Showing posts with label #memory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #memory. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

How Food Choices Can Help Guard Against Memory Loss

foods that improve memory
One of the most unfortunate facts of existence is the fact that our memory is commonly reduced as we grow older. You will find a number of physiological reasons that the entire process of loss of memory happens, but regardless of what the reason, the end result continues to be same. Habits we’ve written a listing covering four of the greatest meals for enhancing your memory, together with the primary explanations why the items continues to be incorporated.

Seafood

When searching at meals that improve memory, sea food is a superb starting point. Meals like shrimp have high amounts of b12 that is vital for healthy cognitive abilities and nerves. Research has proven that B12 might help prevent memory decline. Seafood and seafood will also be wealthy in omega-3 essential fatty acids that have been associated with enhancing memory function and combating the results of getting older around the mind. Seafood like tuna, Spanish mackerel, and other fish also contain DHA, which is essential for that normal functioning of nerves within the brain.

Whole Eggs

Despite a current push for individuals to consume only the egg-whites, it works out it’s the yolk that really puts eggs on the listing of meals that improve memory. Egg yolks are wealthy in choline, which is a nutrient within the vitamin b complex family. Choline might help eliminate the bloodstream of harmful proteins, associated with leading to cancer and dementia. Additionally, it helps in the making of acetylcholine, which functions as our memory neurotransmitter. While egg yolks do also contain cholesterol, when eaten moderately whole eggs really are a very healthy choice for you and mind.

Leafy Eco-friendly Veggies

It isn't surprising the veggies result in the listing of meals that improve memory. We’ve always known that vegetables are healthy, but we're really still learning precisely why that's. Dark leafy eco-friendly veggies like green spinach, kale, broccoli and collard vegetables are not only seen good causes of e vitamin, they also contain vitamin B9, also known as folate or folate. B9 is essential for correct thinking processes, and plays a vital role in emotional and mental health. It helps in producing the genetic material, DNA and RNA, and it is especially needed when cells and tissue are increasing quickly, such as with infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. Experts believe B9 enhances mental function by lowering amounts of proteins recognized to trigger nerve cell dying within the brain.

Meals Full of E Vitamin

Meals naturally full of e vitamin and “healthy” fats have amazing benefits for the brain, which makes them our final feature for meals that improve memory. This category includes nuts and nut butters, seed products, avocado, and oils for example essential olive oil, sunflower oil, and grape seed oil. Studies have proven that e vitamin assists in keeping both heart and brain healthy and functional.  It's a potent antioxidant, helping to safeguard the brain’s nerves and nerve cells. Based on research at Chicago’s Hurry College, the memory improving benefits result with e vitamin wealthy meals, although not with e vitamin supplements.


Apart from being meals that improve memory generally, these meals also have proven particular promise in reducing your chance of developing cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer’s. In Alzheimer's, nerves in a few areas of the mind begin to die, which jump-begins the cascade of occasions resulting in cognitive degeneration. A long term diet full of e vitamin wealthy meals might help safeguard your nerves from falling prey towards the disease later in existence.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Should You Worry About Sudden Memory Loss?

When is Sudden Memory Loss Serious?

Memory Loss
As the years pass and we grow older, it's normal for some of our memories to fade. The brain has a tendency to prioritize things that are relevant to our immediate, present situation, so a bit of trouble remembering details, dates, or faces isn't a medical problem – it's just a fact of life. However, some people (no matter their age) experience a phenomenon known as sudden memory loss, and it can be a frightening experience. Whole swaths of a person's memories become suddenly irretrievable, and sometimes there is no immediate or obvious proximate cause or explanation.

Sudden memory loss sometimes has benign origins, and is a temporary side effect of a temporary condition that will resolve itself on its own. Sudden memory loss can be caused by:

1.       Medication. Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, can cause short-term sudden memory loss.

2.       Alcohol. Abusing alcohol can lead to sudden memory loss in a small window of time (this is often called blacking out).
3.       Transient Global Amnesia. This is a rare but frightening experience in which someone suddenly wakes up without any idea of how they got where they are or what they're doing there. Luckily, it's harmless and usually not an indication that there is something else wrong with the brain.

There are serious ailments that can cause sudden memory loss, as well – and in these cases, it's important to get medical attention right away.

1.       Transient ischemic attack. Just about everyone knows that someone who suffers a stroke experiences sudden memory loss, but there are also episodes called warning strokes or mild strokes that, in medical terminology, are known as transient ischemic attacks. These cause stroke-like symptoms, including sudden memory loss, but don't permanently damage anything. If you experience something like this, it's important to seek medical help right away.

2.       Emotional trauma. Sometimes horrible experiences, such as those that stem from war or acute physical or emotional abuse, can cause the brain to repress memories – mimicking the effects of sudden memory loss. In modern parlance, we would consider this an effect of post-traumatic stress disorder. While many people have suffered memory loss from emotional trauma, few seek the help of a therapist or other psychiatric professional to deal with the other effects of trauma, such as resultant mental illness.


3.       Epilepsy. When a person has a seizure (especially a grand mal seizure) their brain temporarily stops making memories, so there is usually a large gap in their memory during the time period surrounding the seizure. Due to oxygen deprivation, epilepsy can also cause retrograde or anterograde amnesia – meaning it can cause sudden memory loss about other time periods, as well.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Foods That Improve Memory: Key Nutrients for Brain Function

Foods That Improve Memory
It happens to us all as we get older – memories of our youth get hazier, we start to forget appointments and commitments, and we begin to misplace common (but important) items like our keys, wallets, and coats.

There are some people who suffer from disorders of the executive function of the brain, such as depression and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) that have grappled with subpar memory function as long as they have suffered from their particular malady.

Unfortunately, there aren't any prescription drugs that can help improve memory, but there are key nutrients in certain foods that can help. Here is a list of five that can help improve your memory:

1.       Coconuts-It can be fun buying coconuts and splitting them open at home with a hammer, but the most common way to access the benefits of coconuts is by cooking with its oil. Coconut oil has a great balance of energy-producing nutrients and glucose for the brain. Studies suggest that it may be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer's and dementia.

2.       Nuts-Nuts are one of the best foods that improve memory because they are chock full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamins B6 and E, all of which can help sharpen your memory. One word of caution: peanuts aren't actually nuts! Rather, they are legumes like beans or peas. To get the best memory boost, stick to almonds and walnuts.

3.       Spinach-Spinach is one of nature’s super foods. It prevents damage to cells and DNA, inhibits the growth of certain kinds of tumors, and can prevent or delay dementia. It's an excellent source of vitamin E and folate, and it helps to keep your brain young, flexible, and spry.

4.       Rosemary-The common herb, Rosemary, that is so delicious with pork and chicken, is a powerful member of the group of foods that improve memory. It has been shown to confer brain benefits just in people who smell it – they don't even have to eat it! It helps the brain get the blood it needs, helps regulate your mood, and detoxifies your system.

5.       Tomatoes- These ripe red fruits are packed with an antioxidant called lycopene that has been shown to fight dementia.


Of course there are other foods that improve memory besides the five listed above, but if you are looking for a quick brain boost, you can't go wrong with this list. For the best results, try combinations of these foods! A bit of whole-grain pasta with tomato sauce sprinkled with rosemary and a spinach salad with walnuts and a coconut oil-based dressing? It's not just a delicious meal, but it's made entirely out of foods that improve memory - try it tonight!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Foods that Improve Memory: Micronutrients for Better Brain Function

foods that improve memory
Although eating certain foods won’t necessarily cure memory loss from Alzheimer’s, injury, stroke, or other causes, there may be some foods that improve memory. The reason for this is that these foods contain vital nutrients that are essential to brain function. As a result, a well-balanced diet rich in these vitamins and minerals may help keep memory working at its optimum capacity.

Some of the key nutrients in brain function, which can easily be obtained by eating certain foods, include:
·         Choline
·         Glutamate
·         Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
·         Folate (Vitamin B9)
·         Vitamin A
·         Omega-3 fatty acids

The following is a more in-depth breakdown of each of these nutrients…

Choline 

Choline plays a number of important roles in the human body. In the brain, it is a precursor molecule for acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter. An adequate dietary supply of choline increases the synthesis and release of acetylcholine from neurons, which aids in the formation of memories.

Foods rich in choline include:
·         Eggs
·         Beef
·         Pork
·         Fish
·         Soybean oil

An adequate dietary supply of choline can help ensure that memory processes function correctly.

Glutamate 

Glutamate is an amino acid, a type of molecule that is a “building block” for larger proteins. In the brain, glutamate plays a role in long-term potentiatio, which can increase the strength of synapses over time as those synapses fire repeatedly. This is part of long-term learning and memory formation.

Glutamate can be found in almost any food rich in protein. Foods that are good sources of glutamate include:

·         Red meats, such as beef and venison
·         Fish
·         Dairy products
·         Tomatoes
·         Shiitake mushrooms

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 

Thiamine deficiency can negatively impact short-term memory. In fact, even a moderate deficiency may contribute to depression, dementia, and memory loss in old age.

Foods rich in thiamine include:
·         Whole grains
·         Pork
·         Dairy products
·         Peanuts
·         Legumes
·         Eggs


Folate (Vitamin B9) 

Low levels of folate have been connected to deficiencies in learning and memory, especially among the elderly. Adequate levels of folate may help prevent memory deterioration.

Foods high in folate include:
-          Beans
-          Lentils
-          Spinach
-          Asparagus
-          Lettuce
-          Broccoli
-          Spinach
-          Kale
-          Avocados
-          Mangos
-          Oranges


Vitamin A


Vitamin A is important in the growth, function, and chemical balance of the brain and nervous system. Vitamin A plays a role in long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and is implicated in memory, especially in spatial memory.

Foods rich in Vitamin A include:
·         Lettuce
·         Spinach
·         Carrots
·         Kale
·         Sweet potatoes
·         Squash
·         Apricots
·         Cantaloupe
·         Tuna
·         Red pepper


Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids are important components of brain cells, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a key component of the cell membranes of neurons. This class of fats plays many important roles in the brain.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA, include:
·         Flax seeds
·         Walnuts
·         Sardines
·         Salmon
·         Soybeans
·         Tofu
·         Shrimp
·         Cauliflower
·         Winter squash



Although no evidence has yet been produced that memory loss can be cured or reversed with certain nutrients, there are micronutrients that are essential to healthy brain function. A diet that provides adequate levels of folate, thiamine, choline, glutamate, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help ensure optimal performance of memory and cognition.