Avoiding Memory Loss

Avoiding Memory Loss

With millions of people being diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease annually and the cases of Dementia rising constantly we all need to be aware of the simple things we can do to protect ourselves from the ravages of these diseases.

Processed food and food preservatives may well be the most vicious toxins human beings face today because they are so prevalent in our diet.  Although they are present in “acceptable” levels according to the FDA, they build up in our bodies over long periods of time and adversely effect our health in many ways.

“The human body is a well crafted piece of machinery. At the cellular level, there are a number of inter reactions that happen each day with the body’s immune system prepared for all eventualities. But when we introduce outside chemicals into the body, the natural defenses do not know how to react and that results in the body either absorbing these foreign substances or causing illness and breakdown of the organs. Studies have shown that a number of diseases that are occurring in humans such as Chronic fatigue syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and acid stomach are because of the chemical food intake.  “.

In his article  http://www.hpakids.org/HTML/index.html?foodadditives.htm" target="_blank">Food Additives and Human Health, Elson M. Haas, MD gives these 12 Key Additives to Avoid and Their Health Risks
As you read these keep in mind that healthy brain function requires healthy circulation, adequate nutrition and the elimination of toxins, so anything that hampers these functions hampers the brain..

1.    Hydrogenated Fats—cardiovascular disease, obesity
2.    Artificial Food Colors—allergies, asthma, hyperactivity; possible carcinogen
3.    Nitrites and Nitrates—these substances can develop into nitrosamines in body, which can be carcinogenic
4.    Sulfites (sulfur dioxide, metabisulfites, and others)—allergic and asthmatic reactions
5.    Sugar and Sweeteners—obesity, dental cavities, diabetes and hypoglycemia, increased triglycerides (blood fats) or candida (yeast)
6.    Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K and Saccharin)—behavioral problems, hyperactivity, allergies, and possibly carcinogenic. The government cautions against the use of any artificial sweetener by children and pregnant women. Anyone with PKU (phenylketonuria—a problem of phenylalanine, an amino acid, metabolism) should not use aspartame (Nutrasweet).
7.    MSG (monosodium glutamate)—common allergic and behavioral reactions, including headaches, dizziness, chest pains, depression and mood swings; also a possible neurotoxin
8.    Preservatives (BHA, BHT, EDTA, etc.)—allergic reactions, hyperactivity, possibly cancer-causing; BHT may be toxic to the nervous system and the liver
9.    Artificial Flavors—allergic or behavioral reactions
10. Refined Flour—low-nutrient calories, carbohydrate imbalances, altered insulin production
11. Salt (excessive)—fluid retention and blood pressure increases
12. Olestra (an artificial fat)—diarrhea and digestive disturbances

Keep your brain active.  Learn something new.

The latest research, detailed in John Ratey’s Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, shows that certain changes take place in the brain when you exercise. Not just “runner’s high” but physical changes. More new cells are created, connections between them are reworked, and various chemicals including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters that regulate your stress response, mood, motivation and more) increase—proof that human beings were built to move.

Other studies have shown that working a crossword puzzle or a math problem created activity in the brain that helped to build new cells and created new neurol-pathways in the brain whereas reading a book or watching television did little or nothing to enhance the brain.

We all have set routines that help us get through our day more quickly and efficiently, but that may not be the best thing for keeping the brain active.  Try changing your routine.  Take a different route to work, eat lunch at a different location.  Even if you take your lunch to work, nothing says you have to eat it in the same place.  If you’re right handed try writing a few things (that no one else has to read) with your left hand.  You really have to think about it, and that stimulates the brain.  If you perform a certain household task on the same day of the week, change days, change  the order in which you do things.  Changing any little thing will help keep your brain active.

Maintain good contact with family, friends and community.  Get involved.  When someone else plays an important part of your life, there is always a variety of activity which helps keep you thinking and learning.

Remember that just because you may be young and seemingly healthy now doesn’t mean that an unhealthy lifestyle won’t catch up with you.  The key to remaining mentally alert well into old age is a healthy diet and lifestyle from youth.  Eat healthy, stay active and keep learning!