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Poor Memory

');document.writeln('BetterHealthUSA Editor');document.writeln('

Memory loss probably affects the majority of us in one way or another. More often than not, it is a momentary memory lapse; nothing to worry about – it happens to the best of us. However, when memory lapses begin to become a regular occurrence, it is wise to dig a little deeper and seek medical advice.

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Memory can be affected by a number of factors, some more sinister than others: it may simply be lack of sleep; fatigue due to over-work, lack of exercise, or poor diet; or stress-related. These are all issue about which we can do something constructive to help us. However, memory problems can also be the result of deeper-rooted issues such as brain disease, tumours, or the onset of a brain cell deteriorating disease such as Alzheimer’s. Sufferers that have any doubts at all should always seek medical advice with regards to continued memory loss.

A recent report published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition claimed that poor memory could be significantly improved by the intake of foods containing a substance called choline. Dr Steven Zeisel, from the School of Public Health and Medicine in North Carolina, reported that: “…the availability of choline for normal development of the brain is critical.”

Choline is a substance found in many protein-rich products, such as mile, eggs, and nuts. Based on these reports, it would therefore seem that a protein-rich diet, such as the Atkins Diet, could help poor memory sufferers considerably. However, as most protein-rich foods are also high in fat content, people looking to start a protein-based diet should first ensure that they have no allergies or sensitivities to these food types (nut allergies, for example, are rife worldwide and could prove to be fatal if not identified and eliminated from the diet).

Restructuring the diet to include more nutritious and balanced foods can also help with diet related problems such as problems with sleeping. Lack of sleep in itself can cause memory lapses and cognitive deterioration. A healthier diet which helps with sleeping problems may therefore have a knock-on effect and also help to improve poor memory. Exercise should also be combined with dietary changes, as this will improve oxygen levels within the bloodstream and which will naturally increase oxygen levels to the brain.

In 1999, the National Academy of Sciences added Choline to the list of required nutrients for human health. Studies have shown that this substance acts as a catalyst in the release of neurotransmitters that control memory storage.

Sources:
');document.writeln('1. http://nutrition.about.com/library/weekly/aa102300a.htm
');document.writeln('2. http://www.udupipages.com/health/sleep.html
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