Memory loss, commonly associated with the elderly, can affect a person of any age. However, there are natural remedies that are effective to reverse memory loss and prevent it in the first place, such as the spice turmeric and coconut oil.
What Causes Memory Loss?
Most people are aware of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. While these conditions usually affect the elderly, they sometimes affect the middle aged as well.
- Memory loss can also be caused by an acute illness or injury.
- Nutritional deficiencies can cause memory loss.
- Memory loss is not an uncommon symptom of menopause.
- Individuals with hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, and Lyme disease may also experience memory loss as a side effect of their condition.
Drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter can cause memory loss. Many medications affect your acetylcholine levels, which can cause memory loss and related disorders. (Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in the brain.)
- Certain prescription drugs can cause memory loss. Anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants, beta blockers, medications for insomnia and cholesterol lowering medications have all been implicated in memory loss.
- Over the counter drugs have been linked to memory loss. Sleep aids, antihistamines, medications for acid reflux and even motion sickness medications can cause memory loss.
Drug and alchol abuse can cause memory loss.
The good news is that memory loss can be reversed in many cases.
Natural Remedies to Reverse and Prevent Memory Loss
Supplements
Herbs
Cayenne pepper is a stimulating herb. Cayenne especially helps blood flow and will increase the amount of oxygen getting to the brain. It also contains vitamin C, another important brain nutrient.
Turmeric helps with a multitude of health problems and is good for your brain as well.
Ginko Biloba, gotu kola, ashwaghanda, eluethero and rhodiola have positive effects on the brain. These herbs are classified as adaptogenic herbs. They help the body adapt to stress and support the immune system. Adaptogenic herbs should not be used continuously, however.
Green tea contains anti-oxidants and is thought to improve brain function.
Dietary Changes
Nourishing foods will nourish your body, your cells, and your brain. Reducing sugar, white flour and processed foods and increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet will give your body more nutrients to work with.
Low fat diets are not good for your brain. Your brain needs nourishing fats. It is made of about 60% fat. Nourishing fats include coconut oil, olive oil and butter. Your brain also needs cholesterol. Eggs, dairy products and meat contain cholesterol.
Using coconut oil in your diet on a regular basis may be the single most important change you make. This oil is proving to be helpful in reversing memory loss in dementia patients.
Physical Exercise
Physical exercise is good for your health in many ways, including brain health. Exercise gets your blood circulating. It gets more oxygen to your cells. It reduces stress. You know it is good for you but sometimes it is hard to get motivated. Instead of taking up marathon running, try to take a 5 minute walk a couple of times day. Start small and increase what you do.
Mental Exercise
The more technology we have, the less we depend upon our brains. Smartphones, computers, televisions, etc not only make us use our brains less, oftentimes our screen time is not really engaging our brains. A movie or video game to unwind is one thing but hours upon hours of passive viewing leaves your brain inactive for long periods of time. Use it or lose it applies to the brain, too!
Just like physical exercise, mental exercise is work. Sometimes our brains rebel. But there are plenty of ways to give your brain a work out. Find some ways that your enjoy. Crossword puzzles and adult coloring books can be relaxing and giving your brain some exercise.
Make an effort to memorize things.
- Memorize some poetry you like.
- Memorize songs with your children or grandchildren.
- Make a game of memorizing phone numbers instead of letting your smart phone do all the work.
Medication Evaluation
Find out if memory loss is a side effect of the medications you are taking. Discuss alternatives to any medications you are concerned about with your doctor.
Do you have a natural remedy for memory loss? We would love to hear your story! Continue reading to learn some amazing remedies that have helped our readers!
Other pages of interest:
Natural Remedies for Alzheimer's and Dementia
The Importance of Exercise for the Elderly
