 ....I have to admit that my memory is certainly not what it used to be and this complaint is not uncommon among people I know. Memory is something I did not pay much attention to until I started to miss it! A lot of my research points to the old adage, “use it or lose it” and I do believe that exercising the memory definitely helps to strengthen the muscle, but I am also aware of how our lifestyle and nutritional habits affect the grey matter encased within our skulls.
....Now what was I saying? Oh yes, the memory! Slight memory loss is quite common as the years progress and can be a result of a number of factors and not necessarily a sign that Alzheimer’s disease is waiting around the next corner. Women experience more memory loss during the hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause and menstruation. Memory loss could be an early symptom of hypothyroidism, an indication of vitamin or mineral deficiencies or even caused by heavy metal toxicity. Sometimes I feel like my brain, like a computer, can only store so much data! Where is that delete button?
....To keep the brain fit requires a combination of diet and lifestyle. First and foremost many of us forget the most important nutrient available to the human body is oxygen. Breathing is mandatory! A brain deprived of oxygen will not be functioning optimally. Brain cells are so sensitive that they begin to die if supply is cut off for 5 or more minutes. Getting outside for a daily walk is a fantastic way to oxygenate the brain and the entire body. Deep breathing exercises are effective as well. Herbs such as Ginkgo Biloba and Siberian Ginseng are thought to benefit the brain by increasing circulation.
....A balanced diet is also essential in optimal brain nutrition. Carbohydrate foods provide glucose which is the brain’s main source of fuel. Athletes, diabetics and people with hypoglycemic tendencies will often describe feelings of |
... |
confusion and fuzzy logic when blood sugar levels dip too low. Proteins provide amino acids which are used as building blocks in the body and healthy fats such as fish oils, olive oil and oils found in nuts and seeds provide essential fatty acids. Both are needed in balance to produce neurotransmitters which act as messengers in the brain. Neurological and mental disorders may present themselves if the neurotransmitters are out of balance.
....When we choose from a wide variety of nutrient rich foods we ensure that our diet is adequate in providing a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants A, C and E help prevent free radical damage at a cellular level. These nutrients can be found in many whole foods in the plant kingdom.
....When it comes to nourishing the brain and the whole of the nervous system, there is no more important group of vitamins than the B-Complex. Decades of studies have linked various B vitamin deficiencies to neurological and mental disorders. Whole grains, dark leafy vegetables and dried beans may be good food sources for the B vitamins but often by the time the food hits our plate, much of the vitamin content may have been destroyed by poor agricultural practices, pollution, food storage, processing and cooking. Unless you are eating locally grown, raw, whole foods – you may be lacking in some essential B- vitamins. Other influences that may increase the need for B vitamins are alcohol use, cigarette smoking, stress, recreational drug use, prescription drug use, birth control pills, dieting, illness and pregnancy. Many people would benefit from taking a multi B-complex supplement especially during the grey coastal winter months. It is especially beneficial to help battle the winter blues.
....And as always, just as important as what we put into our body is what we keep out. Lead is a known neurotoxin that damages the nervous system and has been proven to lower intelligence levels. Children are especially vulnerable to this element and there really is no safe level of exposure. It is up to each and every parent to ensure the home environment is as lead free as possible. And while some agree that aluminium and Alzheimer’s disease may have a link, others disagree. It is my own personal belief to not take a chance. I look for products that are aluminium free. I do not own any aluminium cookware.
....Now, I wish I could remember the whole point of this article…. something about the brain I think! Where are those B vitamins?
....Good Health to You!
|
WHERE PEOPLE COME
FIRST
