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Heal Brain Cells Naturally to Stop Memory Problems

You’re over 40 and you seem to have developed a Bermuda Triangle in your brain,  a place where names,  facts,  and even recent events seem to mysteriously disappear.

That  ” triangle ”   is called age-related memory loss.  If  you ask most conventional doctors what you can do about it,  they’ll probably tell you that it’s normal,   it’s inevitable,  and you should learn to live with it.

Forget about it !

Memory loss is not a sad fact of getting older.  It’s caused by damage to the cells of the brain,  called neurons.

This damage,  either oxidative ( a kind of cellular rust )  or inflammatory  ( a kind of cellular burn ),  can produce a range of memory problems,  from a slight erosion of optimal memory all the way to Alzheimer’s disease.

But you can slow,  stop,  or even reverse neuron damage.

A good first step is to take the right brain-boosting nutrients and herbs,  however,  that improving the cellular environment of your brain with such supplements is best done under the supervision of an physician who understands natural medicine.

MULTIVITAMIN/ MINERAL SUPPLEMENT:  Nutrients for Neurons

A high-potency multivitamin\mineral supplement will supply many of the antioxidant,  anti-inflammatory nutrients that you need to help control memory loss.  Look for a supplement that delivers a daily intake of at least the following nutrient amount

• Vita:  10,000 international units (IU)
• Beta- carotene and other carotenoids:  9 milligrams of more.
• B vitamins:   50 to 100  milligrams of most of the B’s
• Vitamin C:   1000 milligrams
• Vitamin E:   200  to  400  IU
• Zinc:   20 milligrams
• Copper:  2 milligrams
• Manganese:  2  to  3 milligrams
• Selenium:   200 micrograms
• Chromium:   200 micrograms

PHOSPHOLIPIDS:  Crucial Compounds That Decline with Age

Phospholipids help form the neurons outer covering,  or membrane,  and aid communication between brain cells.  But they decline with age,  possibly hurting memory.

Since phospholipids aren’t prevalent in the diet,  the best way to replace them is with a daily supplement ,  look for one that contains phosphatidylserine,  choline,  and  inositol; for a total of   200  to  300  milligrams of phospholipids.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: Fats You Shouldn’t Forget

The essential fatty acids,  or  EFA,  are also major components of neuron membranes and can help protect memory,   2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil,  which is rich in EFA are recommended each day.

ACETYL-CARNITINE:  Stop  “Age Spots”  in your Brain

The nutrient acetyl-carnitine can help improve memory, scientists theorize that it boosts energy production in the brain,  improves function in the brain’s glutamate receptors,  which are responsible for learning,  and may stop the formation of  lipofucian,  a kind of age “spot”  of the neurons that can interfere with memory,  it is recommended to take  250  to 2000  milligrams a day.

DMAE: A Boost for Your Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that relay messages between neurons,  so when levels of neurotransmitters are low,  memory suffers.

The supplement  DMAE  ( short for dimethylaminethanol)  supplies a compound called methyl that your body needs to manufacture neurotransmitters,  DMAE  may also help elevate mood and increase physical energy.  Follow dosage recommend on label.

PERIWINKLE: An Herb to Remember

This herb can speed up brain activity.  One of the extracts of periwinkle seeds works as a powerful enhancer of memory function by improving blood flow to the brain.  In one study,  secretaries who took  periwinkle improved their ability to remember sequences of words by  40%.  Take 20  to  40  milligrams a day.

GINKGO: Better Circulation for Your Brain

The herb ginkgo can help protect memory in two ways.  It improves circulation to the brain,  and it is a potent antioxidant.  Take 120  to  240  milligrams a day.

ST JOHN’S WORT: Another Nudge for Neurotransmitters

The herb increases a variety of neurotransmitters.  Look for a product that is standardized for 0.3 %  hypericin,  the most active ingredient in the herb,  and take  900 milligrams a day in divided doses with meals. Do not take with antidepressants.

KAVA KAVA: For Memory Restoring Sleep

This mildly sedative herb from the South Pacific helps you sleep better and allows your brain to produce more growth hormone,  which is a substance that protects and improves memory.  Take  500  milligrams before bedtime of an extract of the herb standardized for 30% kava- lactones,  the active ingredient.

FLOWER ESSENCES: A Powerful Combination

The right combination of three flower essences can help halt memory loss.

The essence rosemary is considered particularly good for age-related memory loss.  If you’re easily distracted,  a major cause of poor memory,  use the essence madia.  Finally,  the essence Shasta daisy is thought to help the brain find meaning in events.   The more something is meaningful to you,  the more you will remember it.

While you can use any one of these remedies to boost memory,  it’s ideal to use all three at once.  They are a wonderful combination for memory problems of all kinds.  Take four drops of each remedy four times a day.

Remember to Live Right

Any personal program to improve memory include a good diet,  regular exercise,  and stress reduction,  all of which strengthen the brain.

FOOD: Make Your Meals Memory-  Friendly

What you eat either increases or decreases oxidation and inflammation in your brain.  Here are four food pitfulls to avoid.

• Refined sugar triggers the body to pump out the hormone insulin,  which is a pro-inflammatory compound.  Limit your intake.
• Trans-fats are inflammation producers that are in processed foods whose labels list hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient.  Avoid them.
• Food toxins can also inflame the brain.  Consider using a water filter and maximizing your intake of organic foods.
• Food allergies may contribute to memory problems.  The most common allergens are wheat, milk,  and corn.  If you’re noticing some memory glitches,  consider cutting down on these foods,  which increase inflammation throughout the body,  including the brain.

EXERCISE: A Memory Tonic

Go for a 1-mile walk shortly after you wake up.  But rather than an aerobic,  heart-pumping fitness walk,  yours should be a solitary,  peaceful walk in a natural setting,  if possible.  “Walk slowly and be aware of your surroundings,  consciously taking in everything beautiful that you see and hear.

Paying attention to natural beauty improves your mental attitude,  which in turn improves mental functioning of all kinds.  Taking your walk in the early morning resets your body clock for the day,  a must for maximum alertness.

Also,  by warming and loosening your muscles in the morning when they’re typically stiff and tight,  you develop better proprioception,  which is your brain’s awareness of the position of your body as it moves.

Also it is recommended that aerobic exercise for better health-and a better memory.

MENTAL EXERCISE: Push-ups for Your Memory

Any activity that stimulates and challenges your mind,  such as playing  Scrabble,  doing crossword puzzles,  or learning a new language,  is exceptionally good for retaining memory.

People get lazy with their minds.  Sitting in front of the TV for hours a day atrophies your muscle cells and your brain cells.  Just as with your muscles,  you have to use your brain in order not to lose your brain.

STRESS REDUCTION:  Don’t Let Cortisol Damage Your Brain

During stress,  the body pumps out levels of the hormone cortisol,  which damages the hippocampus,  the part of the brain that turns short-term memory into long-term memory.

To combat stress,  it is recommended practising a relaxation exercise daily,  whether it’s deep breathing,  meditation,  or contemplative exercises such as Yoga.

Roberto Garcia (Health & Fitness Specialist) 
http://www.newhealthandfitnessdvds.co.uk

Specialist provider of Health and Fitness information and products including Fitness DVDs, Health & Fitness Books and Specialist Health & Fitness Supplements.

Tags: Age Spots, Brain-boosting nutrients, Memory, Memory Problems, Memory Tonic, stress

This entry was posted on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 4:17 pm and is filed under Fitness, Medical, Nutrition, Yoga. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.