We may have heard that poor memory is an inevitable part of growing old, but that seems to be the old story. The new story is that memory loss has more to do with lifestyle factors than age. Diet, exercise and lifestyle habits have more influence on what we forget and remember.
Memory problems can stem from a poorly nourished brain. The life of the cells, tissues and organs of the body is in the blood. Nourishment for all the cells is carried in the bloodstream. If blood is “thick” with cholesterol or toxins, much of the essential nutrition will not penetrate across the blood brain barrier to nourish brain cells.
Neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that help brain cells communicate function optimally with good nutrition and a rich supply of oxygen. Additionally, essential fatty acids are an important nutrient for focus and concentration. The brain is approximately sixty percent fat, and needs fat to function!
Furthermore, free radical damage contributes to poor memory. Free radicals in excess, damage cells and can alter how they code genetic information. They are a result of metabolic processes as well as exposure to toxins both food and environmental. Conversely, antioxidants support healthy cells and protect against free radical damage.
Other conditions that contribute to memory loss include, stress, depression, thyroid disease, poor digestion, low blood sugar, hormone imbalance and chronic fatigue.
Let’s look at some simple lifestyle habits that can help us remember.
1. Eat a wholesome diet of unprocessed whole grains, lean protein, nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits. Buy local and organic whenever possible.
2. Avoid refined sugars that turn off the brain and sap energy.
3. Drink plenty of pure water daily. If your body is dehydrated, even by just two percent, you can experience cloudy, fuzzy thinking.
4. Eat fiber daily to assist in removing toxins and help with digestion.
5. Feed your brain with good fats, coconut oil, olive oil or cold water wild caught fish like salmon and mackerel.
6. Exercise often to help the lymphatic system clear toxins and bacteria that would otherwise re-circulate throughout the body.
7. Be brain active, challenge your brain with reading, crossword puzzles and logic problems.
8. Exercise your body daily to help with blood and oxygen flow to the brain through movement and circulation.
Supplements that can help your memory include:
1. Artichoke Extract to help the liver detoxify the blood.
1. Cod Liver Oil as a source of essential fatty acids for brain fuel.
2. B Complex Plus as co-factors for cellular energy.
3. Vitaprime multivitamin for balanced nutrient support
4. Glutathione in gel or oral form to aid in detoxification and free radical protection.
