How’s your memory? Many people feel that their memory is gradually getting worse, and assume that this is a normal part of aging. But there are steps you can take to help improve your memory, and to help prevent the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s as you advance in years.
There are a number of factors that affect brain function and memory, however two of the main ones are medications and heavy metals.
Medications
There are many medications that have an effect on mental functions. Some of these that have a particular impact on memory include
Heavy Metals
Various heavy metals also negatively affect mental function and memory. One of the more common ones is aluminium, which is absorbed from aluminium cookware, flocculation agents added to water supplies, baking powders used in breads, deodorants, antacids, etc. Aluminium causes the nerves in the brain to become tangled (referred to as neurofibrillary tangles), and also causes a glue-like substance called amyloid, which interferes with the normal brain nerve conduction.
Diet
Recent research indicates that it may be possible to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s.1 This research indicates that one key way of addressing memory issues and improving neural plasticity is through reducing inflammation in the body. Ideally, this involves
This protocol has been shown to arrest serious disease, as well as reverse more mild memory and cognitive impairment.1
The Gut
The 100 trillion microbes that live in our gastro-intestinal system are extremely important for overall health, especially brain health. Today the ‘gut–brain axis’ is a feature at major neuroscience meetings, and literally thousands of publications over the past decade have revealed that the gut microbiome could have profound effects on the brain, and may cause many disorders.2 Improving the balance of the microbiome has been shown to alleviate a variety of diseases ranging from diabetes, depression and anxiety, to foggy brain and obesity.3
The microbiome is a complete ecosystem inside our bodies. It has been shown that when the gut microbial diversity decreases, there is an increased prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, allergies and asthma. So the answer is not in just taking a random probiotic, but in seeing an expert who understands the ecology of the gut and which specific good bacteria need to be increased to restore a healthy balance to this environment. (We would recommend seeing an experienced Brisbane naturopath for this.)
Some Specific Supplements
If you are suffering from a decline in memory, or want to prevent the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s as you age, you can book in for a free Comprehensive Assessment at our clinic. The Assessment is a detailed look at what is going on in your body, what is causing any problems, and the best way to sort them out. (Terms and conditions- the Assessment is a completely free service, with no obligations whatsoever.)
Be well, and have a great life!
1.Bredesen, D. E. (2014). Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program. Aging (Albany NY), 6(9), 707.
2. How gut microbes could drive brain disorders. Nature.
3. Perlmutter, D. (2015). Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain-for Life: Hachette UK.
Valued at $120, your Assessment will help to uncover:
All this will be fully explained to you, and you can ask as many questions as you like. That way we can be sure to give you all of the right information, understanding and advice you need. Terms and conditions: This is a free, no obligation offer.