptoms of cerebral insufficiency which ginkgo may improve are:

·        difficult concentrating

·        confusion

·        tiredness

·        sadness

·        dizziness

·        headaches

·        absent mindness

·        lack of energy

·        aniexty

·        decreased physical performance

·        tinnitus (ringing in the ear)

·        depression

Alzheimer's Disease

One of the studies came to the conclusion that women receiving for three years or more HRT = Hormone Replacement Therapy increased their risk to become a Alzheimer patent by 50%, broadcasted on CKNW 98 by Art Hister, MD!!

Though it remains controversial, evidence points toward ginkgo as prevention or early natural therapy for Alzheimer's disease. One study followed 40 people with Alzheimer's. Some took 80 milligrams of ginkgo extract three times a day, while other took a placebo, a harmless unmedicated pill. The people who took the ginkgo had improved memory and were able to pay attention more than those who took the placebo. Some researcher speculate that ginkgo actually increases the number of brain receptors responsible for memory. People who are just beginning to experience symptoms of Alzheimer's might consider taking ginkgo to boost brainpower and delay further loss of memory.

Intermittent Claudication

Do you have leg pain or constant cramping in your calf muscles after even a short walk? As many people get older, their legs don't get an adequate blood supply because of hardened or blocked blood vessels. This painful condition is called intermittent claudication. Fifteen clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extract relieves the symptoms of this disease.

Raynaud's Disease

People who have this disease of the blood vessels react very strongly to colder temperatures. Even moderately cold temperatures can trigger spasm in the blood vessels of their fingers, which prevent proper blood flow. The fingers can turn blue or white and be very painful. By dilating the blood vessels, ginkgo helps to the tips of the fingers to relieve pain and restore the normal colour to the skin.

Varicose & Spider Veins

One of the compounds in the ginkgo extract, "tebonin", is particularly helpful in relieving the unsightly, and sometimes painful, varicose and spider veins that plague people, especially women, in their prime.

Lowers Cholesterol

Ginkgo can cut some of the guilt out of "Thanksgiving dinner". In one study, researchers tested people's blood levels of fat and cholesterol before the holiday season. They tested again a few weeks later after everyone had enjoyed all of the rich holiday meals and snacks. The people who took ginkgo had lower cholesterol levels after the holidays than those who did not take it. Other studies confirm that ginkgo can lower blood cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol, ginkgo may help you bring it under control.

Heart Disease

Like other flavonoids, ginkgo can reduce the risk of heart disease. One study showed that people who get the most flavonoids have about one-third the risk of heart disease compared with people who get the least flavonoids. Flavonoids are helpful, natural compounds found in citrus fruits, onions, apples, teas, as well as supplements like ginkgo, grapeseed extract, bilberry, and others.

Dizziness

Is a natural side effect of reduced blood flow to the brain. That's why it is so common among older people. Dizziness can lead to falls, and that is especially dangerous if you have osteoporosis. It does not take much of a fall to break a hip or crack a vertebra if you have brittle bones. While ginkgo won't strengthen your bones (Wild Yam cream does!), it can increase your blood flow, reduce the dizziness, and return you to your sure-footed self.

Helps Prevent Blindness

When the eyes don't receive enough oxygen from the blood, the retina can be damaged, often robbing people of their sight as they get older. Since ginkgo increases blood flow, more oxygen can get to the eyes.

Headaches/Migraine

You don't have to be told to have headaches, but the reduced blood flow associated with aging can certainly make headaches more common. Ginkgo can help to alleviate this type of headache.

Impotence

It may be comforting to know that many men experience impotence or decreased rigidity as they age, but the only real comfort is something that restores the vigour to your sex life. Ginkgo may be just what you are looking for. Even men who have not been helped by conventional drug treatment have responded to gingko, but the results did not happen overnight! Since not all cases of impotence are caused by decreased blood flow to the penis, ginkgo will not work for every man. But if your doctor says you have arterial erectile impotence, you may discover a real aphrodisiac in ginkgo.

Tinnitus and Hearing Disorders

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears that won't go away, is an annoying problems that doctors sometimes find difficult to treat with conventional medicine. That is why some doctors are turning to ginkgo to help their patients.

People who have hearing disorders related to low blood flow to the ears can also find relief after taking ginkgo for several months. Vertigo, a type of dizziness sometimes related to problems in the inner ear, might also be relieved by ginkgo.

Diabetes

Though there is no evidence that ginkgo can cure diabetes, it can be useful in treating a heart problems called "diabetic angiopathy", that is often associated with diabetes. And it can help prevent one of the most common problems faced by people with diabetes - poor circulation which creates insomnia problems by having cold feet and legs and people can't fall asleep. In some cases, poor circulation can lead to amputation of limbs. Ginkgo has been show to increase blood flow to the arms and legs of people with diabetes by 45%.

Asthma Relief

The same substance that causes platelets to clot, PAF, can also trigger asthma. PAF causes spasms in the sacs that make up the lungs. By blocking PAF, ginkgo can prevent these spasms and make it easier to breathe.

References:

Ginkgo - Elixir of Youth, Christopher Hobbs

Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, alive books

The Botanical Pharmacy, Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD, Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmsS, ND

Herb Bible, Earl Mindell, R.Ph, Ph.D

Ginkgo Biloba, by David C. Hoffmann, BSc (Hon.), MNIMH

Ginkgo Biloba, by John Martineau

Ginkgo Biloba, by Dr. Desmond Corrigan

Ginkgo Biloba, by Frank Murray

Ginkgo Biloba, by Tracy Smith

Google for testing studies & results about Ginkgo Biloba

This information is offered for its educational value only and should not be used in the diagnose, treatment, or prevention of disease. Any attempt to diagnose and treat illness should come under the direction of your health care practitioner.

-Source: https://stason.org/articles/wellbeing/health/Ginkgo-Biloba-The-Longevity-Herb.html

Why do people take ginkgo?

Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant. These effects may translate into some benefits for certain medical problems, but the results have been mixed.

Some studies have found that in healthy people, ginkgo might modestly boost memory and cognitive speed. Other studies have not found a benefit.

Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help with memory problems caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to help prevent the progression of dementia symptoms, especially if the dementia is thought to be the result of atherosclerotic vascular disease. It does not seem to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s, however.

There's good evidence that ginkgo might ease leg pain caused by clogged arteries. It might also help with some other circulation problems. In addition, ginkgo may relieve PMS symptoms, like breast tenderness and mood changes.

Researchers have studied ginkgo for many other conditions, including ADHD, depression and other psychological conditions, multiple sclerosis, and tinnitus from a vascular origin. Some people are also using ginkgo to prevent high altitude sickness, though studies have not yet established that it’s effective for that. Many uses of ginkgo show promise, but more research needs to be done.

How much ginkgo should you take?

There is no standard dose of ginkgo biloba supplements. However, in medical studies, almost all clinical trials have used a standardized extract of ginkgo, standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. A common dose in people with dementia is 40 milligrams of that extract three times daily. For improving cognitive function in healthy people, studies have used between 120 milligrams to 600 milligrams of the extract daily.

-Source: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-ginkgo-biloba#1

Facts about Ginkgo biloba

The therapeutic properties of the ginkgo plant are said to include treatment for blood disorders and memory problems, enhancement of cardiovascular function and to improve eye health.

Gingko contains high levels of flavonoids and terpenoids, antioxidants that provide protection against oxidative cell damage from harmful free radicals.

There is some evidence indicating that ginkgo can help people with dementia, although more studies are required to confirm this.

The benefits may include:

·        Improved thinking and memory

·        Better social behavior

·        Better ability to perform everyday tasks

·        People who use some types of antidepressants should not use this supplement.

One study found that an extract of ginkgo biloba, known as EGb 761, was clinically effective in treating Alzheimer's dementia.

Other research, published in JAMA, similarly concluded that EGb 761 was safe to use and possibly effective in stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive and the social functioning patients with dementia for between 6 and 12 months.

Researchers believe that ginkgo improves cognitive function because it promotes good blood circulation in the brain and protects the brain and other parts from neuronal damage.

However, other research suggests that ginkgo may not improve memory among people who are healthy.

Anxiety

Ginkgo may help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, found that people with generalized anxiety disorder who took ginkgo experienced better anxiety relief than those who took a placebo.

However, people who take Xanax for anxiety should not use ginkgo, because ginkgo may reduce the drug's effectiveness.

Glaucoma

One small study observed improvements in the vision of people with glaucoma who took 120 milligrams a day of gingko over a period of 8 weeks. Some studies have also suggested that gingko may help people with macular degeneration to keep their sight for longer.

People who should not take gingko biloba include:

·        children

·        pregnant or breastfeeding women

·        those with epilepsy

·        people taking blood thinners

Patients with diabetes should not use gingko without first checking with a physician.

-Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263105.php#dosage

 Where to Source the Best Nutritional Supplements

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While the Thrive premium-grade nutritional products are indeed life-changing and effective, we never want to claim that their products can help, cure, or prevent any type of disease, disorder, or medical condition.

All Level Thrive products contain high-quality, high-purity ultra-micronized nutrients resulting in an over 90% absorption rate and are GMP and NSF certified.

GMP and NSF Certified

Thrive nutritional supplements are independently tested, and the facilities where Le-Vel's products are manufactured, and the manufacturing processes, are GMP and NSF certified. We also have double-blind studies and clinical data - unfortunately we are not going to be releasing these as they are lengthy and do contain proprietary company information.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are guidelines that provide a system of processes, procedures and documentation to assure a product has the identity, strength, composition, quality and purity that appear on its label.

NSF International independently registers manufacturers as meeting GMP requirements. The program is open not just to manufacturers of dietary supplements but also to manufacturers of ingredients and raw materials, as well as distribution, warehousing and packaging companies, who want to demonstrate their commitment to public safety. NSF certification is your key to making sure that the products you use meet strict standards for public health protection.

Disclaimer Note: just because an herbal supplement may be natural doesn't mean it’s safe. If you are under a doctor’s care or on any kind of medications, always check with your therapist or physician before taking any herbal supplements. These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The total content material of this article is in relation to the investigation and viewpoints of the publisher, except if otherwise noted. The content on this website is not meant to substitute a one-on-one relationship with a certified health care specialist and is not intended as medical health advice.