As time progresses, both you and your close friends and family grow older. Along with age, comes certain health issues you have to take into consideration. A major issue that is a cause for concern especially for elderly people is dementia. One form that is the most common form of dementia is known as Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no cure this mental disease. It is said that Alzheimer is currently affecting at least five million Americans and that rate is subjected to increase steadily as the years progress.
When faced with these stats, people are looking to find natural solutions and remedies that can help to prevent, protect, and treat these symptoms. One popular remedy, despite inconsistent studies is, ginkgo. It has become a very popular herbal remedy for those who reside in both Europe and also North America.
What you need to know about gingko
The ginkgo extract has been as a herbal remedy for many years. In fact, it was used in China to help treat certain ailments such as memory loss and poor blood circulation. It continues to be regarded as a solution to helping with Alzheimer’s despite the many debates in the medical and health community. Ginkgo is slated to help patients with improving memory, aiding in cognitive functionality, and also to help combat depression. Some studies have stated ginkgo was effective in reducing the risk of getting Alzheimer’s in older women and other studies concluded that ginkgo was as effective as a certain prescription drug. However, there have been other studies that have concluded there were no different results in subjects that took ginkgo versus those that took a placebo. This is why this natural remedy continues to be a hot debate.
What are the other benefits of ginkgo?
Besides helping to combat memory loss and improve mental functionality, ginkgo has been touted to have other benefits as well. According to certain studies, people with poor blood circulation can find relief when incorporating a ginkgo supplement in their daily routine. Other benefits include: the prevention of vertigo, the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, glaucoma, tinnitus, sexual dysfunction, and also multiple sclerosis. Currently these are only claims and more studies do need to be done to concretely confirm these claims.
What else should you know or be aware of?
Ginkgo, even though it’s considered an herbal remedy, should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you are taking other forms or medication or supplements such as antidepressants or any blood-related forms of medication. This supplement has not been approved by the FDA.
There are some effects that people can experience when taking ginkgo. Some may experience side effects such as: diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, headaches, or bouts of dizziness.
If you are going to have a medical procedure or surgery, it is recommended that you stop taking ginkgo 36 hours before your procedure. It has been related and also linked to increased bleeding and the risk of internal bleeding as well. Women who are currently breastfeeding or pregnant are recommended to not take a ginkgo supplement.
