The coming health crisis: protect yourself against age-related diseases

Better Nutrition, March, 2005 by Jamal Wallace

If you're like most people, you probably associate aging with health disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or arthritis. But researchers who spoke at a congressional briefing in September 2004 warned that some other, lesser-known diseases are poised to strike older adults with a vengeance: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), urinary incontinence and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

With this in mind, we've compiled some suggestions about various natural products that, in concert with an overall regimen of proper diet, exercise and smoking cessation, may lower your risk of suffering these diseases.

Urinary Incontinence

Many of us are soon going to be afraid of a good belly laugh--for fear of wetting ourselves in public. Over 20 million Americans wouldn't dare strain to pick up their grandchild or sit on someone's new couch.

But the condition can produce more than just embarrassment. Bladder infections and skin breakdowns are much more common in people with incontinence. And it can lead to depression and loss of self-esteem. Fractures can even result from mad, unplanned dashes to the washroom.

Science hasn't pinned down the cause and--short of further research into this rarely studied problem--cannot explain why some people suffer from it and others don't.

Exercise, relaxation techniques and yoga have been shown to help. People with incontinence should also avoid too many drinks containing alcohol, caffeine or carbonation, and they should limit their liquid intake to two liters of fluid daily. Never go to the toilet "just in case." Avoid constipation. And try to train your bladder to hold more urine.

As for supplements, calcium and magnesium taken together may improve control of the muscles used in urination. And vitamin C, cranberries and blueberries help by preventing bacterial infections of the urinary tract.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Even as the prevalence rates of many diseases that cause death and disability are declining, rates of COPD are increasing. About 15 million people in the United States have it--with twice as many undiagnosed cases suspected--and it's the second leading cause of disability.

COPD involves emphysema or chronic bronchitis, depending on its path of destruction in the lungs. Most people with COPD have both. Often a COPD diagnosis is missed because its risk factors are also associated with myriad other disorders. Patients show up with a cough and shortness of breath--and are diagnosed with heart disease. The COPD is left untreated.

The best prevention advice is to avoid cigarette smoke, including the secondhand kind. And limit your exposure to animal dander and dust mites.

Some nutritionists believe that magnesium supplements can help reduce the odds of developing emphysema, although the jury's still out. But magnesium should be a part of a healthful diet anyway. Dietary sources include legumes, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. Or, you can take magnesium supplements.

Once acquired, COPD-related damage to the lungs will not improve. However, some proponents point to a number of nutrients as potentially beneficial to COPD patients. Dietary and supplemental forms of omega-3 fatty acids--including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in walnuts and flaxseeds--may help lessen COPD symptoms. Bromelain, coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine may reduce mucus production, say some experts. And increasing the amount of fruit you eat by one or two servings per week or taking vitamin C supplements may help improve lung function. Herbal treatments may include garlic, eucalyptus, licorice, lobelia, marshmallow, red clover and saw palmetto.

Arthritis

Arthritis--a general term for over 100 different inflammatory diseases involving joint pain--affects 70 million Americans, making it one of our most common ailments. And 20 million suffer from the extremely crippling form: rheumatoid arthritis.

Sulfur helps arthritis by rebuilding bone, cartilage and connective tissue. Foods that contain sulfur are asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions.

Boswellia may reduce inflammation, plus it restores blood vessels around inflamed connective tissues. Glucosamine sulfate benefits bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and joint fluid. Calcium helps to prevent bone loss. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a sulfur compound, eases pain and inflammation. Cat's claw may relieve pain. Ginger, an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, cayenne can lessen pain. And nettle leaf has some anti-inflammatory properties that may also help.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) afflicts about 4 million Americans--and this number is expected to hit 16 million by the year 2050. One in 20 seniors suffers from vitamin [B.sub.12] deficiency, a condition associated with neurological disorders--such as AD--and other major health problems. Good sources of [B.sub.12] are red and organ meats and the range of vitamin B supplements.

Eating nuts, leafy green vegetables and other foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E may reduce the risk of AD, two studies suggest.