Memory Loss

Antioxidants and Memory

 

Scientific studies have proven that stress (environmental, physical from illness, injury) can lead to memory deficits and this provides evidence for the therapeutic role for antioxidants such as glutathione, alpha lipoic acid and n-acetylcysteine (NAC).

Your memory is the activity of your brain that recalls information you have learned or experienced.  This complex process involves many different parts of the brain.

Believe it or not, you begin losing a few brain cells at a time in your 20’s. Your body also makes less of the chemical messengers that help make the connections. The normal aging process therefore affects memory by changing the way your brain handles information making it harder to recall.

What is normal:  your short-term and remote memories aren't usually affected by aging.  But your recent memory may be affected. For example, you may forget names of people you've met recently.

Areas of concern: 

1.      Forgetting things much more often than you used to

2.      Forgetting how to do things you've done many times before

3.      Trouble learning new things

4.      Repeating phrases or stories in the same conversation

5.      Trouble making choices or handling money

6.      Not being able to keep track of what happens each day                                                                                   

Whenever there is any question see your doctor to be sure it is nothing more than the normal aging process.

Here are some strategies can you start NOW to help you keep your memory as sharp as possible so that you can have the quality of life that you deserve

1.      Exercise daily to increase the circulation to your brain. An active lifestyle can reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease which can lead to memory loss;

2.      Stress management to control cortisol the hormone that can damage certain portions of your brain;

3.      Restful sleep;

4.      No smoking: constricts arteries that deliver oxygen to the brain;

5.      Nutrition:

1.      B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid: Protects nerve cells. They’re also involved in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen. (Best sources: spinach and other dark leafy greens, broccoli, asparagus, strawberries, melons, black beans and other legumes, citrus fruits, soybeans.)

2.      Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and beta carotene: Antioxidants also improve the flow of oxygen through the body and brain. (Best sources: blueberries and other berries, sweet potatoes, red tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, green tea, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits, liver.)

3.      Omega-3 fatty acids: They count as “healthy” fats, as opposed to saturated fats and trans fats, protecting against inflammation and high cholesterol. (Best sources: cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, tuna, halibut, and mackerel; walnuts and walnut oil; flaxseed and flaxseed oil)

4.      Glutathione, Alpa lipoic acid, NAC: Scientific studies have shown us that these antioxidants are vital to the thinking brain and provide evidence for a possible therapeutic role for these antioxidants.

5.      Sea Kelp (Ecklonia Cava)

Eat smart, sleep well, don’t smoke and get active.  Your brain will appreciate it.