Feeling like the absent-minded professor lately? Memory is an intricate and complex function of the brain. It requires millions of neurons to operate in perfect harmony and as we age, we experience memory glitches in which spontaneous memory loss occurs. Here are some memory-improving strategies to keep your brain sharp.
Ginkgo To Think
Ginkgo, the oldest surviving species of tree, has been traced back 300 million years and is one of the most widely studied plants. The leaf of the ginkgo tree is shaped like a human brain, and some believe this is why, in Asia, it has always had a reputation of benefiting the mental processes.
Dwindling memory and decreased concentration is largely caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and loss of brain cells; ginkgo has been confirmed to boost circulation to the brain and other organs, improving memory and cognitive functions. Additionally, ginkgo is used as a longevity tonic across Asia and Europe.
The best-known and most commonly available forms of ginkgo are teas and herbal extracts, but ginkgo nut, used in the culinary traditions of Asian cultures, also has therapeutic properties and is said to strengthen lung function. The herbal formula Super Clarity contains Ginkgo Leaf and isbased on a classical formula designed to ensure that the brain is nourished, the mind is clear and focused, the senses are keen, the memory is sharp, the heart is robust, and the cardiovascular system is open. It’s available in the Wellness Living Store.
Balanced Diet For Quick Responses
A regular and balanced diet rich in essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins will help to ensure a vibrant and sharp memory. Make sure to eat some form of protein, such as nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, or animal products, with each meal. Fish, especially deep-ocean fish, are a great source of the essential oils that our cells need for healthy functions. Make sure to not overeat, because it stalls the energy at the center of the body, preventing it from nourishing the brain.
Mental Gymnastics Keep Your Mind Nimble
It is normal to become more absent-minded as we age, and most people over the age of 40 experience some memory loss. The most likely causes of a forgetful mind include poor concentration due to brain-chemical imbalance, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
• If you find you are becoming more forgetful than usual, try these steps and see if there isn’t some improvement in your cognitive clarity:
• Get an uninterrupted eight hours of sleep each night.
• Do half an hour of cardiovascular exercise every day, such as brisk walking, slow jogging, biking, or swimming. This will improve circulation and increase blood flow to the brain.
• Turn yourself upside down for a couple of minutes daily.
• Mental fitness activities are imperative to prevent age-related cognitive decline. Read and learn new things, find new hobbies, do crossword puzzles, add up your bill in your head while shopping, memorize a set of phone numbers forward and backward; all these can stimulate brain cell activities and in some cases even grow new brain pathways.
Work with your physician to find a supplemental regimen that helps improve your cognitive capabilities. Memory-enhancing supplements and herbs include B-complex vitamins, magnesium, CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, fish oil, flax seed oil, Chinese club moss, ginkgo, and ginseng. A supplement that has been well-documented in Europe for reversing age-related dementia and memory loss is phosphatidylserine (PS), a compound made by the body from the amino acid serine. Taken in supplement form, PS lowers stress responses and promotes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain that facilitate thought, reasoning, and concentration.
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared regularly on Dr. Oz, the Doctors and EXTRA. Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness over 25 years ago in addition, to also founding Yo San University in Venice/Marina del Rey. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com.
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