13 Main Causes of Memory Loss

1. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Similarly to iron, B12 aids in the creation of red blood cells, reduces lethargy and the risk of anemia, and improves vital memory processes. A recent study found that Vitamin B12 deficiency may result in erratic memory. The research found that B12 works as a protective layer for myelin – the substance that coats our nerves. When there isn’t enough B12 in your system, the layer is not thick enough and gets damaged. These damages slow down nerve impulses, which can also lead to memory lapses. B12 deficiency can be caused by old age – the older we get, our stomach secretes less acid, making it harder for our bodies to absorb nutrients from food. Another cause can be unhealthy diet choices, Anemia, and Crohn’s disease. B12 is most common in fish, meat, and dairy, so consult your doctor about the best source of B12 for you. 2. High Blood Pressure If you’re under 45 and tend to be “forgetful”, you may want to test your blood pressure. In a research conducted at the University of Alabama, it was found that people who have higher blood pressure tend to suffer from memetic lapses, as well as a decrease in cognitive skills, when compared to people with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the inner walls of the arteries, causing them to tear and form scar tissue, which hardens the arteries. Harder arteries allow less blood to travel through them, reducing the amounts needed for the brain to function properly, and may lead to memory problems. The good news is that a healthy diet, physical exercise, and weight-loss can help reduce the risk of such arterial hardening. 3. Hypothyroidism If you’re tired, gaining weight, feeling depressed and your memory is on the fritz, you may be suffering from hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism often occurs slowly and gradually, lowering the levels of the hormone thyroxine (T4), which has a critical role in our body’s energy production. Low T4 causes a slower metabolism and slower cognitive functions, causing lapses in memory. Common causes of hypothyroidism can be autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s, where the body attacks itself. Alternatively, viral infections and even abuse of antibiotics may also induce hypothyroidism.

4. Menopause A common theory makes the connection between forgetfulness and menopause with women was recently corroborated. A research conducted by the University of California confirms that as estrogen levels dwindle, memory lapses tend to occur. Estrogen protects neurotransmitters, and without it, they become less efficient. Such cases can be treated with HRT. 5. Migraines If you suffer from migraines, you may be at risk of suffering from Transient Global Amnesia (TGA) in your 50’s. TGA is a state where a person cannot recall events from the previous day, cannot remember where they are or how they got there while still remembering who they are and whom other people are. It is customary to see this type of amnesia as a result of a genetic flaw, leading to a spread of nerve impulses in the brain. TGA can temporarily paralyze the memory, and just like migraines, can be triggered by sudden immersion in hot or cold water, extreme emotional distress, or even sexual intercourse. Luckily, TGA is not very common, rarely occurs more than once in a lifetime and is reversible. 6. Long Flights Long flights can leave us exhausted and weary. These symptoms are usually caused by inconsistent sleep patterns, as well as jet lag. A University of California research discovered that the feeling of drowsiness, memory lapses and the difficulty in processing information can extend for quite some time after the flight, and even after the feelings of jet lag have passed. When we sleep, our hippocampus processes our memories, so not enough sleep can cause memory lapses. 7. Pregnancy Pregnant women are often stigmatized as having bad memory, but in a recent research conducted in Australia, researchers compared the performance of pregnant vs. non-pregnant women. The results were conclusive - pregnant women underperformed in memory-related tasks when compared to their non-pregnant counterparts. Researchers hypothesized that the reasons are the changes in lifestyle and diet.

8. Chemotherapy Another unpleasant side effect of chemotherapy is memory loss, often referred to as chemo brainby patients. The chemotherapy can affect the way brain cells function, as shown in a Stanford University research that showed how women who undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer also suffered memory lapses when compared with those who did not engage in chemotherapy. This is usually a reversible situation, and memory functions return to normal once chemo is concluded, but in some cases the improvement takes years. Taking aspirin, which increases the blood flow to the brain, can be a good way to prevent or treat “chemo brain”, but you should first consult with your oncologist.

9. Anesthesia When undergoing major operations, anesthesia is often the only way a patient can go through the procedure without suffering major trauma. The downside is possible memory loss and reduced cognitive functions in the days following the operation. The University of Florida found that about 40% of patients who were over 60, suffered from memory loss after an operation, and 12.7% suffered serious cognitive problems in the following 3 months. 10. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a type of “short circuit” in the brain, causing seizures, and which affects over 50 million people worldwide. During an episode, electrical impulses in the brain get redirected, leading to problems such as temporary loss of motor skills, loss of cognitive functions and, memory loss. 11. Arthritis and Asthma Medication Corticosteroids are steroids the body produces, and can be taken as treatment of asthma and arthritis. Intake of high doses for a duration of six months or more may lead to memory problems. Despite being a rare occurrence, corticosteroids can actually kill brain cells and cause cerebral atrophy in the hippocampus, in particular. Changing the dosage can help, but your physician should be consulted with in regards to other possible side effects.

12. Depression Depression is associated with low levels of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin or norepinephrine. These chemicals can affect memory-related processes in the brain. Antidepressants and/or psychological treatment can help with the memory problems. 13. Excessive Alcohol Consumption The more alcohol you consume, the less short-term memory can you brain store. Alcohol affects the hippocampus, reducing its functions, including the formation of new memories, which is why we sometimes forget what we did after we drink. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to Korsakoff’s syndrome, where the ability to form short-term memories is lost, making it difficult to recall recent information. A slow, controlled rehabilitation can stop the process of memory loss for at least 25% of patients.  THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM       FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Health Benefits of Common Herbs & Spices

We all like to add herbs to our food. They improve the taste, can give a dish that extra something it’s been missing and can be used to make a meal look nicer as garnish. Other than these great benefits, did you know that most herbs & spices also have amazing health benefits?

Chives

Low on calories (100 grams of contain only 30 calories), chives are rich in dietary fiber, with 100 grams containing 7% of your daily intake, chives are also rich in anti-oxidants, such as allicin, which is shown to reduces cholesterol production and also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & anti-viral properties. Allicin also helps reduce blood pressure and will help prevent strokes, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular diseases. Chives also contain vitamin-A and antioxidants such as carotenes, zea-xanthin, and lutein and together, these compounds offer the human body protect from lung and oral cancer. Add to that the fact that chives are one of the best sources for vitamin-K in nature, which helps limit neuronal damage to the brain and is essential for treatment in Alzheimer’s. Packed with minerals such as copper, iron, manganese, zinc & calcium, these leafy greens contain several vital vitamins such as B-6, B-5, B-3, B-2, and B-1 in healthy proportions.

Cilantro

Cilantro contains many of anti-oxidants, essential oils, vitamins and dietary fiber which help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). The leaves & seeds contain oils such as borneol, linalool, cineole, cymene, terpineol, dipentene, phellandrene, pinene, and terpinolene, and the stems are rich in polyphenolic flavonoids (such as quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and epigenin). Cilantro is a good source of minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium, which help control heart rate and blood pressure. It is also rich in many vitamins like folic-acid, B-2, B-3, vitamin-A, beta-carotene and vitamin-C (all are essential for your health). 100 grams of cilantro leaves provide 30% of daily recommended levels of vitamin-C (which is a powerful antioxidant). Vitamin-A is required for maintaining the skin and the health of mucus membranes. It is also essential for vision, and like chives - cilantro is also rich in vitamin-K.

Basil

Basil contains oils such as eugenol, citronellol, linalool, citral, limonene and terpineol which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Basil is very rich in beta-carotene, vitamin-A, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zea-xanthin. These help protect against free radicals (that play a role in aging and various disease processes). Zea-xanthin was found to filter harmful UV rays and protect your eyes' retina.  Basil contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which help control heart rate and blood pressure. Basil leaves are an excellent source of iron, a component of hemoglobin inside your red blood cells.

Dill

Dill sprigs & seeds contain many essential oils (d-carvone, dillapiol, DHC, eugenol, limonene, terpinene and myristicin) and have been used as a local-anesthetic and anti-septic. Dill was also found to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Oil extracted from the seeds has anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, disinfectant & sedative properties and is rich in B-9, B-2, B-3, vitamin-A, beta-carotene & vitamin-C. Dill is a great source of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Copper is essential for many of the body's vital enzymes (like cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase). Zinc is an essential component in many enzymes that regulate the body's growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Potassium is important for cell and body fluids that assist in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is essential for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Thyme

Thyme has disease-preventing and health-promoting properties. It contains thymol, an essential oil, which has been found to have antiseptic & anti-fungal characteristics. Thyme contains flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin. Thyme leaves are one of the best sources for potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium and are a rich source for many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin-A, vitamin-K, vitamin-E, vitamin-C and B-9. Thyme provides about 27% of daily recommended intake of vitamin-B-6 - a beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain that helps in reducing stress. Fresh thyme is one of the richest in antioxidant levels among herbs.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been in use since ancient times. Known for its anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-flatulent and anti-microbial properties, it also contains essential oils such as termerone, curlone, curumene, cineole, and p-cymene. Curcumin is the pigment that gives turmeric its orange color. Studies suggest that the curcumin may have anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is rich in anti-oxidants and dietary fiber, which help control bad cholesterol levels. Turmeric is a rich source of many vitamins such as B-6, choline, B-3, and B-2 and more. B-6 is used in the treatment of CBS Deficiency, anemia and even radiation sickness. B-3 helps prevent dermatitis and B-2 helps the body convert carbohydrates into sugar which gives us energy.   Fresh Turmeric root contains high levels of vitamin-C, which helps the body develop immunity against infections and remove harmful free radicals. Turmeric also contains healthy amounts of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium.

Rosemary

Rosemary leaves contain certain phytochemicals that are known to have disease-preventing & health-promoting properties. The herb parts, (especially flower tops) contain phenolic anti-oxidant rosmarinic acid as well as numerous health benefiting oils such as cineol, camphene, borneol, bornyl acetate, alpha-pinene, and more. These compounds are known to reduce irritations & inflammations, have anti-fungal, anti-allergic, and antiseptic properties. Rosemary contains very good amounts of vitamin-A and is exceptionally rich in many B-complex groups of vitamin, such as B-9, B-5, B-6, B-2. It also contains high levels of folates which is important in DNA synthesis, and, when given during the per-conception period - can help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn babies. Fresh rosemary leaves are a good source of vitamin-C, which is required for the collagen synthesis in the body (collagen is required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps protect the body from scurvy, boosts the body's immunity and help clear free radicals from your body. Fresh or dried, rosemary is a rich source of minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium, and it is an excellent source of iron (a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, which determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood).

Parsley

Parsley contains essential oils like myristicin, limonene, eugenol, and alpha-thujene, as well as flavonoids, including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin. Many of these (particularly myristicin) have been shown to inhibit tumor formation in the lungs.   Myristicin also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps attach the molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that can be very harmful to the body. The oils in parsley qualify it as a "chemoprotective" food, meaning it can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens.   The flavonoids in parsley (especially luteolin) function as antioxidants, halting the damage from free radicals to the body. Additionally, extracts from parsley will help increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood.   Parsley is an excellent source for vitamin-A & vitamin-C and is helpful in preventing recurrent ear infections or colds.   Beta-carotene (another important antioxidant in parsley), is known to reduce risk for the development and progression of conditions like diabetes, atherosclerosis and colon cancer. It may also be helpful in reducing asthma attacks and some forms of arthritis.      THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM       FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Moderate sleep increases life span

Do you know that sleeping time affects your morality rate? A new study revealed that sleeping more than eight hours increases one's risk of dying early due to a hidden illness that causes oversleeping. This hidden illness might be due to depression, back pain, and inflammation.

The study was conducted by Warwick University on one million people and the sleeping habits were noted by dividing them into three groups: the short sleepers, who slept less than six hours per night, the medium sleepers, who slept between six and eight hours, and the long sleepers, who slept more than eight hours.

According to the analysis by Professor Franco Cappuccio, 30% more of the long sleepers died compared to medium sleepers, while 12% more of short sleepers died in the same period compared to medium sleepers. It is in fact as much of a risk as drinking too much alcohol. So to avoid the health risks associated with sleeping time, try to sleep for seven or eight hours a day.

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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Implantable Micropacemaker could prevent miscarriage and premature birth in babies!

Researchers have developed an implantable micro-pacemaker which can be used in a fetus with a complete heart block.

The new invention can also prevent miscarriage and premature birth for babies, affected with  congenital complete heartblock.

The researchers have already done per-clinical testing and optimization and they anticipate the first human use of the device in the near future. According to the researchers, the micro-pacemaker is small enough to reside entirely in the fetus.

Congenital heartblock is a defect of the heart's electrical system that originates in the developing fetus, greatly slowing the rate of the heart and impacting its ability to pump blood.

 

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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