As doctors continue to debate President Joe Biden's speech patterns and behavior during Thursday night's presidential debate, Dr. Nicole Saphier focuses on natural remedies for cognitive functions.
“Cognitive decline is a hot topic right now,” Saphier — an associate professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Monmouth, New Jersey — said during a Sunday appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
An advocate of natural remedies and herbs for certain aspects of healthSaphier recommended three supplements to help improve mental focus and prevent dementia.
DOCTORS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT BIDEN'S APPARENT COGNITIVE ISSUES DURING DEBATE: 'CARE INDICATORS'
“When it comes to improving memory and reducing the risk of cognitive decline, my three favorites are Bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba and ginseng,” she told Fox News Channel's Rachel Campos-Duffy.
Studies with human participants have found that all three supplements improve memory, improve visual recognition and possibly reduce the risk of cognitive decline, Saphier said.
Dr. Nicole Saphier appeared on “Fox & Friends Weekend” on Sunday to discuss natural remedies for optimizing cognitive function. (Fox News)
Some studies have even linked these supplements to a longer life spanshe said.
“As we know, dementia often gets worse and not better,” says Saphier.
DAILY MULTIVITAMINS MAY NOT HELP YOU LIVE LONGER, STUDY SAY: 'NO DIFFERENCES IN MORTALITY'
“So that's what you want to be healthy food and live a healthy life before it happens to reduce the risk.”
Bacopa monnieri, ginkgo biloba and ginseng are all natural plants, Saphier points out.
“I prefer to take them in liquid, nutraceutical form because they are absorbed the best,” she recommended.
Dr. Saphier, a medical contributor to Fox News, recommended taking these three natural herbs to boost brain power. (Fox News)
The doctor also pointed out that not all supplements are the same.
“Many herbal supplements don't really have any positive benefits; they are more of a marketing scheme,” she said.
“But there are some things that are backed by science, and that's all I'm talking about.”
Here's a deeper dive into the three she recommends.
1. What is Bacopa monnieri?
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) — also called Brahmi — is a plant used in traditional medicine Ayurvedic medicine according to WebMD for centuries.
The plant may help increase the amount of chemicals in the brain that aid in learning, memory and other cognitive functions, the website says.
Bacopa monnieri can be added to hot water to make tea. (iStock)
It could also potentially serve as a protective mechanism against Alzheimer's diseaseper WebMD.
Bacopa is generally safe for adults to take orally in doses of 300-600 mg per day for 12 weeks. It can be added to hot water to make a tea.
WebMD recommends speaking with a doctor first to determine optimal dosage, possible side effects, and interactions with other medications.
2. What is ginkgo biloba?
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is derived from an extract of the fan-shaped leaves of the tree species, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
“Although some evidence suggests that ginkgo extract may somewhat improve memory in healthy adults, most studies indicate that ginkgo does not improve memory, attention, or brain function,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
REGULAR SNACKS OF BABY CARROTS PROVIDE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION, NEW STUDY FINDS
Gingko can be consumed in the form of pills, extracts, capsules or tea.
“Do not eat raw or roasted ginkgo seeds, as they can be toxic,” warns the Mayo Clinic.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is obtained from an extract of the fan-shaped leaves of this tree species. (iStock)
While ginkgo is generally safe for healthy adults to consume in “moderate amounts,” experts say it's best to consult your doctor about possible side effects and drug interactions.
3. What is ginseng?
A popular herbal remedy, ginseng is a plant which has long been used in medical treatments in Asia and North America, according to WebMD.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
While more research is needed to confirm its benefits, some studies have linked ginseng to improved mental focus.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“There is early evidence that ginseng may provide small, short-term improvements in concentration and learning,” according to WebMD.
Ginseng is a popular herbal remedy and has long been used in medical treatments in Asia and North America. (iStock)
“Some studies on mental performance have combined ginseng with extract from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, another traditional remedy said to help with dementia. While these studies are intriguing, many experts believe we need more evidence.”
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
According to WebMD, ginseng can be consumed in dried herb form, tea, capsules, or powder.
As with any supplement plan, it's wise to talk to a doctor early on about dosage, side effects, and interactions with other medications.
