It is accepted by many people as a fact that deterioration of short and long-term memory is an inevitable part of the process of ageing, and that powers of recall are bound to reduce with advancing years. This is not necessarily so; many people in their eighties and nineties have better memory than some people in their thirties and forties.

Occasional memory lapses, such as forgetting keys, are normal at any age, and should not be worried about too much, but anything more serious is a result of incorrect nutrition, insufficient mental exercise, poor circulation caused by a lack of physical activity, furring up of the arteries, or blood that is too thick.

The above discussion is a general statement! Memory loss can be caused by certain specific factors, such as head injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease or the use of certain drugs such as beta blockers. However, the proportion of problems caused by these factors is very small, and correction of nutritional deficiencies can help most people.

Discussion

In order to function properly, all parts of the body require nutrients, and this includes the brain. In order for nutrients to get to any part of the body, blood circulation has to be unrestricted and efficient, as it is blood that carries all nutrients. An additional factor with the brain is that it is surrounded by a protective envelope called the blood-brain barrier, which is designed to prevent the passage of unwanted substances. However, if the blood is thick with an excessive tendency to clot and too high in saturated fats, then a proportion of desirable nutrients may be prevented from crossing.

A large number of nutrients are important for brain function. The most important of all, but one tending to be ignored in any discussions, is oxygen. Without oxygen, we cannot live, and if oxygen is present but in short supply then all our functions underperform. Oxygen is transported by haemoglobin in the red blood cells. The main constituent of haemoglobin is iron, but it also requires vitamin C, folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6. Vitamin E is required to slow down red cell breakdown. All these are therefore needed for optimum oxygen transport. In addition to this, folic acid and all other B vitamins help to produce neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that act as electrical switches in the brain, and if they are deficient, then the equivalent of short-circuits occur, causing incomplete memory or complete blanks.

Another simple, and again often ignored, cause of memory loss is simply lack of fuel. It is well known that glucose is the main source of energy in the body and brain, but an amino acid, L-glutamine, supplies roughly half of the brain’s fuel. It is also converted into glutamic acid. Glutamic acid acts as a neurotransmitter, so a deficiency of glutamine can cause both reduced brain energy and a problem with nerve transmission. As glutamine is the main fuel for the immune system and a major constituent of muscles, infection and heavy exercise can cause a deficiency, which reduces brain efficiency.

Hypoglycaemia

Returning to glucose as the fuel for the body and the brain; if blood glucose levels are not kept within a very narrow range, then all functions of the body are affected. Low blood sugar levels (or hypoglycaemia) can cause many brain and nervous system dysfunctions, of which memory loss may be the least serious. Dizziness, fainting, panic attacks, depression and disorientation may occur. It is therefore necessary for the body to control blood sugar levels efficiently.
 

Free Radical Damage

This is another cause of poor brain function.

Most people nowadays are aware of the existence of free radicals – these are molecules containing unpaired electrons. When these molecules bond to similar molecules in tissues, they cause damage to that tissue. There are many external sources of free radicals. However, metabolism (production of energy) within the body continuously produces free radicals. The brain, weight for weight, uses vastly more energy than any other part of the body, and therefore continuously produces a large amount of free radicals.

Fortunately, there are thousands of plant chemicals, in our diet and available as supplements, that neutralise these free radicals. They are called antioxidants.

Chemical Damage

Many chemicals can damage brain function. These include pesticide residues, artificial preservatives, flavours and colours, but even more importantly drugs, both legal and illegal, and alcohol in great excess.

Recommendations

Diet

The biggest enemy of brain function is excessive sugar consumption, which results in low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) by a rebound action, thus reducing the fuel available to the brain. As sugar contains no vitamins or minerals, and needs them for its metabolism, it depletes these nutrients, which are all necessary for brain function.

Therefore eat a diet low in sugars and refined carbohydrates, and high in vegetables and fruit, which are high in vitamins and minerals and contain between them literally thousands of natural antioxidants.

Avoid factory-produced foods as much as possible. Most of them contain sugars, chemical additives and also hydrogenated fats, which clog up the arteries. Eat little fried food; burnt fats are high in free radicals.

Supplements

A/ Nutritional

Strong multivitamin, containing at least 50mg of the main B vitamins. This is the basic starter of supplementation, and will supply sufficient vitamin A, potassium and zinc, as well as the B vitamins.

¨    Lecithin granules; contains phosphatidyl choline, an important neurotransmitter.

¨    Flax seed oil, as capsules or oil. Contains a spread of essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are necessary for brain function.

¨    Hemp seed oil; some people argue it is better than flax seed oil.

¨    Vitamin C and bioflavonoids; at least 2x1000mg per day – strong antioxidant.

¨    L-glutamine; at least 5, up to 20, grams/day, away from food. Essential brain fuel.

¨    Proanthocyanidins; in grapeseed, pine bark and grapeskin extracts. The strongest antioxidants known to man. Also help blood capillary condition, ensuring maximum blood to the brain.

B/ Herbal

¨    Gingko biloba; this herb can have a powerful effect on brain function by improving blood flow. It also helps to produce neurotransmitters.

¨    Rhodiola; this herb has many beneficial effects, being probably the strongest tonic and adaptogenic herb available. It has been shown to improve mental performance in healthy volunteers.

Both herbs have undergone a number of tests, and are well proven to help in various ways.

To buy any of these products, click this link: www.NationalNutrition.co.uk