Increasingly, young
people have been complaining of forgetfulness and memory lapses. Forgetting
names, faces, important dates, appointments, conversations, where you have put
things, stopping mid-sentence and often stumbling on words, trying to remember
what you wanted to say, lapses in concentration or experiencing brain fog — if
you are experiencing any of these, it is certainly a warning sign of declining
memory and brain function. Once associated with old-age and senility, this is
no laughing matter for the young generation.
Several scientific
studies show that starting in our early 30s, we experience significant memory
loss each year along with loss of brain function. A recent scientific study at
Georgia Tech University shows that the average person’s memory declines by as
much as 40 per cent between 30 and 65 years of age, with an even more
pronounced decline in the “golden years”.
The reasons for the
acceleration of this decline could be many including multitasking, stress and
technologically driven environment, toxins in air, food, and water, and
unhealthy diets. Stress can alter our bodies, brains and eating habits. The
body responds to stress by increasing the release of free radicals (chemicals
that weaken the immune system, exposing the body to degenerative diseases),
hormonal imbalances, altering eating behaviour and affecting overall
productivity and well-being. Further, increased stress creates a greater need
for memory boosting nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, folic acid, zinc,
magnesium etc.
Some of the other common
environmental factors implicated are chemicals and heavy metals in our food
including fluoride in ground water, toxic pesticides, herbicides, GM
(genetically modified) foods and artificial sweeteners; excessive sugar like
high fructose corn syrup, increased alcohol consumption; aluminum in cookware,
antiperspirants, deodorants and prolonged exposure to electromagnetic
radiations.
In fact, there are some
special foods known in traditional medicine which are associated with
improvement of brain function and memory. These include Brahmi Ghrita and Ginko
Biloba which reportedly have cognitive enhancing properties. More scientific
research is needed to validate their unique bio-active compounds with specific
dosages and memory enhancing properties.
The critical preventive
approach to a failing memory lies in correction of diet and nutrient therapy
along with sanitizing the environment and stress management.
Good food, along with
exercise, can play a powerful role in helping cope with stress and boost
memory.
To boost your memory, have more of:
Increasingly, young
people have been complaining of forgetfulness and memory lapses. Forgetting
names, faces, important dates, appointments, conversations, where you have put
things, stopping mid-sentence and often stumbling on words, trying to remember
what you wanted to say, lapses in concentration or experiencing brain fog — if
you are experiencing any of these, it is certainly a warning sign of declining
memory and brain function. Once associated with old-age and senility, this is
no laughing matter for the young generation.
Several scientific
studies show that starting in our early 30s, we experience significant memory
loss each year along with loss of brain function. A recent scientific study at
Georgia Tech University shows that the average person’s memory declines by as
much as 40 per cent between 30 and 65 years of age, with an even more
pronounced decline in the “golden years”.
The reasons for the
acceleration of this decline could be many including multitasking, stress and
technologically driven environment, toxins in air, food, and water, and
unhealthy diets. Stress can alter our bodies, brains and eating habits. The body
responds to stress by increasing the release of free radicals (chemicals that
weaken the immune system, exposing the body to degenerative diseases), hormonal
imbalances, altering eating behaviour and affecting overall productivity and
well-being. Further, increased stress creates a greater need for memory
boosting nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin C, folic acid, zinc, magnesium etc.
Some of the other common
environmental factors implicated are chemicals and heavy metals in our food
including fluoride in ground water, toxic pesticides, herbicides, GM
(genetically modified) foods and artificial sweeteners; excessive sugar like
high fructose corn syrup, increased alcohol consumption; aluminum in cookware,
antiperspirants, deodorants and prolonged exposure to electromagnetic
radiations.
In fact, there are some
special foods known in traditional medicine which are associated with
improvement of brain function and memory. These include Brahmi Ghrita and Ginko
Biloba which reportedly have cognitive enhancing properties. More scientific
research is needed to validate their unique bio-active compounds with specific
dosages and memory enhancing properties.
The critical preventive
approach to a failing memory lies in correction of diet and nutrient therapy
along with sanitizing the environment and stress management.
Good food, along with
exercise, can play a powerful role in helping cope with stress and boost
memory.
To boost your memory,
have more of:
* Antioxidants like
Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C: Found in eggs, carrots, broccoli, fish,
nuts, green leafy vegetables and fruits.
* Omega 3 fatty acids:
Found in fish, mustard oil, mustard seeds, methi, urad daal, rajma, soybeans,
lobia, walnuts, bajra, and flaxseeds.
* Vitamin B1 (Thiamin):
Found in rice bran, whole wheat flour, barley, maize, eggs, cow’s milk etc.
* Vitamin B12: Found in
egg, lean meat and low-fat milk.
* Folic Acid: Found in
green leafy vegetables, broccoli, pulses etc.
* Zinc: Found in whole
grains, pulses, seafood, meat and poultry.
* Magnesium: Found in
whole grains, leafy vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, nuts and shellfish.
* Lecithin: Found in egg
yolk, soybeans, cauliflower, beans, legumes, grains and wheatgerm.
* Healthy fats: Found in
nuts, seeds, olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, sunflower oil and corn oil.
Source: Indian Express