Aging is not always necessarily responsible for a person's memory loss. Short-term memory problems, in particular, can be caused by a number of other factors. What we eat and drink can definitely play a part. Therefore, knowing what foods to eat and what foods to avoid can contribute to brain health. Consuming adequate levels of certain nutrients helps to maintain healthy nerve cells, enhancing memory and slowing the progression of dementia.
Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can have detrimental effects on the brain. Loss of short-term memory is a common symptom. A research study published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that older diabetics may be at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias (see Reference 1). The study found that the risk increases more with the severity of hypoglycemia. Individuals are advised to reduce sugar intake--and that includes consumption of artificial sweeteners. It may help to understand that the body quickly metabolizes foods that contain refined white sugar and bleached white flour. This causes blood sugar to spike, then drop. Because high glucose levels can damage brain cells, a healthier alternative for both mind and body is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, which are high-fiber carbohydrates. The body absorbs these carbohydrates better and raises blood glucose levels slowly.
Nutrient Deficiencies
The brain requires plenty of nutrients to function properly. Lack of certain vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can decrease cognitive skills, and may contribute to the earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease in some individuals. A diet low in iron and zinc could cause memory problems. While iron deficiency can reduce a person's ability to concentrate, low levels of zinc are believed to slow memory recall. Zinc, along with co-enzyme Q10 and essential fatty acids, plays a significant role in maintaining healthy brain function. The B vitamins--including B12, B6, and folate--are good for the brain as well, as higher levels of B complex may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Although the connection with folate is not as obvious, folate decreases homcysteine levels in the blood, improving blood flow that takes oxygen to the brain. Adequate levels of selenium and vitamin E in the body could also help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's and related dementias. Low levels of iodine in the body are another cause for concern; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency is a leading cause of preventable mental impairment (see Reference 2).
Alcohol
Limit consumption of alcohol, which acts as a depressant by slowing down reaction time and interfering with thought processes. Information recently published online by Brown University Health Services explains that women are more at risk than men for suffering the negative effects of drinking too much alcohol (see Reference 3). Because women have less body water than men, their ability to dilute the alcohol is diminished. A woman's body also metabolizes alcohol more slowly, resulting in blood alcohol levels that could be high enough to impair judgment and lead to mental confusion. For both men and women, drinking alcohol in excessive quantities can affect short-term memory.
Contaminated Produce
Foods not organically grown are often contaminated with insecticides or other pesticides that are toxic. These chemical substances can affect nerve function, causing brain damage and memory loss. Toxins in the environment that are passed on to humans through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat have the potential to destroy brain cells. When mitochondria in cells are destroyed, the body's ability to produce adenosine triphosphate is destroyed as well. Adenosine triphosphate is the body's primary source of energy and is central to brain cognition and thought.
Warning About Food Preservatives
The chemicals found in food preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, and other additives can accumulate in the body, causing eventual brain damage and memory loss. While these substances are used to make food look better and increase their shelf life, beware of foods with the word "enriched" on the label, as they likely do not have any higher nutritional value.
Soy
Consuming too many soy products like tofu might actually increase the risk for memory loss, according to a study funded by the British Alzheimer's Research Trust (see Reference 4). Although soy is an alternative source of protein for many people throughout the world, if consumed in high enough quantities, the phytoestrogens contained in soy may increase the risk of dementia, especially in older individuals.
Tags: memory loss, developing Alzheimer, risk developing, risk developing Alzheimer, Alzheimer disease