Wave: Can nutrition help protect my memory for the long term?
Your queries about natural health answered by Jacquie Lane for the College of Naturopathic Medicine
Maintaining a good memory and the slowing down of cognitive decline is something most people want for themselves and their aging relatives.
Many studies have been carried out on increased nutrient status aiding the improvement of memory loss, and increasing cognitive function. One of the many studied nutrients is Omega 3 and its active elements DHA and EPA. You can gain a helpful amount of this very beneficial oil from oily fish like mackerel and salmon, sardines and pilchards, or from non-fish sources like ground flax seeds sprinkled on porridge with walnuts.
The B vitamin group also has some very worthy research behind it for improving brain activity in dementia patients. Get your fix from whole grains such as brown rice and oats (not the microwave sweetened version) and leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
Use seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, for their zinc content: try pumpkin seed butter on gluten free toast or as a dip for carrot and pepper sticks.
Plants contain phytochemicals which act as antioxidants, helping to fight the oxidation of our cells (imagine leaving meat out on the counter for the air to get at it or cutting an apple in half and leaving it uncovered for an hour – that’s oxidation). So eat lots of fresh berries like blackcurrants, blackberries and blueberries. One particular class of phytochemical is called lycopene, which you get from tomatoes, especially cooked tomatoes.
The active ingredient in green tea, ECGG, may help lower the amount of protein that contributes to the accumulation of damaging plaque in the brain cells. Make sure you get Vitamin E, available in hazelnuts, almonds and green leafy vegetables.
Things to avoid: Nothing damages our cells quite like smoking and excess alcohol. Add to that fried food, too much animal protein and gluten, and you’re really not doing yourself any favours. Sugar and hydrogenated fats from cakes, biscuits and processed foods compound the issue further.
Increase blood flow by extra activity, keep your body and your brain active, learn a language or start a new course of learning. Nutritional study would be useful!
See your health professional for personal advice.
Attend a FREE Open Evening at CNM Brighton to find out about training with CNM for a career as a Nutritional Therapist.
Visit www.naturopathy-uk.com
