If you struggle to remember what you’re about to read, you probably would benefit from taking a supplement for memory.
As we age our ability to learn and process new information, and recall old information (memory) tends to deteriorate. But, this does not have to be the case.
Supplement for Memory: Hormones
Despite the attention given to nutritional supplements, the best way to keep your brain in tip top shape is to have optimal hormone levels. Hormones work by hooking up with a receptor on the cell. That hook-up then triggers that cell to do what that cell has been programmed to do. The brain has a tremendous amount of receptors for our sex hormones, testosterone in men and estrogen in women. That’s because the brain needs hormones.
Many men and women notice difficulty recalling names, phone numbers, and other tasks beginning in their mid 40’s. After age 30 our hormone levels decline about 1% to 3% per year. So by the time we’re 45 there’s been a critical loss of hormones. Studies have shown that individuals with hormone levels in the upper part of normal are less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
So the first step is get you sex hormone levels checked plus your thyroid hormone levels. Low thyroid makes the brain and other organs function more slowly. See “Anti Aging Hormones“.
Keeping your neurotransmitters optimal is another key to keeping your memory in tip top shape (see Natural Serotonin Boosters and Try These Natural Dopamine Boosters. Neurotransmitters can be boosted by eating high quality protein.
There Is More Than One Supplement For Memory
The best known nutritional supplement for the brain is ginkgo biloba, which increases blood flow to brain and serves as an antioxidant neutralizing free radicals that can damage our brain and other tissues.
Resveratrol recently was demonstrated to improve verbal memory in sedentary individuals. Resveratrol is found in red wine and can be obtained in a supplement form.
Lecithin is an important source for phosphatidlycholine, a major component of cell membranes. It is also used to make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter of the brain and another supplement for memory.
Vinpocetin is an extract from the periwinkle plant and improves blood flow, improves memory and brain intracellular communication, which means the brain functions more efficiently.
Phosphatidylserine improves memory loss and improves delivery of nutrients to the brain.
Acetyl-A-carnitine improves function of the mitochondria, which are the energy producing organelles in our cells. The brain requires tremendous amounts of oxygen and energy to function. Acetyl-A-carnitine also protects the myelin sheath (insulation) around nerve cells. See “Anti Aging Vitamins“.
Exercise the Brain
The old adage, “use it, or lose it” applies to our brains, just as much as it does our bodies. So one critical step to prevent memory loss is to use your brain by engaging in any number of mental activities like reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, participating in stimulating conversation, and good ole’ fashion thinking.
So exercise is another supplement for memory.
Can you remember all of this? And, yes you can enhance your memory.
