Improve Your Brain's Choline Levels with Huperzine A
Huperzine A is not a well known nutrient. However for those who are experiencing age related memory decline or dementia, it could well be a real life saver, or perhaps I should say, a mind saver. It is actually an alkaloid from an herb, huperzia serrata, that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years. This alkaloid is one of the major health giving components of the herb. If you are experiencing thinking difficulties, or the inability to concentrate or solve problems, you may be suffering from low choline levels in the brain. Choline is considered a key ingredient for brain health, but as we age, choline levels begin to decline. Research from leading scientific institutes in Europe shows that Huperzine A is one of the best nutrients you can take to improve the levels of choline in your brain and to renew energy levels. It has been shown to:
improve how neurotransmitters work improve the nerve cells energy levels make your whole brain work better help brain cells connect with each other by growing longer dendrites. (Dendrites are the branches on nerve cells that let them communicate with other cells. be better than physostigmine and tacrine (two prescription Alzheimer's drugs) for treating Alzheimer's symptoms, and last longer slow down brain cell death caused by glutamate(a damaging sugar increase acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter, thereby improving overall mental functioningThis last result is accomplished by deactivating an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the brain. The result is that levels of this important neurotransmitter remain high and thinking remains clear and sharp.
Other Applications from Traditional Uses and Current Studies
In traditional Chinese medicine Huperzia Serrata, the herb that Huperzine A is taken from, is used to treat inflammation and fever. There have been no scientific studies to confirm or disprove the effectiveness of these traditional uses of the herb, but some laboratory studies have confirmed that some of the herb's components do have anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers have also confirmed that the herb has some chemicals that help the body lose water. Additionally, scientists are currently studying its effectiveness in treating several other health challenges such as myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, and chemical poisoning caused by pesticides or chemical weapons similar to "nerve gas".
Precautions
If you have any of the following conditions you should only take this nutrient under a doctor's supervision, since the way it works in the body could cause some symptoms of these conditions to worsen, or its effects on someone with this condition have not been studied. Epilepsy Heart arrhythmias (This means your heart doesn't beat normally.) Respiratory difficulties, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema Ulcers Bladder or prostate problems Pregnant or breastfeeding
Where You Can Find It
You can find this supplement at health food stores, in all likelihood. However, I know that it is available at Life Extension Foundation. Their supplements are always very high quality.
Conclusions
Apart from the preceding conditions, if you are experiencing age related memory problems or mental decline, consider trying Huperzine A. The recommended dosage is 2000 to 4000 milligrams a day. Use a lower dose if your memory problems are slight and you mostly want to prevent future problems. Use a higher dose if you are already struggling with moderate memory problems. More than one study has shown that it has improved thinking capabilities for the majority of Alzheimer's patients studied in only two months time. In fact, one study showed that when it was used for at least a six week period it was more effective at improving age related mental decline than some prescription medicines. If you aren't excited about taking prescriptions, or you don't want to give them to your loved ones, this nutrient may provide a safer, more natural alternative.
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