Healthy Living

Is Your Memory Getting Worse?

by Brother Carlton 
01/03/18
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Are you one of the 76% of adults over 30 that experiences memory lapses and forgetfulness? 

One way to test yourself is to ask yourself several questions such as:

1. Do you have or have you had trouble locating your keys or remembering where you parked your car at the local mall? 

2.  Do you find it hard to remember the names of people you've just met?

3.  Have you or do you find yourself misplacing your cell phone?

Not too long ago I lost the key to my front door which was a specially made key to fit the special security lock I had purchased at my other home and a rather expensive one at that.  I remember putting this key up or so I thought in my night stand so that I would not lose it and yet a few days later it seemed to disappear.  I spent time looking all over for this key and still can't figure out to this day what happened to it.  

On another occasion I lost my cell phone.  I drove to Pasadena and realized early during my trip my cell phone wasn't in my truck so my wife called me just to make sure it wasn't in the truck but we couldn't hear it ring so I figured I must have left it at home but when I got home it was no where to be found.  

I looked all over the house and after considering all the possible ways it might have disappeared I speculated that I might have set it on my truck and when I took off it fell along the front curb of my home and that somebody walking by must have taken it for themselves.  I looked in every corner of my home and couldn't find it. I back tracked every step I made and I even tried tracking it using modern technology and the internet but with no success because the phone battery was dead.  The phone service provider told me it was impossible to locate it given the circumstances.  

Well, this cost me several hundred dollars and a lot of frustration.  I even thought about not having a cell phone because of the damage to your brain it can cause if pressed against your brain too long throughout the day (hence I keep my phone on speaker most of the time) but that wasn't an option given I have a part time business and must have quick access to communication.

Now let me ask you has something like this ever happened to you?  

Have you misplaced a precious item to your total frustration? 

As we grow older, these and other memory lapses can make us feel we are losing our mental edge. Our busy lifestyles and just the simple aging of our bodies can cause our mental abilities to begin to deteriorate. Small bits of information like names, special dates or specific events become harder to recall. Have you ever felt embarrassed when you forgot an important anniversary or a birthday? 

We all have occasions when we can't find our car keys or we forget to pick up something on a trip to the store. This occasional memory loss is normal and not likely to lead to a permanent memory loss if we continue to maintain a proper diet, maintain proper nutritional support, and exercise our brain.

One of the primary reasons people experience memory loss is that their brain doesn't get a sufficient supply of nutrients. This is usually due to poor circulation. 

Our blood feeds and nourishes every cell within our body. When the cells and neurotransmitters in the brain don't receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients from the blood, memory loss can result. 

When cholesterol and triglycerides cause the blood to thicken, the vital nutrients in the blood have a harder time reaching the brain. If this situation is not improved, the brain can become malnourished. Further, the brain depends on neurotransmitters to function properly. The neurotransmitters, which act as chemical messengers for the brain, are made from the nutrients supplied by the blood. So, if the brain doesn't have enough neurotransmitters or sufficient nutrients to create more, then memory loss can occur.

Another factor that can affect memory is the exposure of the brain to toxic elements. The brain is very sensitive and exposure to free radicals, pollutants, pesticides, alcohol, tobacco, artificial sweeteners, dental mercury, and drug abuse can cause further damage to the brain and memory retention.

Fortunately, there are nutrients available that can help improve the flow of blood to the brain and enhance the work of the neurotransmitters, thereby increasing the oxygen and nutrients available to the brain cells. Further, some of these nutrients can help the body rid itself of free radicals and dangerous toxins before they can cause extensive damage. Some of these powerful nutrients are: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Bacopin, Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola and Huperzine.

 Today, memory loss is more of a concern than ever before. According to USA Today, "New scientific studies confirm what mid-lifers already know: Their memories are slipping". 

After researching some nutrients for improving my memory here is what I've found.  Including these in your diet should help you solve some of your memory lapses and the frustration that comes with it.

 Alpha Lipoic Acid works as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage. Since it is both fat and water soluble, it can work both inside and outside the cell to prevent free radicals from damaging the cells.

 Bacopin is helpful for increasing the speed of learning and improving the perception of the sense organs.

 Ginkgo Biloba is one of the most popular alternative remedies for improving memory and concentration. It improves blood circulation to the brain, arms, and legs. According to Bottom Line Health, "Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to improve memory in Alzheimer's patients, as well as otherwise healthy people". Ginkgo also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 Gotu Kola is helpful for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells, fortifying the immune system, and strengthening the adrenals. It appears helpful for promoting healthy skin, purifying blood, and improving circulation in the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries.