Which Memory Vitamins Are Good?
Reduced memory is something we all want to avoid and if something as simple as taking vitamins can help then why isn’t everyone doing it? Whilst there is research that shows certain vitamins do support memory maintenance and improvement, it is worth noting that results will vary for individual people. We are all unique and so respond to factors in our own unique ways. The memory vitamins mentioned below are recommendations based on research on large groups of people and there is no guarantee they will be perfect for you. As always please consult your doctor before taking any supplements and research each depending on your individual circumstances.
Why do You Need the Memory Enhancers?
As we get older, we tend to have trouble remembering simple things. Memory loss is a common and a natural part of ageing. The brain simply loses its power as we get older, and one of the main consequences of an ageing brain is diminished memory. Memory loss is a foggy feeling from time to time, decrease of mental clarity as well as the ability to focus. If this is happening to you or a person you know, you will be pleased to know that there are vitamins that can help you to support your memory skills. Adding pills which contain vitamins for good memory to your daily schedule can produce positive results.
What are the Best Memory Vitamins?
Despite the fact that there are various vitamins for good memory, some of them lack the support to prove their memory enhancing claims. Ginkgo Biloba is one of the supplements that promise to be the best vitamin for memory compared to others that are commonly used to reduce blood flow.
According to Adriane Fugh Berman, MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine who works as an associate professor in the Master’s program of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, few Meta-analysis and systematic reviews prove that Ginkgo Biloba is helpful for preventing dementia. But for people already suffering from dementia, Ginkgo Biloba can either improve or stabilize symptoms. Some studies show that it benefits alertness, mental ability and mood in healthy people.
What Memory Supplements Have Potential?
Omega 3 Fatty Acid
When choosing vitamins to help memory Omega 3 fish oil supplements have incredible benefits. Research suggests that taking a higher intake of omega 3 fatty acid from foods such as nut oils; cold-water fish and plants are a great way to fight Alzheimer’s.
Huperzine A
It is also known as Chinese club moss. It is a natural medicine which works the same way as Alzheimer’s drugs. More evidence is needed to prove its safety and effectiveness.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Research has shown that this amino acid can help to fight Alzheimer’s in patients suffering from memory loss problems. Acetyl-L-carnitine provides many benefits to people suffering from this disease.
Vitamin E
Although Vitamin E doesn’t lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, it can greatly slow the progression. There have been concerns on the increased risk of deaths in unhealthy folks who take a large amount of Vitamin E. This is why it is important to consult with a doctor before taking this supplement.
Asian Ginseng
This herb is used with Ginkgo Biloba. The Asian ginseng helps to fight fatigue, improves quality of life and benefits the memory.
How safe is Ginkgo Biloba for Memory Loss?
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the sought after herbs in the United States and has been in use for many years in China. According to the National Institute of Aging (NIH) ginkgo trial was carried out on more than 200 healthy adults older than 60 taking a small dose, they showed no improvement in memory or concentration. However the use of a higher dose of more than 120 milligrams daily for about six weeks can be effective when it comes to finding a remedy for memory problems.
Further research also suggests that Ginkgo Biloba can be effective in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Ginkgo Biloba can be as effective as other memory pills which include acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs such as Aricept. It has also been proved that Ginkgo Biloba can be of help in cerebral insufficiency and decreased flow of blood to the brain from clogged blood vessels. Ginkgo Biloba comes in the form of tablets, teas, fortified foods and capsules. It is not advisable to use Ginkgo Biloba seeds because they can be toxic. The tea bags, usually, contain 30 milligrams of the herb extract which is a normal dose.
Despite the fact that Ginkgo Biloba is safe, you need to be careful of its blood thinning properties. You should avoid using this herb before surgery or dental procedure. If you suffer from diabetes or hypoglycemia, you also need to take this herb with caution because it has substances that affect blood sugar. The common side effects of Ginkgo Biloba include stomach complications, nausea and headache.
What Memory Enhancers Should Be Avoided?
Before taking any vitamins, you have to talk with your doctor to give you the go-ahead.
Bacopa: This herb has been in use in India for many years. Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb that promises to reduce memory loss problems. When using this memory supplement, you need to be careful with drug interactions. This is the reason why it is not recommended to use until further studies are conducted.
DHEA: This hormone decreases with age, and it has a lot of benefits. When taken as a prolonged dose or for a long time, it increases the risk of certain types of cancer and has grave side effects.
What Else Can You Do To Enhance Your Memory?
Although there is no specific diet to stop memory deterioration and Alzheimer’s, research indicates that, a healthy diet can help to lower the risk. Studies have shown that Mediterranean diet can help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The Mediterranean diet contains very little red meat but focuses on fruits, nuts, vegetables and moderate amounts of poultry, fish and dairy.
Challenging your brain to learn new activities is another essential way to prevent memory loss. These activities may include learning a new language, instrument or a computer program.
Exercise can also help to enhance memory in a couple of ways. For instance, it generates blood flow and formation of nerve cells in the brain called dentate gyrus. Engaging in exercise also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and enhances brain health.
It’s never too late to learn about memory loss and how to prevent it.
