Protect your brain’s secret “gatekeeper” to fend off dementia

Each of us is built with a remarkable and powerful shield that helps protect us from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

You’ll never get to see it — and rarely hear about it — but it’s an essential part of your overall health.

It’s called the blood brain barrier (BBB) and it’s the brilliant gatekeeper between your bloodstream and your brain. It allows oxygen and nutrients to reach your brain, while blocking out toxins and other harmful chemicals.

New evidence shows that the BBB also plays an important role in keeping your aging brain healthy as you continue to create and store memories throughout your life.

And fortunately, science shows that there’s a safe botanical supplement you can rely on to help keep your protective brain shield functioning at full strength.

This supplement is called Pycnogenol®, and it comes with a significant bonus: It’s been shown to quickly improve your memory while also supporting your general health in a surprising number of ways. Today, I’ll tell you all about the multiple benefits you can achieve with this all-natural option.

Keeping your brain’s defense system youthful

Your blood brain barrier is so effective, thanks to its makeup: the specialized cells that line the inner layer of the millions of blood vessels and capillaries in your brain. This complex system is referred to as your microcirculation.

In a recent study on microcirculation, University of Southern California (USC) researchers made three important discoveries about the BBB:

  1. It becomes “leaky” and less effective with age.
  2. Damage caused by this leakage begins in the hippocampus — the area of the brain where learning and memory occur.
  3. BBB dysfunction is clearly linked to the development of dementia.

The USC team concluded: “To prevent dementias, including Alzheimer’s, we may need to come up with ways to reseal the blood-brain barrier and prevent the brain from being flooded with toxic chemicals in the blood.”

But as Dr. Fred Pescatore points out in his Drug-Free Protocol for Reversing Alzheimer’s and Dementia, we don’t have to “come up with ways” to repair the BBB because we already know how to do that.

“One way to strengthen your microcirculation,” he says, is to reduce damaging inflammation in the body. And that starts by cutting out foods that promote inflammation — namely sugar, white flour, and simple carbohydrates.

“Instead, focus on anti-inflammatory foods like organic produce, lean protein, and the healthy monounsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds.”

And his next recommended step: Start taking Pycnogenol®— a French maritime pine bark extract that happens to be a potent anti-inflammatory. But that’s just one of many benefits this supplement brings to brain health.

Staying sharp enough to enjoy life

In addition to calming inflammation, Dr. Pescatore notes that one of the important ways Pycnogenol® aids in circulation is by targeting collagen and elastin — the building blocks that line your blood vessels and capillaries.

He explains why this benefit is critical, “Unfortunately, collagen and elastin break down over time, which can lead to leaky capillaries and a damaged blood-brain barrier.

“But Pycnogenol® helps the body replenish these two critical substances — and keeps your blood vessels and capillaries working the way they’re supposed to in the process.”

But that’s just the starting point when it comes to the benefits of Pycnogenol®.

Dr. Pescatore points out that this extract also reduces oxidative stress in the brain, which is clearly linked to cognitive impairment. And as I mentioned a moment ago, Pycnogenol® also helps maintain healthy microcirculation.

And Dr. Pescatore stresses this important point: “Optimal blood flow is the key to life, longevity, and feeling energized and vibrant. Not to mention the key to staying sharp enough to enjoy it!”

Clearer thinking and a healthier brain

Along with all the ways Pycnogenol® helps protect your brain from age-related decline, it can also help give your memory and clarity of mind a boost — right now — no matter how old you are.

To demonstrate this benefit, Dr. Pescatore cites an Italian study where researchers recruited 59 business professionals between the ages of 35 and 55. Half the group took 150 milligrams of Pycnogenol® , while the others served as a control group without taking a placebo.

Comparison of extensive testing before and after the 12-week intervention period showed that participants who took Pycnogenol® experienced:

  • A better ability to deal with other people
  • Greater increases in cognitive functioning
  • Improvements in decision-making
  • Significant improvements in mood, memory, and attention span

In addition, those in the Pycnogenol® group also had lower levels of free radicals in their blood.

Dr. Pescatore stresses the fact that these weren’t older folks in need of a brain boost — they were healthy middle-aged business professionals. And Pycnogenol® gave them a competitive edge in the workplace.

And he adds that Pycnogenol® has been shown to benefit nearly all age groups.

In an ADHD study, Pycnogenol® helped children improve attention span and focus. And in studies that included students in high school, college, and graduate school, Pycnogenol® improved concentration and memory. And in a trial of people over age 60, cognitive function improved with use of the extract.

“All of which,” Dr. Pescatore notes, “really proves my long-held belief that there’s no one who CAN’T benefit from this amazing supplement.”

Dr. Pescatore recommends 100 mg of Pycnogenol® per day for clearer thinking and a healthier brain as you age.

In Dr. Pescatore’s Drug-Free Protocol for Reversing Alzheimer’s and Dementia, he discusses two more drug-free ways to help keep your microcirculation and blood brain barrier in top shape.

Click here for a comprehensive overview of the many other exciting insights you’ll find in this powerful approach to excellent cognitive health, or to get started today.

SOURCES

“Scans detect aging brain issues linked to dementia” USC News, 1/21/15. (news.usc.edu/74051/usc-scientists-find-possible-prevent-of-alzheimers-and-dementia/)