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Author:
John Gibb

Understanding what happens when an individual develops Alzheimer's is still something that is being investigated. What scientists do know about Alzheimer's is that it is a slow-developing disease of the brain that is characterized by dying brain cells. While the direct cause is unknown, it is theorized that the death of the cells is attributed to a lack of chemicals necessary to keep brain cells healthy.

After the age of 20, human brain cells (neurons) start to die at a rate of about 9000 per day. This results in a natural decline of mental acuity. There are reports that some vitamins can help to restore brain cells, but these reports are highly controversial. Once brain cells die, there really is no way to restore them. What scientists focus on is how to prevent Alzheimer's. In the last few years, scientists have been testing the effects of vitamins on the brain. Those that seem to provide the most benefit are vitamins C and E.

In the world of vitamin supplementation, vitamin C and E are building blocks of good health. These vitamins are antioxidants that has proven beneficial in numerous health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress. The body normally produces enough vitamin C and E in the body to protect the brain from damage from free radicals. However, the amount of vitamin C may be depleted by factors, such as diet and genetics. Scientists believe that taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C and 500 milligrams of vitamin E daily protects brain cells from premature destruction, a key to Alzheimer's prevention.

These recommended amounts of vitamin C and E supplementation to prevent Alzheimer's is way beyond what is recommended for general health. Before you consider taking these vitamins, you should discuss your plans with a medical doctor. Excessive amounts of vitamin C are flushed out in the urine and don't usually cause serious problems, but excessive amounts of vitamin E can result in some unpleasant side effects. As with any vitamins or medication, you should store them in a location that is out of reach from children. Vitamins C and E can cause serious problems in children.

Why not check out our nutrition guide at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html

and also what supplement we personally use for our nutrition needs at http://www.nutritional-supplement-guides.com/what-we-use.html

John Gibb is the owner of Nutrition guides, a website offering free nutrition advice and a quality nutrition book for newsletter subscribers.

| Article Keywords: Nutrient Basics

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Nutrient Basics... Fight Osteoporosis By Eating Foods With Vitamin K We don’t hear about Vitamin K too often, but it is vital for good bone density as well as proper clotting of the blood. This is a fat soluble vitamin which is absorbed into the fat tissues and stored to be used by the body as needed. It is produced in the intestines and it’s production can be greatly helped by the presence of good bacteria whose growth is encouraged by eating yogurt with active cultures. It also needs dietary fat in order to be absorbed, but most people who maintain a healthy diet will be getting plenty of that! Since vitamin K has a large role in the formation and repair of bones, some claim that eating food rich in this vitamin may help in the fight against osteoporosis. Natural foods that are rich in vitamin K are also rich in other vitamins, minerals and enzymes so adding plenty of them to your diet will be helpful to your overall health. However, if you are currently on anticoagulant drugs such as coumadin, you should consult your physician before taking any supplements or eating foods that are rich in vitamin K as this vitamin helps to clot blood and blocks the actions of these drugs. Some common foods that are rich in vitamin K include: • Spinach • Kale • Cabbage • Lettuce • Broccoli • Green Beans • Cucumber • Peas • Asparagus • Apples • Peaches • Banana • Tomato • Carrot • Potato • Oats While vitamin K is contained in most multi vitamin supplements, it is important to be aware that taking it in conjunction with some other vitamins and foods can cause it to become less effective. This vitamin will become less effective if it is frozen or rancid fats, excessive sugar, asprin or antibiotics are present in the diet. Diets high in vitamin E or calcium as well as nuts, fruits, spices and mints can hinder the absorption of vitamin...