Heal Brain Cells Naturally to Stop Memory loss.

You're over 40, and you seem to have developed a Bermuda Triangle in your brain, a place where names, facts, and even recent events seem to mysteriously disappear.
That "triangle" is called age-related memory loss. If you ask most conventional doctors what you can do about it, they'll probably tell you that it's normal, it's inevitable, and you should learn to live with it.
Forget about it!

Memory loss is not a sad fact of getting older, says Steven J. Bock, M.D., a family practitioner, acupuncturist, and co-director of the Center for Progressive Medicine in Rhinebeck, New York. It's caused by damage to the cells of the brain, called neurons.
This damage, either oxidative (a kind of cellular rust) or inflammatory (a kind of cellular burn), can produce a range of memory problems, from a slight erosion of optimal memory all the way to Alzheimer's disease.
But you can slow, stop, or even reverse neuron damage, Dr. Bock says.
A good first step, he says, is to take the right brain-boosting nutrients and herbs. He cautions, however, that improving the cellular environment of your brain with such supplements is best done under the supervision of an alternative physician who understands natural medicine.

MULTIVITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENT: Nutrients for Neurons
A high-potency multi vitamin /mineral supplement will supply many of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrients that you need to help control memory loss, Dr. Bock says. Look for a supplement that delivers a daily intake of at least the following nutrient amounts.

• Vitamin A: 10,000 international units (IU)
• Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: 9 milligrams or more
• B vitamins: 50 to 100 milligrams of most of the Bs
• Vitamin C: 1,000 milligrams
• Vitamin E: 200 to 400 IU
• Zinc: 20 milligrams
• Copper: 2 milligrams
• Manganese: 2 to 3 milligrams
• Selenium: 200 micrograms
• Chromium: 200 micrograms

PHOSPHOLIPIDS: Crucial Compounds That Decline with Age
Phospholipids help form the neurons' outer covering, or membrane, and aid communication between brain cells. But they decline with age, possibly hurting memory.
Since phospholipids aren't prevalent in the diet, the best way to replace them is with a daily supplement, says James Hughes, M.D., medical director of the Hilton Head Longevity Center in Bluffton, South Carolina. Look for one that contains phosphatidylserine, choline, and inositol for a total of 200 to 300 milligrams of phospholipids.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS: Fats You Shouldn't Forget   

The essential fatty acids, or EFA, are also major components of neuron membranes and can help protect memory, Dr. Bock says. He recommends 2 tablespoons a day of flaxseed oil, which is rich in EFA.

ACETYL-CARNITINE:

Stop "Age Spots" in Your Brain. The nutrient acetyl-carnitine can help improve memory, says Alan Brauer, M.D., founder and director of the TotalCare Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. Scientists theorize that it boosts energy production in the brain, improves function in the brain's glutamate receptors, which are responsible for learning, and may stop the formation of lipofucian, a kind of "age spot" of the neurons that can interfere with memory. He recommends 250 to 2,000 milligrams a day.

DMAE: A Boost for Your Neurotransmitters    
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that relay messages between neurons, so when levels of neurotransmitters are low, memory suffers. The supplement DMAE (short for dimethylaminoethanol) supplies a compound called methyl that your body needs to manufacture neurotransmitters, says Ross Hauser, M.D., director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Caring Medical Rehabilitation Service in Oak Park, Illinois. According to Dr. Hauser, DMAF may also help elevate mood and increase physical energy. Follow the" dosage recommendations on the label.

PERIWINKLE: An Herb to Remember
This herb can speed up brain activity. One of the extracts of periwinkle seeds works as a powerful enhancer of memory function by improving blood flow to the brain. In one study, secretaries who took periwinkle improved their ability to remember sequences of words by 40 percent. Take 21) to 40 milligrams a day, says Dr. Hauser.
GINKGO: Better Circulation far Your Brain
The herb ginkgo can help protect memory in two ways, Dr. Brauer says. It improves circulation to the brain, and it is a potent antioxidant. He recommends 120 to 240 milligrams a day.

ST. JOHN'S WORT: Another Nudge for Neurotransmitters
The herb St. John's wort increases a variety of neurotransmitters, Dr. Hughes says. Look for a product that is standardized for 0.3 percent hy-pericin, the most active ingredient in the herb, and take 900 milligrams a clay in divided closes with meals. Do not take this herb if you are taking a prescription antidepressant.

KAVA KAVA: for Memory- Restoring Sleep
This mildly sedative herb from the South Pacific helps you sleep better and allows your brain to produce more growth hormone, which is a substance that protects and improves memory, Dr. Hughes says.
Before bedtime, he recommends taking 500 milligrams of an extract of the herb standardized for 30 percent kavalactones, the active ingredient.

FEOWER ESSENCES: A Powerful Combination
The right combination of three flower essences can help halt memory loss, says Patricia Kaminski, cofounder and codirector of the Flower Essence Society, based in Nevada City, California.
The essence rosemary is considered particularly good for age-related memory loss, she says. It you're easily distracted, a major cause of poor memory, use the essence called madia. Finally, the essence Shasta daisy is thought to help the brain find meaning in events. "The more something is meaningful to you, the more you will remember it/' Kaminski says.
While you can use any one of these remedies to boost memory, it's ideal to use all three at once. "They are a wonderful combination for memory problems of all kinds," she says. Take four drops ol each remedy four times a day.

Remember to Live Right
Any personal program to improve memory must include a good diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction, all of which strengthen the brain, Dr. Hughes says.

FOOD: Make Your Meals Memory-Friendly
What you eat either increases or decreases oxidation and inflammation in your brain, Dr. Bock says. Here are four food pitfalls to avoid.

• Refined sugar triggers the body to pump out the hormone insulin, which is a pro-inflammatory compound, says Dr. Bock. Limit your intake.
• Trans-fats are inflammation producers that are in processed foods whose labels list hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient. Avoid them, says Dr. Bock.
• Food toxins ran also inflame the brain. Consider using a water filter and maximizing your intake of organic foods.
• Food allergies may contribute to memory problems. The most common allergens are wheat, milk, and corn. If you're noticing some memory glitches, consider cutting down on these foods, which increase inflammation throughout the body, including the brain.

EXERCISE: A Memory Tome
Go for a 1-mile walk shortly after you wake up, Dr. Hughes says. But rather than an aerobic, heart-pumping fitness walk, yours should be a solitary, peaceful walk in a natural setting, if possible. "Walk slowly and be aware of your surroundings, consciously taking in everything beautiful that you see and hear," he says.
laying attention to natural beauty improves your mental attitude, which in turn improves mental functioning of all kinds, Dr. Hughes says. Taking your walk in the early morning resets your body clock for the day, a must for maximum alertness.
Also, by warming and loosening your muscles in the morning when they're typically stiff and tight, you develop better proprioception, which is your brain's awareness of the position of your body as it moves.
Dr. Hughes also recommends regular aerobic exercise for better health—and a better memory.

MENTAL EXERCISE:
Any activity that stimulates and challenges your mind, such as playing Scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, or learning a new language, is exceptionally good for retaining memory, Dr. Hughes says.
people get lazy with their minds," he says. "Sitting in front of the TV for hours a day atrophies your muscle cells and your brain cells. Just as with your muscles, you have to use your brain in order not to lose your brain."

STRESS REDUCTION:
During stress, the body pumps out high levels of the hormone cortisol, which damages the hippocampus, the part of the brain that turns short-term memory into long-term memory, says Dr. Hughes.
To combat stress, he recommends practicing a relaxation exercise daily, whether it's deep breathing, meditation, or contemplative exercises such as tai chi or yoga.