25 Things You Can Do to Prevent Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s strikes fear in all of us. The thought of losing your mind as you grow older is terrifying and made worse by the fact that, before now, there appeared to be little we could do to slow down or avoid Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Today, research has found many factors that raise or diminish the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Following these tips, you could slash your chances of developing the disease: 1. Check out your ankle Low blood flow in your foot is a clue to trouble in your brain and a simple test can reveal its cognitive state and your likelihood of stroke and dementia. The theory is that the health of your blood vessels is similar throughout the body. The degree of clogged arteries and blood flow in the feet can suggest atherosclerosis in cerebral blood vessels. Ask your doctor for an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test which involves an ultrasound device and a blood pressure cuff that compares blood pressure in your ankle with that in your arm. To remedy any impairment of blood flow your GP may advise stepped-up exercise or a change in diet/medication. 2. Antioxidant-rich foods Certain foods infuse your brain with antioxidants that can slow memory decline and help prevent Alzheimer’s. All fruit and vegetables are good but top of the list are black raspberries, elderberries, raisins and blueberries. 3. Beware of bad fats The type of fat you eat changes your brain’s functioning for better or worse. Stay away from saturated fats which strangle brain cells causing them to become inefficient. Buy low fat or fat-free dairy products including milk, cheese and ice cream. Cut down on deep-fried foods. 4. Chocolate Treat Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, has sky-high concentrations of antioxidants called flavanols, which possess strong heart and brain-protecting properties. Drinking cocoa increases blood flow to the brain. Cocoa powder has twice as many flavanols as dark chocolate which has twice a many as milk chocolate. White chocolate has zero.  5. Grow a bigger brain Your brain starts to shrink when you reach 30 or 40 so it takes longer to learn. However scientists now believe you can increase the size of your brain through the act of learning. Try studying, learning new things or broadening your circle of friends for stimulation.  6. The Estrogen Evidence Sixty eight per cent of Alzheimer’s patients are women, possibly as midway through life they lose the protection of the hormone estrogen which boosts memory. Unless your GP says otherwise, start taking estrogen immediately at the time of menopause – starting any later risks dementia and strokes. 7. Raise good cholesterol It’s well known that having high good-type HDL blood cholesterol protects you from heart disease. But it can also save your brain. Researchers claim it blocks sticky stuff that destroys brain cells and acts as an anti-inflammatory to lessen brain damage. Ways to ramp up good cholesterol include exercise, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and losing weight. 8. Google something Doing an internet search can stimulate ageing brains even more than reading a book. And MRI scans show that savvy surfers have twice as many sparks of brain activity as novices. Go online to search for information, things to buy or games to play. Although it’s not known how much it will benefit your brain, it’s better than passive pursuits. 9. The ApoE4 gene One in four of you reading this has a specific genetic time bomb that makes you 3 to 10 times more susceptible to developing late-onset Alzheimer’s. The gene is called apolipoprotein E4. If you inherit a single variant of ApoE4 from one parent, your Alzheimer’s risk triples. If you inherit a double dose from both parents, your risk rises by 10 times. Ask your doctor about a DNA test to reveal your ApoE4 genotype. 10. Say yes to coffee Coffee is emerging as a tonic for the ageing brain. It is anti-inflammatory, helps block the ill effects of cholesterol in the brain and cuts the risks of stroke, depression and diabetes, all promoters of dementia. It is also high in antioxidants and caffeine which stop neuronal death and lessen diabetes, high blood pressure and strokes that bring on dementia. For most people, a moderate daily intake of coffee, two to four cups, won’t hurt and may help. 11. Dangers of underweight Unexplained weight loss after age 60 or so may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. A study showed that women with the disease started losing weight at least 10 years before dementia was diagnosed. Among women of equal weight, those who went on to develop dementia slowly became thinner over three decades and, when diagnosed, weighed an average 12lb less that women who were free of Alzheimer’s. Talk to your doctor about unexplained weight loss after 60. 12. Drink wine A daily glass of wine may help delay dementia. Research says that alcohol is an anti-inflammatory and raises good cholesterol which helps ward off dementia. High antioxidants in red wine give it additional anti-dementia clout. Such antioxidants act as artery relaxants, dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow which encourages cognitive functioning.  13. Know the early signs Memory problems are not the first clue. You may notice a decline in depth perception, for example you reach to pick up a glass of water and miss it. Or you misjudge the distance in walking across a street.  Doing a jigsaw puzzle or reading a map may also be confusing. Losing your sense of smell can also be an early clue, as well as asking the same question repeatedly or misplacing belongings in odd places (like putting keys in the fridge). Be aware of memory problems as the earlier the signs are spotted, the more successful lifestyle changes and medications are likely to be. 14. A Mediterranean diet The Mediterranean diet, no matter where you live, can help save your brain from memory deterioration and dementia. Studies consistently find that what the Greeks and Italians eat is truly brain food. Following this diet – rich in green leafy vegetables, fish, fruits, nuts, legumes, olive oil and a little vino – can cut your chances of Alzheimer’s by nearly half. Rather than depending on just one food or a few nutrients, it is a rich menu of many complex brain benefactors, including an array of antioxidants, which shield brain cells from oxidative damage. 15. Middle Age Obesity Your brain cares if you are fat. A study showed obese people had 8% less brain tissue and overweight people had 4% less brain tissue than people of average  weight, which according to some scientists hugely increases the risk of Alzheimer’s. Moreover, brain shrinkage occurred in areas of the brain targeted by Alzheimer’s, and which are critical for planning, long-term memory, attention and executive functions, and control of movement. Tackle signs of rising weight early, when you are young or middle-aged. Oddly, being obese after the age of 70 does not raise the risk of Alzheimer’s but that doesn’t mean you should neglect exercise as it is the best way of stimulating cognitive functioning and may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s at any age. 16. Get a good night’s sleep A lack of sleep is toxic to brain cells. Sleep has surprising powers to protect your brain against memory loss and Alzheimer’s. It is a wonder drug that helps manipulate levels of the dreaded brain toxin peptide beta-amyloid, a prime instigator of Alzheimer’s, which according to one scientist puts you at accelerated risk. Research has also found that sleeping an average of five hours or less a night is linked to large increases in dangerous visceral abdominal fat, which can cause diabetes and obesity that can lead to Alzheimer’s. Take naps and seek treatment for sleep disorders. 17. Have an extended social circle Studying the brain of a highly sociable 90-year-old woman who died from Alzheimer’s, researchers in Chicago found that having a large social network provided her with strong “cognitive reserve” that enabled her brain to not realize she had Alzheimer’s. Why this happens is a mystery but interacting with friends and family seems to make the brain more efficient. It finds alternative routes of communication to bypass broken connections left by Alzheimer’s. So see friends and family often and expand your social network. The stronger the brain reserve you build through life, the more likely you are to stave off Alzheimer’s symptoms. 18. Deal with stress When you are under stress, your body pours out hormones called corticosteroids, which can save you in a crisis. But persistent stress reactions triggered by everyday events like work frustration, traffic and financial worries can be dangerous. Over time, it can destroy brain cells and suppress the growth of new ones, actually shrinking your brain. Sudden traumatic events like the death of a loved one or a life-changing event like retirement can leave a hangover of severe psychological stress that precedes dementia. Be aware that chronic stress can increase older people’s vulnerability to memory decline and dementia. Seek professional advice. Antidepressants, counselling, relaxation techniques and other forms of therapy may head off stress-related memory loss if treated early.  19. Take care of your teeth   Bad gums may poison your brain. People with tooth and gum disease tend to scorelower in memory and  cognition tests, according to US dental researchers who found that infection responsible for gum disease gives off inflammatory byproducts that travel to areas of the brain involved in memory loss. Consequently, brushing, flossing and preventing gum disease may help keep your gums and teeth healthy but also your memory sharper. In another study, older people with the most severe gingivitis – inflamed gums – were two to three times more likely to show signs of impaired memory and cognition than those with the least. 20. Get enough Vitamin B12 As you age, blood levels of vitamin B12 go down and the chance of Alzheimer’s goes up. Your ability to absorb it from foods diminishes in middle age, setting the stage for brain degeneration years later. Researchers at Oxford University found that a brain running low on B12 actually shrinks and a shortage can lead to brain atrophy by ripping away, myelin, a fatty protective sheath around neurons. It can also trigger inflammation, another destroyer of brain cells. Take 500 to 1000mcg of vitamin B12 daily after the age of 40. If you or an older family member has unexplained memory loss, fatigue or signs of dementia, be sure to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency by your GP. 21. Vinegar in everything There is plenty of evidence that  vinegar sinks risk factors that may lead to memory decline, namely high blood sugar, insulin resistance, diabetes and pre-diabetes and weight gain. Researchers in Phoenix, Arizona, have noted in studies of humans and animals that the acidic stuff packs potent glucose-lowering effects. Studies have also found it can curb appetite and food intake, helping prevent weight gain and obesity, which are associated with diabetes, accelerated dementia and memory loss. Pour on the vinegar – add it to salad dressings, eat it by the spoonful, even mix it into a glass of drinking water. Any type of vinegar works. 22. Have your eyes checked If you preserve good or excellent vision as you age, your chances of developing dementia drop by an astonishing 63%. And if it’s poor, just visiting an optician for an eye test and possible treatment at least once in later life cuts your dementia odds by about the same amount. Exactly how vision problems promote dementia is not clear but impaired vision makes it difficult to participate in mental and physical activities such as reading and exercising, as well as social activities, all believed to delay cognitive decline. Be aware that your eyes reflect and influence how your brain is functioning, especially as you age. Don’t tolerate poor vision as often it can be corrected. 23. Eat curry or take curcumin pills Curry powder contains the yellow-orange spice turmeric, packed with curcumin, a component reported to stall memory decline. One study showed elderly Indians who ate even modest amounts of curry did better in cognitive tests. Curcumin works by blocking the build-up of Alzheimer’s-inducing amyloid plaques (deposits found in the brains of sufferers) then nibbles away at existing plaques to slow cognitive decline. It is recommended to eat two or three curries a week, and make it a yellow curry. Otherwise, sprinkle the spices on your food. 24. diabetes control Having type 2 diabetes makes you more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may double or triple your risk and the earlier diabetes takes hold, the higher the odds of dementia. Some experts refer to Alzheimer’s as “diabetes of the brain”. The two disorders have similar causes – obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high fat and high sugar diets, low physical activity as well as high blood sugar. In short, diabetes can deliver a double whammy to the brain, destroying neurons and increasing inflammation. Do everything possible to keep blood sugar levels low and stick to a low-saturated-fat diet and regular exercise. 25. Drink more tea Evidence suggests that tea stalls the cognitive loss that precedes Alzheimer’s and that the more tea you drink, the sharper your ageing memory is. Tea’s secret is no mystery. The leaves are packed with compounds able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and block neuronal damage.  One particular green tea antioxidant can block the toxicity of beta-amyloid, which kills brain cells. Make a point of drinking black and green tea. Don’t add milk, it can reduce tea’s antioxidant activity by 25%.

Read More

Amazing Benefits of Camphor!

You probably know what camphor smells like, even if you don't know what it's called. Camphor is one of the main ingredients that gives Vicks VapoRub its strong smell, as well as its medicinal benefits. 

It's a flammable, waxy, white or transparent solid substance that is found in the wood of the camphor laurel, a tree native to Asia. It's available in the form of small cubes and an essential oil that is extracted from the camphor tree. 

It possesses anesthetic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, stimulative, and antispasmodic properties. It also works as a natural decongestant, which mainly led to its medicinal use. 

Here are 10 surprising benefits of camphor. 

1. Cures a Cough 

Its strong smell has the power to get rid of a stuffy nose and clear a congested chest. In fact, a number of medicated chest and throat rubs contain camphor as one of the main ingredients. 

- Mix 4-5 drops of camphor essential oil with a tablespoon of almond oil. Gently rub this oil blend onto your chest for a couple of minutes. Use as needed. 
- To treat a chronic cough, steam inhalation is extremely effective. Put a couple of drops of camphor essential oil into a bowl of hot water. Inhale the vapor to get some relief from chest pain and coughing.

2. Clears Acne 

Its anti-inflammatory nature helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness in your skin.

1. Place 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in an airtight jar. 
2. Add 1 teaspoon of camphor oil and mix well. 
3. After washing your face with a cleanser, pat dry and put some of the oil on the acne. 
4. Massage it into your skin for 5 minutes. 
5. Leave it overnight.
6. The following morning, wash off the oil with lukewarm water and a cleanser. 
7. Do this once per day.

3. Clears Nasal Congestion 

Camphor works as a natural decongestant that provides relief from a blocked nose and makes breathing easy and comfortable again.

- Mix a little camphor oil into 1 tablespoon of warm mustard oil. Rub the mixture gently on your chest, back, and throat before going to bed to make breathing easier. 
- You can also apply an over-the-counter, camphor-based cream onto your chest a few times a day to help fight nasal congestion. 

4. Cures Cold Sores

Cold sores are quite common, highly contagious, and cause a lot of pain and irritation. To treat them, try camphor. It will temporarily relieve any pain and itching caused by the lesions, due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. 

1. Mix 2-3 drops of camphor essential oil with 1 tablespoon of melted extra-virgin coconut oil. 
2. Use a cotton pad to apply it to the sores.
3. Repeat 3-4 times per day. 

5. Kills Head lice 

Camphor, when used alongside coconut oil, makes a great remedy to get rid of head lice. 

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed camphor and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Apply it to your hair.
3. Put on a shower cap and leave it overnight.
4. Wash out the next day with some shampoo.
5. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for a month to get rid of head lice. 

6. Heals Muscle Pain 

Due to its aforementioned anti-inflammatory properties, camphor is effective at treating any kind of muscle pain. Massaging the painful area with some camphor essential oil helps improve blood circulation and reduces stiffness, which in turn promotes healing. 

1. Mix 5-6 drops of camphor oil into 1-2 tablespoons of warm olive oil.
2. Use it to massage the affected area once or twice a day.

7. Soothe Cracked Heels 

If you're worried about cracked heels, camphor is the perfect home remedy for you. It will help reduce the pain caused by the cracks and also accelerate the healing process. 

1. Mix a piece of camphor in some warm water. 
2. Soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
3. Scrub your feet using a pumice stone.
4. Rinse them with clean water and pat dry. 
5. Rub a tiny amount of Vicks VapoRub on your heels and feet.
6. Put on some socks and wear overnight.
7. Repeat daily. 

8. Treats Corns 

A corn on your foot can cause a lot of discomfort while standing or walking. To reduce this discomfort, you should use some camphor essential oil. 

1. Heat 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in the microwave until it melts. 
2. Mix in 1 tablespoon of turpentine oil and 2 tablespoons of camphor oil.
3. Stir well and allow the cream to cool.
4. Soak your feet in warm water for 5 minutes and pat dry.
5. Apply the cream to the corn.
6. Repeat 2-3 times per day. 

9. Repels and Kills Insects and Mosquitoes

Camphor essential oil, due to its strong smell and other properties, works as a natural insecticide and repellent.

- Pour 1/2 cup of hot water into a clean spray bottle. Add 20 drops of camphor essential oil to it. Shake well to mix the ingredients. Spray this solution around places you notice insects or mosquitoes.
- Put a couple of drops of camphor oil in a diffuser and place in a room which has mosquitoes.

10. Treats Restless Leg Syndrome 

Those who suffer from this are familiar with the unpleasant sensations such as throbbing, pulling, and an urge to move your legs, especially when you're trying to get some sleep. 

To reduce the discomfort, try camphor. Its therapeutic and antispasmodic properties help to relieve inflammation and reduce restless leg syndrome. 

- Mix a little camphor oil in some warm olive oil. Massage all over your legs for 5-10 minutes. Do this each day before going to bed. 

Important Points

- Always mix camphor oil with some carrier oil before applying to the skin. It's very strong and can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin. 
- The ideal dosage for taking camphor orally is between 125-375mg a day. Consult your doctor for the dosage that is best for you.

Read More

Here's How to Deal With Panic Attacks!

Astrologer Vighnesh
Vedic Astrologer, Accurate prediction
ph: +91 9445548316 or +1 (425) 358 6565
www.astrovighnesh.com
A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense anxiety, which may also be accompanied by a number of intense physical symptoms, including nausea, disorientation, shaking, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, sweating, restlessness, tingling fingers, ringing in your ears, and shortness of breath.

These symptoms aren't typically dangerous but can be absolutely terrifying to experience, especially if you've never had a panic attack before.. They can make you feel as though you're having a heart attack, and may last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.

What Causes a Panic Attack?

The symptoms described above tend to kick in when your body enters 'fight or flight' mode, as the result of a distressing physical or psychological stimulus. Your rate of breathing speeds up as your body tries to increase its oxygen intake. This causes a number of hormones to be released, such as adrenaline, making your muscles tense up and your heart beat faster.

How Should I Handle a Panic Attack?

Professor of Clinical Psychology and Applied Science at the University of Bath, Paul Salkovskis, says that it's very important not to allow your fear of panic attacks to take over. "Panic attacks always pass and the symptoms are not a sign of anything harmful happening," he says. "Tell yourself that the symptoms you're experiencing are caused by anxiety."

He points out that during a panic attack, one should avoid looking for distractions, but to ride out the attack instead. "Try to keep doing things. If possible, don't leave the situation until the anxiety has subsided. Confront your fear. If you don't run away from it, you're giving yourself a chance to discover that nothing's going to happen."

Once the anxiety begins to subside, you should focus on your surroundings, and carry on with whatever you were doing before the attack began. "If you’re having a short, sudden panic attack, it can be helpful to have someone with you, reassuring you that it will pass and the symptoms are nothing to worry about," says Professor Salkovskis.

Try Breathing Exercises to Help Ease Symptoms

If a panic attack causes your breathing pattern to rapidly speed up, controlling your breath by means of breathing exercises is an effective way of easing some of the symptoms. Try this:

1. Breathe in through your nose, as gently, slowly, and deeply as possible.

2. Breathe out through your mouth, gently, slowly, and deeply.

3. While breathing in and out, you may find it useful to count from one to five for each inhalation or exhalation.

4. Close your eyes, and simply focus on your breathing.

After practicing this for a few minutes, you should begin to feel better. However, it's perfectly normal to feel a bit fatigued afterward.

How Can I Prevent Panic Attacks?

In order to try and prevent panic attacks from occurring, Professor Salkovskis says that "you need to try to work out what particular stress you might be under that could make your symptoms worse," but that "it's important not to restrict your movements and daily activities."

Here are some things that may help you to prevent panic attacks:
• Doing breathing exercises or practicing meditation on a daily basis.
• Eating regular meals to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
• Exercising regularly to help you manage stress, boost your confidence, release tension, and boost your mood.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine, since these can aggravate your symptoms.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can get to the root of your problem and can alter the negative thought patterns that are fueling your attacks.
• Joining a panic support group can also be very helpful and reassuring.

Should I See a Doctor?

While frightening, panic attacks are typically relatively harmless. However, for more severe cases, it would be a good idea to get a professional opinion.

You should see your doctor if:
• You feel unwell after your breathing returns to normal.
• Your panic attack still hasn't subsided after 20 whole minutes of controlled breathing exercises.
• You still have an irregular or rapid heartbeat or chest pains after the attack subsides.
• Your panic attacks become a regular occurrence.

Read More