To support healthy aging, focus on eating “good” fats called omega-3 fatty acids. They can slow down cognitive decline and reduce depression by improving communication between neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fats also combat inflammation, the major process behind aging and chronic conditions. Even risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol and triglycerides, will improve with omega-3 intake. Foods like unsalted nuts, avocado, and fatty fish are your best bet.
Cornstarch is used to thicken, bulk, and gel liquid foods. If you don’t have any on hand, use wheat flour as an alternative. Looking for gluten-free options? Arrowroot, potato, tapioca, and rice flour are all made from plants. Use ground flaxseed for a boost of fiber, but know that the texture may be gritty. Guar gum, xanthan gum, and psyllium are excellent choices, but a tiny bit goes a long way.
Chemotherapy may be harsh on the body, but it isn’t fool-proof. Cancer stems cells may survive the treatment and spark new growth. Eat carrots and tomatoes since they are rich sources of anti-oxidative vitamin A. Enjoy broccoli for sulforaphane and pineapple for bromelain, two compounds that kill cancer cells. The flavonoids in kale will also find and destroy free radicals, while red grapes and blueberries disrupt essential pathways needed for cancer development.
Green tea offers many health benefits topped off with some caffeine. This natural compound keeps you awake by blocking adenosine, the neurotransmitter that makes you sleepy. It also increases focus and can even aid weight loss, but consuming too much can make you anxious, irritable, and dehydrated. That’s why the recommended daily intake is 100 to 200 milligrams. One cup has an average of 35 milligrams, but it can increase with longer steeping and hotter water.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, helps mitochondria produce energy for cells. It’s also an antioxidant, so it can reduce the risk of cancer, maintain skin health, and promote muscle recovery after exercise. If you’re having fertility issues, CoQ10 will support eggs and sperm. Plus, by improving mitochondrial function, CoQ10 reduces the risk for migraines and neurodegenerative diseases. Supplements have also been useful for managing heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and the aging process.
Thirty percent of breast cancer survivors suffer from insomnia, but Tai Chi can lend a hand. Research has found that it’s even better than cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold standard of treatment. All it takes is one session a week. For the breast cancer patient, Tai Chi will reduce pain, fight stress, and improve fatigue. These benefits will significantly promote better sleep quality, a major influence on the quality of life.
Infertility has many causes, but ovulation problems are common. Clomiphene is a pill that increases levels of hormones needed to ovulate. You can also take hormones directly with injections. When infertility is caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, Metformin can help lower high levels of male hormones. If you can afford it, try vitro fertilization (IVF) to combine the egg and sperm in lab dish, which is then transferred into the womb.
Yohimbine is found in the bark of the yohimbe tree in Western Africa. It’s been used as a natural erectile dysfunction remedy for thousands of years. Researchers think it works by alpha-2 adrenoceptors, which inhibit erections. There are also mixed findings on yohimbine’s benefits for weight loss and exercise. Before seeking out yohimbine, know that the potential side effects include irritability, headache, and nausea. Many brands also don’t have accurate labeling, so be careful.
