Improve memory retention

Memory is defined as the ability to retain and recall into consciousness, previously experienced ideas, sensations and learned information. Memory retention and recall are associated with specific chemical changes in the brain and can be affected by organic brain disorders and various psychological disorders. Our lifestyle choices can profoundly impact overall brain health and memory retention. Too much stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental pollutants and some prescription drugs may all adversely affect our brain.

Nutrition is important

Nutritional intake is also very important to how the brain functions. We can starve our brain of important nutrients if we make poor food choices. To keep our mind and body functioning at optimum levels, we should choose a diet packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fresh seafood, whole grain products, and an adequate intake of water.

While we may have once been able to get all of our required nutrients from food sources, chemical contamination and soil overuse have caused many crop foods to become nutritionally depleted. Exposure to both pollution and pesticides may also decrease our body's levels of nutrients. It is important that we keep our environment as free as possible from these man made contaminants.

While good nutrition is important to our brain health, physical fitness also plays a role in our brain function. Exercise is a great way to work off excess stress that can build up during the day, and help to stimulate the mind and senses. It can also relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the amount of mood-enhancing seratonins that the brain produces.

Don't forget to exercise!

Exercising your brain by doing mental tasks such as reading and working crossword puzzles, helps to keep your brain cells active and growing. These types of exercises may help prevent atrophy of the brain, which can cause memory loss and mental fatigue.

Brain cells are composed primarily from fat. For this reason, it is vital that you include the right kinds of fat into your daily diet. Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have health benefits for our hearts, are also good for your brain. DHA, is one of the Omega-3 fatty acids, and one of the primary building blocks of the brain. It plays a major role in how quickly the brain functions. DHA has also been linked to visual ability and optimal memory function.

With age, our ability to digest and absorb nutrients declines. In situations where the availability of nutrients is diminished, many doctors and healthcare professionals recommend high quality supplements. Vitamins and minerals are critical for the smooth flow of nerve signals through the brain. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E help to eliminate free radicals in the brain, and B vitamins help keep brain metabolism levels, normal. We also want to consider herbs, amino acids, vitamins and other nutrients that can help keep our mood and memory young.

AMINO ACIDS SUPPORT METABOLISM IN BRAIN CELLS AND HELP RID THE BRAIN OF WASTE PRODUCTS

Amino acids support metabolism in brain cells and help rid the brain of waste products.

We have listed just a few:

• Phenylalanine and tyrosine, are the building blocks of the adrenergic neurotransmitters. They are the "brain messengers" that make us feel alert, energetic and alive!
• Glutathione, can help the brain combat environmental chemical stress
• Taurine, helps to stabilize cell membranes, which prevent mineral loss

Sleep debt can also contribute to depression, and lost sleep creates dangers at work and on the roads. Sleep deprivation results in an impairment in people's capabilities to operate in their usual, expected way. Sometimes, a person experiencing sleep deprivation would not necessarily know that they are impaired. It is important to ensure that we realize, brain health is overall good health. It is best to consult your health practitioner prior to the use of any treatment for the brain.

Please visit Nahanni River Herbs' book store. While there, browse through the large selection of brand name books, ebooks, and excellent CDs, DVDs or tapes. Remember, that all these items are available to you at competitive or discounted prices - directly from our merchants.

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