One of the newer approaches we have taken to keep things fresh in informing the public and health/medical professionals about the efficacy of natural remedies/supplements is by presenting some of them in an alphabetical format. In this particular format shown here, we do this two letters at a time, alternating between product/remedy and supplement/solution.
In our first blog in this series that appeared recently we went from A to B, offering summaries of supplements ashwagandha and boswellia and the health conditions anxiety and bronchitis. This time around we move ahead to creatine, constipation, D-mannose, and dementia.
As always, we suggest you consult your primary-care physician or other healthcare professional before trying any of these natural remedies to discuss potential conflicts with prescription medications or existing health conditions such as pregnancy or high blood pressure that might be a deterrent to using a particular supplement or herb.
Remedy – Creatine
Creatine use is most often associated with athletes looking for that extra jolt of energy or stamina. And it is not to be confused with banned performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) such as steroids. It is a compound that provides a natural source of energy to help keep your muscles working optimally. Creatine can also help bolster muscle growth because it can hasten muscle recovery following a strenuous workout or race, bolster anabolic hormones that play a part in growth and tissue repair, and increase the amount of water in the cells of muscles, which helps cut down dehydration and muscle cramps. Another aspect of the chemistry of creatine related to its supplementation is that it can boost glycogen storage in muscles, amping up the release of glucose, which is a great supplier of instant energy.
Condition – Constipation
This is usually a temporary condition, one that many people experience at least once in their lifetime. We all know the drill. We take a trip out of town for some overnights and perhaps days go by without a bowel movement. You are stopped up, and you aren’t feeling so good either, maybe with cramping in your gut area. Other causes besides long trips could be the foods you eat (lack of fiber perhaps?), lifestyle choices, or medications you are taking. Signs of constipation are fewer than three bowel movements a week; hard, dry, stools; difficulty passing a stool, sometimes accompanied by pain; and a sensation that there’s still more left to come out. Several common natural remedies in the form of supplements can help. These might include a fiber such as psyllium (increases bulk or consistency of stools); senna tabs (contain plant-based glycosides that stimulate gut nerves to speed things up); laxatives (several types –increase water content, or soften, or bulk up, etc.) and glucomannan (sourced from konjac plant to boost defecation), among others.
Remedy – D-Mannose
If you or someone you know is dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosed by a healthcare professional, D-mannose is a natural-remedy option, but discuss first with your physician before using it. Note that UTIs are most common in women and have become quite resistant to antibiotic medications, which brings supplements into the equation for possible use. D-mannose is classified as a monosaccharide, which works to thwart bacterial adhesion to the urothelium once ingested. Clinical studies have indicated the effectiveness of D-mannose in preventing recurrent UTIs.
Condition – Dementia
A gradual decline in cognitive function in people is considered a natural consequence of growing older, usually creeping in when people are in their early to mid-40s. But for some the loss is much more pronounced and can eventually lead to dementia, characterized by an extreme loss of cognitive ability. Our brains rely on a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine for gathering and storing new information, which in so doing manufactures new neural links. As we get older, the manufacture of acetylcholine dwindles, reducing the brain’s ability to create new short-term memories. Supplements that are among those considered as possibilities for slowing down this process include the plant-based gingko biloba, which is known to enhance blood circulation and help promote higher concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain. Other active compounds include inulin (studies show it helps reduce neuroinflammation, a key to brain functionality) and fiber (linked to enhanced performance in brain function assessment tests, reaction time, and processing speed).
Hopefully, these four summaries will help you make sound decisions going forward in seeking out and choosing natural remedies available over the counter to help protect your health. Again, be sure to discuss your use of any of these products with your personal physician or other healthcare professional.