Brain & Memory Health

Written by Sarah H. DeCamello

As we age it is normal to experience some memory loss. But the ability to focus and retain information can be supported by time-tested natural compounds.

What works for Brain & Memory Health?

Natural substances found to improve cognitive function and prevent memory loss include DHA/EPA (Omega 3), Gingko Biloba, CoQ10 and Panax/American Ginseng.

Brain & Memory Health Supplements: what supplements should you take?

DHA/EPA (Omega 3): Essential Fatty Acids critical to healthy brain function.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in the oils of some fish and plants, are polyunsaturated fats essential for good health. The three most nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA and EPA come from oils found in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna. The importance of dietary omega-3 fatty acids has come to the attention of scientists in the last 30 years, especially DHA and EPA. Research has found that people in North America have a diet drastically lacking in omega-3 acids.

Many scientists and doctors have recommended that people eat more fish or take supplements of DHA and EPA. In addition to broad health benefits, it has been found that EPA/DHA may be vital to neurological functions. Scientists believe that Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in nervous system activity and improve cognitive development and memory-related learning.

Gingko Biloba: used for thousands of years to enhance memory.

Ginkgo biloba has been used for thousands of years and is one of the most widely used herbs in the United States today. Gingko is being scientifically investigated in the treatment of many conditions. There is good evidence that gingko is effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's/multi-infarct dementia, and "cerebral insufficiency," characterized by impaired concentration, confusion, decreased physical performance, fatigue, headache, dizziness, depression, and anxiety. There is also very promising evidence for the use of ginkgo to enhance memory. Preliminary research has shown small improvements in memory and other brain functions in patients with AAMI (Age-associated memory impairment).

CoQ10: scientifically shown effective in the treatment of brain diseases.

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is powerful antioxidant found in all cells of the body. CoQ10is an essential part of the process of converting organic matter into energy, especially in the metabolism of energy from oxygen. Parts of the body that require large amounts of cellular energy like the brain and heart have the highest concentrations of CoQ10. Levels of CoQ10 drop as the result of taking certain medications, the onset of some diseases, and as the body gets older.

Research on the effects of CoQ10 has been especially successful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease. Since brain cells are rich in CoQ10, it is believed to be neuro-protective, even in the case of stroke. CoQ10 may reduce the damage to the brain from stroke. CoQ10 also shows promise in slowing the progress of dementia in people with Alzheimer's Disease. CoQ10 supplementation has been demonstrated to enhance energy production in brain neurons and improve brain function.

Panax/American Ginseng: enhances memory and mental acuity.

Panax Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Panax Ginseng is believed to have a wide range of health benefits throughout the body, including increasing appetite, blood volume, strength, immune resistance, physical performance and vitality. Panax Ginseng is particularly valuable for Brain Health as it has been shown to enhance memory and improve mental acuity. Panax Ginseng is also believed to quiet the spirit, and impart wisdom and mental clarity.

Key Brain & Memory Health Issues

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a common and serious brain disease which afflicts over 5 million Americans. Symptoms vary a great deal, but commonly the first problem people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their work, hobbies or social life. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. Symptoms that commonly follow are confusion, trouble organizing and expressing thoughts, misplacing things, getting lost in familiar places, and changes in personality and behavior.

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia, a term for the loss of memory and brain function serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's Disease currently has no cure. But treating symptoms, and getting services and support can improve life for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

Nutritional Support for Brain Health: what should you eat?

To get an antioxidant-rich diet, begin by consuming the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Concentrate on a wide variety of colors, as different colored fruits and vegetables contain different healthful compounds with antioxidant action. If possible, augment what you eat with fresh vegetable and fruit juices to add even more antioxidants. If you are concerned that you may not be eating enough fruits and vegetables, you can also add antioxidant supplements to your regimen.

Safe Use of Natural Alternatives for Brain Health

Precautions in the use of Gingko Biloba:

There may be cross-sensitivity to ginkgo in people allergic to urusiols (mango rind, sumac, poison ivy, poison oak, cashews). Bleeding has been associated with the use of ginkgo taken by mouth, and caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs/herbs/supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding. Ginkgo should be stopped prior to some surgical or dental procedures. Ginkgo may theoretically affect insulin and blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication may need to be adjusted.

Increase Your Brain And Memmory Storage At MyNutritionStore.com

Sarah DeCamello is a professional writer with over 20 years of experience writing on healthcare topics, increasingly focusing on natural and alternative healthcare approaches. Sarah writes websites, articles, brochures, packaging and advertising, in addition to her work as a strategic consultant to healthcare-focused companies. Sarah also has advanced national certification as a yoga teacher, including training in meditation and Ayurveda. Contact Sarah H. DeCamello: sarahdec@optonline.net

Are You Happy?

If you were asked...are you happy? How would you respond? Yes...sometimes....I don't know...

Why is it that some people can answer yes quickly and know they ARE happy, while others might just shrug their shoulders..no, not really they would answer. A lot of people fall somewhere in between.

I guess some people know how to enjoy their life no matter what happens. No matter what speed bumps of life they incur. Others, let what happens to them affect them on a different level and feel they can't be happy no matter how hard they try.

Researchers have explained that no matter what happens to us in life, we tend to return to a fixed rate of happiness usually within a year. Using a weight scale as an example...your weight number probably hovers around a certain number. The same is true for your happiness point. This happiness point won't change unless you change it.

Research shows that whatever experience: positive or negative, people return to their set point. BUT, there are three exceptions: losing a spouse, chronic unemployment and extreme poverty. These three take more time to recover, so returning to your happiness point takes much longer.

It is said that 50 percent of our happiness set point is genetic and the other 50 percent is learned...your thoughts, feelings and beliefs about your life experiences.

How Can You Change Your Happiness Set Point?
You have to raise above your set point by changing your thoughts, beliefs and feelings about certain areas in your life. Are there certain areas in your life that you are not happy about? Money, employment, friends, health, spirituality, sense of fulfillment or meaning in your life...

Bringing happiness into your life can include being more positive, change,acceptance, being optimistic. Feeling that you are the master of your fate, not a victim of circumstances.

Set goals for all areas of your life and find a way to balance all that is important to you.

Happiness is a state of mind...The happiest people don't have it all. They just make the most of what they have...

Take The Happiness Test:

The Cross We Bear

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize
it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we can't.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, dawn's early light...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love...

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

The Mind, Body Connection

Do you think there is a connection between the mind and body? I strongly believe there is. Have you ever heard about a person diagnosed with a disease or illness and suddenly there were no signs of it?

I believe the mind, the body and the soul are all strongly connected. If we convince our mind that we are happy or healthy or both, the mind then sends the signal to our body. Our body is then convinced.

If you think negative thoughts, then our mind and body reflect and feel those thoughts.

Did you know that the United States spends more on health care than any other nation? But, we're still getting sicker. With traditional medicine, we can find out what is wrong and treat or mask the symptoms, but they aren't preventing the disease to start with. How many times have you gone to the doctor and were immediately prescribed a pill or in some cases surgery. I think people need to find alternative methods before deciding on pills and more pills and even surgery. And with pills you need to worry about all the side effects. Did you ever actually read all the cautions after picking up your prescription? Reading those scares the heck out of me.

More and more physicians are realizing how Holistic medicine actually works. The mind, body and spirit are connected, working together. Sometimes using traditional medicine is necessary of course, depending on the nature of illness, but together with Holistic medicine it can help the person as a whole.

According to Wikipedia,

Holism refers to the idea that an entity is greater than the sum of its parts. In the case of health, the entity in question is the human body. Holistic concepts of health and fitness view achieving and maintaining good health as involving more than just taking care of all the various components that make up the physical body—attention must be paid to aspects such as emotional and spiritual well-being as well. The goal is a wellness that encompasses the entire person, rather than just the lack of physical pain or disease.

Holistic health is not itself a method of treatment, but instead an approach to how treatment should be applied. Traditional medical philosophy treats physical symptoms, using standardized methods such as the prescription of drugs or the undertaking of surgery, while the patient is only passively involved. Practices emphasizing holistic health, on the other hand believe that they are treating the whole person. Practitoners of holistic medicine believe that attitudes affect the present condition, and the patient may play an active role in the healing process.

So you're not a believer...don't believe you can get well? Try faking it until you do believe. Start to train your brain by repeating positive thoughts out loud. The mind remembers better when hearing words out loud.
Try repeating...I WILL get healthier each day. I WILL be happier today...

Keep yourself 'in check' with awareness. Any time you hear yourself saying or thinking negative, quickly replace it with a positive. If you need an image to focus on, do so...this will activate even more of your brain with use of a visual aid. The more parts you activate in your mind, the more your new beliefs will take hold.

If this all seems silly to you, why not try it? Take a chance before closing your mind off to something new. This can also work in other areas as well...self esteem, loving yourself, confidence. Any area where you need your mind, body and soul to connect to achieve a positive response.

Related article:
Healing Through Mental and Spiritual Law

Holistic Relaxation

Looking good can be achieved by feeling good. Each individual has their own meaning and definition for well-being, but it's important to learn what works best for you.

We've all be told that exercise will keep us healthy, but exercise is also the means to connect and improve our bodily functions. The more 'in tune' we are with our bodies, the better it will operate.

Exercise will indeed improve our overall health, but the real benefit is in self awareness. When we are aware, we will gain increased energy, mental clarity, fitness and prevent injuries. Learning how our bodies work and proper breathing, is the key to well being, longevity and overall good health.

Our body is a huge memory bank. Each movement is logged, which becomes habit or behavior. If you have good posture, that will become better. Poor posture just gets worse. When stress is evident, we feel it in our muscles by way of tension. Headaches, muscle aches. If we don't release this stress and tension, it will stay logged within our bodies.

The best way to rid this from our bodies to allow for health and vitality. Learning a relaxation exercise is a simple way to do this. This provides deep relaxation, body connection, awareness and increases the flow of energy in your body.

This exercise can be done while sitting in a chair or lying on your back:

* Begin by making sure the small of your back is firmly pressed against the back of the chair and your feet are firmly on the floor. Focus upon your body as it breathes.

* Where in your body does your inhale begin?

* As you exhale, let it seep out of your nose as fast or as slow as your body lets it go.

* Each released exhale is a direct experience of how to "let go."

* Each time you exhale relax your body, just let go of your body and allow it to sink deeper into your chair.

* Start at your head and relax all the muscles in your face one by one. Continue down your body until you reach your feet.

* Allow the surface beneath you to completely support your weight as you let go.

Be aware that breathing in this way may make you lightheaded. Please take care of your needs and do not continue if you feel uncomfortable.

Source: About.com:Holistic Healing

Natural May Not Always Be Safe

Many people take herbal supplements because they are natural. But, are you aware that certain supplements contain ingredients that affect some prescription or over the counter medications?
According to "Focus" magazine provided by Horizon Blue Cross, here is a list of some common drug-herbal supplement interactions:

Possible Drug Interactions

HERB	DO NOT TAKE WITH	WHY?
Garlic	Coumadin (warfarin)	Risk of increased bleeding
Ginseng	Coumadin (warfarin)	May prevent warfarin from working properly
Ginko Biloba	Coumadin (warfarin)Aspirin Motrin Advil(ibuprofen)Plavix	Risk of increased bleeding
Kava Kava	Sleeping aids such as: Valium or Xanax and certain antidepressants	May cause increased sleepiness
St John's Wort	Anitdepressants oral contraceptives sleeping aids and transplant drugs	May increase the side effects of antidepressants and sleeping aids such as blood pressure sweating and drowsiness May also prevent oral contraceptives and transplant drugs from working properly

Be sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist about any prescriptions or over the counter drugs you are taking when considering herbal supplements.

A Dog's Purpose

This is from the view of a 6 year old. After reading this story, I couldn't help but share it. Out of the mouths of babes we can learn, if we take the time to listen...

The story goes...

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old
Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa,
and their little boy,Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and
they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform
the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would
be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt
as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm,petting the old dog for
the last time,I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are
shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly,
piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so
they don't have to stay as long."


Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
* Be loyal.
* Never pretend to be something you're not.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
* Being always grateful for each new day and for the blessing of you.


ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Finding Peace of Mind

Do you find yourself anxious, nervous or worried? In the world today, there's much to worry about. Finances, our family, children, the war, our health, realtionships...I could go on and on.

Whatever your worry is, you need to find peace of mind. Meaning letting go of these anxious feelings. It maybe easier said than done, but honestly, if we can't truly control a situation, we need to let go. We're anxious because we want things to be different than they are. We need to accept what we can't control.

Who ever said life was going to be easy? Life doesn't hand us what we want either, but we do have control over our emotions and our actions.

From whatever reason we are anxious or worried about, we will learn and grow from the situation. We all have that inner strength to turn it into something good. Don't see yourself as the victim...poor me. See yourself as a strong person and able to trust in yourself. Keep negativity out of the situation by reminding yourself that 'whatever happens, you can handle it'. It brings to mind a saying I have heard many times...God doesn't hand us more than our shoulders can handle. Boy, at times my shoulders had to handle alot, but I handled it and got through the situations.

That could also be one of your affirmations if you are feeling anxious about something. Trust in yourself and really believe you CAN handle any situation. IF you truly believe, then you WILL handle it.

I know I sometimes think 'what if", but I quickly decide...ok, what if this happens or that happens....I can handle it. When I do that, I don't find myself dwelling on something or getting all crazy about it.

When difficult things surround you, keep your affirmation...you can handle it... and make that a part of your thinking. Keeping positive creates positive actions and that in turn will increase your self esteem and you will start to feel different. Inner strength and power emerge.

Bad and unfortunate things do happen, the outside world is not perfect, but we can't control what the universe holds for any of us. Don't dwell on things you can't control. Your life will have meaning if you take time to see the beauty and wonderment, enjoy the simple things, be thankful for the blessings in your life.

Learning to Love

Have your learned to love? Learning to love is a continuous effort. You must love yourself before you can love anyone else or expect to have a happy relationship with others.

There are 11 factors that you need to realize in learning to love:

1) Possibility: Devoting yourself to loving yourself and others. If you are broken, you can't very well devote time and have the physical capacity to love.

2) Commitment: Actions speaks louder than words. If you do not have the will or the wish or the dedication, it will never happen.

3) Patience: Having the patience to handle the low or hard times. Having confidence to weather the storm. Opening yourself to love means being vulnerable and accepting another unconditionally. It takes effort.

4) Model: Whether it is from family, friends, religion a mentor, a role model or even books, we model our behavior after those who influence us.

5) Discipline: Practice practice practice....makes perfect. Even when you don't feel like loving, you must push yourself through it and always remember to keep at it.

6) Persistence: Having confidence and having faith in the process of learning takes persistence. Something might not be easy for you now or you might not 'get it', but eventually you will.

7) Environment: Only a safe place to learn, making mistakes, trying it again and practice are always needed. Love needs freedom and the ability to express feelings.

8) Goals: Staying focused on the present is important. If you get caught up in worrying about where you're headed, you can easily get lost.

9) Instrument: You cannot love without an object for affection. Doesn't necessarily mean a romantic relationship...friends, family, pets, God, ourselves, human kind.

10) Confidence: Refers to accepting where you are in your learning to love. You can't expect to be a master immediately. Learning takes time and maybe mistakes along the way.

11.) To love is to be willing to be hurt: My reader Ronnie, pointed out this last factor. He is right.
One way or another we all have to experience hurt of some kind. The end of a relationship in whatever capacity.
In my own life, I try to love like I've never been hurt. That way, I don't compare and bring any negative energy to a relationship. Thanks Ronnie!
~
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle...
~
May you always be forgiven, loved and blessed

42 Tips For an Exceptional Powerful Life

1.) Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while
you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.

2.) Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Buy a lock if you have to.

3.) Buy a Tivo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4.) When you wake up in the morning complete the
following statement, 'My purpose is to________ today.

5.) Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and
Empathy.

6.) Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did
last year.

7.) Always make time to exercise.

8.) Spend more time with people over the age of 70
and under the age of Six.

9.) Dream more while you are awake

10.) Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants
and eat less foods that are manufactured in
plants.

11.) Drink green tea and plenty of water.
Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

12.) Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13.) Clear your clutter from your house, your car,
your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14.) Don't waste your precious energy on gossip,
energy vampires, issues of the past, negative
thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead,
invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15.) Realize that life is a school and you are here
to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade
away like algebra class.......but the lessons you learn will last a
lifetime.

16.) Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince
and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

17.) Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy
vampires away.

18.) Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19.) Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20.) Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21.) You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22.) Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

23.) Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24.) Ladies - Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600
thread count sheets, the good china and wear our fancy lingerie now. Stop
waiting for a special occasion. Everyday is special.

25.) No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26.) Frame every so-called disaster with these
words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27.) Forgive everyone for everything.

28.) What other people think of you is none of your
business.

29.) Time heals almost everything. Give time, time!

30.) However good or bad a situation is, it will
change.

31.) Your job won't take care of you when you are
sick. Your friends will.Stay in touch with them.

32.) Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

33.) Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

34.) The best is yet to come.

35.) No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

36.) Do the right thing!

37.) Call your family often.

38.) Each night before you go to bed complete the
following statements: 'I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished _________.

39.) Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

40.) Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not
Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only
have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

41.) LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH. LIFE'S A GIFT... UNWRAP IT

42.) Remember to thank God for all of your Blessings. He has
made all things possible.

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A Positive Pathway

Positive thinking can be helped when we verbalize our thoughts. There is power in our words. Stripping away negativity and replacing it with positive thoughts can help you develop a positive attitude towards life. Which in turn, leads to good health of mind, body and soul.

Do you believe in Affirmations?

Using affirmations in personal development conditions the mind or implants a thought of our intent. I guess you can say, it is a form of brainwashing, but of course, you get to pick which positive thought will replace a negative thought or belief. If you visualize the outcome and focus on your desire, your positive thought programs the mind.

Affirmations challenge our subconscious. Our subconscious hears our words and thoughts every day which creates each moment of every day and how we experience it. If we let our subconscious only hear or believe the negative, we have in turn created a negative learned experience. By using positive affirmations, we are giving our subconscious new beliefs and challenge the negative, creating a reappraisal. Your mind will accept what it is being told as the truth.

This will cause a domino affect. When you start to re-think in positives, you will see a difference in how you think and feel about things. Feeling and acting more positive, will in turn spill over in your outside life. You will bring about happiness.

Once you accept change and not be resistant, believe within your heart, you will be successful.

I will include on this blog "This Weeks Affirmation"...bringing a new affirmation each week that you might find helpful in your life.

Today's Affirmation: When I believe in myself, so do others


Source: Vital Affirmations

Coming Soon!

I will be launching this new blog very soon regarding health and wellness for the Mind, Body and Soul.