Brain problems commonly associated with aging include: loss of memory, dementia, and senility, but could there be another underlying problem? Yes, and often that underlying problem is so simple to solve that it's never given enough thought for action to be taken. What could that problem be? "Not enough oxygen to the brain is the main cause of memory loss, inability to find the right words, getting words mixed up and not being able to speak in sentences" (Hulda Regehr Clark, Ph.D.,N.D., The Cure For All Diseases [San Diego: New Century Press, 1995], 279).

Medical doctors and pathologists understand the need of the body for oxygen on a much higher level than the average person. However, they often dismiss its vital role in the treatment of health problems. Fortunately, a medical degree isn't needed to know that life comes to an end very rapidly when oxygen is cut off from reaching the brain. Man can live for several days without food, for a shorter period of time without water, but he dies within minutes if his brain receives no oxygen. Does it not then make sense that if the brain receives insufficient amounts of oxygen that it simply will not function properly?

This concept can be tested and proven by practically anyone without the help of health professionals. It is neither advisable nor necessary to self administer pure oxygen. However, it is highly advisable to increase one's oxygen intake naturally and witness the improvement. What can be done to accomplish this?

First, the environment should be given consideration. Are the oxygen levels of the atmosphere low? If so, why? What things cause the oxygen levels in the air to be low? When the air is burdened with pollutants such as cigarette smoke, exhaust from automobiles, and toxic products for home improvement, cleaning, and auto-body repair, oxygen levels are compromised. One of the best air purifiers is not an expensive machine, but rather a change in lifestyle that allows the make-up of the air to be what God intended. Also, house plants figure at the top of the list of the most valuable helpers to keeping the air clean because they release oxygen.

A concentrated and daily effort should be made to intake more oxygen through deep breathing. Of course deep breathing can be practiced while on the way to work or school if nearby a window. It can also be practiced while shopping in an open air market, on a picnic, or relaxing outdoors.  Nevertheless, at least 15 - 20 minutes of physical exercise such as aerobics is superior to simply relying on deep breathing, but deep breathing should not be neglected even when physical exercise is sporadic or compromised due to illness or injury.

Attention To Existing Health Problems

Those who will be serious about increasing their oxygen intake will need to attend to any known health conditions that hinder achieving this goal. Such problems include anemia and blood pressure abnormalities. Although anemia is usually linked to an iron deficiency, it can also result from a deficiency of vitamin B12. A diagnosis should not be left to guesswork. It should be noted, however, that just as deficient oxygen levels are rarely suspected in brain problems, the presence of parasites are rarely suspected in cases of anemia. But, they are often the culprit so this possibility should never be dismissed.

Circulatory Problems Relieved With Hawthorn Berry

If there's any suspicion of malfunction of the cardiovascular system, one should immediately consult a medical physician for a thorough examination and testing. Such individuals should also be informed of how effective Hawthorn berry is in the all natural treatment of abnormalities of the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn berries are sold in some health food stores, but they can be purchased on-line if necessary. Only the bulk herb should be used as the dried berries are the most natural form of this herbal medicine. Often, customer service personnel in health food stores will attempt to sell Hawthorn berry in much more expensive forms such as extracts, tinctures, and capsules. Nevertheless, consumers should insist on the bulk herb which is used to prepare a decoction. A decoction is made by gently simmering approximately 2 teaspoons of the berries in about 2 cups of water for 20 - 30 minutes. There's no need to use distilled or spring water. Unless the municipal water is of extremely poor quality, it should be used. The decoction can then be sweetened to taste with a natural sugar such as honey or stevia extract. Between two and three cups per week may be consumed for a couple of months after which it's advisable to reduce to only one cup per week.

Hawthorn berry, "is an herb that opens blood vessels, particularly to the heart" (Clark 279) and the author of this article has personally witnessed the effectiveness of this wonderful medicine of nature.

Deep Breathing Assistance With Niacin

Niacin, one of the B vitamins, should also be given some consideration in one's attempt to increase his intake of oxygen (Clark 279). Why? Most people have heard of the "niacin-flush" which causes the face to become red and warm due to increased blood flow. This flush is one of the signs of the efficacy of the vitamin to exert an influence on the cardiovascular system. A dosage no higher than 250 mg. of a time-release variety should be the product of choice. Like Hawthorn berry, niacin also helps to open the blood vessels allowing more oxygen to be absorbed. The niacin tablet should be taken with plenty of plain water; avoid substituting water with any other beverage.

The niacin-flush can be somewhat controlled after it begins. It can be intensified by drinking a hot liquid such as a cup of herbal tea or it may be reduced by drinking a cold beverage, preferably plain water.

Again, increasing one's intake of oxygen can easily be done and its wondrous benefits witnessed in a very short period of time. In spite of the great achievements of modern medicine. There never has been, is not, and never will be a man-made treatment or medication that will replace the needs that the Creator built into the body when He designed it.

More by Sam O'Brien