Nutritional Support for Memory
When memory begins to slip or fade over time, it can be scary. We all know that our MD's do not yet have a drug that will solve this problem. This only adds to the frustration. A lifetime of optimal healthy living that includes a whole foods diet, clean water, proper exercise and adequate high-quality sleep will ensure your greatest chances of many enjoyable healthy years at the senior stage of life. Even if you begin taking better care of yourself later in life, it is never too late to make a difference. Giving your body what it needs, and eliminating those things that harm or tax your body are two very basic common-sense rules for living a healthy life. Good memory reflects that health.
Beyond these basic guidelines for over all health, scientific studies are showing much promise in the area of memory support and restoration. After all, in your healthiest and most youthful stage of life, it was nature and not drugs, that gave you glowing health. Is it such a surprise that nature may hold the key to moving you back toward that state of good health and memory?
The following natural substances show promise in the area of brain cell and memory health. Some of these supplements are available through your local health food store, while others are doctor-only lines of supplements that are available strictly through licensed health practitioners. Such practioners might include Chiropractors that practice nutritional medicine, MD's that practice natural medicine and legitimately educated and licensed Naturopathic Physicians such as myself. Another word of discretion: all supplement lines are not created equally. I have to be very cautious about which lines that I use in my practice, because I depend upon these substances to produce dramatic clinical results. Currently the FDA does not regulate production of natural supplements, and many companies take short cuts in quality. There are many aspects to quality, including how well the substance can be absorbed, whether or not the substance is actually in the supplement as promised, whether or not an herb actually contains the active constituents that make it medicinal, and finally contaminants and allergenic additives. While there may be more product lines of quality available over the counter at health food stores, my two favorites are: Enzymatic Therapy and Nature's Way.
Ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation in the brain. Therefore brain cells are exposed to more nutrients and cellular waste products are removed from the area more rapidly, supporting the health of these cells. Additionally Ginkgo works as a powerful anti-oxidant. The research that is most promising has been done on the 24% standardized extract. Besides being an important "brain herb" Gingko has been shown in studies to reduce incidence of intermittent claudication association with cardiovascular disease.
Phosphatidyl serine protects brain cells from free-radical damage caused by cigarette smoke, alcohol, pollution, pesticides, herbicides, chronic emotional or mental stress, poor diet or dietary insufficiencies and the aging process. As a powerful anti-oxidant, phosphatidyl serine has anti-aging properties that will benefit every system of the body.
Acetyl L-Carnitine also increases blood flow to the brain. It is considered to be nutritionally supportive to brain and nerve cells throughout the body. Carnitine is also an important componant of heart and muscle tissue.
Vinpocetine is an active constituent from the plant with the common name of "Lesser Periwinkle." Vinpocetine specifically increases circulation and use of oxygen in brain tissue. It has been shown in studies to directly improve cognitive (mental) functioning. This very promising supplement also reduces red blood cell aggregation (like aspirin does but without the unwanted side effects) thereby rendering it a cardiovascular/stroke preventative as well. Bacopa monniera is a Ayervedic plant that has been shown to enhance mental function in a variety of different ways, including enhancing intellectual brain functioning, short and long term memory, and has had positive effects on people that are facing the challenges of attention deficit disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally it is shown to help combat the effects of stress, and improves reflexes. It has been studied in India since 1951, and is only now gaining recognition internationally.
Huperiza serrata is a Chinese plant that contains the active constituent huperzine. It has been used in China for centuries for nervous and mental conditions, including dementia. Science shows us that this substance increases the availability of an important neurotransmitter in brain tissue, improving memory and learning. It also decreases a particular kind of cell death associated with Alzheimer's disease.
While these substances are all natural, they are proving to be quite potent in scientific studies. As with many natural substances, the only "side effects" of note, are that they also enhance health in other areas of the body. I would encourage anyone to support the health of their brain in order to enhance their quality of life.