Mental
Clarity and Memory
by
Margaret Durst
The Green House
Previously
by Margaret Durst: Freedom
– Isn’t This Still America?
Mental Clarity
and Memory are two things that most people assume that they will
lose with age. Many people suffer memory loss due to an insufficient
supply of nutrients to the brain. The brain along with every other
cell in the body is fed by our blood, the life of the
body. If proper nutrients arent getting to the brain, they
either arent in the bloodstream, or there is a problem with
the blood delivery system. Also consider that some substances in
the blood could be toxic to the brain.
One of the
most important factors in brain health is omega 3 oils which are
absent from the average diet. Deficiencies of these oils can cause
impaired ability to learn and recall information. DHA, or docosahexaenoic
acid, is a particular omega 3 fatty acid that is a fundamental building
block for cellular membranes, most notably neuronal membranes in
the brain.
B vitamins
help maintain the health of our nerves and brain. Some cases of
Alzheimers disease have been found to be due to B-12 and B-complex
deficiency. Our ability to assimilate B-12 is sometimes impaired
so it is helpful to supplement with either high-absorption or sublingual
formulas.
Problems with
the blood delivery system caused by clogged arteries and/or high
cholesterol and triglycerides and high blood sugar could interfere
with the brains ability to get nutrients. Natural agents that
help increase circulation will help the brain work better
these include the Omega 3 oils, ginkgo biloba, and lecithin. It
is important to change your habits (diet and exercise) so that you
lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar if they are problems
for you.
Ginkgo biloba
is a powerful antioxidant herb that benefits the brain, retina and
cardiovascular system. Studies show that ginkgo has a positive and
measurable effect on dementia in people with Alzheimers disease
and people recovering from strokes. Other studies show that it enhances
concentration and improves memory. Ginkgo is used in many formulas
for enhanced mental clarity, better circulation and also for attention
deficit disorder. Other herbs used for mental clarity and learning
include gotu kola and bacopa. My favorite combination has all three.
Also notable
for brain and nerve health are the following: lions mane mushroom,
which helps repair nerves by stimulating nerve growth factors, supporting
normal cognitive function and muscular coordination and response;
and phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl serine which are phospholipids
that have shown substantial benefits with neurological disorders,
memory loss and depression. They are available either separately
or in brain and nerve combinations.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
is an amino acid that acts specifically on the brain and nerves,
helping protect nerve cells from stress and deterioration which
may help to prevent Alzheimers disease. Acetyl-l-carnitine
also naturally increases energy to the brain and helps relieve depression.
Several studies have shown increased memory and better ability to
solve complex problems when taking acetyl l-carnitine.
It is also
important to avoid substances that are known to be toxic to the
brain and nerves. These include the class of substances known as
excitotoxins that excite the nerves to death. The most common excitotoxins
are the artificial sweetener aspartame and the flavor enhancer MSG.
Read labels of foods and diet products and make sure you are avoiding
these toxins in order to maximize the health of your brain.
I hope this
will get you thinking.
September 16, 2011
Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.
Copyright
© 2011 Margaret
Durst
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