Forgetful lately

1. Forgetful Lately? 6
Nutritional Tips To Boost
Brain Power.
■Expert Speak
by Dr. Lori L. Shemek - May 20, 2014
Forgetful Lately? 6 Nutritional Tips To Boost Brain
Power.
Forgetful Lately? 6 Nutritional Tips To Boost Brain
Power.
In the West today, it is a universal consensus
that once we hit a certain age we will start
struggling with remembering names, where we
put our keys, why we walked into that room..for
what? And a myriad of other unfortunate
examples.
As one comedian described it, “First you forget
names, then you forget faces, then you forget to
pull your zipper up, then you forget to pull your
zipper down.”
The good news? Science has clearly
demonstrated that we can live well into old age
with our memories intact, clear thinking without
struggle. There are amazing examples of
cultures around the world that do not have a lack
of clear thinking or forgetfulness – these cultures
are the world’s healthiest and the longest-lived.

2. 6 Steps to maintain optimal memory health well
into your older years:
Eat a diet that focuses on whole foods. The less
we humans mess with these foods, the fewer
ingredients your dishes contain, the healthier the
meal/foods. Heap your plate high with fresh
veggies, legumes, fruits, seeds and nuts. Add
more protein and reduce the excess
carbohydrate intake. This is a diet that provides
plenty of antioxidant protection, fiber and allows
for clear arteries that allow for a free-flowing
blood supply to the brain.
Avoid Sugar. Sugar literally shrinks the brain and
in particular the hippocampus – the area for
learning and memory.
Avoid trans fats. Trans fats shrink your brain just
like sugar does. Trans fats such as fried food,
fast food, vegetable shortening, and margarine,
Packaged foods, like cookies, crackers, and
potato chips can all be a toxic source. Trans fats
are oils that have been infused with hydrogen to
prolong their shelf life. If you see the word,
“hydrogenated” on the package, put it back on
the shelf.
Consume B vitamins to keep the low-level
inflammation away, while helping to create a
focused, clear mind. Ensure you have an
adequate intake of vitamin B-12, folic acid and

3. vitamin B-6 or ideally, consume a B vitamin
complex supplement.
Make sure you consume plenty of omega 3 fatty
acids, such as cold water fish (salmon, sardines
tuna), flax oil, walnuts, pasture raised meat,
omega-enriched eggs , wild rice and/or fish oil
supplements. Omega 3 fats reduce all over
inflammation and Omega-3 fatty acids help with
brain development and cognitive skills.
Exercise (including strength training) and its
impact on overall cognitive function are
substantial.
It is important that we now know, through the
example of the longest-lived cultures and
science, that by taking the above steps, we can
live a long, healthy, vibrant life, strong and with
our memory intact.
It’s well worth remembering…..