(NaturalNews) As we grow older, we tend to worry more and more about our memory. Lapses in memory that we didn't give much importance to when we were younger now seem to have a new meaning. It is common to do such things such as misplace things like car keys, eyeglasses and cell phones, to draw a blank on a friend's name, to walk into a room and forget why we went there in the first place. However, although we all have had these experiences, as we age, we tend to worry about what these lapses could mean. It is important to realize that, contrary to popular belief, memory loss is not a natural process of aging. Our brains are capable of making new brain cells at any given age.
Memory loss becomes serious when it interferes with our daily activities
Examples of this are:
▪ Not being able to perform daily tasks, such as paying bills, dressing properly, tending to daily hygiene, etc.;
▪ Getting lost in familiar places, such as an immediate neighborhood;
▪ Repeating the same phrases and questions in the same conversation;
▪ Being unable to recall recent events;
▪ Repeatedly misusing or garbling words;
▪ Difficulty in making choices;
▪ Exhibiting socially inappropriate behavior.
In these cases, a diagnosis is needed to determine the root of the cause.
Often though, there is a physical reason for these memory lapses. For example, there may be a nutritional deficiency or it could be due to a faulty thyroid. In older adults, dehydration could be the cause. Excessive alcohol consumption creates
brain toxicity and increases the risk of such conditions as Alzheimer's and dementia. By the same note, smoking can cause vascular disorders that can limit oxygen to the brain.
Keeping cognitive functions in a healthy state entails leading a healthy lifestyle
Making sure that the body gets the nutrition it needs includes:
▪ Regular physical exercise which decreases the risk of memory loss and encourages the production of new brain cells.
▪ Exercising the brain is also important. Activities such as reading, working crossword puzzles, and playing strategic games such as chess or scrabble will lower the risk of mental decline.
▪ Proper nutrition that focuses on lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables serve to help keep the brain healthy and Omega 3's help to retain
memory.
▪ Giving the body the rest it needs. Sleep is necessary for all aspects involving cognitive function. Sleep deprivation leads to poor memory, concentration and decision-making.
▪ Avoding stress. Stress is a very common cause of
memory loss. Stress dramatically increases the ability of toxins to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Also, prolonged stress results in high cortisol levels in the body which results in impaired memory. Efforts should be made to alleviate stress. One effective way is by laughing. As opposed to emotions that affect only specific areas of the brain, laughter affects wider areas. After all, they say that laughter is the best medicine.
Supplements that prevent and help to reverse memory loss
▪ Ginkgo Biloba has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat memory loss.
▪ Colloidal Gold improves memory, concentration, and mental focus.
▪ Acetyl-I Carnatine also improves mental focus, as do amino acids such as L-Tryptophan, 5HTP, and Tyrosine.
▪ B-Complex Vitamins help to prevent memory loss.
▪ Inositol helps the brain to process information.
▪ Choline helps in overall brain function.
▪ Fortify your brain with antioxidants which include carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine).
Sources:
http://helpguide.org/life/prevent_memory_loss.htmhttp://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/stress.htmlAbout the author:Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including "
Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "
Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to
The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "
Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "
Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "
The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets"
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