Thursday, March 4, 2010

Improve Memory With Vitamins And Minerals

Memory is the brain's ability to recall past facts and events. Without it, it would be impossible for people to function and perform even the simplest of tasks from day to day. Although forgetfulness is something to be expected and normal, complete memory loss can be devastating and can disrupt a person's life and relationships. Aging, poor diet and stress can all contribute to memory loss. However, you can improve memory through a variety of ways.


Instructions


1. Take fish oil supplements. Essential fatty acid omega 3, which occurs in fish oil, can improve cognitive and brain development in babies and adults. The Journal of American Medical Association determined that DHA found in fish oil supplements can prevent and moderately improve the onset of Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss in adults.








2. Consider taking ginkgo biloba supplement to reduce memory loss. This natural extract is an herb that is known to improve mental efficacy in adults and the elderly. By enhancing blood flow to the brain, and repairing damaged brain cells, it can enhance memory and lessen the severity of Alzheimer's and dementia in many adults.








3. Take multivitamins high in vitamin C to delay mental fogginess and memory loss. Vitamin C is an antioxidant naturally found in the body's tissue, but you need to constantly replenish it from day to day to maintain healthy body and brain functioning.


4. Up your B12 intake to 24 mcg per day. According to the Aging Research Center at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, scientist have found a correlation to memory loss in Alzheimer's patients with significant low B12 levels. These individuals who are deficient in B12 lack a chemical called "4 ApoE allele, which is responsible for mental acuteness and memory.


Adults 18 years and up need 24 mcg of B12 per day. Pregnant and lactating mothers need between 2.6 to 2.8 mcg. You can also consume B12 through eggs and poultry, liver, and cheese.


5. Vitamins with acetylcarnitine, which is a chemical found in the brain, protects brain cells and increases blood flow in the brain, enhancing cognitive and memory ability. Take acetylcarnitine supplements as directed on product label. Consult with a physician before use.


6. Magnesium is an important mineral because it protects the brain from neurotoxins that can interfere with cognitive and memory ability. Nourish the brain with 300 milligrams one to three times a day. Eat more nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and whole grains, as they are rich in magnesium.


7. Take iron pills to correct an iron deficiency. Lack of iron is known to harm a person's memory. The American Physiological Society study concluded that women with an iron deficiency performed lower on memory exams than women with healthy levels of iron. Iron is responsible for improving the brain's production of chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals are essential for restoring faulty learning and memory.

Tags: memory loss, Alzheimer dementia, blood flow, blood flow brain, brain cells, cognitive memory, cognitive memory ability