Niacin
Open blood vessels wider by giving niacin. Give it early in
the morning, upon rising, as soon as the feet are set on the floor.
Keep it at the bedside, use small capsules or tablets and combine
this chore with water drinking. The water should not be cold and
should have nothing added to make it a beverage. (Drinking
water within minutes of sitting upright may also move the bowels
soon.) A 250 mg. time-release niacin tablet (see Sources) is a
good choice. The elderly have little side ef
fects. Even the niacin-flush, which reddens the face and neck is
welcomed since it gives a sensation of warmth.
The flush is intensified by giving hot liquids or acids (even
vitamin C) to drink. The flush is reduced by giving cold liquids.
The opening of blood vessels by niacin only lasts a few hours. If
you see it has a good effect on your loved one, give several a
day. Do not use a prescription variety, since they are polluted
with heavy metals; use only the brand in Sources, or a brand that
you have tested pure. You can freely experiment with niacin to
find the best dosage and variety; it is not toxic in this amount; but
the size of the tablet should not turn it into an unpleasant chore.
Reduce it if it seems too large to swallow. Don't cut tablets in
half, the rough edges can scratch the throat.
Hawthorn berry is an herb that opens blood vessels, particularly
to the heart. Carefully watch the effect on blood pressure
when using it.
Food mold, particularly ergot,
has the opposite effect of
niacin. Brain blood vessels are
made narrower, cutting down
the oxygen supply. Ergot is a
common contaminant of grains:
don't provide rye or
pumpernickel breads or crackers.
Don't provide wine or
other alcoholic beverages; they
are too contaminated with ergot
and aflatoxin. Narrowing
the blood vessels in the brain
can lead to stroke. If you notice
an attack of dementia coming,
try a niacin tablet (100 mg, not
timed release) immediately.
Alcoholic beverages
contain ergot and aflatoxin.
Add vitamin C (1/8 tsp.) upon
opening and wait 10 minutes
for it to act.
