How’s your memory? Where did I put my keys? What did I come in here for? Who was I supposed to call? Do any of these sound familiar? Probably. Most of us have memory lapses from time to time. Memory loss can range from occasional forgetfulness to Alzheimer’s and dementia for a variety of reasons.
What Causes Memory Loss?
Memory loss can come from many different sources including:
- disease
- head injury
- lack of sleep
- depression
- alcohol and drug use
- medication
- strokes
- loss of brain cells
- stress
Nutrition and Memory Loss
The brain needs a diet that includes high quality fats and proteins to function properly. Vitamin B1 and B12 are especially important to prevent memory loss. For good brain health you need a diet with foods that provide amino acids and nutrients the brain needs to function well. These include peanuts, eggs, grains, soybeans, potatoes, legumes, almonds, beets, milk, fish, meat, bananas, yogurt and cheese.
Natural Solutions for Memory Loss
Although no one natural solution has been found to completely combat all types of memory loss, there are several supplements that have been found to improve memory, reduce the risk of severe memory loss or benefit memory recovery to some extent. Some of these include:
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Omega-3
- Acetyl-L carnitine (amino acid)
- Vitamin E
- Asian ginseng
Healthy Brain
The most important thing we can each do to reduce our risk of memory loss is to support a healthy brain. Many things in our environment today, such as pollution and pesticides, increase our exposure to toxins. The blood brain barrier works to protect the brain from toxins and allow in the nutrients it needs. Oxygen, water and glucose are able to pass through the blood brain barrier, whereas other molecules can be accepted or rejected.
The human brain requires oxygen and a high concentration of nutrients. The brain’s main source of energy is glucose. It also needs protein however and proteins are not able to pass through the blood brain barrier until they break down into amino acids. Research has shown that poly unsaturated fatty acid and especially DHA are vital for brain development. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, important nutrients for healthy brain, are also able to permeate the blood brain barrier.
How Algae Supports Brain Health
Studies have shown that AFA blue-green algae can help reduce stress. It also contains beta-carotenes and antioxidants that can help protect the central nervous system from oxidative stress.
Brain tissue is mostly made of lipids which are especially sensitive to oxidative damage. “Beta-carotene offers powerful anti-cancer, anti-aging, and antioxidant properties without the toxic risks of taking fat-soluble vitamin A.” (Jeffery Bruno, Edible Microalgae). Studies have shown that beta-carotene may provide protection against memory impairment and general brain damage. Microalgae is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene.
A supplement with the heart of the algae with the cell wall removed is an abundant source of raw materials for enhancing brain activity. Amino acids found in this type of algae are the building blocks of healthy nerve cells and neurotransmitters needed for the brain to function properly. It also provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and helps maintain normal, healthy blood chemistry that feeds the brain.
How to Support Your Memory with Natural Solutions – The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables and nuts that also includes dairy, fish, poultry and olive oil has been shown to be optimal in supporting a healthy brain. Add exercise and learning new things to this type of diet and, of course, eat your algae, and you will be on your way to good brain health.
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