Memory loss is thought of as an illness of age. However, it can happen at any age and there are many other underlying factors, besides age, that should be considered.
1) Stress: how often do you ‘forget to do something’ on your rushed way out the door? Just imagine- if this kind of stress if consistent, how would your brain be focused on remembering anything? It requires energy to create synapses b/t neurons in the brain. If there’s no energy, or if the energy is being used for something else in the body (like pumping your heart really fast and hard –stress mode) then the brain doesn’t get the energy it needs.
2) Imbalanced Vata — ungroundedness
3) Chinese perspective: yin or blood deficiency indicating a heart-mind imbalance.
4) Improper digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients.
5) Sugar—people that had high blood glucose levels, in studies, repeatedly were noticed to have lowered blood flow to and metabolic activity in parts of the brain
Of course, working on the underlying cause is of importance. There are several effective supplements that help to enhance brain function and improve memory. They also prevent memory loss and deterioration of mental function due to age. Each individual should find one that will help them, there’s usually no need to take all of them.
1) EXERCISE- this is the single most-natural way to increase oxygen flow to the brain and control/ stabilize blood sugar levels.
2) Decrease sugar in your diet
3) Omega 3s, especially DHA is the building block of the neuronal structure of the brain. This can be gotten from fish oil. There’s also a new DHA on the market that’s a algae-sourced DHA– which means its vegan!
4) D-ribose: building block of DNA and enhances mitochondrial function- ATP production. Creates energy for the heart and increases blood flow to the brain
5) Choline- building block of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter between the central and peripheral NS. Its functions include memory and cognition
a. Pantothenic acid- important for choline to acetylcholine conversion
6) Huperzine- blocks acetylcholine break-down, essentially increasing amounts of Ach in the system leading to enhance brain function. Huperzine is contraindication with acetycholine blockers, as it acts on the same
7) Vinpocetine- improve the brain’s utilization of oxygen and increase the resistance of neurons to the damage that would otherwise be caused by low oxygen levels
8) Herbs: gingko, gotu kola, brahmi, ashwagandha/ eleuthrococcus, rosemary, sage. Herbs are usually best used in combination- ask your natural healthcare provider for the best combination for you.
9) Goji berries, black/ kidney beans, Wheat germ, wheat berries, and mung beans à inc yin in the body- and some of those also build blood (as considered in Chinese Medicine) and also helps to balance vata in the body
10) dang gui and rehmannia are herbs that can be used in cooking to build blood (according to Chinese Medicine)
11) Oxidation in the body will lead to impaired brain function. Tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, coffee, pesticides, refined flour/sugar/salt, and excess protein are all oxidants.
12) Meditate- help ground the vata energy to improve and enhance brain fxn.
13) Essential oils: a blend of rosemary, mint, and lavender can be a great addition to the air to help the mind become clear and focus. Excellent for students trying to memorize information…
